Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. to discuss her work and book Depth Hypnosis.

Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds advanced degrees in cultural and linguistic anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonal psychology. She has trained extensively in spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques from diverse traditions and was an early pioneer in integrating shamanic and Buddhist perspectives into clinical practice. As the Founding Director of the Sacred Stream, she developed the transformative therapeutic model Depth Hypnosis and the innovative conflict resolution process Coming to Peace. Isa’s interdisciplinary approach bridges academic inquiry an...

Robert Thurman sits down with Annie Bien co-author of The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves for an in-depth discussion of the book and life of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

Annie Bien has published two poetry collections, Plateau Migration, and Under Shadows of Stars, won a LISP flash fiction prize, an A3 Press Pamphlet prize for Messages from Under a Pillow which includes her illustrations. She is an English translator from Tibetan into English at 84000, teaches meditation and Qigong at Tibet House US. She is co-author with Robert Thurman on The Magical...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Carolyn Sharp to discuss relationships, mindfulness and meditation.

Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned a master of social work from Portland State University and has extensive training in atachment, neuroscience, trauma, and mindfulness. Today, she is an experienced couples therapist with twenty-fve years of training and practce in helping people build vital, vibrant, and secure functoning relatonships through one-on-one and group couples coaching, workshops, retreats, and intensives. She combines her passion for helping people with her widespread experience to create...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Ganden Thurman, his son, for a conversation on the work and mission of Tibet House US.

Ganden Thurman is the Executive Director of Tibet House US and its upstate retreat and conference center, Menla. He has served in this capacity since 2014 after working as THUS’ Director of Special Projects from 1996-2013.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Tamala Floyd for a far ranging conversation on psychotherapy, meditation, ancestors and Tamala’s book Listening When Parts Speak.

Tamala Floyd, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, IFS lead trainer, consultant, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience.

She received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University–Long Beach. She has taught at the University of Phoenix and the University of Southern California in human services and social work.

Her...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Osprey Orielle Lake for a far ranging conversation on mindfulness, meditation, shamanism and Osprey’s book The Story is in the Bones.

Founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Osprey Orielle Lake works internationally with grassroots, BIPOC and Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and diverse coalitions to build climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition.

She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Prol...

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman continues his extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. His Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Tool Kit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection is a how-to book for upgrading your nervous system to live your optimal life physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Matteo has authored numerous books including, Meditation: Coming To Know Your Mind, Fearless in Tibet and In The Shadow of the Buddha. He teaches conscious breathing and meditation to individuals and groups in-person as well as online. 

Matteo began his spiritual journey over 30 years ago while living in Ne...

Henry Shukman is a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and has trained in various other meditation schools and practices. After a spontaneous spiritual awakening at the age of 19, he embarked on a long journey of healing and deeper awakening, guided by Roshis John Gaynor, Joan Rieck, Ruben Habito, and Yamada Roshi, international abbot of Sanbo Zen, who ultimately appointed him a teacher in 2010. Since then he has been leading a growing number of practitioners on the path of awakening, in Europe and the US. He has also been authorized to teach Mindfulness by Shinzen Young, and is a...

Impromptu talk given at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa on Easter Weekend 2024 to a gathering of Yogi/nis.

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of democracy and democratic processes to help fight the current challenges being faced globally from climate change to wars in Ukraine and Israel. 

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman sits down to have an extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change and shares a Thanksgiving 2023 message of hope & gratitude with his listeners.

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You (Harper Collins). He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which provides services to over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. Dr. Rosmarin is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He can be reached via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a way for dealing with the political chaos now being created in the House of Representatives and uses it as a launching point to address the wars in Ukraine & Israel. 

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma on Cho-khor Duchen, the day of the Tibetan calendar celebrating the historical Buddha’s first teachings after gaining enlightenment. This episode includes a discussion of his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life” and the Four Noble Truths.

A special personal  invitation to the upcoming online & in-person initiation and retreat, “Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive with His Eminence the 11th Lelung Rinpoche“, from Robert A.F. Thurman. This podcast includes a brief biography of Lelung Rinpoche and explanation of the Yamantaka practices being taught at the hybrid event held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa, Summer 2023.

