Cool Heroism in the Age of Americus Trumpus – Ep. 153

The Call for Cool Heroism. It’s vanguard of grandmothers, wives, mothers, sisters & daughters  are a modern day embodiment of the Buddha’s revolutionary, non-violent teachings of radical personal and social activism. In this two part podcast Robert A.F. Thurman gives an explanation of his concept of Inner Cool Revolutions, it’s relationship to Buddhist Education, Meditation, and politics, their connections to the modern grassroots #MeToo & #RiseUp movements, and a traditional Dharma teaching on how to use wisdom + fierce (as well as mild) compassion to best amplify our emergency efforts to create a more positive, suitable and equitable future for all.

Using light heated references to comedian Michael Ian Black‘s book “A Child’s First Book of Trump” & the Sci-Fi Classic Film “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” Professor Thurman leads the listener through the Buddhist perspective on the place of celestial bodies in understanding the interconnected nature of reality and the symbolic value of the the Sun, Moon + especially Eclipses within it’s mind-transformation + subtle body yogic practices.

In the second part of this podcast Professor Thurman describes the differences between the Individual and the Universal Vehicles of Buddhism by addressing concerns raised at the recent Buddhist Action Council regarding the value of solitary meditation, the dangers of social isolation and the need to understand patterns of conflict avoidance in our communities, our families and most importantly in our minds.

“Cool heroes are people who are forceful, intelligent, just, and insightful, who can speak up loudly and clearly, but without getting angry or indulging in hatred. We need cool heroes today. We don’t need hot heroes. You’re happier than the violent people. The final completion of the American revolution has to be fun, nonviolent, and determined while cool.

As Gandhi said, peace has to be the path to peace. Violence will never be the path to peace. Jesus said “Love thine enemy!” The Buddha said that hatred will not put an end to hatred. Only nonhatred and love will put an end to hatred.”

Robert A.F. Thurman via Lion’s Roar

Podcast concludes with a recommendation of Riane Eisler’s “The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future” and a special message about upcoming programs with Robert Thurman and Friends.

“Cool Heroism in the Age of Americus Trumpus” podcast was recorded Feb 1st, 2018 in Woodstock, New York.

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The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved.