Using the Buddha's teaching of "The Four Noble Truths" Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhism as a therapy and education system created to help individuals discover the path to happiness.

Podcast includes: an exploration of the concept of "noble", a discussion of the the Buddha's insight into the fundamental misknowledge at the heart of each of the Four Noble Truths highlighting the manner in which the Buddha's methodology was revolutionary for the individuals and the the societies it spread to, as it is still today.

Second half of the episode continues Professor Thurman's historical exploration of Buddhism and how it's counter-cultural educational nature has been misunderstood and limited by modern Western comparative religious perspectives.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Juan Felipe Herrera by Gary Gach.

Four Noble Truths : Buddhism as Therapy - Ep. 218 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via Wellcome Collection.

Buddhism as Therapy : Four Noble Truths - Ep. 218 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from "Buddhism: Methods for Pursuit of Happiness" a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.