Bob Thurman Podcast

In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein M.D. discuss the history of scientific studies on the effects of meditation training since Buddhism's migration to the West and encounter with materialists, psychotherapists and poets. Settling down after their annual Buddhism and Psychotherapy gathering, Bob Thurman and Mark Epstein reflect upon their twenty plus years teaching together, the on-going dialog between mental health care-givers and Buddhist Psychonauts, highlighting the teachers and teachings which impacted their work, writing and personal journeys. Candidly sharing details about his next book, Dr. Mark Epstein describes his academic career, the untold stories behind his groundbreaking writings and the moments his life long studies of psychology have put him on the front lines of the mindfulness revolution through his patients, colleges and in his participation in historic scientific studies. This episode includes: an exploration of the influence of the historical Buddha,

In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Lavinia Currier discuss the history of environmental awareness in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Recounting childhood stories from the first Earth […]

In this extended conversation Dr. Mark Hyman and Robert A.F. Thurman explore the relationship between diet, food production, the climate crisis and the rise of global pandemics. Opening with a […]

Using the teachings of the historical Buddha, Nagarjuna and Shantideva, Robert A.F. Thurman elaborates the concept of cool heroism and the yoga of practical non-violence passed down from India and […]

Introducing the iconography of the Medicine Buddha used to train Tibetan Buddhist medical practitioners , Robert A.F. Thurman explores the foundations of Buddhism and the role of leadership within the […]

Exploring the landscape of modern democracy as it relates to the election of American presidents through extended primary processes, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need for cooperation […]

In this extended recording Professor Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the centrality of reincarnation to the Buddha’s philosophy and how an understanding of past and future lives is essential […]

In this extended episode Professor Thurman gives an inspiring talk on the role of cultural creatives in creating peaceful social revolutions and how Buddhism’s spread influenced modern counter culture movements […]

Professor Thurman is joined by dear friend Krishna Das in this special episode of the Bob Thurman Podcast to discuss the life and work of Ram Das, the history of […]

In honor of Tibetan New Year and the 600th anniversary of the enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, Professor Thurman gives a teaching on the history of women in Buddhism and details the […]

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the history and context of Buddhist Sutras and the Buddhist Medical Tradition as expressed in the mandala of the […]

Using popular culture and recent world history as a jumping off point, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a talk on the nature of civilization and the rise, spread and evolution of […]

Professor Thurman in this episode is joined by long time friend and colleague Nina Rao for an extended conversation on the role of environmental responsibility in spirituality and the need […]

In this episode Professor Thurman gives a teaching on how the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path find a modern expression in the Gross National Happiness philosophy in […]

Using the work of Buddhologist Gadjin M. Nagao as a roadmap, Professor Thurman leads an introduction to the Buddha’s teachings and gives an inspiring talk on the future “fifth peak” […]

In this questions and answers session Professor Thurman and Sharon Salzberg discuss the interconnected nature of emptiness, compassion, and loving-kindness and the use of mandalas in meditation. Opening with an […]

In this extended holiday episode Professor Thurman gives an introduction to the history and mission of the Dalai Lama’s cultural arts center Tibet House US in New York City and […]

In this episode Professor Thurman is joined by Sarah Drew for a discussion on the need for conscious evolution of individuals in order to address the global climate crisis. Podcast […]

Examining the spread of Buddhism in the West through the organizations and communities found in the United States Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the Buddhist methods any individual […]

Using the historical spread of the Buddha’s teachings as a road map Robert A.F. Thurman introduces Buddhist life and practice as an evolutionary sport which effectively transforms the hearts, minds […]