In this extended recording Professor Thurman gives an introductory teaching on the centrality of reincarnation to the Buddha's philosophy and how an understanding of past and future lives is essential to becoming enlightened.

Using the teachings of Atisha, Tsongkhapa and the 14th Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman begins the teaching with a humorous thought experiment examining the materialist notions unpinning intellectual discussion about past and future lives.

Episode includes : a short history of Buddhism in India, Tibet and Asia, an exploration of the Christian traditions of reincarnation and explanation of the process of becoming enlightened as told in the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha.

This episode is the recording of the thought-provoking and lively lecture “Past & Future Lives: Is Enlightenment Possible Without Them?” with Robert Thurman, given at Maitripa College in Portland, OR on April 8, 2016.

Past & Future Lives Buddhism 101 : Bob Thurman Podcast Bonus photo by Wonderlane.

This recording from the “Past & Future Lives: Is Enlightenment Possible Without Them?" was originally excerpted as the episode: "Do We Need to Believe in Past & Future Lives to Become Enlightened? - Ep. 66" of the Bob Thurman Podcast.

This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York.

Listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. 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.

The songs “Trance Tibet” & ‘Dancing Ling’ 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.