
Buddhism for Artists : Behind the Buddha’s Smile – Ep. 186
Opening this two part podcast detailing the Buddhist concept of Dharma, Robert Thurman introduces the Ten Paramitas through a discussion of art, creativity, stories from the Dalai Lama’s dialogs with Western creatives and depictions of the Buddha’s smile.
Podcast includes: an in-depth exploration of the artfulness of the Seventh Paramita: UpÄya (Skillful Means or Liberative Art), the relationship of bliss to beauty, the imaginative inspiration found in the “Flower Ornament Sutra”, the nature of Buddhahood, the role of artist as Bodhisattva and the inevitability of every being becoming a Buddha in our infinite, interconnected universe.
Second half of podcast begins with Professor Thurman giving a teaching on past life, reincarnation and the Buddha’s spiritual evolutionary biology accessed through the development of wisdom, compassion and the practice of generosity.
Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Susan Griffin by Gary Gach. .
Photo by Alice Achterhof on Unsplash
“Buddhism for Artists : Behind the Buddha’s Smile” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded the Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Retreat at Garrison Institute in 2015..
The Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives project was founded to explore Buddhist and art practices. Begun in 2012 the project’s goal is to bring artists together to meet, collaborate, and inspire one another, and to mentor emerging artists. The gatherings explore Buddhism and art, and how both can serve the world.
Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanhâs Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology âWhat Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphopâ and the forthcoming âPause Breathe Smile â Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enoughâ.
Susan Griffin is a Poet, essayist, and playwright born Los Angeles in 1943, she has written over twenty books, including non-fiction, poetry and plays. Her work addresses many social and political issues, social justice, the oppression of women, ecology, war and peace, economic inequities and democracy. She and her work have been given many awards, among them a Guggenheim Foundation Award and an Emmy.
“Compassionate Bliss of the Artist – Ep. 186” of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part by The Artist and Buddhist Contemplatives Project and the Tibet House US and Menla Retreat Membership community.
To 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 song âDancing Lingâ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album âHeart Sutraâ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artistâs permission, all rights reserved.
The Bob Thurman podcast is produced under a Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives License through the generous support of its listening audience and the Tibet House US Menla membership community. To learn about the benefits of membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.
The songs âTrance Tibetâ & âDancing Lingâ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album âHeart Sutraâ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge are used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artistâs permission, all rights reserved.