Professor Robert Thurman, author of ”Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet,” joins Chris to talk about the Dalai Lama and the continuing crisis in Tibet.
Show Notes
Friend and Guru (Opening) – Chris introduces Robert’s newest book, ”Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet.” Robert tells the story of how he as a young man came to meet the Dalai Lama, which led to a lifetime of work and friendship together. He shares the lessons he learned as a monk in the Tibetan tradition and talks about his relationship with the Dalai Lama.
“Monasticism is the biggest institutional and social antidote to militarism in a society that has ever arisen. In other words, it gives you a kind of boot camp for non-violent heroes to counteract the influence of violence.” – Robert Thurman
Man of Peace (15:00) – The two discuss the decade’s old conflict between China and Tibet. Robert talks about the Dalai Lama’s commitment to a peaceful resolution and the resiliency of the Tibetan people.
“The Dalai Lama, and I myself, we don’t really blame the Chinese people for their government’s genocidal activities and policies in Tibet. The soldiers who executed Tibetans would have been executed themselves if they had not. What is actually going on is an imbalance in the planet, having to do with the industrialization of militarism and consumerism.” – Robert Thurman
Buddha’s Innovation (28:00) – Professor Thurman breaks down the fundamentals of classical Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. He gives us a better appreciation for the Buddha’s innovative teachings.
“When you get out of your egotism, temporarily, through love you are happy. The Buddha’s discovery was that this is the real way you should always be. He said that just believing this alone is not enough to experience it; there is a method to experiencing it.” – Robert Thurman
The Universe in a Single Atom (40:00) – One of the more admirable traits of the Dalai Lama is his intense and open interest in science. Chris and Robert talk about why it is that science is so important to not only the Dalai Lama but to the foundation of Buddhism itself.
Tibet House (52:30) – Tibet House is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil. Robert shares the origin of Tibet House and the “mainstreaming” of Buddhism around the world.
