In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the value of studying Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana by anyone interested in improving their mind, relationships and the world around them with or without initiation or empowerment.
Opening with a succinct explanation of the different lineages, orders and sects of Tibetan Buddhism from a historical perspective, Robert A.F. Thurman leads a discussion of the common misconceptions of Vajrayana Buddhism since coming to the West giving rise to the appearance of sectarianism and abuses by non-traditional Guru figures.
Podcast includes: an overview of the Buddhist Inner Sciences, a short discussion of the distinctions between Mother, Father and Non-Dual Tantra and an introduction to the central channel practices including the Magic Body and Chakra symbolism.
Second half of the podcast includes an in-depth exploration of the the symbolism and use of the Bells, Dorjes and Vajra Ritual Implements in art and meditation practices.
Podcast concludes with a reading of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Millennial Cities” by Gary Gach.
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.
This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices.
Buddhist Sciences : Mother & Father Tantras – Ep. 203 was recorded at the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources Class Introduction of the Force for Good Series Class “Buddhist Science Vajrayana Part Three” on November 30th 2016 at Tibet House US in New York City.
‘A Force For Good’ is a Tibet House US course to further the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives, from His Holiness’ American Institute of Buddhist Studies and Mind & Life Institute science dialogues (Universe in a Single Atom) and His creation of Abhidharma 2.0 through the “Science for Monks” programs, his “secular ethics” (Ethics for the New Millennium and Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of Tibet’s Dalai Lama) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility).
This on-going series was inspired by Daniel Goleman’s ‘A Force For Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World‘.
To learn more about this year’s Force For Good Series please click the image above or visit: www.tibethouse.us.
Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF 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.
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”.
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