Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss

Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss

Author: Mind & Life Institute June 3, 2022 Duration: 1:09:06
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

At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

Mind & Life
Podcast Episodes
Jessica Morey - Healing Attachment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and co-founder of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme), Jessica Morey. Jessica has been working with the contemplative path through the lens of attachment theory…
Juan Santoyo - Practice and Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher and social activist Juan Santoyo. Juan's work sits at the intersection of basic neuroscience and community-based programs; his central interest is in understand…
Al Kaszniak - The Universe of Verbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist, contemplative researcher, and Zen Buddhist teacher, Al Kaszniak. Al has been in the contemplative science space since the earliest days, and his work has shed light on how…
Brooke Lavelle - Courage in Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:16
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar, contemplative teacher, and social activist Brooke Lavelle. Brooke is the co-founder and president of Courage of Care, an organization that seeks to build transformatio…
Jud Brewer - Changing Habits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:37
In this episode, Wendy speaks with addiction psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Jud Brewer. Jud is one of the leading figures in the use of mindfulness for addiction and anxiety, and his work emphasizes the brain'…
Roshi Joan Halifax - Enactive Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:45
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher and author Roshi Joan Halifax. A pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, Roshi Joan was instrumental in developing the dialogue between science and Buddhism, and…
Cliff Saron - Embracing Complexity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:21
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and contemplative researcher Cliff Saron. Cliff is a pioneer in studying the effects of meditation on attention and emotion, and has been deeply embedded in the field of…
Bobbi Patterson - Contemplation, Place, and Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
In this episode, Wendy speaks with professor and Episcopal priest, Bobbi Patterson. Bobbi's work integrates Christian contemplation, Buddhist meditation, contemplative pedagogy, the role of place, and adaptive resilience…
Cortland Dahl - Integrating Science and Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:56
In this episode, Wendy speaks with researcher, translator, and Buddhist teacher, Cortland Dahl. Cort's work integrates science, psychology, meditation, and Tibetan Buddhism. This conversation covers many topics, includin…
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel - Identity as Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:15
In this episode, Wendy speaks with author, Zen priest and Buddhist teacher, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel. Zenju's work highlights how the various facets of our identity can become "fertilizer" for growth on the path of spiritua…