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