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Recorded live at the 2022 Summer Mountain Retreat, Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and Raghu Markus explore the true essence of love through the lenses of service, social action, and selflessness.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.Come join us this year at the 2025 Summer Mountain Retreat in Boone, North CarolinaIn this episode, Sharon, Robert, and Raghu hold a discussion on:Reframing love as an ability we can develop, rather than a fleeting emotion Taking responsibility for love—actively cultivating it instead of waiting for it to arriveRecognizing authentic love as a deep sense of connectionUnderstanding the etymology of metta, the Buddhist concept of loving-kindness and the sincere wish for another's happinessConsidering if we can genuinely wish happiness for others if we are not happy ourselvesIdentifying the pitfalls of ego-driven self-love and how it disrupts true bliss and spiritual connectionMoving beyond spiritual ego—being real and grounded instead of feeling superior for simply meditatingReflecting on how Ram Dass radiated full, compassionate attention to everyone around himEmbracing love as the most powerful unseen force in the universe Learning to forget ourselves and awaken true happiness through compassion and loving-awarenessFacing the challenge of practicing loving-awareness with those closest to us—often the hardest test of allThis episode is sponsored by Dharma Seed:Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Sharon Salzberg:Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more about Sharon and her books at www.sharonsalzberg.comAbout Robert Thurman:Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.About Raghu Markus:Raghu Markus spent two years in India with Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation and hosts the Mindrolling Podcast on the Be Here Now Network. Along with Duncan Trussell, Raghu also recently co-created The Movie of Me to the Movie of We.“When I thought of love as a feeling, it was also a commodity. It was in someone else's hands and they could bestow it upon me, or, they could take it away from me…when I think of it as an ability, it's a capacity within me that other people might awaken or inspire or threaten, but ultimately it's mine. It's mine to tender, it's my responsibility.”– Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Exploring Bhakti, Buddhism, and lessons from wise teachers, Krishna Das and Robert Thurman come together for a wide-ranging discussion.This recording is from the 2020 Cultivating Wise Hope Virtual Retreat. Find more heart-focused teachings like this, along with practices and digital courses from Ram Dass and friends with Ram Dass' Inner Academy: Learn MoreToday's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, Krishna Das and Robert Thurman discuss:The miracles of Maharaj-jiHow all people are wholly embraced by divine loveBhakti as devotional heart-to-heart mergingAn exploration of dreams and being happy to let goBeing brave enough to have a heart and experience wonderA breakdown of the three parts of ‘Om'Sovereignty and the tremendous power we all haveRecognizing that Nirvana is everywhereLessons from Jesus and ChristianityLooking to Kali and being fierce but always with loveAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga's “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda' (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late '60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass' own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDasAbout Robert Thurman:Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.“To be fully alive in union, in heart-merger with love, it has to be beyond heartbreak. Yet, beyond heartbreak is not without coming back and being brave enough to have a heart and expressing. It has to be still wonder. You still have to be living in wonder.” – Robert ThurmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Original airdate: October 19, 2021 While Buddhism is considered a significant global religion, its ideas, philosophies, and practices have long inspired people of other faiths. That's because it's more of a spiritual tradition that educates us on how to live well and find inner peace. Learn more about it with Robert Thurman, this episode's featured guest and one of the leading experts on Buddhism. Robert Thurman is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of the HH Dalai Lama. The New York Times named him the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism and awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020 for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997. In this interview, we discuss some of the main concepts covered in Robert Thurman's new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. He offers his insight into Buddhist principles such as Nirvana, Karma, and the practice of mindfulness and how we can apply them in our everyday lives.
