Robert A.F. Thurman in this two part podcast discusses how pilgrimage combined with study of Buddhist Philosophy can help anyone encounter the bliss at the core of his mind transformation practices and leads a guided meditation.

Using the colorful depictions of the Padmasambhava, Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel Professor Thurman explains the role of meditation deities in Tibetan Buddhism, the different understandings of Iconography and of Idolatry that Western and Eastern viewers hold.

Podcast includes a short history of Bhutan, it's relationship to it's neighbor Tibet, a teaching on the difference between being a pilgrim and being a tourist, and how the use of Inner and Outer pilgrimages can help one understand the interconnected nature of reality.

In the second half of this week's episode Robert Thurman gives basic instructions on using the breath to develop one pointed concentration and leads a guided Jewel Tree Meditation for those of all traditions.

Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Thich Nhat Hanh by Gary Gach. .

Photo by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash

This episode was recorded in Bhutan as part of the Geographic Expedition called “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” led by Professor Thurman in April, 2014.  

“Pilgrimage : Encountering the Buddha's Bliss - Ep. 185 of the Bob Thurman Podcast” is apart of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Series” using field recordings of Robert AF Thurman and friends from his global docent tours benefiting the work of Tibet House US.

To 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.

Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

The song ‘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.

To learn about upcoming Tibet House US trips Robert Thurman + GeoEx please visit: www.bobthurman.com.