Opening with a recommendation of the upcoming online event with Jai Dev Singh, “Treasure Teachings from the Naga Dragons: Mahayana Tantra and Kundalini Yoga“, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of non-violence in light of the recent conflict in Ukraine.

In this episode Robert Thurman celebrates summer solstice by sharing updates about his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life”, Tibet’s Fourteenth Dalai Lama, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recent visit to the United States, and about the on-going conflict in Ukraine.

Image via Shutterstock.com

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the recent viral video of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet with a young boy addressing the context and background behind the edited attack campaign.

To learn more and to watch the full video, please visit: https://youtu.be/bT0qey5Ts78.

Photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama via www.shutterstock.com.

In this celebratory episode, Robert Thurman discusses the Christian holiday Easter, giving a teaching on Jesus the Rabbi and Christianity’s role in modern-day politics and everyday life in the West.

Opening with a short history of early Christianity, this episode includes discussions of: the value of interfaith dialogue, the New Testament, the role of non-violence in conflict resolution, the Russian occupation and invasion of Ukraine, and how those of all backgrounds can find insight and inspiration in the story and lessons of Jesus Christ.

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, author, teacher, and founder of the Kunsang Gar Wisdom program in Santa Cruz, California.  

“Geshe’s primary intention is to bring the ancient teachings of Bön and Buddhism to light, helping students reduce suffering and attain realization. His Kunsang Gar Wisdom program incorporates foundational philosophy and psychology, mental development, and the quintessential Dzogchen view. Developing an understanding of ancient scripts, Geshe is uniquely able to decipher and translate rare spiritual texts. It is his intention to preserve as many texts as possible. Geshe has published numero...

Opening this episode with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” Robert Thurman gives a teaching on nirvana, non-duality and the nature of enlightenment, and the bodhiasattva’s building of a buddhaland or buddhaverse.

This episode includes overviews of chapters two through five of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra” introducing the central figures, themes and setting of the sutra.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as...

Opening with a discussion of transcendence in Buddhist science and philosophy, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on selflessness, transcendent wisdom, and the key of how to develop freedom from absolutism in order to cultivate altruism and interconnection with all beings and reality.

This podcast includes a discussion on how understanding selflessness leads beyond space-like equipoise samadhi to natural focus on universal love and compassion, intensifying the desire to be of benefit to oneself and all others.

The episode concludes with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” with a di...

Opening with a discussion of the disappearance of Buddhism in India, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of the Buddhist community and the flowering of the Buddha’s teachings in Tibet.

This podcast includes an extended discussion on the influence of China and Chinese Communism upon Buddhism in Tibet and on Tibetan culture.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or the...

Opening with a discussion of the goddess Tara, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the differences between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the role and place of women in the early Buddhist Sangha, the community of followers of the Buddha and his teachings.

This podcast includes an extended discussion of the symbolism of the Wheel of Dharma and the value of developing selflessness on the spiritual path.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Budd...

Opening with a discussion of the symbolism of the wheel of Dharma, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism, focusing on the community of followers of Buddha and his teachings, known as the Sangha.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or the enlightenment reality itself, and the Sangha as the historical and current community of learners seeking to become Budd...

Opening with a discussion of selflessness, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of Buddhist Tantra and the central roles of reason, bliss and meditation in constructing a positive self identity in order to develop one’s own Buddha nature, free of suffering and ignorance.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or the enlightenment reality itself, and the Sangha as the historical and cu...

Opening with a definition of Buddha-lands, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on Buddhist Tantra and its interrelationship with Zen, Vajrayana, and all other schools of Buddhism.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or enlightenment itself, and the Sangha as the historical and current community of learners seeking to become Buddhas.”

-Text From Better Listen Basic Buddhism

This episode is an exc...

Opening with an extended “Jewel Tree of Tibet” guided meditation, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on using Vipassana and transcendent intelligence to understand the role of philosophical thought in Buddhism.

This episode concludes with an in-depth discussion of Vipassana (Insight) & Samatha (Calm Abiding) meditation methods for those of all backgrounds and traditions.

“Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a wish-fulfilling jewel tree for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With “The Jewel Tree of...

