#38 The Bob Thurman Podcast

In this podcast, Bob explains how the 1st vehicle, the individual vehicle taught in Theravāda Buddhism, lays the foundation for the 2nd vehicle, the universal vehicle taught in Mahayana Buddhism.
Recorded at Tibet House US, NYC, February 2007.


MP3 File

Comments

[Joey Givan]

This is a great forum, I always look forward to each new podcast...
This was informative, because from time to time I wonder what Mr. Thurman is doing right now. Obviously he's a professor who seems to be very busy. I'd like to peak into his schedule to see what's going on. Apparently a day in the life of Bob includes 17 meetings one of which is counseling a Tibetan on their asylum status. That is great.
This comment might apply to other podcasts as well. I heard recently by a neuroscientist that one of the evolutionary advantages for humans having an imagination is for deceptive purposes. That is we are using the imagination to think what others are thinking and thereby to gain an advantage in our relations.
Any comments on the evolution of our imagination or on the uses and development thereof? Does Buddhism help one to develp the imagination and considers this to be a necessary skill, or that one might not get this development from other sources?
I don't see myself trying to think what others are thinking at all, because some people it would be a waste of time to think what they are thinking, or to set yourself up in a purely reactive way. I'd rather just be apart of the entire situation, taking all things into account and respond according to my feelings rather than spending all the efforts of calculating the most profitable scheme in life. Is that a worthwhile pursuit or am I just setting up a advantageous situation for myself which is also deception based? It just seems that is more nirvanic or holistic approach but might still be entirely samsaric.
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity to learn and discuss.
Joey