bob thurman at TED

i don’t know that much about the TED conference, but prof robert thurman gave a short but sweet 12 minute presentation (click here) at ted last winter that i really recommend. it’s a flash movie that plays right in the web site. he describes the basic buddhist ideas in very modern and succinct language. in particular, he uses some technology metaphors and presents some ideas that were quite interesting.

one idea he includes is that perhaps the best way to inspire compassion and interdependence is relating to how they bring joy and fun, more than teaching that they’re the best thing to do. he gives examples, inviting us to consider how we feel when we help another person or go beyond a self centered point of view. i can’t do his presentation justice, but i recommend watching the short talk. prof. thurman is in a different tibetan buddhist lineage than my lineage, but this presentation is completely in accord with the teachings i’ve received.

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