Podcasts about tibet house us member

In this extended holiday episode Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the history and mission of the Dalai Lama’s cultural arts center Tibet House US in New York City and its retreat center Menla in Phoenicia, New York. Opening with a personal invitation to the Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert Robert A.F. Thurman gives a detailed history of the event organized by Philip Glass and explains it’s connections to Tibetan New Year and the precious culture of Tibet. Podcast includes a discussion of the benefits of becoming a Tibet House US Member, a short introduction to Tibetan Culture for beginners and an in-depth exploration of the landmark graphic novel “Man of Peace : The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet” by Robert A.F. Thurman. Preserving Culture with Tibet House US Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.dalailama.com. Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it. Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth. Tibet House US was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who at the inauguration in 1987 stated his wish for a long-term cultural institution to ensure the survival of Tibetan civilization and culture, whatever the political destiny of the six million people of Tibet itself. “I feel that Tibetan culture with its unique heritage – born of the efforts of many human beings of good spirit, of its contacts with Mongolian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian culture, and of its natural environment – has developed a kind of energy which is very helpful for cultivating peace of mind and a joyful life. I feel that there is a potential for Tibet to help humanity, and particularly our Eastern neighbor, where millions of young Chinese have lost their spiritual values. In this way, I feel very strongly that Tibetan culture will have a role to play in the future of humanity.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was

In this extended holiday episode Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the history and mission of the Dalai Lama’s cultural arts center Tibet House US in New York City and it’s retreat center Menla in Phoenicia, New York. Opening with a personal invitation to the Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert Robert A.F. Thurman gives a detailed history of the event organized by Philip Glass and explains it’s connections to Tibetan New Year and the precious culture of Tibet. Podcast includes a discussion of the benefits of becoming a Tibet House US Member, a short introduction to Tibetan Culture for beginners and an in-depth exploration of the landmark graphic novel “Man of Peace : The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet” by Robert A.F. Thurman. Preserving Culture with Tibet House US Podcast Bonus of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo via www.dalailama.com. Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. By presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty, and special art of freedom to the people of the world, we hope to inspire others to join the effort to protect and save it. Tibet House US is part of a worldwide network of Tibetan institutions committed to ensuring that the light of the Tibetan spirit never disappears from the face of this earth. Tibet House US was founded at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who at the inauguration in 1987 stated his wish for a long-term cultural institution to ensure the survival of Tibetan civilization and culture, whatever the political destiny of the six million people of Tibet itself. “I feel that Tibetan culture with its unique heritage – born of the efforts of many human beings of good spirit, of its contacts with Mongolian, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Persian culture, and of its natural environment – has developed a kind of energy which is very helpful for cultivating peace of mind and a joyful life. I feel that there is a potential for Tibet to help humanity, and particularly our Eastern neighbor, where millions of young Chinese have lost their spiritual values. In this way, I feel very strongly that Tibetan culture will have a role to play in the future of humanity.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this message celebrating the full moon day of celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the historical Buddha, Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on how Saka Dawa is celebrated by Tibetans across the world. Saka Dawa, named for the star, Vishakha, prominent during the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, is almost the same as the Theravadin observance of Vesak. It is considered the most sacred month for remembering the great achievement of Shakyamuni Buddha in the 6th BCE century (earlier in the Tibetan calendar). H. H. the Dalai Lama and all Tibetan Buddhist monks and laity celebrate this holiday. In this Podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an overview of the Buddhist holiday, a detailed accounting of the details of the Buddha’s Enlightenment as revealed by Indian Buddhist Sanskrit literature and Tibet’s yogic tradition. Podcast includes: an introduction to the four major schools of Buddhism found in China, details on the practice of vegetarianism during Buddhist Holidays, the symbolism behind the Buddha’s “Earth Witness” mudra made upon being challenged by Mara the Evil One, just before Siddhartha attained unexcelled enlightenment; and how traditional Chinese people were quite tolerant of diversity in religion and ideology, as “Confucians in office, Taoist for weddings, birth ceremonies, and in retirement, and Buddhist for funerals, meditations, and scientific philosophies.” Includes a teaching on the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and mentions Professor Thurman’s Four Nobler Truths, based on the White Lotus and Great Total Nirvana Sutras. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘

