Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the theory and practice of yoga highlighting the importance of individual engagement in politics across its history. Opening with a call to action to all those looking to create positive change in their personal lives and for the climate through the study of Buddhism and the practice of yoga poses , Professor Thurman recounts the Buddha'...

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Chris Grosso for an extended discussion on the role of mentoring in recovery and the value of compassion in working with at risk youth and those facing conflict. Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist perspective on Death , a discussion of peer and addiction recovery counseling , a short history of mindfulness in the alternative music scene, in...

In this extended recording with Krishna Das and his band, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Hindu and Buddhist perspectives on the soul , sin and greed using stories from their early years in India. Archive session includes a group recitation of the “ Heart Sutra ”, a discussion of non-duality as it relates to bliss, an extended dialog on the connections between Hindu and Buddhist self t...

Professor Thurman in this two part episode distills the complexities of Buddhist esoteric history into an engaging introduction to the Buddha's joy and teachings for those of all backgrounds. Introducing the retreat study practices of Tsong Khapa Robert A.F. Thurman uses The Garland of Buddhas Sutra (brilliantly translated from the Chinese by Tom Cleary as The Flower Ornament Sutra ) to give a sho...

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Janice Marturano for an extended discussion on the role of mindfulness in leaders and the development of mindful leadership programs in recent years. Podcast includes: a discussion of the nature of mindfulness practice , an introduction to the history of Buddhist meditation and personal stories from Robert A.F. Thurman and Janice Marturano's professio...

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 whi...

In this extended archive recording Professor Thurman introduces & elaborates the idea of enlightenment using Tibetan History as a lens highlighting the historical Buddha's discovery of the blissful interconnected, interdependent nature of reality. Podcast includes: an introduction to the Buddhist history of India and Tibet , an overview of the experience of enlightenment as recounted by Shakya...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist system of three higher educations or trainings using the " Heart Sutra " as a portal to unpacking the differences between sutra and tantra in an easy to understand manner for those of all traditions. Podcast includes a discussion of the value and place of cognitive dissonance within meditation , a short history of the oral,...

A special message from Professor Thurman on the history of American Democratic processes, the United States Department of Peace and his call to action for a Dream Team for the 2020 elections. Elaborating upon his vision for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and for a “ Bright Money ” campaign based on the wisdom of interdependence, the practice of compassionate generosity and environmental p...

In this special podcast with Krishna Das, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Buddhist perspective on the soul , sin and greed using stories from their early years in India. Opening with a group recitation of the " Heart Sutra " Robert A.F. Thurman uses this seminal text of all Buddhist traditions as a jumping off point for a discussion of non-duality, bliss and the connections between Hin...

In this extended archive recording Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Tom Yarnall explore the “ Guhyasamāja Tantra King of Tantras – The Glorious Esoteric Community ” by Tsongkhapa giving an introduction to Buddhist tantra and the practice of creation stage deity yoga. Includes an exploration of Buddhist Sand or powder mandalas and the chakra system used in the visualizations used in creation stage tantr...

In this extended archive recording of the Tibet House US Force For Good class Buddhist Sciences : Vajrayana II Robert A.F. Thurman gives an overview of the esoteric teachings of Buddhism. Using the “ Esoteric Community” ( Guhyasamāja ) by Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman discusses how with proper study and meditation anyone can understand the full meaning of the Buddha’s esoteric teachings. Podcast i...

Using the poetry of Milarepa, stories of the mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa and the historical accounts of the Buddha's life, Professor Thurman explains the miraculous nature of Buddhism and it's connection to shamanism. Opening with a discussion of yoga 's connection to Buddhism and it's possible Buddhist origins, Robert Thurman gives an inspiring re-telling of the Buddha's enlightenment from a yo...

In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman uses stories and lessons learned from his time studying with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to explain the Buddhist perspective on God, gods, goddesses and theism. Joined by Dr. Tom Yarnall in a discussion of " Guhyasamāja Tantra King of Tantras - The Glorious Esoteric Community " by Tsongkhapa Professor Thurman gives an introduction to Buddhist tantr...

Robert A.F. Thurman leads a close line translation of Jankya Rolway Dorje's poem "Recognition of Mother Voidness" introducing the Buddhist tradition of enlightenment songs and visionary poetics. Using D.W. Winnocott 's concept of "good enough mother" Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the radical nature of the Buddha's teachings and how their insights can provide those of any tradition valuable...

Unwinding the mystery of the ancient traditions of Hatha and Vajrayana Yoga, Professor Thurman gives an engaging history and extends a personal invitation to practitioners of both communities to begin developing the esoteric teachings for future generations of sensitive beings. Robert A.F. Thurman opens this week’s episode with an introduction to Buddhist tantra , tantric Abhidharma and the...

In this special birthday episode Professor Thurman discusses his personal wishes for his 78th birthday and upcoming attendance at the Climate Reality Project training with Al Gore and his close friends and family. Podcast concludes with a reading of Albert Saijo’s poem “Bodhisattva Vows” by Gary Gach . Birth, Rebirth and Reincarnation Wishes Episode 211 of the Bob Thurman Podcast...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman explores the third branch of the eight-fold path of Buddhism of "Right Livelihood" illustrating the skillful art of navigating personal, romantic and workplace relationships with wisdom, compassion and joy . Opening with a discussion of his forthcoming book "Buddhas Have More Fun!" Robert Thurman explains how the Buddha's fourth Noble Truth known as the Eight-Fo...

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman addresses why the ancient teachings of Buddha and the yogic inner scientists of India and Tibet still find a central role in the hearts, minds and cultures of the Himalayan Plateau, Central Asia and Mongolia . Opening this week’s episode acknowledging the acts of bravery and solidarity found throughout the daily lives of the Tibetan exile community in the...

A special message from Professor Thurman on the historical role of active political engagement in Buddha’s life and how Buddhism is political and always has been. Continuing his call to action for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and for a “Bright Money” campaign based on the wisdom of interdependence, the practice of compassionate generosity and environmental protection P...

In this extended podcast bonus Professor Thurman discusses the current global political crisis facing all citizens as the effects of climate change are becoming more and more pronounced in their daily lives. Continuing his call to action for a Democratic Party “Dream Team” in 2020 and discussion on the connections between Buddhism, Democracy and the environment, Robert A.F. Thurman in...

A special American Independence Day teaching on the connections between Buddhism and Democracy and a call to action for a Democratic Party Dream Team by Robert A.F. Thurman. American Independence Day : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Ben Rosett on Unsplash . To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events p...

In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman discusses the Buddha’s advice on love and marriage and the Buddhist perspective on love, generosity and compassionate relationships . Defining love in Sanskrit, Pali and Tibetan, Robert A.F. Thurman leads an in-depth exploration of it’s central role in the Buddha’s teachings, it’s relationship to compassion, empathy , philosophy a...

The Buddha & the Yogis all levels intensive series brings together three contemporary Buddhist and yogic masters to actively explore, intellectually and experientially, the profound texts and practices from the yogic technologies associated with Tantric Mahayana Buddhism and Vedantic Hinduism, in the pristine hidden mountain valley of Menla, land of the Medicine Buddha. This extended archive r...

In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein discuss the Buddhist and Western perspective on the value of meditation and how understanding altered states of consciousness like “flow states” can help shift our relationships to our thoughts, habits and the world around us. Opening with an introduction to the Buddhist concept of pure negation when creating philosophica...