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ArchivesEvent coverage (e.g., audio/video, photos, reviews) is included whenever possible. January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December Exploring the Ancient Buddhist Sites of Sri Lanka and Cambodia
We will begin by pilgrimaging to Sri Lanka, the Emerald Isle, where the Individual Vehicle of early Buddhism cast its anchor in the early centuries after the Buddha's time. We will contemplate together amid the wondrous monuments and memorials of the Buddha's presence in the world. Next, we travel to Cambodia to visit the magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temple complexes at Angkor. We will spend our days leisurely exploring the fantastic temples, gates and stone carvings of one of the world’s great site. In addition to Angkor Wat and the stunning Bayon Temple, we will visit Thommanon, Chao Say, Ta Keo, Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei – the Citadel of Women. Throughout the journey we will travel and sleep and dine in great creature comfort, and we will also engage in inner spiritual journey through daily meditations, lectures, and discussions. We will practice yoga together, review the basic teachings of the Dharma path, and especially develop our practice of the visualizations of Tara and Avalokiteshvara. Additional Questions? 800.777.8183 Geographic Expeditions
Going to Pieces without Falling Apart under the Jewel
Tree of Tibet
Robert A.F. Thurman and Mark Epstein. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Meditation and Free-Association: A Buddhist
Perspective on Psychotherapy
Robert A.F. Thurman and Mark Epstein. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Module I: The Blade Wheel of Mind Transformation
Part 1 of 3 lectures by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Delicate, Exotic Watercolors Depict 1,400 Years of Tibetan Architecture
Opening reception. Possible appearance by Robert Thurman. Ancient, remote Tibetan monasteries, chapels and fortresses as well as recent new architecture are uniquely depicted in exotic watercolors by the French explorer, ethnologist and anthropologist Michel Peissel. Nearly 100 of his exquisite illustrations are on display at Tibet House U. S. from February 9 to April 7. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
For a growing number of people, there is nothing more important than religion. Philosopher Daniel C. Dennett, professor and director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University and prize-winning author of the influential Darwin's Dangerous Idea and other books, takes a hard look at this phenomenon and, drawing on his sure-to-be controversial new book, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, asks why. In conversation with Robert Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and author of Infinite Life: 7 Virtues for Living Well, Professor Dennett explores the evolution of organized religion and why it is such a potent force today. Dennett contends that "belief in belief" has fogged any attempt to rationally consider the existence of God and the relationship between divinity and human need. Yet Dennett is not anti-religion. The gulf between rationalists and adherents of "intelligent design" is widening daily, and Dennett's provocative goal is to reach believers and non-believers alike. Additional Questions? 212-854-7799
Module II: The Blade Wheel of Mind Transformation
Part 2 of 3 lectures by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
First Person Science
Directed by Dr. Craig Warren Smith & Dr. Brent Field, With Featured Speaker Dr. Robert Thurman. The First Person Science weekend is a collaboration between famed Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman, Princeton neuroscientist Brent Field and Shambhala teacher, Craig Warren Smith. Under His Holiness the Dalai Lama's guidance, the encounter between Buddhism and neuroscience promises to have a far-reaching impact on contemporary society, from health care and psychology to computer science and education. its heart lies a challenge to prevailing scientific method through an innovation called First Person Science - which provides a sophisticated method for investigating reality and looking directly into the nature of one's experience. Additional Questions? 212-675-6544
Module III: The Blade Wheel of Mind Transformation
Part 3 of 3 lectures by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Mind & Reality: A Multidisciplinary Symposium on Consciousness
Columbia University's Center for the Study of Science and Religion will host Mind & Reality: A Multidisciplinary Symposium on Consciousness this February 25th-26th in the Low Rotunda of Columbia University. This event is dedicated to enriching the dialogue between Buddhism, Hinduism, and contemporary consciousness studies. The overarching goal is to cultivate communication between culturally diverse lines of thought and foster relationships between like-minded individuals within the Academy. Buddhologist Robert A. F. Thurman, on the third panel, will speak about emptiness in Nagarjuna's "Royal Reason of Relativity" and argue that it provides an innovative way of approaching the "explanatory gap" in consciousness studies. Panelists will include Piet Hut (astrophysics & physics), W. Teed Rockwell (philosophy), and Gary Tubb (Indic philosophy). Additional Questions? info@mindandreality.org
The 16th Annual Tibet House Benefit Concert
Welcome Address by Robert A.F. Thurman. Current Line Up: Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Antony, Nawang Khechog, Damien Rice, Sufjan Stevens, and Allen Toussaint. There will be more artists performing at the show so check the website regularly as all new updates will be posted as soon as they are confirmed. As many of you may already know, there is a wonderful reception after the concert, where the artists, honorary chair, and all of the benefit concert package ticket holders congregate for a buffet dinner party. A portion of the proceeds of the concert will go to a New Orleans hurricane relief organization aiding New Orleans musicians affected by the hurricane (organization T.B.A.) A portion of the party proceeds will go to the local Tibetan community, the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Buddhism More than Religion: The Gifts of the Tibetans
