In this podcast Professor Thurman gives a brilliant compelling account of Buddha's birth and path to Enlightenment. The account is enriched by his wide-ranging scholarship and familiarity with so many different sources of Buddha Shakyamuni's life story.

This episode is an excerpt from the lecture given at Tibet House US in New York City, January 6, 2016, as part of a course called "Force for Good: Buddhist Sources and Practices Beyond Religion."

Life of Shakyamuni Buddha : Buddhist History 101 - Ep. 62 of the Bob Thurman Podcast image by Thangka Painting School, Used with permission, All Rights Reserved via www.traditionalartofnepal.com.

This podcast is apart of the Buddhist History 101 Series presenting seminal teachings drawn from archives of Robert A.F. Thurman & Tibet House US & is intended for those looking to deepen their historical understanding of Buddhism from a general perspective.

To watch the complete videos from past ‘Force for Good’ programs please visit the Tibet House US Member Archive, available to monthly supporters.

The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.