Robert Thurman joins Dr. Svoboda once again for a vast discussion on his lineage, karma, and the chain of being.Get a free 50-page ebook, Analyzing Karma: Fate or Free Will, by Dr. Svoboda here.In this episode, Dr. Robert Svoboda and Robert Thurman converse about:Robert Thurman's lineage, upbringing, and young adulthoodRobert's experience losing his eye and having a spiritual vision while in the hospitalRobert's journey to and through India and finding home with the TibetansRobert's instruction to bring Buddhism to those seeking enlightenment through psychedelicsKarma producing an effect of biological evolutionThe danger of solipsism and how we have all been everythingLiving in inter-tangled subjective fieldsAstrology and the ZodiacAbout Robert Thurman:Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.About Dr. Robert Svoboda:Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He is the author of twelve books including Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution and the Aghora series, which discusses his experiences with his mentor during the years 1975 – 1983.In the years since 1986, Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively, spending three months per year on average in India. He often speaks on Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra and allied subjects in locales across the world.Join Dr. Svoboda's courses, watch the latest video in Dr. Svoboda's 5 Minutes series on Youtube and follow Dr. Svoboda on Facebook and Instagram for updates, events, and new content. You can also check out www.drsvoboda.comAbout Paula Crossfield:Paula Crossfield is Vedic astrologer and Business Coach dedicated to helping a million spirit-led entrepreneurs make more money and impact so they can bankroll the change they want to see in the world. Her insights on astrology and business strategy have helped her clients build sustainable five figure+ per month incomes while still embodying their values.For more information on 1-on-1 opportunities and group coaching programs with Paula, go to www.weaveyourbliss.com, where you can also get the 2023 Astrology Guidebook“I consider karma to be Buddha's Darwinian theory.” – Robert ThurmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bob Thurman, known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”Bob served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”. Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises.His own search for enlightenment began while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India, where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD.As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a nonprofit organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan culture.Inspired by his longtime good friend the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world through the prism of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful, kind, and wise future. Learn more:https://bobthurman.com/https://menla.org/https://thus.org/https://wisdomexperience.org/treasury-buddhist-sciences/
Robert Thurman, PhD, is professor emeritus at Columbia University where was a teaching professor for 50 years on Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies. He was the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is author of many books, including Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution … Continue reading "Liberation Between Death and Rebirth with Robert Thurman"
Learning how to love our enemies and surpass hatred, Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and Raghu Markus talk about doing the work required to transform our lives and bring love into the world.“It's out of compassion for ourselves in a way that we think, ‘what would it be not to just have this habitual relationship to anger, like it's the only source of strength? Can I actually explore the domains of love and compassion as a source of strength?'.” – Sharon SalzbergIn this episode, we hear Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman and Raghu Markus discuss:Memories of Maui and prayers for LahainaLoving our Enemies no matter what they may doSelf-love and the instinct to obliterate the selfRemodeling our concept of love to be more empoweringCreating more harmony in our livesHaving motives to practiceWhy we should relish in the opportunity to be around our enemiesThe antidote to fearGiving in versus not being controlled/obsessed with the actions of othersThe self-destruction of hatred and internalizing our enemiesTough love and fierce compassionBuddha and teachings on loveInsightful Patience and redeeming wordsNeem Karoli Baba and the power behind loveAre you interested in contributing to the wildfire recovery efforts in Maui and in the most impacted areas of Canada? Check out these resources below to find out how you can help:Hawaii Community FoundationCanadian Red CrossLinks & Recommendations From this Episode:Love Your Enemies 10th Anniversary Re-Release from Sharon and RobertAbout Robert Thurman:Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.“Hatred particularly seems to give someone who feels frightened and in a weak position, seems to give them the illusion of being stronger in the position by being enraged…it is actually like an addiction; it pretends to make better, but it actually ruins you.” – Robert ThurmanAbout Sharon Salzberg:Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness.Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.Learn more about Sharon and pre-order her new book at www.sharonsalzberg.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Robert Thurman, PhD, is professor emeritus at Columbia University where was a teaching professor for 50 years on Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies. He was the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is author of many books, including Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution … Continue reading "Wisdom is Bliss with Robert Thurman"
Dr. Robert Thurman and Krishna Das lecture on chanting, Maharaj-ji, embodiment, and purpose in this devotion-filled episode. Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow"Human beings are such a precious embodiment...it's a great opportunity to become enlightened That's what you do when you attain freedom. You don't stop living; you become infinite life, you become one with everybody's infinite life." – Dr. Robert Thurman"I would try to find the thing that you really want to do, and really do it. When I heard chanting in India, the first time I heard it I knew 'this, I could do.' And I'm still working at it." – Krishna DasIn this episode, Krishna Das chants and responds to questions with Dr. Robert Thurman on:Experiences with Maharaj-jiEnlightenment and Embodiment Having a less rigid spiritual practiceFinding purpose How mantras are holographicGiving up your will to the divine About Dr. Robert Thurman:Known in academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, Bob is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is the author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture and was named by The New York Times as the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. Bob is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and the Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism and a passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people. In August of 2021, he released his most recent book, “Wisdom is Bliss” from Penguin Random House.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama & the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books.He met the H.H. the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism he decided to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk and was the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. After living as a monk for several years He returned to Harvard to finish his PhD. In this episode we discuss:His time as a monk in IndiaMeeting the Dalai LamaSomatic Practices in Tibetan BuddhismTibetan YogaEnvironmental issues and how modern society is disconnected from natureAnd much more Vajra Yoga Course begins October 22, - January 28, at Menla Retreat Center https://thusmenla.org/p/vajra-yoga-fall-immersion-online-only
Banyen Books & Sound joins Robert Thurman in conversation on his new book Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. Robert Thurman became a Tibetan monk at age 24–the first American to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Acclaimed translator of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and author of Inner Revolution, Robert Thurman is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the department of religion at Columbia University and is the director of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. He is co-founder of Tibet House U.S., and is one of the most visible and respected Buddhist scholars and thinkers in the world.