In this personal message celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the historical Buddha Professor Thurman gives an extended teaching on how Sawa Dawa is celebrated by Tibetans across the world. Saka Dawa, named for the star prominent during the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar, like the Theravadin observance of Vesak is considered the most sacred month in which the Buddha displayed the deeds of birth, enlightenment & Parinirvana. In this Podcast Professor Thurman gives an overview of the Buddhist holiday, a detailed accounting of the details of the Buddha’s Enlightenment as revealed by Tibet’s yogic tradition & taught by the 14th Dalai Lama.   To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this extended recording from Menla’s “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity” Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health. Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman and Nena Thurman at Menla by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this extended recording from Menla's "Tibetan Secrets of Longevity" Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health. Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine's origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it's synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health as founded by Yuthok the Elder and carried on in Tibet and the Himalayas. Opening this week's episode with a recommendation of "The Mirror of Light" by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Explaining the Buddha's insight into the blissful nature of reality and it's connection to selflessness Robert A.F. Thurman shows how the transcendent nature of enlightenment transforms the individual into a pulsar of encouraging energy to all those who encounter them. Second half of this week's episode includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Podcast concludes with a reading of Allen Ginsberg's poem The Sunflower Sutra by Gary Gach. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa - Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa - Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Third Session with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman opens this archive recording from Menla's Kalachakra Study Intensive retreat with a group recitation of the Heart Sutra and a teaching on how the classic text can be used as a roadmap for advanced Buddhist practices and for personal transformation. Robert A.F. Thurman addresses questions from retreat participants about: Fire Puja Ceremonies, Dream Yoga, gender in Buddhism, the symbolism of deities in found traditional Indian and Vedic art, how best to prepare for Buddhist Vajrayana practices, Tibetan Astrology's connections to Sowa Rigpa and Himalayan Medicine, Relativity, Clear Light and how anyone can use the Buddhist Inner Sciences no matter what one's background or religious tradition. Concludes with a guided “Three Principles of the Path” meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices. Kalachakra Study 2017 - Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Dalai Lama creating Kalachakra Sand Mandala with Monks by Manuel Bauer, Used with permission via www.dalailama.com. “Kalachakra Study 2017 - Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives”  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert A.F. Thurman at Menla please visit: www.menla.us. “Kalachakra Study 2017 - Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives” is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Using the study and practice of the Kalachakra from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a road map, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need to combine wisdom with meditation to develop in any spiritual path. Opening with a re-telling of the story of Nangaku and Baso in which the Chan master and student discuss how to make a Buddha through inner & outer (mental & physical) efforts Professor Thurman uses this classic tale to discuss the dangers of Scientism, materialism and absolutism modern seekers face in daily culture. Second part of this week's episode is a guided "Three Principles of the Path" meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices. Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach.   "How to Make a Buddha - Episode 197 of the Bob Thurman Podcast"  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. “How to Make a Buddha” is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Reconciling the contradictions in found in the wisdom traditions of Tibet, India and all male dominated cultures begins with an acceptance of the chauvinism inherent in the language, symbolism and forms used to express them across history.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman addresses questions from retreat participants about Fire Puja Ceremonies, Dream Yoga and gender in Tibetan Buddhism. Professor Thurman opens this podcast with an examination of the Heart Sutra + the Symbolism of Agni (Sanskrit: अग्नि) and other planetary deities in found traditional Indian and Vedic Fire Pujas illustrating the corrective teachings and ideas to the chauvinism found in each arguing that Buddhist monasticism was the ultimate antidote to the militarism of India at the Buddha's time. Podcast includes a discussion of how best to prepare for Buddhist Vajrayana teachings like the Kalachakra, a discussion of Marilyn Waring's "Counting for Nothing: What Men Value and What Women are Worth", Dalai Lama's "Art of Happiness", Patrul Rinpoche's "Words of My Perfect Teacher" and a teaching on the value of Tibetan Astrology, Himalayan Medicine and accurate cosmology to seekers of nirvana and ultimate freedom from suffering. Second part of this week's podcast includes a Dharma teaching on Relativity, Clear Light and how to use the Buddhist Inner Sciences to find realistic bliss despite it's history of chauvinism and roots in a male dominated lineages. "In embracing modernity and progress, we must not abandon the human values that have been so preciously passed down on to us by our elder generations. These values make up our unique culture. It is these spiritual values that are so ingrained in our culture and in our way of life that make us special and loved by the outside world, and if we are to abandon these values, then it will be a very disheartening situation." HH Dalai Lama from www.dalailama.com. Podcast concludes with a discussion of the dangers of absolutism, a warning to those practicing meditation without developing wisdom, a teaching of Professor Thurman's "consolation prize" of retroactive nirvana and a dedication of merit practice by Menla visitors. Dalai Lama attending Traditional Fire Puja Photo by David Haung from www.dalailama.com. "Chauvinism, Clear Light + Bliss in Buddhism" is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. "Chauvinism, Clear Light + Realistic Bliss in Buddhism" podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

The Fantastical Beings and creatures contained within Buddhist Symbolism provide a rich tapestry upon which it's teachings of Wisdom + Compassion create the foundation of inner + outer transformation. In this two part podcast Professor Thurman leads exploration of the language found in the Kalachakra initiation and practice sadhanas- using his close translation as a gateway to understanding of the Gods, Humans, Titans and fairies (Dakini) found throughout Buddhist teachings, prayers and art work. Podcast begins with a discussion of the twelve offering goddesses, the different types of Vajrayana Initiation and an examination of the difficulties of visualization meditation practice faced by modern Buddhist students. In the second half of the podcast Robert AF Thurman continues his exploration of Buddhist Daka + Dakini, discusses how the Buddha's teaching on karma eroded the lethality of tribalism of India of his day and gives a teaching on the connections between the Kalachakra, Tantra, Theravada's "The Four Immeasurable" and the subtle body understanding of elements, channels, drops and winds. Using his trademark wit & perspective on studying Buddhism Bob Thurman in this podcast reiterates the value of the "Lam Rim" Teachings as preliminary practices and foundational centralist understanding of emptiness found in the teachings of Shantideva and the Great pandits of Nalanda and in those of the daka, dakini, gods, demi-gods, hungry ghosts and other mythical, other worldly creatures. This podcast is an excerpt from the “Second Afternoon Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

