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Force For Good: Sci-Fi & The Vimalakīrti Sūtra – Ep. 129

August 13, 2017

In this podcast Professor Robert AF Thurman discusses the classic British Sci-Fi Series ‘Dr. Who’ drawing parallels to the Buddhist text ‘The Vimalakirti Sutra’. Includes an in depth exploration of the Buddhist perspective of selflessness & non-dualism.

This talk was recorded during the 2016 Force For Good Class #6 at Tibet House US in New York City in February 2016.

‘A Force For Good’ is a Tibet House US course to further the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives, from His Holiness’ American Institute of Buddhist Studies and Mind and Life science dialogues (Universe in a Single Atom) and His creation of Abhidharma 2.0 through the “Science for Monks” programs, his “secular ethics” (Ethics for the New Millennium and Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility).

I think it is such a great sūtra, so beloved for thousands of years by millions of people, introducing them to Prajñāpāramitā sūtra teachings, Buddha-Avatamsaka sūtra teachings, Pure Land teachings, Jewel Heap sūtra collection teachings, and even, tangentially, to the esoteric teachings. I am delighted that more people around the world will get to meet Vimalakīrti and Mañjuśrī in dialogue.

Robert AF Thurman on the release of the 8400 Online Edition of The Vimalakīrti Sūtra

To read Professor Thurman’s translation online please visit: www.read.84000.co.

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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 “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge are used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.