Join us on Monday, August 1 @ 2pm EST for an enlightening conversation with Robert Thurman, a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, he was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Robert served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. He is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises.
Join us on Monday, August 1 @ 2pm EST for an enlightening conversation with Robert Thurman, a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, he was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Robert served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. He is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises.
The Dalai Lama befriended Bob in 1964, ordained him as a Buddhist monk, then later forgave him for returning to lay life. Bob Thurman is known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman. He is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings. In addition, Bob is the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, He is a charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture. Bob was named by The New York Times as the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. In 2020 he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997. They describe him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” Bob served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”. Tibet House Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture. And of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises. His own search for enlightenment began while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India, where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD. Long-term Commitment As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non-profit organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan culture. Inspired by his long-time good friend the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion. He sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched gift, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful, kind, and wise future. Bob has a prolific podcast of 287 episodes to date, which you can find on his website Instagram @bob__thurman @tibethouse.us @menlaretreat
It's a piece of deep psychological acuity, carried in many religious traditions: that each of us is defined as much by who our enemies are and how we treat them as by whom and what we love. In this episode, two legendary Buddhist teachers shine a light on the lofty ideal of loving your enemies and bring it down to earth. Across a half-century conversation and friendship, Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman have investigated the mind science behind this virtue and practice. They illuminate how to transmute the very real, very consequential and consuming energy of anger and hatred — and why love in fact can be a rational and pragmatic stance towards those who vex us. This is a conversation filled with laughter and friendship and with practical wisdom on how we relate to that which makes us feel embattled from without, and from within.Robert Thurman is the first American to be ordained a Tibetan Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama. He is president of Tibet House U.S., and was a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University for 30 years. His many books include Inner Revolution and the book he co-wrote with Sharon Salzberg, Love Your Enemies. In 2021, he published Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. Sharon Salzberg is one of the original three young Americans who traveled to India in the 1960s and ‘70s and introduced Buddhist meditation into mainstream Western culture. She is a globally renowned meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. Her books include Real Happiness, Lovingkindness, and most recently, Real Change: Mindfulness To Heal Ourselves and the World.This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode "Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman – Love Your Enemies? (Really?)." Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org.
It's a piece of deep psychological acuity, carried in many religious traditions: that each of us is defined as much by who our enemies are and how we treat them as by whom and what we love. In this episode, two legendary Buddhist teachers shine a light on the lofty ideal of loving your enemies and bring it down to earth. Across a half-century conversation and friendship, Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman have investigated the mind science behind this virtue and practice. They illuminate how to transmute the very real, very consequential and consuming energy of anger and hatred — and why love in fact can be a rational and pragmatic stance towards those who vex us. This is a conversation filled with laughter and friendship and with practical wisdom on how we relate to that which makes us feel embattled from without, and from within.Robert Thurman is the first American to be ordained a Tibetan Buddhist monk by the Dalai Lama. He is president of Tibet House U.S., and was a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University for 30 years. His many books include Inner Revolution and the book he co-wrote with Sharon Salzberg, Love Your Enemies. In 2021, he published Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. Sharon Salzberg is one of the original three young Americans who traveled to India in the 1960s and ‘70s and introduced Buddhist meditation into mainstream Western culture. She is a globally renowned meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. Her books include Real Happiness, Lovingkindness, and most recently, Real Change: Mindfulness To Heal Ourselves and the World.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.This show originally aired in October, 2013.
