Using the study and practice of the Kalachakra from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a road map, Robert A.F. Thurman gives a teaching on the need to combine wisdom with meditation to develop in any spiritual path.
Opening with a re-telling of the story of Pai Chang & Huang Po in which the Chan master and student discuss how to make a Buddha through inner & outer (mental & physical) efforts Professor Thurman uses this classic tale to discuss the dangers of Scientism, materialism and absolutism modern seekers face in daily culture.
Second part of this week's episode is a guided "Three Principles of the Path" meditation and instructions on the dedication of positive merit generated through contemplative practices.
Podcast concludes with a reading of the poetry of Mary Oliver by Gary Gach.
"How to Make a Buddha - Episode 197 of the Bob Thurman Podcast"  is an excerpt from the “Final Questions + Answers Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat.
To read more about this year’s Kalachakra Program with Robert AF Thurman at Menla please visit: www.bobthurman.com.
“How to Make a Buddha” is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices.
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”.