The Mandala is central to the visual language of Tibetan Buddhist culture and to the rich meditative traditions as taught by its Dalai Lamas, Yogis, Monks & Nuns.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman gives an in depth teaching on the building of mandalas (both physically + conceptually) explaining some of the traditional methods, materials and reasoning behind their use as meditation maps. Includes an over view of mandala symbolism, their application as mnemonic devices & creation in sand, wood and most importantly in the minds of those practicing visualizations. In the second half of the podcast Professor Thurman explains the history of the Kalachakra Tantra, its relationship to the myth of Shambhala and the use of mandala, mantra & ritual offerings during teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This podcast is an excerpt from the “Second Morning Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Mandala Photo by Paul Benjamin via www.flickr.com. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

The Mandala is central to the visual language of Tibetan Buddhist culture and to it's rich meditative traditions taught by it's Dalai Lamas, Yogis, Monks & Nuns.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman gives an in depth teaching on the building of mandalas (both physically + conceptually) explaining some of the traditional methods, materials and reasoning behind their use as meditation maps. Includes an over view of mandala symbolism, their application as mnemonic devices & creation in sand, wood and most importantly in the minds of those practicing visualizations. In the second half of the podcast Professor Thurman explains the history of the Kalachakra Tantra, it's relationship to the myth of Shambala and the use of mandala, mantra & ritual offerings during teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.   This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This podcast is an excerpt from the "Second Morning Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman" Video. Recorded at Menla's Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Mandala Photo by Paul Benjamin via www.flickr.com. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this podcast Robert AF Thurman discusses the history of Nālandā & why the Dalai Lama of Tibet identifies Tibetan Buddhism as well as himself as heirs to the university whose ruins are located in modern-day Bihar, India. Founded under the patronage of the Gupta King Chandragupta II Vikramāditya in the 5th Century then Destroyed in 1203 by Turkish Muslim invaders, Professor Thurman illustrates how Nālandā University brought together the greatest minds of India, Persia, Indonesia, China & Tibet finding it’s highest expression in the seventeen greatest Pandits of Nālandā Monastery, whom the Dalai Lama celebrates in his famous eulogy. Podcast includes an overview of the most influential of the “Great Seventeen” Mahayana Buddhist yogi scientist sages (Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, Shantideva, Shantarakshita, Kamalashila, Asanga, Vasubandhu, Dignaga, Dharmakirti, Arya Vimuktisena, Haribhadra, Gunaprabha, Shakyaprabha & Atisha) known for their middle-way centrist perspective & the popular Stages of the Path (lam-rim) teachings. “I am the longest guest of government of India for the last 58 years and am now paying back for that gesture by becoming the messenger of Indian culture. In fact, I consider myself a son of India. A few years ago, some Chinese reporters asked me why I identified myself as India’s son. I told them that my mind and each part of my brain are filled with the knowledge and thought of Nalanda. Besides, in last 50 years this body survived on Indian dal, chapati and rice. That is why both physically and spiritually, I am a son of India. Buddha himself stated my followers should not accept my teaching out of faith or out of devotion, but rather thorough investigation and experiment, the scientific way of approach. So all the Nalanda masters like Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, Chandrakirti, all these great masters of Nalanda, even Buddha’s own words, they carry investigation whether Buddha’s statement is acceptable or not. So they are always based on logic and experiment so, therefore, I follow that pattern, tradition.” HH Dalai Lama from www.huffingtonpost.in. This podcast is an excerpt from “Why does the Dalai Lama say he is “Son of Nālandā”? a talk given in October 2017. Photo by Abhishek Sundaram via www.flickr.com. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by

