In this two part podcast Professor Thurman discusses the role of women in Indian and Tibetan history and of the feminine principle within their inner and outer yoga traditions.

Opening with an exploration of the experience of enlightenment as depicted in the classic science fiction film "Star Trek The Motion Picture" Robert A.F. Thurman gives a brief introduction to the study and practice of Buddhist Vajrayana deity yoga meditation on Tara and female inspirational figures of any tradition.

Podcast includes a recommendation of the yoga teachings of Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, a short history of Buddhism, it's relationship to yoga, a non-dual perspective on the role of women in society and in Buddhist monastic communities and an exploration of the Twenty One Taras used by Tibetan adepts, pilgrims and everyday people for generations.

Second half of this week's episode includes a guided meditation and a teaching on the dedication of positive merit generated during the spiritual practice and contemplation of Tara's immeasurable, multi-colored forms.

Recorded at the annual Buddha and The Yogis intensive program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Friends held at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York, Summer 2016.

In this week’s Bob Thurman podcast poetry segment Gary Gach reads the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

Tara, Yoga & Female Buddhas - Ep. 195 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Tara statue photo via www.luminousbuddha.com.

This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the 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.

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