If you want to make change in a world filled with all sorts of horrors and obstacles, does it help or hurt to stay cheerful while you go about your business? Robert Thurman argues passionately in favor of cheerfulness, although he will admit to still being miserable in his own way. This is an expansive conversation that covers everything from: what is nirvana to the Buddhist Four Noble Truths to why the Buddha was a scientist. Robert Thurman is a legend. As a young Harvard student, he got into an accident and lost the use of one of his eyes. He dropped out and went on a spiritual quest that brought him to India, where he became the first Westerner to be ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama, with whom he remains close friends. Thurman later disrobed, got married, and had a bunch of kids, including the movie star Uma Thurman. He also became an academic. He was a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University until December 2020 and is the President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit in New York City dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization. He and his wife, Nena, also run an affiliated center, called the Menla Retreat, which is north of New York City. Bob just turned 80, but he is very busy. He has a new book called Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. He also writes a regular newsletter for Substack and hosts The Bob Thurman Podcast.This is a wide-ranging interview with a fast-moving mind that talks about: bliss-void-indivisible, why we feel unsafe when we're happy, and why Robert was happy to lose his eye. Robert also offers his frank reflections on the promise and limits of the dharma from someone who has been practicing and studying for sixty years. If you don't understand every reference, try to let it wash over you because the net effect is pleasantly head-spinning. Check out the Dalai Lama's talk – “The Ultimate Source of Happiness,” which is free for everyone in the Ten Percent Happier app.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We've all heard the expression, “Ignorance is bliss,” but what if the truth was just the opposite? Professor Robert Thurman, the preeminent scholar and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy for the modern world, believes that “Wisdom is Bliss” and in fact, that's the name of his latest book. Professor Thurman is a very close friend of HH Dalai Lama and today he discusses deep ideas about mindfulness and presence and leads us on a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha's threefold curriculum of “super-education.” He invites us to shift our attention of suffering to know we are part of the bigger flow of life. He asks us to manage our mind and thoughts through meditation, awareness, and compassion. He believes by cultivating intuition, and coming from a perspective of neutrality, we can all attain a more peaceful state. Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. He is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, and skilled translator of Buddhist texts. Info: tibethouse.us
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, and co-founder and president of Tibet House US. A close friend of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama for over half a century, Bob is the first ordained American Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition. A passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, a skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and an inspiring writer of popular books on Buddhism—Thurman's newest book is Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Essential Conversations with Rabbi Rami from Spirituality & Health Magazine
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, and co-founder and president of Tibet House US. A close friend of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama for over half a century, Bob is the first ordained American Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition. A passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, a skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and an inspiring writer of popular books on Buddhism—Thurman's newest book is Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life.
While Buddhism is seen as a major global religion, Buddhist ideas, philosophies and practices have long been a source of inspiration for people of other faiths. That's because it's more of a spiritual tradition that educates us on how to live well and find inner peace. Get to learn more about it with one of the leading experts on Buddhism and this episode's featured guest: Robert Thurman. Robert Thurman is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama. He was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997. In this interview, we discuss some of the main concepts covered in Robert Thurman's new book “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life.” He offers his insight into Buddhist principles such as Nirvana, Karma and the practice of mindfulness and how we can apply them in our everyday life. If you liked what you heard, please don't forget to like, rate, share and subscribe to this podcast. Thank you!
For episode 164 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon talks with her longtime friend and colleague, Bob Thurman.Known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, Bob is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is the author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture and was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. Bob is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and the Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism and a passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people. In August of 2021, he released his most recent book, “Wisdom is Bliss” from Penguin Random House.In this episode, Sharon and Bob reflect on when they first met in the early 70s, and Bob shared his story of what drew him to the east, and ultimately Tibetan Buddhism. They discuss Bob's new book at length, the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, and how they can be helpful, fun, and friendly. The conversation closes with Bob leading a guided meditation practice. Learn more about Bob's work and offerings at bobthurman.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books. His most recent book is the 300-page graphic novel Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Join Robert Manni, author of The Guys' Guy's Guide To Love as we discuss life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Subscribe to Guy's Guy Radio on YouTube, iTunes and wherever you get your podcasts! Buy The Guys' Guy's Guide to Love now!
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books. His most recent book is the 300-page graphic novel Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Join Robert Manni, author of The Guys' Guy's Guide To Love as we discuss life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Subscribe to Guy's Guy Radio on YouTube, iTunes and wherever you get your podcasts! Buy The Guys' Guy's Guide to Love now!
Robert Thurman and Raghu Markus embark on a Mindrolling conversation that touches on why wisdom is bliss and passes along four friendly fun facts that can change your life.Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available. Keep up with Robert at bobthurman.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bob Thurman is a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University. He's also the President of the Tibet House US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization. He's also the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. In this episode, Bob and Eric discuss his book, Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your LifeBut wait – there's more! The episode is not quite over!! We continue the conversation and you can access this exclusive content right in your podcast player feed. Head over to our Patreon page and pledge to donate just $10 a month. It's that simple and we'll give you good stuff as a thank you!In This Interview, Bob Thurman and I Discuss How to Find Bliss and …His book: Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your LifeHow our civilization is based on fearThe wisdom in the bliss view is that reality is good and that you get back what you put into it.The Four Friendly Fun Facts he renamed from the four noble truthsHow altruism strengthens our sense of self-worthTo be noble means you become more “we” oriented than “me” orientedThe deepest level of reality is love, abundance, energyFirst Friendly Fact is to take responsibility to understand our ultimate reality or we will sufferSecond Friendly Fact is the diagnosis- to understand that we are not the center of everythingThird Friendly Fact is the prognosis or needing to unlearn and opening ourselves to what we really areFourth Friendly Fact is the “therapy” or the eightfold path of how we can open our own minds to find freedom and blissOur tendency to see things as absolute rather than relativeInvestigation is the real practice of Buddhism and meditation is a toolRealistic mindfulness is noticing what's going on in the real worldThe three types of wisdom are born of learning, unlearning, and freedomBob Thurman Links:Bob's WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterBest Fiends: Engage your brain and play a game of puzzles with Best Fiends. Download for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you enjoyed this conversation with Bob Thurman, you might also enjoy these other episodes:Robert Thurman on Buddhism and The Dalai LamaPaul Hannam on The Wisdom of Groundhog DaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Robert Thurman is the preeminent scholar and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy for the modern world. His new book, "Wisdom is Bliss," leads us on a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha's threefold curriculum of "super-education."Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US in service of The Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for over 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books.