In this podcast Robert AF Thurman discusses the history of Nālandā & why the Dalai Lama of Tibet identifies Tibetan Buddhism as well as himself as heirs to the university whose ruins are located in modern-day Bihar, India. Founded under the patronage of the Gupta King Chandragupta II Vikramāditya in the 5th Century then Destroyed in 1203 by Turkish Muslim invaders, Professor Thurman illustrates how Nālandā University brought together the greatest minds of India, Persia, Indonesia, China & Tibet finding it’s highest expression in The seventeen greatest Pandits of Nālandā Monastery, whom the Dalai Lama celebrates in his famous eulogy. Podcast includes an overview of the most influential of the "Great Seventeen" Mahayana Buddhist yogi scientist sages (Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, Shantideva, Shantarakshita, Kamalashila, Asanga, Vasubandhu, Dignaga, Dharmakirti, Arya Vimuktisena, Haribhadra, Gunaprabha, Shakyaprabha & Atisha) known for their middle-way centrist perspective & the popular Stages of the Path (lam-rim) teachings. “I am the longest guest of government of India for the last 58 years and am now paying back for that gesture by becoming the messenger of Indian culture. In fact, I consider myself a son of India. A few years ago, some Chinese reporters asked me why I identified myself as India's son. I told them that my mind and each part of my brain are filled with the knowledge and thought of Nalanda. Besides, in last 50 years this body survived on Indian dal, chapati and rice. That is why both physically and spiritually, I am a son of India. Buddha himself stated my followers should not accept my teaching out of faith or out of devotion, but rather thorough investigation and experiment, the scientific way of approach. So all the Nalanda masters like Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, Chandrakirti, all these great masters of Nalanda, even Buddha's own words, they carry investigation whether Buddha's statement is acceptable or not. So they are always based on logic and experiment so, therefore, I follow that pattern, tradition.” HH Dalai Lama from www.huffingtonpost.in. This podcast is an excerpt from "Why does the Dalai Lama say he is "Son of Nālandā"?: The inaugural ISAS-VSB Lecture on Religion in the Modern World" A Talk given in October 2017. Photo by Abhishek Sundaram via www.flickr.com. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Using Thomas Cleary’s translation of the “Flower Ornament Scripture: The Avatamsaka Sutra”  & Wilhelm Reich’s “The Function of the Orgasm: Discovery of the Orgone” Professor Thurman discusses the place of reincarnated Tibetan Tulkus within the Buddha’s teaching of the Three Bodies. “Being a Buddha is the juiciest experience possible. Robert AF Thurman Defining Buddha-hood as as permanent orgasmic state Professor Thurman explains the need for a vivid imagination when understanding the wisdom contained in Buddhist visualization practices focused on transforming the subtle energies of the body & mind. This podcast is an excerpt from the 2017 “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat” with Dr Nida Chenagtsang & Robert Thurman recorded at Menla in Phoenicia, New York. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Using Thomas Cleary’s translation of the “Flower Ornament Scripture: The Avatamsaka Sutra” & Wilhelm Reich’s “The Function of the Orgasm: Discovery of the Orgone” Professor Thurman discusses the place of reincarnated Tibetan Tulkus within the Buddha’s teaching of the Three Bodies. Defining Buddha-hood as as permanent orgasmic state Professor Thurman explains the need for a vivid imagination when understanding the wisdom contained in Buddhist visualization practices focused on transforming the subtle energies of the body & mind. This podcast is an excerpt from the 2017 “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat” with Dr Nida Chenagtsang & Robert Thurman recorded at Menla in Phoenicia, New York. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this podcast Professor Thurman is joined by Foundation of the Sacred Stream’s Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. in exploring the symbolism used in traditional Buddhist Tara visualizations & in shamanistic practices. Includes a discussion of the use of sound, light, movement & dreams in rituals, an explanation of the practice of working with the unconscious and a short overview of the indigenous Bön tradition found in Tibet before the wide spread adoption Buddhism. Concludes with an introduction to the practice of Tibetan Dream Yoga & dialog with retreat participants. © Green Tara Photo by Sam Scoggins via www.flickr.com. This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This recording is an except from the Tibet House US Retreat “Shamans & Siddhas: Meeting at the Crossroads of Shamanism & Tantrism” with Robert Thurman, Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. recorded at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York October 2016. Full video recordings of this program are apart of the Tibet House US Member Archive. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. To learn more about the work of Isa Gucciardi & Robert Thurman and their annual Menla Retreat programs please visit www.menla.us +  www.sacredstream.org. About Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D., holds degrees and certificates in trans-personal psychology, cultural and linguistic anthropology, comparative religion, hypnotherapy, and transformational healing. She has spent over 30 years studying spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques from around the world. Isa is the creator of the ground-breaking therapeutic model, Depth Hypnosis, and the Founding Director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream. Suggested Books by Isa Gucciardi Ph.D.

In this podcast Professor Thurman is joined by Sacred Stream Foundation's Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. in exploring the symbolism used in traditional Buddhist Tara visualizations & in shamanistic practices. This is an except from the Tibet House US Retreat “Shamans & Siddhas: Meeting at the Crossroads of Shamanism & Tantrism" with Robert Thurman, Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. recorded at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York October 2016. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. To learn more about the work of Isa Gucciardi & Robert Thurman join them in 2017 at Menla Retreat or visit: www.sacredstream.org.

