Show Notes
Sharon comes together with Mark Epstein to remember the life of dear friend and colleague, Robert AF Thurman, for episode 290 of the Metta Hour. Robert AF Thurman (August 3, 1941 – June 16, 2026) was an American Buddhist author and academic who wrote, edited, and translated books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture. He was the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and was the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University before retiring in 2019. He was the co-founder and president of Tibet House US in New York, New York, and Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there is a 49-day period of mourning after an individual dies, which is considered a transitional “bardo” time. This is a time to honor the individual and support them as they transition into their incarnation through ceremonies, offerings, and prayers. In that spirit, Sharon and Mark Epstein come together to share stories and reflections about Bob after his unexpected death. Mark Epstein, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, is the author of a number of books about the interface of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including “Thoughts without a Thinker” and “Going to Pieces without Falling Apart.” His latest work, “The Zen of Therapy,” was published in 2022 by Penguin Press. He has been a student of Vipassana meditation since 1974. This episode also includes an excerpt of an archival recording of Sharon interviewing Bob from 2021. Originally aired on the Metta Hour in celebration of Bob’s book “Wisdom is Bliss,” this recording includes some classic zesty-Bob-banter with Sharon, as well as some wonderful teachings. The recording closes with Bob leading a guided meditation. "When we opened the Insight Meditation Society in 1976, we discovered we had a near neighbor, about 40 minutes away in Amherst, MA: Professor Bob Thurman. I’ve felt so lucky to know him as a friend, to have the chance to teach with him through the years, and to collaborate with him on a book, “Love Your Enemies.” Though he was widely known as a dedicated scholar, I was always most struck by Bob as a person of faith in the best sense of the word— faith in each of our potential, in the very real possibility of freedom, in the blessings of lineage and the enormous gifts of people like HH Dalai Lama to the world. Before the sudden, unexpected news of his passing, I noted how much content he was putting on his Substack, what seemed to me almost like a drive to help as many people as he could, to remind us all of hope in these very troubled times. His impact on so many people and the light he spread is so clear right now." - Sharon Please join us as we celebrate and honor a dear friend and dharma teacher who filled our lives with such joy, wisdom, and laughter. Additional Resources Learn more about Robert AF Thurman’s life and work right here. Read some of the tributes for Bob right here and via Tricycle Magazine. Tune in to the weekly prayers for via the website for Tibet House US right here. Learn more about the book Bob and Sharon co-wrote, “Love Your Enemies” originally released in 2013 with a tenth anniversary edition release in 2023 in hardcover and ebook formats. Related Metta Hour Episodes Episode 107 Robert Thurman and Mark Epstein recorded live at Tibet House in 2018, released in the Metta Hour in 2019. Episode 164 Robert Thurman interview on the Metta Hour (partially included in today’s episode), released in 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
More from Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg
For episode 297, Sharon sits down with Chris Germer to discuss his new book, Self-Compassion for Shame. Chris Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of several books including Self-Compassion for Burnout, co-authored with Dr. Kristin Neff. His new book, Self-Compassion for Shame: A Step-by-Step Guide to Inner Freedom was just released in September of 2026 from The Guilford Press. Chris lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, Sharon and Chris speak about: Chris’s early interest in psychology Learning meditation in the seventies Contemplative practice with psychology How Chris came to self-compassion Sharon’s influence in Chris’s path How loving-kindness changed Chris’s life Chris’s public speaking anxiety Sharon’s experience with public speaking How Chris became aware of his own shame Shame is an attack on the sense of self Shame compared to similar emotions and traits How we can learn to recognize shame How the new book is organized When shame can be helpful Dr Kristin Neff’s model of self-compassion Welcoming all parts of ourselves Taking responsibility for our shame Lean in, lean back, or let go Non-striving and non-fixing in self-compassion Self-compassion is the end of the struggle How Chris approaches his therapy practice Additional Resources: The episode closes with Chris leading a guided meditation on self-compassion for shame. You can learn more about Chris’s work right here. Related Metta Hour Episodes: Episode 252 Dr. Kristin Neff’s most recent appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For episode 296 Tim Desmond returns to the Metta Hour to discuss his new book series with Sharon. Tim Desmond is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Antioch University, and student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hạnh, under whom he was ordained into the Order of Interbeing in 2005. Founder of Peer Collective, and co-founder of Morning Sun Mindfulness Center, Tim lives in Oakland, CA, and teaches mindfulness and self-compassion practices to audiences around the world. He is the author