Opening with a recommendation of “Angels in My Hair” by Lorna Byrne, Robert Thurman sits down with its author for a far-ranging discussion of faith, angels, materialism, climate change and the power of positive thinking and prayer.

This podcast includes: a discussion of the commonalities of all faiths and religions, an in-depth exploration of the divine beings and protectors found in Christian and Buddhist traditions, and a heart-opening dialogue on love, the soul, the afterlife, and the non-dual nature of reality.

The episode concludes with an extended discussion of guardian angels and a guided meditation led...

Opening with a discussion of idolatry and Buddhist ethics, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on karma and the causality of action as understood in Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism.

This episode includes a short history of Buddhist ethics and schools across Asia and the establishment and development of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or enlightenment itself, and the...

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman shares his Thanksgiving message and gives a powerful teaching on how compassion for all beings can transform one’s relationship to the mind, heart, the environment and all situations.

Opening with a brief history of the original Thanksgiving festivals in Plymouth, this episode includes a deep dive into the nature of compassion from a Buddhist perspective and a call to action to develop wisdom and kindness in everyday life no matter what one’s background, faith or tradition might be.

In this episode Robert Thurman details the concept of emptiness, giving a teaching on the power of the mind to develop transcendent wisdom in order to understand reality as it is using critical thinking, debate, direct experience and meditation.

This podcast includes discussions of: the scientific nature of the Buddha’s teachings, the illusion-like nature of the appearance of reality, the three types of wisdom (wisdom born of learning, critical reflection, and meditative insight), and an explanation of the differences between Objective Selflessness and Subjective Selflessness.

Thurman concludes this episode with a guided Four Keys of...

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the power of positive thinking in troubling times and gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective of love and enlightenment for those of all backgrounds and traditions.

This podcast includes discussions of: the importance of the 2022 mid-term elections in the United States, the value of democratic institutions across the globe, and a short introduction to Thurman’s book, “Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts that Can Change Your Life”, now available from Hay House Publications.

Opening with guided meditation on searching for the self, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on self, selflessness and how to understand what clearlight means from the Buddhist perspective.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or enlightenment itself, and the Sangha as the historical and current community of learners seeking to become Buddhas.”

-Text From Better Listen Basic Buddhism

This episod...

Opening with a guided “Seven Limbs of Practice” meditation Robert Thurman in this episode gives an all levels teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the transformational practice of the exchange of self for others or Lojong.

Episode includes an explanation of the yoga of positive evolutionary action and how acting transcendentally and shift our understanding of reality and emotional interrelationship with all beings, friend, foe, and neutral ones.

Concludes with an overview of the Bodhisattva vow as taught by Shantideva for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions.

“Tibetans call their cherished tradit...

In this episode Robert Thurman re-tells Shakyamuni Buddha’s life story and gives an in-depth teaching on the nature of enlightenment for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions.

“Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism is a collective series of five lectures he has given on Buddhism. In these lectures, Thurman patiently takes apart each jewel of Buddhism: the Buddha as the teacher of enlightenment, the Dharma as the teaching, or enlightenment itself, and the Sangha as the historical and current community of learners seeking to become Buddhas.”

-Text From Better Listen Basic Buddhism

This epi...

Opening with an introduction to the two kinds of Bodhichitta, Robert Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on wisdom, compassion, love and their connection to the Buddhist understanding of emptiness.

This podcast includes a discussion of nirvana and the emanation body (nirmanakaya) which is the form of the Buddha that appears in the world to teach people the path to liberation.

The episode concludes with an introduction to the Seven-Fold Precept of Mother Recognition and The Exchange of Self and Other and an extended Jewel Tree guided meditation using both.

“Tibetans call their cherished tr...

Opening with a guided “Jewel Tree” meditation, Robert Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist concepts of bodhisattvas, bodhichitta–the spirit of becoming perfectly awakened–and to the role of motivation in Buddhism and in everyday interactions.

Using the classical imagery of the covered, leaky and poisoned vessels, Thurman gives a teaching on the qualities needed to be an open-minded, determined and well-intended student of Buddha Dharma and of life.

“Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a wish-fulfilling jewel tree for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path...