Buddhism, Shamanism & the Miraculous – Ep. 215

Using the poetry of Milarepa, stories of the mahasiddhas Tilopa and Naropa and the historical accounts of the Buddha’s life, Professor Thurman explains the miraculous nature of Buddhism and it’s connection to shamanism.

Opening with a discussion of yoga‘s connection to Buddhism and it’s possible Buddhist origins, Robert Thurman gives an inspiring re-telling of the Buddha’s enlightenment from a yogic and meditation perspective.

Podcast includes a discussion of emptiness, the symbolism of trees in Buddhist iconography, the historical role and impact of vegetarianism within the mendicant community, the misrepresentation of “crazy wisdom” by modern teachers and the centrality of critical wisdom and selfless compassion in a proper understanding of the blissful interdependent nature of reality.

Second half of this week’s teaching includes an introduction to Chöd (or severance) meditation practiced in cemeteries or charnel grounds as passed down by the eleventh-century yogini Machig Labdrön by Robert A.F. Thurman.

This week’s poetry segment Gary Gach reads Robinson Jeffers’ poem “Vulture”.

This week’s episode includes a personal invitation to the Tibet House US Annual Shamans and Siddhas Retreat with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Buddhism, Shamanism & the Miraculous – Ep. 215 Image of Naropa via www.himalayanart.org

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

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.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us.

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.