
Bob Thurman Podcast:
381 episodes — Page 3 of 8

S1 Ep 244Congratulatory Rejoicing: Tibetan Book of the Dead – Ep. 244
In this episode Professor Thurman introduces the Four Noble Truths and the Buddhist Inner Sciences through reading key passages from the miss titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”. Opening with […]

S1 Ep 243Vajra Yoga: Foundations in Mind and Body – Ep. 243
In this episode, recorded on the “Super Moon” of August 2020, Professor Thurman introduces the historic Vajra Yoga teacher training being held in person and online with The Yoga Space’s […]
S1 Ep 242Tibet House US Menla Conversations: Sharon Salzberg – Ep. 242
Reconnecting for the first time since the Covi-19 pandemic began Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman discuss the her book “Real Change” and how the tools of mindfulness skill training, Buddhist […]

S1 Ep 241Tibet House US Menla Conversations: Mark Epstein M.D. – Ep. 241
In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein M.D. discuss the history of scientific studies on the effects of meditation training since Buddhism's migration to the West and encounter with materialists, psychotherapists and poets. Settling down after their annual Buddhism and Psychotherapy gathering, Bob Thurman and Mark Epstein reflect upon their twenty plus years teaching together, the on-going dialog between mental health care-givers and Buddhist Psychonauts, highlighting the teachers and teachings which impacted their work, writing and personal journeys. Candidly sharing details about his next book, Dr. Mark Epstein describes his academic career, the untold stories behind his groundbreaking writings and the moments his life long studies of psychology have put him on the front lines of the mindfulness revolution through his patients, colleges and in his participation in historic scientific studies. This episode includes: an exploration of the influence of the historical Buddha, Freud, Ginsberg, John Cage, D.W. Winnicott, D.T. Suzuki, Tsongkhapa, 14th Dalai Lama, Yeshi Dhonden, Gelek Rimpoche, wives and close family have had upon Professor Thurman and Dr. Epstein, an introduction to Abhidharma, and the relationship between Buddhist Inner Sciences, Vajrayana, yoga and modern psycho-therapeutic practice.

S1 Ep 240Tibet House US Conversations : Lavinia Currier – Ep. 240
In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Lavinia Currier discuss the history of environmental awareness in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Recounting childhood stories from the first Earth […]

S1 Ep 239Tibet House US Conversations : Dr. Mark Hyman – Ep. 239
In this extended conversation Dr. Mark Hyman and Robert A.F. Thurman explore the relationship between diet, food production, the climate crisis and the rise of global pandemics. Opening with a […]

S1 Ep 238Cool Heroism & The Great Re-Thinking – Ep. 238
Using the teachings of the historical Buddha, Nagarjuna and Shantideva, Robert A.F. Thurman elaborates the concept of cool heroism and the yoga of practical non-violence passed down from India and […]

S1 Ep 237Buddhist Leadership & The Medicine Buddha – Ep. 237
Introducing the iconography of the Medicine Buddha used to train Tibetan Buddhist medical practitioners , Robert A.F. Thurman explores the foundations of Buddhism and the role of leadership within the […]

S1 Ep 236Team of Rivals: Buddhism & Vajra Politics – Ep. 236
Exploring the landscape of modern democracy as it relates to the election of American presidents through extended primary processes, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need for cooperation […]

Past & Future Lives : Buddhism 101 Podcast Bonus
In this extended recording Professor Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the centrality of reincarnation to the Buddha’s philosophy and how an understanding of past and future lives is essential […]

S1 Ep 235Bright Futures: Buddhism & Cultural Creatives – Ep. 235
In this extended episode Professor Thurman gives an inspiring talk on the role of cultural creatives in creating peaceful social revolutions and how Buddhism’s spread influenced modern counter culture movements […]

S1 Ep 234Tibet House US Conversations: Krishna Das – Ep. 234
Professor Thurman is joined by dear friend Krishna Das in this special episode of the Bob Thurman Podcast to discuss the life and work of Ram Das, the history of […]

S1 Ep 233Buddha’s Noble Daughters : Buddhist Tantra for All – Ep. 233
In honor of Tibetan New Year and the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of women in Buddhism and details the […]

