Bob Thurman Podcasts

Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change: A Thanksgiving 2023 Message – Ep. 332

November 26, 2023

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

A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with David H. Rosmarin – Ep. 331

November 8, 2023

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 […]

On the 14th Amendment – Ep. 330

November 4, 2023

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 First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma – Ep. 329

July 22, 2023

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 […]

An Invitation to the Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive – Ep. 328

July 6, 2023

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 […]

Mandala Side Chat – Ep. 327

July 3, 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 […]

Summer Updates – Ep. 326

June 26, 2023

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 […]

H.H. Dalai Lama: Archetype of Radical Innocence – Ep. 325

April 19, 2023

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 […]

Easter Holidays, Jesus and Christianity – Ep. 324

April 7, 2023

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. […]

Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Geshe Dangsong Namgyal – Ep. 323

March 15, 2023

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 […]

Meeting Vimalakirti – Ep. 322

February 11, 2023

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 […]

Understanding Transcendence & Freedom From Absolutism – Ep. 321

February 2, 2023

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 […]

The Three Jewels of Buddhism in India, China & Tibet – Ep. 320

January 26, 2023

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 […]

Tara & Women in the Buddhist Sangha – Ep. 319

January 18, 2023

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 […]

Sangha & The Wheel of Dharma: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 318

January 11, 2023

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 […]

Bliss, Tantra & Selflessness: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 317

January 4, 2023

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 […]

Understanding Tantra, Zen & Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 316

December 28, 2022

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 […]

Vipassana & Samatha Meditation Under The Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 315

December 21, 2022

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. […]

Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Lorna Byrne – Ep. 314

December 15, 2022

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 […]

Understanding Karma & Causality in Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 313

December 7, 2022

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 […]

Thanksgiving and the Power of Compassion for All Beings – Ep. 312

November 24, 2022

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 […]

Transcendent Wisdom, The Root of Liberation: Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 311

November 16, 2022

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 […]

Life, Love and Enlightenment – Ep. 310

November 6, 2022

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 […]

Understanding Selflessness & Clearlight: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 309

October 31, 2022

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 […]

Mind Reform: Becoming the Engine of Happiness for All – Ep. 308

October 19, 2022

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 […]

The Buddha’s Enlightenment: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 307

October 6, 2022

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 […]

Developing Bodhichitta – The Spirit of Enlightenment: Tibet’s Wish Granting Jewel Tree – Ep. 306

September 28, 2022

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 […]

Motivation of the Bodhisattva: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet – Ep. 305

September 15, 2022

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 […]

Chanting and Practicing the Heart Sutra – Ep. 304

September 4, 2022

The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in the Buddhist canon. It is recited at the start of teachings, events & as a blessing. […]

A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Machiel Klerk – Ep. 303

August 25, 2022

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Machiel Klerk, social entrepreneur, licensed mental health therapist, international speaker, dream worker, author, and founder of the Jung Platform, an organization […]

The Truth of Karma & Being Here Now Under The Wish Fulfilling Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 302

August 18, 2022

Opening with a short introduction to the first two stages of the Lam Rim (Path to Enlightenment), the preciousness of human life endowed with liberty and opportunity, and awareness of […]

My Early Years: Dreams, Psychedelics & The Teachings of Tsongkhapa – Ep. 301

August 10, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses his early years studying Buddhism with the Kalmyk-Mongolian lama Geshe Ngawang Wangyal at the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center Labsum Shedrub Ling in central New […]

Atlas, Buddha & Letting The World Go: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet – Ep. 300

July 28, 2022

Opening with a meditation on the Greek myth of Atlas, the Titan condemned to hold up the earth, heavens and sky for eternity, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the […]

Mindfulness & The Mahasatipatthana Sutta – Ep. 299

July 20, 2022

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman uses the Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta, the Buddha’s direct instructions on practicing meditation and developing mindfulness, as a gateway to give a teaching on the intersection […]

Song of Immortality: Celebrating the Dalai Lama – Ep. 298

July 8, 2022

Opening with a detailed definition and explanation of the Tibetan terminology used for the Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman gives a close line reading of “Song of Immortality: Prayer for the […]

Understanding the Buddha’s Dharma: Creating Action from Anger – Ep. 297

June 29, 2022

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the ongoing effects of the Trump presidency on American civil rights, constitutional protections, health care, women’s reproductive access, and sensible gun laws, as […]

Taking Refuge Under the Wish Granting Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 296

June 21, 2022

Using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text “Guru Puja,” or “The Devotion to the Mentor” by the Fourth Panchen Lama, Robert A.F. Thurman leads listeners […]

Celebrating The Buddha’s Enlightenment & Kindness on Saka Dawa – Ep. 295

June 14, 2022

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 […]

Gun Violence in America: A Buddhist Perspective – Ep. 294

May 31, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman gives an impassioned and direct call to action for Americans to immediately address the decades of school shootings and senseless gun violence happening across the […]

The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet: An Introduction & Overview of Buddhism – Ep. 293

May 28, 2022

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives a historical introduction to Buddhism, it’s creation, development and refinement in Tibet using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the […]