11:37 minutes (2.66 MB)
Tea afficionado Miriam Novalle shares tea with Karen and Robert Thurman, who was selected by Time as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997. The NY Times called Robert Thurman—actress Uma Thurman's dad—the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism. In this insightful discussion Karen and guests talk about the keys to relaxation and finding joy.

Though I've experienced firsthand the tangible health benefits of yoga and meditation, there are times when I've gone to the doctor for the "nuclear option": a dose of Western medicine when the body's own pharmaceutical panoply is unable to contend with the ailment at hand. Of course, I'd prefer not to resort to such extreme measures, but sometimes it seems unavoidable.

Gwyneth Paltrow is scheduled to teach what is probably the most expensive yoga lesson ever taught. In an auction for Prince Charles’ charity, a fan paid $50,000.00 (no, we didn’t add three extra zeros…) for a private session with Gwyneth. "Someone has spent a great deal of money on it so I’m going to have to really come up with an excellent plan. Unfortunately, I can’t do it in the nude or anything to make it really exceptional…" Paltrow said. She went on to assure the bidder that she would do everything within her power to not make the lesson any more awkward than she just did.

Author and Columbia University professor Robert Thurman talks about what Buddhism offers American culture that psychology cannot - a way to achieve an emotionally balanced life that acknowledges the existence of the soul and our emotional connections to one another.

A peculiar relationship It's no secret that Science and Buddhism have been having an affair. During last month's Mind & Reality Symposium at Columbia University, scientists and Buddhists co-mingled, explored, and sought definition for their curious enounters. How can the two systems of knowledge forge a working, mutually benefitial relationship? For years now Buddhism has been popping up in science.

Author and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman talks about the dangers of religious conflict in today’s world. He explores the Buddhist philosophy of compassion and morality and explains how you can be Buddhist and follow another religion at the same time.

Do you yearn for riches and beautiful things? Author and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman explores the Buddhist attitude towards wealth and generosity, with its emphasis on inner contentment as the ultimate happiness. He explains the Buddhist belief that your circumstances in this life reflect how generous you were — or were not — in your past life.