Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225

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 can use in their pursuit of happiness no matter their background.

Opening with an exploration of the Buddhist perspective on the role and personal joy of teaching Professor Thurman gives a historical overview of the development of Buddhism and it’s place within modern democracy movements.

This episode includes : discussions of the traditional tools of Buddhist meditation, the role of selflessness in spirituality and the centrality of individual development, freedom and liberty in the pursuit of happiness.

Episode concludes with a reading of the work of Billy Collins by Gary Gach.

Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Luke Stackpoole via Unsplash

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”.

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.

Buddhism in the West : The Pursuit of Happiness – Ep. 225 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is excerpted from “Buddhism, Religion or Evolutionary Sport” a talk given at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

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 songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘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.