Modern Mendicants No Haircut & No Free Lunch : Bob Thurman Force For Good
Channel: Tibet House US Menla Online
Date: 2018-01-17

Opening this video with a question from a Force For Good class series participant about the structure of the Lam Rim teachings, Robert AF Thurman leads an explanation of the Buddhist monastic tradition using a deconstruction of the terms bhikkhu (from Pali, Sanskrit: bhikṣu) & bhikkhuni (Sanskrit bhikṣuṇī). Interpreting them as mendicant instead of the traditional monk or nun., Professor Thurman explains an accurate translation as "one who lives on alms" provides a wealth of wisdom to modern students of Buddhism.

Includes a discussion of the need for preliminary practices, the dangers of Tantra, the role of learning the arts & crafts in mandala creation & visualization and suggestions for those looking to engage in Vajrayana & Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices.

A continuation of our course to further H. H. the Dalai Lama’s contemporary world initiatives, from His Holiness’ American Institute of Buddhist Studies and Mind and Life science dialogues (Universe in a Single Atom) and His creation of Abhidharma 2.0 through the “Science for Monks” programs, his “secular ethics” (Ethics for the New Millennium and Beyond Religion), His nonviolent approach to conflict resolution, including His Nobel Peace Laureate activities to seek dialogue and a win-win reconciliation with China in the face of the ongoing ethnicidal policies in Tibet (Freedom in Exile and Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story) & along with his emphasis on positive activism (A New Reality: Charter of Universal Responsibility). 

This meditation is an excerpt from the Tibet House US #ForceForGood Class Series Video: "Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Sources : Madhyamaka Lam Rim with Robert Thurman". 

To watch the full teaching please visit: https://tibethouse.us/member-library/

To join the on-going #ForceForGood series please visit: http://bit.ly/ForceForGoodFall2017

To watch more videos from past 'Force for Good' programs please visit the Tibet House US Member Archive, available to monthly supporters: http://bit.ly/THUSMembership2017

Full access starts at $2 a month.

🎧 Music by Tenzin Choegyal, Used with Permission www.tenzinchoegyal.com

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