Lecture by Robert A.F. Thurman. Buddhism is at most one-third religion, as shown by a quick analysis of the standard schemes of four noble truths, eightfold path, and three higher educations. Its sophisticated ethical system is more linked to evolutionary biology (as it understands it) than to religious prescription. Its meditative disciplines can be classified as religious, but its most important level is scientific, in the full sense of that term, in that wisdom, defined as the accurate and comprehensive knowledge of reality, is the main means of attaining freedom from suffering. Additional Questions? 650-725-6025
Wisdom and Compassion for Social Change: Being Peace in a Time of War
Lecture by Robert A.F. Thurman and Bhante Suhita Dharma as a benefit event for Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Additional Questions? 866.462.2838
In Homage to His Holiness the VI Dalai Lama
Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Tibetan Book of the Dead
Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
How to Free Your Mind: Tara, the Liberator
This weekend retreat is a unique opportunity to study and practice under the guidance of the Venerable bhiksuni, Thupten Chodron. Possible appearance by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
How to Free Your Mind: Tara, the Liberator
This weekend retreat is a unique opportunity to study and practice under the guidance of the Venerable bhiksuni, Thupten Chodron. Possible appearance by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Buddhism More than Religion: The Gifts of the Tibetans
An evening lecture with Professor Robert A.F. Thurman. Buddhism is at most one-third religion, as a quick analysis of the standard schemes of the four noble truths, eightfold path, and three higher educations shows. It has a sophisticated ethical system, more linked to evolutionary biology (as it understands it) than to religious prescription. Its meditative disciplines can be classified as religious, along with its rituals, institutions, and so on, so no doubt it has a religious dimension--the only one people have picked up on internationally or inter-culturally so far. Its most important level, however, is scientific in the full sense of that term, in that wisdom is the main means of attaining freedom from suffering.Its "queen of the sciences" is what they call "inner science", which consists in philosophy/psychology mainly, but with an eye toward facilitating human attainment of extraordinary states of stable well-being. Thus, the Dalai Lama's recently publicized dialogues with scientists--indeed my own and others' presence in academia rather than in Dharma centers--signals "Buddhism's" interaction with the full worldview of our culture and not just inter-religious. The Tibetans are the ones who have best preserved this full-panoply Buddhism from its matrix in ancient India. Thus, the Dalai Lama and his many colleagues bring to us its treasured gifts of ethics for our societies and politics, practical religious methodologies for our psychologies, and sophisticated mind sciences for our philosophical/scientific disciplines. In addition to Dr. Thurman's lecture, SVCA will present a lecture with Orville Schell and a five-day residency with The Mystical Arts of Tibet, an ensemble of Tibetan Lamas from the Drepung Loseling Monastery. This multidisciplinary project brings together Tibetan paintings, sculpture, textiles and ceremonies with scholarly discussions by two leading Tibetan art and culture experts. This project asks why the beauty of this remote landscape, the spirit of its people and the mystery of its religion have captured the hearts, minds and imaginations of individuals worldwide. Additional Questions? 208.726.9491
The Spirituality of True Capitalism (Generosity = Prosperity)
Lecture by Robert A.F. Thurman as part of the Martin W. Witte Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series. Additional Questions? 949.717.3800
Buddhism: A Joyous Science of Kindness and Wisdom
Buddhism claims that compassion is waiting to blossom in our depths, rising through and dissolving the delusions that cause suffering. "Kindness is compassion in action," says Sharon Salzberg, an admired teacher of insight meditation. The Buddha was not the founder of a dogmatic religion but an explorer of the human interior. He urged his followers to understand the human mind, which in its true nature is present, aware and interconnected with all other beings. From this state, love and compassion arise naturally. This is why Tibetan Buddhism scholar Robert Thurman calls Buddhism "a joyous science of the heart." To know your mind is to begin to change your mind. To change your actions is to begin to transform the world. On Friday evening, come sit with Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman and probe the foundations of Buddhism. On Saturday, Robert and Sharon will draw from Buddhist traditions and from their personal experiences to help us awaken from the daily trance of fear and anxiety. Through meditation and discussions, we will learn specific techniques to practice speech that is truthful and loving, unveil inner wisdom and cultivate lovingkindness. Additional Questions? 202.537.2221
Visioning Tibet: Compassion in Action
Dr. Marc Lieberman, Isaac Solotaroff, and Robert A.F. Thurman. Film Screening, Panel Discussion, and Reception. Additional Questions? 212.219.2527 (New York Open
Center)
Awakened Mind and Open Heart
Weekend retreat with Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das. Lovingkindness meditation and devotional chanting are complementary practices that cultivate our natural capacity for faith, compassion and love. Using classical techniques in a modern idiom, through teachings, songs, stories and guided meditations, this workshop will celebrate the heart. Possible appearance by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Fierce Compassion