Robert Thurman – Wisdom Is BlissAired Wednesday, August 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM ESTThe eighteenth-century English Poet, Thomas Gray, wrote, “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” This is an adaptation of the old proverb, “What you don't know can't hurt you.” My guest this week on Destination Unlimited, Robert Thurman, says that when it comes to the teachings of The Buddha, Wisdom Is Bliss. Robert Thurman, the preeminent scholar, and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy for the modern world, leads us on a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha's threefold curriculum of “super-education.”Robert Thurman was Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US/Menla, in service of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. A close friend of the Dalai Lama's for more than 50 years, he is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, skilled translator of Buddhist texts, and inspiring writer of popular Buddhist books. His website is https://bobthurman.com/ and he joins me this week to share his latest book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life.Visit the Destination Unlimited show page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/destination-unlimited/Connect with Victor Fuhrman at http://victorthevoice.com/#RobertThurman #WisdomIsBliss #VictorFuhrman #DestinationUnlimited
In the second part of our interview with Professor Robert Thurman we ask him about enlightenment... What is it? How can it be described? His response covers a wide range of ideas and philosophies but he describes enlightenment as an evolutionary goal, the highest potential for the human platform, a culmination of all of the cultures who believe in it. Ultimately, amongst other things its liberation with happiness as a freedom from suffering. He then goes into a discussion on the 3 bodies of a Buddha (reality, enjoyment and emanation) and what that means theoretically and practically from his perspective. Although this view is shared by many in the tradition, Professor Thurman states that its a theory. A means to express the inexpressible and that the only sure thing, is freedom. Professor Thurman concludes by saying that miracles are always possible and reality is totally comprehensible. Bob Thurman, known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”Bob served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”. Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises. His own search for enlightenment began while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India, where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD. As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non profit organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan culture. Inspired by his longtime good friend the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful, kind, and wise future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gintantra/message
We would like to humbly welcome on the show, a great influence in the lives and minds of many, Professor Robert AF Thurman! We are very happy to have him on and discuss his origin story in this episode. He shares his influences and life circumstances around much of his time during his pilgrimage to India and after becoming a monk...then deciding to return to the US and live amongst the people. He shares a story about his brief encounter with Fidel Castro's army and the economic strangulation of education a it stands today. Professor Thurman also highlights giving at a high intensity and how he has learned through his own teaching. Enjoy the episode! Bob Thurman, known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a talented popularizer of the Buddha's teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India's ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” Bob served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”. Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises. His own search for enlightenment began while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India, where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD. As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non profit organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan culture. Inspired by his longtime good friend the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful, kind, and wise future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gintantra/message
Bob Thurman, known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings and the first Westerner Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India’s ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” Bob served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”. Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises. His own search for enlightenment began while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He found his way to India, where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962. After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the university, returning to Harvard to finish his Ph.D. As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non-profit organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan culture. Inspired by his longtime good friend the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful, kind, and wise future. Robert will be the keynote speaker at the Afterlife Awareness Conference being held June 24-27, 2021 online! For more information about the conference and to reserve your spot, visit https://afterlifeconference.com --------------------------------
Robert Thurman served as the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings, he is a popular speaker and the author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture. In 2020 he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award for his help in recovering India’s ancient Buddhist heritage. The New York Times called Bob the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and Time Magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” He is also the founder and president of two non-profit organizations: Tibet House US, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture; and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, at Columbia U., dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific Tibetan treatises. His own spiritual quest began in his student years when, after an accident in which he lost the use of an eye, he left Harvard and found his way to India, where he first saw the Dalai Lama in 1962. He learned Tibetan, studied Buddhism, and became the first Westerner the Dalai Lama ordained as a monk in his tradition. He eventually offered up his robes and returned to academia and the householder life. We spoke about Buddhism, his remarkable spiritual path, and his good friend the Dalai Lama. Learn more about Robert Thurman here: https://bobthurman.com/about/
