Bob Thurman Podcasts

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 […]

Inconceivable Liberation and The Womb of Compassion – Ep. 292

May 20, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman leads a close line reading of the sixth chapter of “The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti”, giving an all-levels teaching on the inconceivable nature of the […]

Climate Protests & Body Immolation: Remembering Wynn Bruce – Ep. 291

April 30, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman opens with a recitation from Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” to set the stage for an impassioned discussion of the global climate crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, […]

Earth Day Every Day & Understanding The World’s Third Pole – Ep. 290

April 24, 2022

In this episode Tibet House US | Menla President & Co-Founder Robert A.F. Thurman sits down for a heart-centered talk about Buddhist perspectives on the environment, Earth Day and the […]

The Art of Dying and Living: Exploring Life, Death & the Afterlife – Ep. 289

April 20, 2022

In this extended episode, recorded at Menla during the online conference “The Art of Dying and Living: An Exploration of Life, Death, and the Afterlife”, Robert Thurman shares insights and […]

Never Forget Tibet: The Untold Story of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama – Ep. 288

March 30, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the world premiere of the film “Never Forget Tibet: The Dalai Lama’s Untold Story”, happening worldwide March 31st, as well as the historical connections […]

Bodhisattvas & The Buddha On Defensive Wars: Remembering Tibet & The Ukraine – Ep. 287

March 16, 2022

In this extended podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the significance of March 10th in Tibetan history, it’s connections to the Ukraine and gives a teaching on the historical Buddha’s perspective […]

Ukraine, Russia & The Buddha’s Wisdom – Ep. 286

March 3, 2022

In this special episode, Robert Thurman pays tribute to the heroic citizens of Ukraine and their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the invasion and attempted occupation by Russia. Celebrating President Zelenskyy’s […]

My Early Years: Exploring The Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta – Ep. 285

February 20, 2022

Recounting his early days studying with Geshe Ngawang Wangyal, Robert Thurman in this episode gives a teaching on practicing meditation and the Buddhist perspective on mindfulness through a close line […]

Dzogchen: The Great Connection and The Five Aggregates – Ep. 284

February 10, 2022

Opening with a question by Traditional Tibetan medicine pioneer, author and fellow popularizer of the Buddhist inner and outer sciences, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Professor Thurman explores the delicate translation of […]

Thank you Thay: Celebrating the Art, Wisdom and Kindness of Thich Nhat Hanh – Ep. 283

January 28, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman shares personal stories and a historical perspective on the life, work and writings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Opening with the Buddhist perspective on death and […]

Facing Death to Come Fully Alive – Ep. 282

January 25, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman gives a teaching on impermanence and the power of contemplating one’s mortality to inspire action, nurture gratitude, transform relationships, and prioritize what truly matters. Opening […]

A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Dr. David Kittay & Robert Thurman- Ep. 281

January 13, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by fellow Tibetan language translator, author, and inner-science adventurer, Dr. David Kittay for a conversation on bliss, everyday ethics, contemporary Buddhism, the Eightfold […]