S1 Ep 232Hiking with the Medicine Buddha – Ep. 232
In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the history and context of Buddhist Sutras and the Buddhist Medical Tradition as expressed in the mandala of the […]

S1 Ep 231Clash of Civilizations : Buddhism & Modern Culture – Ep. 231
Using popular culture and recent world history as a jumping off point, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a talk on the nature of civilization and the rise, spread and evolution of […]

S1 Ep 230Tibet House US Conversations: Nina Rao – Ep. 230
Professor Thurman in this episode is joined by long time friend and colleague Nina Rao for an extended conversation on the role of environmental responsibility in spirituality and the need […]

S1 Ep 229Gross National Happiness: The Four Noble Truths – Ep. 229
In this episode Professor Thurman gives a teaching on how the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path find a modern expression in the Gross National Happiness philosophy in […]

S1 Ep 228Buddhism’s Fifth Peak: Buddhist History 101 – Ep. 228
Using the work of Buddhologist Gadjin M. Nagao as a roadmap, Professor Thurman leads an introduction to the Buddha’s teachings and gives an inspiring talk on the future “fifth peak” […]

S1 Ep 227Emptiness & Mandalas : Questioning Buddhism – Ep. 227
In this questions and answers session Professor Thurman and Sharon Salzberg discuss the interconnected nature of emptiness, compassion, and loving-kindness and the use of mandalas in meditation. Opening with an […]

Preserving Tibetan Culture with Robert Thurman Podcast Bonus
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 […]

S1 Ep 226Tibet House US Conversations : Sarah Drew – Ep. 226
In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Sarah Drew for a discussion on the need for conscious evolution of individuals in order to address the global climate crisis. Podcast […]

S1 Ep 225Buddhism in the West: The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225
Examining the spread of Buddhism in the West through the organizations and communities found in the United States Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the Buddhist methods any individual […]

S1 Ep 224Buddhism As Evolutionary Sport – Ep. 224
Using the historical spread of the Buddha’s teachings as a road map Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhist life and practice as an evolutionary sport which effectively transforms the hearts, minds […]

S1 Ep 223Bright Money for the Climate: Truth in Action – Ep. 223
In this episode Professor Thurman invites listeners to join him in responding to the inescapable environmental crisis through the development of a bright money campaign and more democratic solutions for […]

S1 Ep 222Listening to Greta Thunberg : Truth in Action – Ep. 222
In this episode Professor Thurman invites listeners to join him in responding to the inspiring work of Greta Thunberg in their local community and globally through the efforts of The […]

Vajra Yoga and Vajra Politics : Buddha and the Yogis – Podcast Bonus
bonusIn this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the theory and practice of yoga highlighting the importance of individual engagement in politics across its history. Opening with a […]

S1 Ep 221Tibet House US Conversations : Chris Grosso – Ep. 221
In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Chris Grosso for an extended discussion on the role of mentoring in recovery and the value of compassion in working with at […]

Hindu and Buddhist Paths : Force For Good Podcast Bonus
In this extended recording with Krishna Das and his band, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Hindu and Buddhist perspectives on the soul, sin and greed using stories from […]

S1 Ep 220Buddha’s Joy: Exploring Buddhist Tantra – Ep. 220
Professor Thurman in this two part episode distills the complexities of Buddhist esoteric history into an engaging introduction to the Buddha’s joy and teachings for those of all backgrounds. Introducing […]

S1 Ep 219Tibet House US Menla Conversation: Janice Marturano – Ep. 219
In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Janice Marturano for an extended discussion on the role of mindfulness in leaders and the development of mindful leadership programs in recent […]

S1 Ep 218Four Noble Truths: Buddhism as Therapy – Ep. 218
Using the Buddha’s teaching of “The Four Noble Truths” Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhism as a therapy and education system created to help individuals discover the path to happiness. Podcast […]

Tibetan Path of Enlightenment : Podcast Bonus
In this extended archive recording Professor Thurman introduces & elaborates the idea of enlightenment using Tibetan History as a lens highlighting the historical Buddha’s discovery of the blissful interconnected, interdependent […]

