Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Tenzin Metok, founder of the Medicine Buddha App, which allows you to book online consultations with Tibetan doctors and wellness practitioners. Through THUS | Menla’s sponsorship, this app will allow you to make donations to directly sponsor the medical training of aspiring Tibetan doctors at the Men-Tsee-Khang in India! Men-Tsee-Khang is the larg...

Spiritual disciplines often seen remote from the realities of our daily lives. Yet there is a Mahayana Scripture which presents a model of enlightened practice in the midst of urban living, the Vimalakirti Sutra. This teaches a nondualistic wisdom and reconciliation of dichotomies. It challenges ordinariness and reveals systematic and effective ways of tapping higher potentials while upholding one...

Dr. Eric Rosenbush has devoted his life to the study of the traditional sciences of Asia, their botanical treasures, ancient texts and living transmissions. For over 20 years, he has studied with masters of Tibetan, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicines, and currently maintains a clinical practice in California. Eric frequently teaches courses on Sowa Rigpa and other ancient sciences in many locations...

In this fast paced teaching recorded at the New York Open Center, Professor Thurman introduces the Buddha’s teachings through an exploration of Buddhist Mandalas and their counterparts across history and in Western culture. Opening with an overview of the architecture used in the design of Buddhist Tantric mandalas Robert Thurman uses personal stories, popular culture and world history to demystif...

In this extended episode, Professor Thurman is joined by Ayurveda pioneer, author and translator Dr. Robert E. Svoboda for an in-depth dialog on the inner and outer yogic sciences and their experiences studying with Indian, Tibetan and Himalayan adepts, yogis and scholars. The podcast includes: an exploration of the history of holistic healing in the West and its relationship to Yoga, Ayurveda and...

In this episode Robert Thurman share’s his thoughts on the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, the holiday celebrations that mark the occasion of the Buddha’s initial public teachings and the inherent fun and friendly nature of the wisdom and compassion found in the Four Noble Truths. Recorded on Chokhor Duchen to celebrate the Buddha’s Heart Sutra or Prajnaparamita teaching, The Four Noble Trut...

Robert A.F. Thurman is joined in this episode by Non-Sectarian Vajrayana Master Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche for a dialog on everyday spirituality and the value of practicing and preserving the esoteric traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Opening with a recommendation of Khentrul Rinpoche’s “The Realm of Shambhala A Complete Vision for Humanity’s Perfection” Professor Thurman inte...

In this inspiring talk recorded at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of happiness in every day life, in spiritual traditions and it’s central place in the life, work and vision of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

In this second part of their extended conversation Robert Thurman and His Holiness the Second Kalu Rinpoche share personal stories from their years of studying and practicing Buddhist Vajrayana meditation exploring the impact of Tibetan Buddhism in exile and the global influence of the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom & compassion. To enjoy the full video please visit: www.bobthurman.com .

In this first part of their extended conversation Robert Thurman and His Holiness the Second Kalu Rinpoche share personal stories from their years of studying and practicing Buddhist Vajrayana meditation exploring the impact of Tibetan Buddhism in exile and the global influence of the Buddha’s teachings of wisdom & compassion. To enjoy the full video please visit: www.bobthurman.com .

Continuing his conversation with Dharma pioneer and author Tsultrim Allione, Robert Thurman leads an in-depth discussion of esoteric Buddhism and the central role of the feminine and of women in carrying the Buddha’s teachings into the 21st Century. Opening with an exploration of Yab Yum & Yum Yab iconography, this podcast includes personal reflections on translating and practicing Dzogc...

Robert Thurman welcomes Dharma pioneer, Author and founder of The Tara Mandala Retreat center Tsultrim Allione for an intimate and thought provoking conversation about their experiences studying, learning and teaching Buddhism. Opening with an introduction to Tsultrim Allione’s “Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine” Professor Thurman leds an explorati...

Using the writings of Fintan O’Toole, Michelle Alexander and Heather Cox Richardson, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the roots of the political, economic and environmental crises being faced by Americans and those in the developed modern world. Opening with a discussion of Fintan O’Toole’s “To Hell with Unity” New York Review essay on the political dead lock being faced b...

Led by author and mentor Dr. Nida, Robert A.F. Thurman journeys though the Medicine Buddha’s garden, exploring the tools, techniques and transformative technologies of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Science of Healing) as found in Mandalas, Buddhist Thangka iconography, and in the The Blue Beryl paintings. Recorded during the annual Tibet House US | Menla New Year’s gathering , this e...

Andrew Holecek, author and expert on lucid dreaming and the Tibetan yogas of sleep and dream, joins Robert A.F. Thurman for another module in their on-going online “Death and the Art of Dying” retreat series, continuing their dialogue exploring the subtle states of consciousness before, during, and after life. Opening with a discussion of Andrew’s perspective on lucid dreaming, this episode...

Joined by Duncan Trussell, comedian and creative genius behind “The Midnight Gospel” animated series, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a deep dive into popular culture, science fiction , spirituality, and the wisdom of the Nalanda tradition as preserved and transmitted down through the ages by Tibet’s people, culture and inner sciences. Opening with reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Thurman...

Joined by dear friend and author Andrew Holecek during the introduction to their on-going online “Death and the Art of Dying” retreat series, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a dialogue exploring the materialist and spiritual perspectives on subtle states of consciousness before, during and after life. Opening with a discussion of Charles Eisenstein’s essay “The Coronation” and the impa...

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by actor and musician Jessica Pimentel for an intimate conversation on Buddhism, creativity and how they both discovered the Dharma growing up in and around New York City. Jessica Pimentel is a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism in the Gelugpa tradition and studied under the former abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, H.E. Sermey Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin....

In a conversation spanning the top of Mount Everest to the front-lines of parenting during a global Pandemic, Professor Thurman is joined by Kiri Westby for a dialog on human rights, activism and the history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Opening with a discussion of Kiri Westby’s “ Fortune Favors The Brave: An Extraordinary Memoir ” and work with communities in Nepal, Th...

Exploring the preciousness of America and its positive impact upon the digitally interconnected world, Robert A.F. Thurman discusses and provides a road-map for re-evaluating the complex historical relationship with indigenous and enslaved African peoples’ cultures and societies it was built upon. Opening with a heart-to-heart message to his listeners about the impact of global pandemic safe...

Tracing the cultural and mythological history of solstice celebrations across the globe, Robert Thurman in his annual holiday message shares his positive vision for thriving even in the darkest of seasons, times and situations. Examining the common practice of cultures centering winter and end of year holidays around the moment the north pole is farthest from the sun, Thurman opens this episode wi...

Opening this week’s episode with an introduction to the epic poem “Gita Govinda”, Robert Thurman uses the work of Jayadeva to guide listeners through the spiritual and linguistic history of India, Buddhist philosophy and the inner and outer yogic sciences. Describing India as “the original melting pot”, Professor Thurman shares his personal reflections on the wise and compassionate perspectives an...

A special post election message of hope from Robert A.F. Thurman recorded November 2020 in Phoenicia, New York at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Image via Obama White House Archives, All Rights Reserved. www.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman continue their online dialogue using questions from friends and students discussing how the tools of mindfulness skill training, Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Dalai Lama have influenced them over the years. Questioning Buddhism: Sharon Salzberg and Bob Thurman – Ep. 246 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during the live online event “Sat...

Opening with an extended message of gratitude to modern scientists, Professor Thurman in this episode explores the power of kindness and the centrality of compassionate wisdom in transformation through reading key passages from the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. Robert A.F. Thurman gives a close line reading and recitation of his classic translation of the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” for l...