In this extended podcast Professor Thurman begins with an explanation of the Four Noble Truths teaching & then details the systematic process of enlightenment as laid out by the historical Buddha known as the The Eightfold Path. The Eightfold path, breaks down into what’s known as the three educations. Of those three educations you have the ethical, the meditational & the intellectual: the wisdom education, all three. They all three have to work together. They’re like three corners of a tripod. If you try to put Buddhism on just one of those three it won’t work.. Robert AF Thurman This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This an excerpted from the talk “Eight-fold Path” given by Robert AF Thurman at InsightLA in November 2013 in Los Angeles, California. To listen to the entire 3 Hour Talk please visit: www.insightla.org. Photo by 和 平 on Unsplash The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this podcast Professor Thurman explains the Buddha’s enlightenment & the philosophical clarity that Je Tsongkhapa brought to the mind training systems disseminated through monastic & meditative traditions of Tibet. Includes an overview of British biologist Rupert Sheldrake’s Morphic resonance theory, the history of Tsongkhapa and the annual days cerebrating the founder of the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, his parinirvana & enlightenment. Episode concludes with a discussion on selflessness, power loss & Tibetan Buddhist meditative symbolism with Dr Nida Chenagtsang & Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. It is generally accepted that the three greatest contributors in the annals of Tibet were Guru Padmasambhava, Atisha and Tsongkhapa, all of whom appeared when a great teacher was needed. Today we should strive to emulate Tsongkhapa’s peerless progress along the path. To hear as many teachings as possible and never to be satisfied with less than ultimate knowledge as the most important lessons that can be applied in life. It is imperative to appreciate and work towards the peerless goal of wishing to achieve enlightenment in order to help every other sentient being do exactly the same. Je Rinpoche’s example of scriptural learning and meditative application taken as a unified path show the essence of Buddha’s intent and the truly quick method of achieving enlightenment.” Robert AF Thurman from Wisdom Academy. This is an except from the Tibet House US Retreat “Shamans & Siddhas: Meeting at the Crossroads of Shamanism & Tantrism with Robert Thurman, Isa Gucciardi Ph.D. & Dr Nida Chenagtsang, recorded at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York December 2015. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. To learn more about the work of Isa Gucciardi & Robert Thurman join them in 2017 at Menla Retreat or visit: www.sacredstream.org.

In Buddhism, the most popular mandala is that of the Wheel of Life, a visual representation of the Six Realms of Existence. Traditionally the six realms into which a sentient being can reincarnate in its endless succession of lives. In this podcast Mark Epstein + Professor Thurman detail the Six Realms in Buddhist Cosmology and how to work with them as metaphors for the different psychological states of the human mind. Using Pali, Sanskrit & Tibetan sources Mark Epstein connects the ancient Buddhist mind training system with modern Psychology, Psychotherapy & Mental Health insights. Concludes with two guided meditations by Robert AF Thurman on selflessness & the three keys of self-analysis. Tibetan Wheel of Existence Photo © Manfred Sommer, All rights reserved. Recorded at the 2016 Tibet House US program “Addiction, Depression & Recovery” with Robert AF Thurman & Mark Epstein at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. “The Six Realms are the Human, Animal, Hell, Heaven, Hungry Ghost and Jealous God Realms. While some people take these realms literally, it is also possible to work with them metaphorically, as metaphors for the different states of mind through which we all pass in a given day. Hell realms are times of emotional torment; Heaven realms are times of happiness. Hungry Ghost realms are times of yearning or craving in which we feel like we can never be satisfied. The trick, from a Buddhist perspective, is to learn how to be in each realm without holding on and without pushing away, accepting things just as they are. This is best learned in the Human realm, where we have the intelligence and the will to attempt such things.” Mark Epstein M.D. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. To learn more about the work of Mark Epstein M.D. join him & Bob at Menla in 2017 or please visit his website: www.markepsteinmd.com. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

This podcast explores what happens at the moment of death and beyond according to Buddhist wisdom found in the ‘Bardo Thodol’ known in English as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Explaining the different stages of existence: life, death and the in-between Professor Thurman provides practical meditation methods for living more fully in our daily lives and to help one prepare for the moment of death. Includes a detailed explanation of Vipassana (Insight Meditation), Shamatha (Calm Abiding Meditation) and their context within the Tibetan Buddhist Mind Training & Inner Sciences Tradition. Image by Mathew Macquarrie via www.unsplash.com. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Excerpted from a lecture given on October 29, 2015 at Menla Retreat Center, as part of a retreat called “Death & Deathlessness: Buddhist Insights and Practices for Life, Death, and the In-Between” with Dale Borglum & Robert A.F. Thurman.

