The Jewel Tree of Tibet

The Enlightenment of Tibetan Buddhism

By: Robert Thurman

Narrated by: Robert Thurman

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a "wish-fulfilling jewel tree" for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With The Jewel Tree of Tibet, honored scholar and teacher Robert Thurman brings these insights to you as they were meant to be transmitted, through the spoken word.

As a young seeker almost 40 years ago, Thurman first journeyed to Dharamsala, where he became the first Westerner ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Now, Thurman guides you lucidly through the unifying principles of Tibetan Buddhism's many branches. You will discover Tibetan Buddhism's detailed map of the "bliss state of enlightenment", the principles of tantra for opening the doors to "infinite compassion and continuity", and how to overcome the dangers of the spiritual quest to discover states of consciousness that transcend even death.

Finally, here is Robert Thurman on audio, offering a rich and intellectually riveting retreat program, complete with many specific meditations and spiritual practices to fully immerse you in the mysteries of The Jewel Tree of Tibet. More than nine hours of compelling study with one of Tibetan Buddhism's greatest teachers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT:
Eleven steps to create the spirit of enlightenment, here and now
The truths of Padmasambhava, Naropa, Tsong Khapa, and other legendary sages
Guided meditations to experience the blessings of "the wish-fulfilling gem tree"

Hear more from Robert Thurman.

©2001 Robert Thurman

A JEWEL

This is a very interesting book and it definitely requires repeat listening.
I have the written version and listened/read at the same time.
The lectures did not verbatim followed the book, but since there is so much information, the book was helpful.
I will listen to the audiobook book and read the book again separately in the future.
As the narrator of his own writings mr. Thurman is a pleasure to listen to. It is as if you are in his classroom.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Takes A Couple Listens... But Worthwhile

I'm a big fan of Bob Thurman, but when I first started listening to this book, I was slightly put off. A lot of exaggerated imagery about gems, rubies & diamonds & sapphires hanging from a tree, yeah yeah, we get it: The Three Jewels. But there's something about listening to Bob Thurman speak that makes me unable to abandon anything he's speaking about, so I continued on. Eventually I warmed up to the "magical talk" and understood it to be symbolism and got over it. Plus, his enthusiasm and strange accent are very engaging. The second half of the audiobook was MUCH more interesting and got into the practical things like practice, that I was hoping for. The next time I listened to it, I picked up on many things I had not the first time around, and I was surprised. I guess I needed a warm-up run. Then I listened to it a third time, and again, got even more from it. So overall I am glad that I bought it. But for anyone who listens to it the first time and is slightly put off, I would really recommend hearing him out. He does go somewhere, and it is worth the wait.

Hang with it, it's worth it!

Fantastic! A bit advanced, as others have said here, but regardless of your level, this listen has so many "jewels" that it's worth listening to many times!

Awesome

Robert Thurman is phenomenal. This 'book', is truly inspirational!
As 'Rob', takes you on a voyage of 'self'' discovery, analyzing scrupulously, the world as you know it
(be you Buddhist or not), in light of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, infusing all manner of spiritual and scientific disciplines, with this sacred Tibetan understanding, sharing this knowledge with such charisma and in such a cheerful, modern fashion as to enlighten the viewer to this ancient teaching, in context to all cultures, all faiths,all societies, all people. It was such a pleasure to listen to 'Rob', as he explains sounds, words, phrases and texts in the context of a modern vocabulary and way of thinking.
Thank you Robert Thurman, for this wonderful insight and understanding, I listen to this over and over again, (obviously not straight away, or necessarily in one sitting:)
If I ever recommended a book. This would be it.

Great Works.

I see the Dalai Lama has transmitted his sense of humor during his tutorship.
Thank you friends.

Wonderful view of Tibetan Buddhism

Beautiful storytelling and intro concepts of Tibetan Buddhism by the poetic Robert Thurman. I will listen to it twice!!

I almost decided not to listen

The way he was catching his breath in the audio sample… that was just the first day on retreat, and he was probably winded or stressed out. I didn’t think I’d be able to stand listening, and then very quickly he became one of my favorite orators - just wait until you hear the end. Pure, humble, genuine. Simply glorious words and concepts. He speaks from the heart like he’s working the details out uniquely along with the crowd.

Spectacular display of Wisdom by a great teacher

I have only begun to recognize how vast Thurman's knowledge is about Tibetan Buddhism and Tantra. Enjoy!

Great

Great read, Will listen to this multiple times. So much knowledge explained. Very great teachings.

Blew my mind!

This is deep- and hard to follow material I have struggled with for years... Thurman does an excellent job of making it understandable. I found the guided meditations extremely useful. Thank you