S1 Ep 217Buddha’s Speech: Exploring Buddhist Sutras – Ep. 217
In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist system of three higher educations or trainings using the “Heart Sutra” as a portal to unpacking the differences […]

Department of Peace : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus
bonusA special message from Professor Thurman on the history of American Democratic processes, the United States Department of Peace and his call to action for a Dream Team for the […]

S1 Ep 216My Early Years: Buddhist Soul with Krishna Das- Ep. 216
In this special podcast with Krishna Das, Professor Thurman leads a discussion of the Buddhist perspective on the soul, sin and greed using stories from their early years in India. […]
Force For Good : Creation Stage Tantra Podcast Bonus
In this extended archive recording Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Tom Yarnall explore the “Guhyasamāja Tantra King of Tantras – The Glorious Esoteric Community” by Tsongkhapa giving an introduction to […]
Force For Good : Vajrayana Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives
In this extended archive recording of the Tibet House US Force For Good class Buddhist Sciences : Vajrayana II Robert A.F. Thurman gives an overview of the esoteric teachings of […]

S1 Ep 215Buddhism, Shamanism & the Miraculous – Ep. 215
Using the poetry of Milarepa, stories of the mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa and the historical accounts of the Buddha’s life, Professor Thurman explains the miraculous nature of Buddhism and it’s […]

S1 Ep 214Deity Yoga: Buddhism and Theism – Ep. 214
In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman uses stories and lessons learned from his time studying with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to explain the Buddhist perspective on […]

S1 Ep 213Song of Enlightenment: Jankya Rolway Dorje – Ep. 213
Robert A.F. Thurman leads a close line translation of Jankya Rolway Dorje’s poem “Recognition of Mother Voidness” introducing the Buddhist tradition of enlightenment songs and visionary poetics. Using D.W. Winnocott‘s […]

S1 Ep 212Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions – Ep. 212
Unwinding the mystery of the ancient traditions of Hatha and Vajrayana Yoga, Professor Thurman gives an engaging history and extends a personal invitation to practitioners of both communities to begin […]

S1 Ep 211Birth, Rebirth and Reincarnation Wishes – Ep. 211
In this special birthday episode Professor Thurman discusses his personal wishes for his 78th birthday and upcoming attendance at the Climate Reality Project training with Al Gore and his close […]

S1 Ep 210Right Livelihood: Buddha in the Workplace – Ep. 210
In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman explores the third branch of the eight-fold path of Buddhism of “Right Livelihood” illustrating the skillful art of navigating personal, romantic and workplace relationships […]

S1 Ep 209Why Buddhism Matters: Past, Present and Future – Ep. 209
In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman addresses why the ancient teachings of Buddha and the yogic inner scientists of India and Tibet still find a central role in the hearts, […]

Buddhism is Political: Climate Crisis – Podcast Bonus
bonusA special message from Professor Thurman on the historical role of active political engagement in Buddha’s life and how Buddhism is political and always has been. Continuing his call to […]

Climate Change : Mother Earth in Crisis – Podcast Bonus
In this extended podcast bonus Professor Thurman discusses the current global political crisis facing all citizens as the effects of climate change are becoming more and more pronounced in their […]

American Independence Day : Dream Team 2020 – Podcast Bonus
A special American Independence Day teaching on the connections between Buddhism and Democracy and a call to action for a Democratic Party Dream Team by Robert A.F. Thurman. American Independence […]

S1 Ep 208Buddha’s Advice on Love and Marriage – Ep. 208
In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman discusses the Buddha’s advice on love and marriage and the Buddhist perspective on love, generosity and compassionate relationships. Defining love in Sanskrit, Pali […]

Buddha & The Yogis : 2017 – Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives
The Buddha & the Yogis all levels intensive series brings together three contemporary Buddhist and yogic masters to actively explore, intellectually and experientially, the profound texts and practices from the […]

S1 Ep 207Flow States: Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Ep. 207
In this two part podcast, Professor Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein discuss the Buddhist and Western perspective on the value of meditation and how understanding altered states of consciousness like […]