Recorded on July 4th Independence Day Robert Thurman discusses the history of the American Holiday, Spiritual Evolution, Constitutional Monarchies, Mass incarceration, Thomas Jefferson’s Second Inaugural Address, Summer & the tradition of going on retreat within Buddhism. In this podcast Professor Thurman calls on the listener to re-examine the concept of a spiritual retreat by understanding it’s context within a modern materialistic language of advancement. “Becoming Enlightened is like graduating but the school, it is the school of reality, the different kinds of reality: the illusionary reality that is not really what it seems to be then there is the real reality which luckily we were been told by those who claimed to have attained it, attain knowledge of it, direct experience it of is blissful, is happiness or freedom from suffering.” Robert AF Thurman To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. To read the article ‘Happy Birthday America. One Small Suggestion by Stephen Fry’ referenced in this podcast by Robert Thurman please visit www.newyorktimes.com. Pride Flag Evolution by Peter Hershey via www.unsplash.com The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this podcast Professor Thurman provides the context of the Buddha’s Enlightenment before launching into a succinct explanation of The Four Noble Truths. Opening this week’s episode with a discussion of the historical and spiritual setting in which the Buddha attained enlightenment, Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to his discoveries and how they are applicable to modern society. “A human being is a part of the whole, called by us, the ‘universe,’ – a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion, to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” Albert Einstein Podcast includes an overview of each of the Four Noble Truths and their relationship to compassion, emptiness and the blissful nature of reality. Buddhism 101 : The Four Noble Truths Image by Joao Silas via www.unsplash.com. “Buddhism 101 : The Four Noble Truths – Episode 124 of the Bob Thurman podcast was recorded at the 2016 Anxiety, Depression & Addiction Retreat at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York with Mark Epstein M.D. This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from the Robert Thurman archive to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. is apart of the Buddhism 101 series using classic teachings from the archives of Robert AF Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. To learn more about the work of Mark + Bob join them for a Tibet House US Retreat in the heart of the Catskill Mountains please visit www.menla.org. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Saka Dawa, named for the star prominent during the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar, like the Theravadin observance of Vesak is considered the most sacred month in which the Buddha displayed the deeds of birth, enlightenment & Parinirvana. In this Podcast Professor Thurman gives an overview of the Buddhist holiday, a detailed accounting of the details of the Buddha’s Enlightenment as explained in the Buddhist cannon and illustrates the connections to the Kalacharkra Tantra as revealed by Tibet’s yogic tradition & taught by the 14th Dalai Lama. Saka Dawa Strawberry Moon Image © Jenny Waters via Flickr.com To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Traditional Tibetan Medicine as preserved in Tibet with it’s practical synthesis of Ayurvedic, Chinese & Greek diagnosis systems is widely regarded as one of the greatest gems of Tibetan Culture. Opening this special podcast with recitation of the mantras of Avalokiteśvara, Tara & The Medicine Buddha Professor Thurman provides a detailed history of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and his own Buddhist studies with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Wangyal, Yeshi Dhonden & Dr Nida Chenagtsang. Image © Gaby Altenberger via www.flickr.com. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses how Buddha Nature can be understood as being a form of Loving Activism found through the realization of Emptiness. Includes a reading from the introduction to the AIBS Publication “Sublime Continuum Treatise Commentary” by Bo Jiang. Emptiness, or selflessness, is a foundation in all forms of Buddhist thought & education. In contemporary scholarship, its critical, negational impact is widely misunderstood as a form of nihilism. Revealing the radically life affirming call to action to all sensitive beings found in the Buddha’s teachings through the recent works by the Wachowski sisters (The Sense8 Netflix Television Series & The Cloud Atlas) Professor Thurman unpacks the Buddhist Centrist notion of Buddha Nature in humorous language even today’s binge watching seekers can understand. © Image by Just1of7billion via Flickr. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this podcast Professor Thurman discusses how Buddha Nature can be understood as being a form of Loving Activism found through the realization of Emptiness. Includes a reading from the introduction to the AIBS Publication “Sublime Continuum Treatise Commentary” by Bo Jiang. Emptiness, or selflessness, is a foundation in all forms of Buddhist thought & education. In contemporary scholarship, its critical, negational impact is widely misunderstood as a form of nihilism. Revealing the radically life affirming call to action to all sensitive beings found in the Buddha’s teachings through the recent works by the Wachowski sisters (The Sense8 Netflix Television Series & The Cloud Atlas) Professor Thurman unpacks the Buddhist Centrist notion of Buddha Nature in humorous language even today’s binge watching seekers can understand.   © Image by Just1of7billion via Flickr. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Engaging the wit, wisdom & practical solutions offered by the Buddhist concept of fierce compassion Robert AF Thurman’s special Mother’s Day podcast is an exploration of cool revolutions & the cool heroes found in every home: women. Citing The Guardian’s Carole Cadwalladr research into Oligarchs, the Brexit Vote & the rise of President Donald Trump as an example of cool leadership in this podcast Professor Thurman outlines the important non-violent global resistance that women are the center of. Buddhism’s Cool Heroes : Women – Ep. 118 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo by Rebecca Cook/Reuters. This special Mother’s Day podcast was recorded on May 12th in Woodstock, New York. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Engaging the wit, wisdom & practical solutions offered by the Buddhist concept of fierce compassion Robert A.F. Thurman's special Mother's Day podcast is an exploration of cool revolutions & the cool heroes found in every home: women. Citing The Guardian's Carole Cadwalladr research into Oligarchs, the Brexit Vote & the rise of President Donald Trump as an example of cool leadership in this podcast Professor Thurman outlines the important non-violent global resistance that women are the center of.   Buddhism’s Cool Heroes : Women – Ep. 118 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo by Rebecca Cook/Reuters. This special Mother's Day podcast was recorded on May 12th in Woodstock, New York. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Examining the form Buddhist traditions have taken in America in terms of the Eight Fold Path & the services they provide Professor Thurman suggests American Buddhism can be best defined as a Buddhism without Buddhism. Recorded at the Awakened Leadership Conference hosted by the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation in 2009. To learn more about their work please visit: www.fredericklenzfoundation.org. This podcast is a part of the on-going series ‘American Buddhism’ exploring current events from a modern Buddhist Centralist perspective with Professor Robert AF Thurman. “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Buddha” Image from www.thetattooedbuddha.com. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Examining the form Buddhist traditions have taken in America in terms of the Eight Fold Path & the services they provide Professor Thurman suggests American Buddhism can be best defined as a Buddhism without Buddhism. Recorded at the Awakened Leadership Conference hosted by the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation in 2009. To learn more about their work please visit: www.fredericklenzfoundation.org. This podcast is a part of the on-going series 'American Buddhism' exploring current events from a modern Buddhist Centralist perspective with Professor Robert A.F. Thurman. "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Buddha" Image from www.thetattooedbuddha.com. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

