Bob Thurman Podcast

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]