Weekend retreat with Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated, "My true religion is kindness." Although frequently denigrated in our culture as simplistic and weak, the quality of kindness has an inherent power to transform our worldview from one of fear and isolation to one rooted in clarity, courage and compassion. This retreat will explore the powerful, sometimes fierce side of kindness, known in the teachings as wrathful compassion. Through talks, guided meditations and question and answer sessions, Bob Thurman and Sharon Salzberg will explore the terrain of right intention, right speech and right action in the everyday challenge of bringing together compassion, honesty, strength and balance. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity
Weekend retreat with Cyndi Lee and Robert Thurman. Which comes first, the body or mind? Can we be happy when our back is hurting? Does a strong body lead to an open heart or peaceful mind? This weekend we will explore our body as a reflective surface for the mind and the mind as vehicle for awakening our heart, using the four remedies found in the practice of the Four Immeasurables. Through dharma talks, discussion, meditation and yoga we'll begin to connect to the goodness that is already within us and begin to have the confidence to express that in our relationship to ourselves, each other and our world. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
The Yoga of Compassionate Living
Weekend retreat with Sharon Gannon and David Life. The path of compassionate living is an essential ingredient for enlightenment in both the Buddhist and Yoga traditions. Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is the ethical and spiritual precept found in the path of bodhisattva and yogi alike. The goal of yoga is to realize the Oneness of being. Through the practice of compassion, one is able to see themselves in others. When otherness disappears, oneness is revealed. Possible appearance by Robert A.F. Thurman. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Toward a Buddhist Psychotherapy: Investigating Self and Selflessness
Weekend retreat with Mark Epstein and Robert Thurman. Psychotherapy in the West is a little more than a hundred years old, but Buddhism has encouraged an investigation of the self for twenty-five hundred years. Buddhism seeks to change minds by probing the nature of the mind, This seminar will explore the psychological discoveries of the Buddha and the great Buddhist philosophers who followed him and will examine the potential that Buddhism has to enrich contemporary psychotherapy. In many important ways, today's psychoanalytical theories of intersubjectivity, relational psychology and object relations dovetail with a Buddhist understanding. We will explore how these views both clash and cohere with an eye toward forging an integration. A key component will involve both an experiential and a conceptual approach to understanding what is meant in Buddhist by 'emptiness'. There will be an opportunity to investigate different forms of meditation, appropriate for both beginners and those with meditation experience. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
The Buddha and the Yogis
Join Robert Thurman, Eddie Stern and John Campbell for a five-day retreat of Buddha and Yoga Dharma. Though in certain ways these two systems veer off from one another philosophically, the points where they do meet are valuable and worthy of note, for there was always Yoga in Buddhism, and more Buddhism in Yoga then many people are aware of. Increasingly in the West these two systems are drawing more and more "crossover" adherents, causing us to examine carefully what is useful within both of them for healthy, aware and engaged living. Over the course of five days there will be the opportunity to participate in Yoga and Buddhist practice, discussion and meditation, with the intent of expanding our understanding of the spiritual journey. As well, in a religiously divisive world, there should be a platform of mutual support and understanding in which we wish to participate here, as the Buddhists and the Yogis reach out to each other in harmony while sharing teachings. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
Bhutan, the Dragon Kingdom
"The diminutive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is a spiritual sanctuary, enriched by the thoughts and actions of generations of Buddhist practitioners and their enduring intensity of faith; an ecological enclave, where geographical circumstance and human humility have united to preserve an abundant, multilayered, undistracted environment; a secluded land, occupying a precarious niche in a fast encroaching modern world." Join Dr. Robert Thurman as he returns on his fifth visit to the last remaining Tibetan Buddhist Kingdom: Bhutan. During our travels we will visit sacred temples and monasteries, enjoy active day hikes and have time each day for meditation and teachings with Dr. Thurman. Throughout our journey we will examine Bhutan’s unique cultural and environmenal position and its efforts at continuation and preservation. Additional Questions? 800.777.8183 Geographic Expeditions
Peace
Retreat with Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman. "There is no higher happiness than peace," the Buddha said. In this program, we will explore inner peace and its relationship to ethics, love, and a conviction about interdependence, and work with how these guide us to what right action might look like in a world so clearly not at peace. There will be periods of discourse, discussion, and questions and answers, as well as guided sitting and walking meditation sessions. We will incorporate periods of silence at the beginning of the event to bring attention to the practice of mindfulness. This program is suitable for both beginning and more advanced meditation students. Additional Questions? 212.807.0563
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