Robert Thurman returns to share stories about Ram Dass, discuss his psychedelic years, and explore the topics of reincarnation, identity and activism.Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. Keep up with Robert at bobthurman.com
Before I became a doctor, I actually studied Buddhism. I wanted to understand the root of human suffering, and through that understand the way to creating happiness. I realized that by becoming a doctor, I could help people alleviate suffering in multiple ways. Better yet, through Functional Medicine, I could get to the root cause of why the body is struggling and correct it from the ground up. My interest in Buddhism was sparked when my sister took me, at just 15 years old, to a lecture by Professor Robert Thurman, the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. My life has never been the same, and I was thrilled to sit down and tell him that on this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy. Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University; President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization; and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur. Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”*For context this interview was recorded in April 2020Here are more of the details from our interview: Robert’s description of “Buddhism in a nutshell” (11:04)The first Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Recognizing that we suffer (15:30)The second Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Misunderstanding that our reality causes suffering (20:13)The third Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: Freedom from suffering (22:44)The fourth Noble Truth (or fact) of Buddhism: The 8-fold path of education, or training (26:24)Using Buddhism as a lens for dealing with COVID-19 and all the resulting suffering (31:02)Changing our relationship to fear through empathy (37:37)Robert’s experience as a young man, traveling to India, and meeting the Dalai Lama (42:16)Robert’s psychedelic experience and how psychedelics be used to treat and educate (45:21)Book recommendations to go inward, and learn more about Buddhist thought and the environmental movement (59:02)Learn more about Robert Thurman at https://bobthurman.com/Follow Robert on Facebook @Robert.A.F.Thurman and on Twitter @bobthurmanListen to Robert’s podcast at https://bobthurman.com/bob-thurman-podcast/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken travels to upstate New York to speak with Robert Thurman, pioneering scholar and translator in the Tibetan Buddhist world, and professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University. Professor Thurman has long been recognized as a leading authority on Buddhist religion, culture, and philosophy. Since […] The post Robert Thurman: The Practice of Deity Yoga appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
Join Andrew and Professor Robert Thurman in a wide-ranging discussion starting with a “state of the union” address about the status of Buddhism in the West, and the place of Tibetan or Tantric Buddhism.Are we ready for these subtle spiritual technologies – which include dream yoga and bardo yoga? Are the recent scandals an indication that we are not? The conversation turns to the “neuromania” sweeping over Buddhism and science, and the danger of reductionism in both disciplines. Dr. Thurman then talks about the importance of ethics, morality, and discipline on the path, and the role of Right View.The discussion transitions into viewing dream yoga as a form of psychotherapy, the importance of making unconscious processes conscious, and how dream yoga could be the next step after the mindfulness revolution. Robert then talks about Menla Sleep Yoga and its restorative power, and finally about bardo yoga, with a look at the perennial question: “What is it that reincarnates?” Because of Professor Thurman's unique stature and longevity, this discussion flows freely between politics, sex, power, science, death, meditation, Tibet, lucid dreaming and a host of other provocative topics.This is a rare opportunity to tap into the wisdom of a gifted scholar and practitioner, someone who has devoted his life to the translation and transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West.--Robert Thurman holds a Phd from Harvard University and is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University. Dr. Thurman is also President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises. Time Magazine chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, and The New York Times said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism he became a Tibetan Buddhist monk and was the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama. He is the author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture.As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Thurman co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Richard Gere and Philip Glass, which is a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan civilization. Tibet House recently founded the Menla Retreat + Dewa Spa in the Catskill Mountains to advance the healing arts and wisdom of Tibetan and Asian medicine.
Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur.Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.”In this Episode Bob Thurman answers 2 major Questions:How everything is interconnected?What is real?Find us on Instagram:http://bit.ly/2MmjY9JSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST!—Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kepApn—Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2IrmXIQ—Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2lymIUg—iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/2jZ8agc—Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2kqyBeK#HappinessPatterns #LucidDreaming #TransformYourselfSUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2xN4hhx
Ep. 14 ~ KD Chats with Bob Thurman Robert A.F. Thurman recently retired as Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in theDepartment of Religion atColumbia University,President of theTibet House U.S., a... The post Ep. 14 | KD Chats with Bob Thurman appeared first on Krishna Das.
