Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and author Robert (Bob) Thurman. Bob is one of the foremost scholars in the world on Tibetan Buddhism, and played a major role in bringing Buddhism to America. This conversation covers many topics, including:

• his entry into Buddhism, and befriending the Dalai Lama;
• links between Buddhism and science (and why Buddhism is 1/6 religion);
• problems with scientific materialism;
• enlightenment and emptiness;
• stories of the Buddha leaving home;
• four friendly fun facts (noble truths);
• realistic vs. right approaches on the path;
• jumping into bliss prematurely;
• Buddhist ethics;
• practices to push against essentialism;
• the key role of compassion in enlightenment;
• how he thinks about reincarnation and continuation of consciousness;
• the role of science on the contemplative path;
• and Bob's parting fun fact.

Full show notes and resources