Using the Guhyasamāja Tantra as a jumping off point Professor Thurman leads a discussion with Richard Freeman on the value of studying Esoteric philosophy within the context of experiential yoga practices. In this podcast Professor Thurman guides an investigation of the Buddhist understanding of Interdependence & explains how the concept of morphic resonance suggests a revolutionary energetic exchange between the self and the other, both on and off the yoga mat or meditation cushion. This podcast was recorded at Menla’s Nalanada Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the 2011 ‘Buddha & The Yogis’ Retreat with Richard Freeman + Robert Thurman. Learn more about the connections between practical yoga, daily meditation & esoteric study at this year’s ‘Buddha & The Yogi/nis: The Divine Feminine Retreat‘ with Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman & Robert Thurman please visit: www.menla.us. Green Ganesha image from Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor Yoga: www.richardfreemanyoga.com. To read more about this year’s Buddha and the Yogis Retreat with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

This podcast begins with an introduction to the Buddhist wisdom nagas by Professor Thurman through recounting a story from HH Dalai Lama‘s visit to Menla Mountain & concludes with a reading from the AIBS Publication ‘Universal Vehicle Discourse Literature’. Includes dialog with co-presenter Mark Epstein Ph.D & retreat participants. To listen to more recordings from this & other past programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. This podcast was recorded at the 2008 Tibet House US weekend Retreat with Mark Epstein at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, NY. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

The Kalachakra Tantra or “The Wheel of Time” teachings as preserved within the Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana tradition are considered some of the most esoteric & significant series of initiations transmitted by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In this podcast Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the twelve days of the Kalachakra initiation providing the historical & symbolic context. Recorded in Ladakh during Robert Thurman’s 2014 Kalachakra Trip with GeoEx Adventure Travel. Kalachakra Photo © Christopher Michel via Flickr.com. Used with permission, All Rights Reserved. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert AF Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.

In this podcast Professor Thurman & Sharon Salzberg discuss the practice of lovingkindness meditation and it’s power to change one’s relationship with difficult people, emotions & situations. “Normally, we don’t want to love someone we’re in an adverse relationship with. We may feel it means giving in, surrendering, or giving up our values. But real love means loving them too. Over the years that I’ve taught lovingkindness, I’ve encountered many people who are skeptical about the whole thing. “If I were to develop a more loving heart,” they think, “I’d have to give more money, I wouldn’t take a stand, I wouldn’t protect myself, I’d just sort of smile.” If we think that’s what love means, what a degraded notion of love we’ve come to! There’s something empowering in recapturing the word “love” as something strong and unafraid.” Sharon Salzberg from www.lionsroar.com. Includes a brief introduction to lovingkindness practice & dialog with retreat participants. Recorded at the 2009 Tibet House US Retreat “Working With Your Enemies” at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. Photo by James Pond on Unsplash To read more about upcoming programs with Robert AF Thurman + Sharon Salzberg at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert AF Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this episode Professor Thurman talks about a coarse, subtle and super subtle body-mind. He then explains the Tibetan Buddhist concept of “three luminosities”: the states of consciousness, which can be experienced either after death, or during sleep. He compares the infinite energy of the clear-light space in our mind with the zero-quantum vacuum energy field. Buddhist Inner Sciences 101: Three Luminosities – Ep. 55 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Image via www. himalayaart.com. Excerpted from a lecture given on November 29, 2015 at Menla Retreat Center, as part of a retreat called “Death & Deathlessness: Buddhist Insights and Practices for Life, Death, and the In-Between” with Dale Borglum & Robert Thurman. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. To listen to more recordings from past programs with Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US in New York City + Menla in Phoenicia, New York in the Catskills please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this episode, Professor Thurman discusses Buddhist ethics, which he translates as the ten-fold path of skillful and unskillful action. Instead of right and wrong, Professor Thurman urges us to consider ethical behavior as any action that helps us evolve on the path toward enlightenment. Helping others is the heart of skillful action, but it’s also in our best interest. When we realize we are all stuck in this universe together, lifetime after lifetime, it is in our enlightened self-interest to help all beings be happy and free from suffering. It is also the path to our own happiness and freedom. This podcast is an excerpt from a lecture given on July 3, 2015 at Menla Retreat Center, as part of a retreat called “Shakyamuni Buddha’s Inner Sciences & His Medicine Buddha Healing Science” with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

