Sacred Stream Radio

Laura Chandler

Laura Chandler hosts this monthly series that features interviews with thought leaders, artists, healers, and other interesting humans.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 144: Remembering Robert Thurman: Part 2: Buddhism is Realism

    In the second episode of the special series Remembering Robert Thurman, we return to one of the first talks Robert Thurman gave at Sacred Stream, in 2008. On that particular fall evening, another event was taking place at the Sacred Stream Center, so Laura Chandler and Isa Gucciardi invited everyone into their San Francisco living room instead. More than 80 people crowded into the house for what remains one of Bob's most popular Sacred Stream lectures. This previously unreleased material has been divided into two episodes. At the heart of the first part of this teaching is one of Bob's favorite insights: Buddhism is realism. He describes the Dharma as an invitation to see reality more clearly and, through that clearer seeing, to discover our true nature. He explores samsara as the world of mistaken perception we construct when we fail to recognize reality as it is, offers a fresh perspective on the Four Noble Truths, and takes on one of the most persistent misconceptions about Buddhism: the idea that the teaching of "no self" means that we do not actually exist. In this joyfully provocative teaching, Bob invites listeners to become more realistic about who and what they are and to discover the bliss that underlies everything. The result is a wonderful glimpse of Robert Thurman at his most passionate, playful, and illuminating—bringing the Dharma to life with the unmistakable energy, humor, and intellectual clarity that made him such a beloved teacher. To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

  2. Jul 16

    Episode 142: Remembering Robert Thurman: Part 1: The Dalai Lama & China

    In the first episode of the Remembering Robert Thurman series, Laura Chandler reflects on the recent passing of Robert A.F. Thurman—renowned Buddhist scholar, bestselling author, educator, and one of the world's foremost interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism. A close friend, mentor, and longtime supporter of the Sacred Stream, Bob devoted his life to making the profound wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition accessible to modern audiences. He was the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, co-founder of Tibet House US, and a lifelong advocate for the preservation of Tibetan culture and the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Recorded during Bob's West Coast book tour for Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, this candid conversation took place in the car on the way to a talk at Google. Filled with his trademark humor, brilliant storytelling, and unwavering devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the interview offers a rare glimpse into the warmth, brilliance, and infectious joy that made Bob such an extraordinary teacher and cherished friend. This episode also honors the contributions of composer Dan Walters and legendary recording engineer Jesse Osborne, whose artistry helped bring this conversation to life. Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, laughter, and enduring wisdom of Robert A.F. Thurman. To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

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Laura Chandler hosts this monthly series that features interviews with thought leaders, artists, healers, and other interesting humans.

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