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: 94

Mind & Life
Podcast Episodes
Jack Kornfield - Wisdom For Our Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
As 2020 draws to a close, Wendy speaks with Buddhist teacher, author, and psychologist Jack Kornfield in a special episode. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including: how he's interpreting our current m…
Adam Hanley - Taking Your Mind Off Autopilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:17
In this bonus episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and contemplative researcher Adam Hanley. Adam studies mindfulness-based interventions for addiction and pain, seeking to understand how they work, and how they can b…
Andreas Roepstorff - Interacting Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:20
In this episode, Wendy speaks with anthropologist and neuroscientist Andreas Roepstorff. Andreas has been a pioneer in integrating these two approaches, examining how social context impacts the mind and brain. Their conv…
Evan Thompson - Expanding Our View of the Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:42
In this episode, Wendy speaks with philosopher of mind Evan Thompson about embodied cognition and contemplative science. Evan is one of the earliest contributors to advancing the dialogue between Buddhism and Western sci…
Doris Chang - Critical Consciousness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist Doris Chang about her work on race, ethnicity, culture, and other dimensions of social identity as they shape psychological experience and mental health treatment.…
Richie Davidson - The Science of Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist, psychologist, and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, Richard (Richie) Davidson. Richie is one of the founders of contemplative science, and shares his perspective…
Tanya Luhrmann - How Social Worlds Shape Our Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
In this episode, Wendy speaks with anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann about how practices embedded in social realities change our minds and our experiences. They discuss: her research on unusual spiritual experiences (voices,…
Amishi Jha - Attention, Mind Wandering, and Stress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:19
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive and contemplative neuroscientist Amishi Jha about using mindfulness to train attention, and its usefulness particularly in high-stress situations. They cover many topics, incl…
john powell - Othering and Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
In this episode, Wendy speaks with law professor and civil rights expert john a. powell about his work at the intersection of social justice and spirituality. This conversation was recorded during the 2019 Summer Researc…
Willa Blythe Baker - Meditating with the Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:34
In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and Buddhist scholar Willa Blythe Baker about her work, and how the body is relevant in meditation. They cover many topics, including: the roots of her interest in Bu…