One of the Dalai Lama’s slogans is: “If you want to be happy, be compassionate.” In this lecture, Professor Thurman discusses how to do this by opening our hearts to others, especially our enemies. Our enemies aren’t just other people, but within ourselves. By transforming anger towards all our enemies we can find true happiness and also help others do the same. This podcast is an excerpt from a lecture hosted by the Kadampa Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 29, 2014. This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this lecture, Professor Thurman explains the concept of non-duality, and that emptiness doesn’t mean we don’t have a mind. Emptiness means we have an uncreated mind—it has always been there and it can never be destroyed. What this means is that we’re already in nirvana, we’ve always been in nirvana, and we can’t leave nirvana. But we can fail to enjoy it for a really long time! This episode is an extract from a lecture given at Sacred Stream in Berkeley, California, on June 5, 2015. The Uncreated Mind Episode 20 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Victoria López on Flickr.com. The Uncreated Mind Episode 20 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from a teaching at Sacred Stream in Berkeley, California, recorded on June 5th, 2015. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s Tibet House US Programs with Robert A.F. Thurman & Friends at Menla please visit: www.menla.us. “The Uncreated Mind ” is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this lecture, Professor Thurman explains the concept of non-duality, and that emptiness doesn’t mean we don’t have a mind. Emptiness means we have an uncreated mind—it has always been there and it can never be destroyed. What this means is that we’re already in nirvana, we’ve always been in nirvana, and we can’t leave nirvana. But we can fail to enjoy it for a really long time! This episode is an extract from a lecture given at Sacred Stream in Berkeley, California, on June 5, 2015. The Uncreated Mind Episode 20 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Victoria López on Flickr.com. The Uncreated Mind Episode 20 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from a teaching at Sacred Stream in Berkeley, California, recorded on June 5th, 2015. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s Tibet House US Programs with Robert A.F. Thurman & Friends at Menla please visit: www.menla.us. “The Uncreated Mind ” is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman discusses the potential dangers of cultivating an empty mind without also developing proper understanding of what emptiness is. Just meditating with our default understanding of reality can temporarily dampen our worries, but it won’t completely overcome them. The danger is that we’ll think we’re already enlightened, and lose the motivation to completely transform our whole experience into a Buddhaverse. “A true bodhisattva does not develop strong meditative prowess at the wrong time. The abilities you attain with deep contemplation—the abilities to isolate oneself from relationships, to deaden the emotions, to withdraw when encountering obstructions, to palliate suffering with genuine detachment—can make you stick at a level of self-centeredness that stunts your spiritual growth.” Robert A.F. Thurman “The Danger of “Just Meditate!” – Episode 19 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is an excerpt from a lecture given at Jewel Heart in New York City, May 7, 2015, as part of a lecture series called “Vajrayana and Emptiness.” The Danger of “Just Meditate!” – Ep. 19 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash   To read more about programs with Robert A.F Thurman with Jewel Heart please visit: www.jewelheart.org. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman discusses the potential dangers of cultivating an empty mind without also developing proper understanding of what emptiness is. Just meditating with our default understanding of reality can temporarily dampen our worries, but it won’t completely overcome them. The danger is that we’ll think we’re already enlightened, and lose the motivation to completely transform our whole experience into a Buddhaverse. “A true bodhisattva does not develop strong meditative prowess at the wrong time. The abilities you attain with deep contemplation—the abilities to isolate oneself from relationships, to deaden the emotions, to withdraw when encountering obstructions, to palliate suffering with genuine detachment—can make you stick at a level of self-centeredness that stunts your spiritual growth.” Robert A.F. Thurman “The Danger of “Just Meditate!” – Episode 19 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is an excerpt from a lecture given at Jewel Heart in New York City, May 7, 2015, as part of a lecture series called “Vajrayana and Emptiness.” The Danger of “Just Meditate!” – Ep. 19 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash   To read more about programs with Robert A.F Thurman with Jewel Heart please visit: www.jewelheart.org. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Robert A.F. Thurman gives advice to a group of students who have been learning the Mahamudra (great seal) meditation. This episode is an extract from a lecture given to students of the Nalanda Institute on April 16th. Advice on Mahamudra Meditation : Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Episode 18 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman at Tibet House US via Nalanda Institute. “Advice on Mahamudra Meditation : Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Episode 18 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from a teaching for Nalanda Institute, recorded at Tibet House US in New York City on April 16th 2015. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s Tibet House US Programs with Robert A.F. Thurman & Freinds at Menla please visit: www.menla.us. The Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science is an educational non-profit inspired by the world’s first university, Nalanda University, founded in India in the fifth century to advance the Buddha’s mission to end suffering by offering public education in the health and mind sciences. Nalanda University’s scientific tradition was preserved in the colleges and medical schools of Tibet as the world’s oldest system of integrative medicine and positive psychology. The Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science has evolved this rich legacy into a rigorous, scientific approach to self-knowledge modernized for the Western world through training in timeless contemplative skills informed by today’s practical neuropsychology. “Advice on Mahamudra Meditation” is a part of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.