Ep. 14 ~ KD Chats with Bob Thurman Robert A.F. Thurman recently retired as Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in theDepartment of Religion atColumbia University,President of theTibet House U.S., a... The post Ep. 14 | KD Chats with Bob Thurman appeared first on Krishna Das.
Robert Thurman is an eminent scholar of Asian and Tibetan history and Buddhist art and sciences. For over 50 years he has been a close student, colleague, and personal friend of the Dalai Lama. He's professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, and co-founder with his wife Nena, and President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization. He is author of many books including Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet (graphic novel co-creator) (Tibet House 2016) and Love Your Enemies: How to Break the Anger Habit & Be a Whole Lot Happier (co-author Sharon Salzberg) (Hay House 2013)Tags: Robert Thurman, violence, peace. China, industrial consumerism, industrial militarism, nonviolence, elections, Muhammad, Islam, materialism, Red Tara, women's power, feminine power, vote, anger, Shantideva, interrupting, creatively rude, humor, skillful means, Sarah Drew, Gaia Codex, Peace, Non-Violence, Global Culture, Ecology, Nature, Environment, Buddhism
This episode is a bit off the beaten path for us here at the Science of Success. Given this time of year, when many are thinking, reflecting, and being a bit more spiritual - we wanted to offer a different perspective. This episode is not as science based, but still provides a fascinating dialogue with a Buddhist monk, who was the first westerner ordained by the Dalai Lama, on life, meditation, mindfulness, and much more with our guest Robert Thurman. Robert Thurman is a Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. Time magazine has called Robert “the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” and named him one of Time Magazine most influential Americans in 1997. Robert was the first westerner ever to be ordained as a Tibetan Monk by the Dalai Lama and his work and books have been featured all over the globe.How Robert’s journey took him to becoming a Tibetan Monk under the Dalai LlamaThe dogma of materialism - mind is the power that directs matter The basic misunderstandings of buddhism from a western perspectiveLife is sufferingIt’s just meditationMeditation without context isn’t useful The two kinds of meditationClearing your mind of thinking / emptying the mindAnalytic / critical meditation or “insight meditation”Thinking something directed towards the exploration of yourself, ideas, or things around youHow an egotistical approach creates “guaranteed misery” - you could become the most powerful person on the planet and people still wont think you’re important Why enlightenment is not clearing your mind of thoughtsThe importance of focusing on and being open to other peopleYou can learn if you examine yourself and your worldLook more objectively at your thought flow - see where thought flows arise, penetrate the thought flow, see the negative thoughts and the positive thoughts What thought is that? How accurate is it? Where does it come from? Whose voice is it? my mother’s voice? my fathers? my uncles? my teacher? Gain leverage on how the mind works, edit how the mind works reinforce the positive insights, de-enforce the negative insights It’s helpful to have help of others - mobilize minds that are further along the path than you are - your the only one who can learn your reality in a viscerally transformative way - use their help and follow their methodsHow Eckart Tolle battled back from the verge of suicide - looking critically at negative thoughts Experiential understanding of the nature of reality - reality is beyond anyone’s idea of realityHow does the Dalai Llama keep up his joy, good humor, and happiness in a world full of so much suffering?The nature of life itself is blissful. Reality is good. The more you’re open to reality, the happier you are. Broaden your attitude and orientation, don’t deny the bad experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Thurman is one of the world's foremost Buddhist scholars, a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama, the father of actress Uma Thurman, and a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and related cultures. He is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, as well as co-founder and President of Tibet House US and its Menla Retreat and Spa, in service of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. He is an eloquent advocate of the relevance of Eastern ideas to our daily lives. In doing so, he has become a leading voice of the value of reason, peace, and compassion. Robert was named one of TIME magazine's 25 most influential Americans and has been profiled by The New York Times Magazine and People magazine. He is the author of many books, and played a central role in the new graphic biography, Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Visit www.BobThurman.com Get the Inclusion Revolution CD by Sister Jenna. Like America Meditating. Download our free Pause for Peace App for Apple or Android
Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and … Continue reading →
Robert Thurman is the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism and he has recently written a book called Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dali Lama of Tibet. Whether you embrace the teachings of Buddhism or not, this episode will educate you on powerful approaches to growing in wisdom and it will also paint a beautiful picture of how the concepts of Tibetan Buddhism apply in today's world. More than meditation and mindfulness, Robert Thurman gets to the heart of what the Dali Lama is working to achieve for all beings to have peace and enlightenment. This week we talk to Robert Thurman Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. The New York Times recently hailed him as "the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism." The first American to have been ordained a Tibetan Buddhist monk and a personal friend of the Dalai Lama for over 40 years, Professor Thurman is a passionate advocate and spokesperson for the truth regarding the current Tibet-China situation and the human rights violations suffered by the Tibetan people under Chinese rule. Professor Thurman also translates important Tibetan and Sanskrit