Opening this podcast with an introduction to the Medicine Buddha and his long time co-teacher + friend Richard Freeman, Professor Thurman explore the connections between Hatha Yoga, Buddhist Philosophy + the Indic Inner Sciences through a close translation of the classic fifteenth-century Sanskrit manual on hatha yoga, "The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā" by Svāmi Svātmārāma.
Using the teachings of K. Pattabhi Jois + Geshe Ngawang Wangyal Robert A.F. Thurman and Richard Freeman explore the symbolism and meditation practices centering on the Hindu Deities Brahmā, Shiva, and Buddha in the form of Great Vajradhara.
Podcast includes a discussion of Brahmanism, Shaivism, Tantic Buddhism, the Chöd ("Severence") Charnel Ground Practice, Raja Yoga (King Yoga), a re-telling of the story of the Mahasiddha, Luipa The Fish-Gut Eater and how the non-Dualism found in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions erode hierarchies and brought change about change within the rigid caste system of India.
Second half of this week's podcast continues the dialog focusing on how the Vedic + Buddhist traditions both approach non-dualism, daily practice and bathroom humor.
Stunning the Mind with Yoga - Episode #178 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by Park Troopers on Unsplash

This podcast was recorded at Menla’s Nalanada Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York during the 2016 ‘Buddha & The Yogis’ Retreat with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell + Robert A.F. Thurman.
Learn more about the connections between practical yoga, daily meditation & esoteric study at this year’s ‘Buddha & The Yogis: The Divine Feminine Retreat with Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman & Robert Thurman please visit: www.menla.us.
This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor and was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.
Stunning the Mind with Yoga is an excerpt from the archive recordings from the Tibet House US retreat “Buddha & the Yogis” with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, John Campbell and Robert A.F. Thurman recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2011.
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.
Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives. Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month.
The song ‘Dancing Ling’ + ‘Trance Tibet’ 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.
To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Richard Freeman + Mary Taylor please visit: www.menla.us.