philosophical writings and lectures and writes on Buddhism, particularly Tibetan Buddhism; on Asian history, particularly the history of the monastic institution in the Asian civilization; and on critical philosophy, with a focus on the dialogue between the material and inner sciences of the world's religious traditions. Popularizing the Buddha's teachings is just one of Thurman's creative talents. He is a riveting speaker and an author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, including Essential Tibetan Buddhism, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Infinite Life: Seven Virtues for Living Well, Inner Revolution, The Jewel Tree of Tibet, and Why the Dalai Lama Matters. His latest book is a graphic biography of the Dalai Lama called Man of Peace: the illustrated life story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet In This Interview, Robert Thurman and I Discuss... The Wolf Parable His book Man of Peace: the illustrated life story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet Buddha Nature and Buddhahood Enlightenment: When you get it, you realize that you've always had it Whether or not we can actually reach enlightenment in this lifetime His experience of tasting enlightenment Clear light of bliss The Buddha's mind in us We are the Buddha's reality body That the Buddha is pure love That the future Buddha is currently manifesting as dogs Kalachakra That we can find a way to talk with our enemies and find peace The common theme of "Love Thine Enemy" across religions and traditions How the current Dali Lama is working to lay the path for all beings to reach enlightenment Please Support The Show with a Donation
The brilliance and poetic spiritual genius of Robert Thurman is revealed on this episode of the podcast. Bob beamed in from his abode in NYC and took me on a stream of consciousness journey through the process of enlightenment, our current state of affairs and why you shouldn't worry, the nature of the universe and one's role in it and the fate of the Dalai Lama. Bob is truly one of the great thinkers and spiritual gateways on the planet today. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! Pick up a copy of his new book "Man of Peace: The Illustrated Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet" by clicking here Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur. Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” www.bobthurman.com
Professor Robert Thurman joins the Mindrolling podcast to talk about his time with the Dalai Lama, Loving Activism, and finding space within. Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur.
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation teacher and the cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She is the co-author of “Love Your Enemies.” Her other books include “Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation” and “Real Happiness at Work: Meditations for Accomplishment, Achievement, and Peace.” Robert Thurman is professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University. He’s also the president of the Tibet House U.S. He is the co-author of “Love Your Enemies.” His other books include “Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within and Inner Revolution.” This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman — Embracing Our Enemies and Our Suffering.” Find more at onbeing.org.
PatiCakes & Toan welcome the Mayor of Garden Grove CA, Bao Nguyen Bao Nguyen is the Mayor of the City of Garden Grove. He is also the first Vietnamese Democratic mayor in the United States and the first directly elected openly gay mayor in Orange County. Prior to his election in 2014, he served, by appointment in 2011, then by election in 2012, as trustee of the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education, including a term as Vice-President. In 2014, Mayor Nguyen was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Orange County Fair Board of Directors, California 32nd District Agricultural Association. The Mayor has also served as a Commissioner of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. Born in a UN refugee camp, the Mayor arrived at the United States at three months of age. He attended Garden Grove High School and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1998. Mayor Nguyen won the Most Spirited Award from his graduating class at Pacifica. While earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine, Nguyen interned for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, under Executive Order 13125 in Rockville, Maryland. Mayor Nguyen holds a Master’s Degree in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado and a certification in mediation from the Dispute Resolution Program of the Orange County Human Relations Commission. He also completed an intensive Spanish immersion program at Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, Morelos in Mexico. Have a Fabulous Day! We love hearing from you! Call us at 714.287.0329 or email us at PatiCakes@hempradio.com. Be Safe Be Smart Have a fabulous time! PatiCakes https://bao2016.com/
Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and … Continue reading →
Robert Thurman is a prolific author and professor at Columbia University, where he holds the first endowed chair in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies. A close friend of the Dalai Lama, Robert is a cofounder of Tibet House in New York City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the fragmented culture of Tibet. In this rollicking installment of Insights at the Edge, Robert and Tami Simon discuss how bliss is a fundamental component of our being, as well as how we can tap into that bliss in our everyday lives. They speak on how people can choose a career that keeps them close to their spiritual tradition and some of the pitfalls involved with becoming a full-time spiritual teacher. Finally, Robert and Tami talk about what exactly continues after reincarnation, and Robert clarifies some of the Dalai Lama’s recent comments about his next life. (90 minutes)
Aired 04/24/11 ROBERT THURMAN, the author of more than 20 books and the first American ordained as a Tibetan monk by his friend of more than 40 years, the Dalai Lama, is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, President of Tibet House US, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan civilization.