of several books including Buddhist Practices for Healing Trauma, and Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression, released by W. W. Norton & Company in 2026, and the forthcoming Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety. This is Tim’s second appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, Sharon and Tim speak about: • Tim’s new book series • Buddhism for mental health • Right and wrong mindfulness • Thich Nhat Hanh’s influence on Tim’s teaching • Buddhist Practices for Healing Trauma book • The “whole path” approach to mental health • The mind as the garden for working with trauma • What trauma-informed practice is • The better way to catch a snake • The Doors of Liberation teachings for trauma • Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression book • The role of Faith in working with depression • Cultivating the motivation/energy for healing • The self-sabotaging aspect of depression • Self-understanding is loving awareness • What offers resilience in the face of suffering • Thich Nhat Hanh’s Froglessness teaching • An update on Peer Collective Additional Resources The episode closes with a guided meditation from Tim. You can learn more about Tim’s work right here and learn about Peer Collective right here. Related Metta Hour Episodes Episode 194 Tim Desmond’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2021. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Caverly Morgan joins Sharon for episode 295 of the Metta Hour Podcast to talk about her book, The Heart of Who We Are. Caverly Morgan is a teacher of awakening, nonprofit founder, speaker, and author who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual and relational approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly supports others in remembering our true nature—not through more techniques or self-improvement strategies, but through presence, inquiry, and togetherness. The Heart of Who We Are was released in 2022 from St. Martin's Essentials. Her other book, A Kids Book About Mindfulness, was released in 2024. She is a founder of the nonprofits Peace in Schools and Realizing Freedom Together, and has pioneered ways for communities to awaken collectively, making teachings that lead to liberation accessible to all. This is Caverly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, Caverly and Sharon speak about: What drew Caverly to the dharma Her eight years in a Zen monastery Going from monastic life to teaching youth Caverly’s definitions of Zen and non-duality Being aware of awareness itself The shadows of any practice The practice of inquiry and togetherness What inspired the book, The Heart of Who We Are The CARE framework What self-compassion offers Caverly’s work with Dr. Kristin Neff How personal practice impacts others Mindfulness with young kids The Realizing Freedom Together nonprofit Additional Resources: The episode closes with a guided meditation from Caverly. You can learn more about Caverly’s work right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Beloved teacher, coach and author George Mumford returns to the Metta Hour for episode 294 to talk about the 2nd edition release of his book, The Mindful Athlete. George Mumford, a.k.a. The Performance Whisperer, is a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and pioneer in sports psychology and performance. Since 1989, he’s been honing his groundbreaking performance and mindfulness techniques with people from locker rooms to boardrooms, Yale to jail — as Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships, helping Michael Jordan transform his leadership, and teaching Kobe Bryant to “just be.” George’s work incorporates principles based in positive psychology, mindfulness, philosophy, neuroscience, the recovery movement, group and organizational dynamics, and spiritual traditions from around the world. This is his third appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, George and Sharon speak about: • The second edition of The Mindful Athlete • George’s three-fold training • Debunking mindfulness myths • Mindfulness versus right mindfulness • The Five Superpowers • How George adapts teachings • Compassion’s role in peak performance • Dissolution of ego for team success • Why George reads a book-a-day • Circular learning style • Ajahn Sumedho’s wisdom • The resilience of the NY Knicks • Finding our enthusiasm • How effort creates energy Additional Resources The episode closes with a guided meditation from George. You can learn more about George’s work right here and get a copy of the second edition of The Mindful Athlete right here. Related Metta Hour Episodes Episode 71 George Mumford’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2018 Episode 214 George Mumford’s second appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2023 as part of the Mental Health Series. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the ninth and final episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Shelly Tygielski. Philanthropist and social activist Shelly Tygielski has been hailed by individuals ranging from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. She is the founder of the global, grassroots mutual aid organization, Pandemic of Love and the co-founder of Partners in Kind, a purpose in production equity fund that invests in projects that focus on social impact in entertainment. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets, including CNN Heroes, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. A Garrison Institute Fellow, Shelly has been called one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful.org and teaches self-care and resilience at organizations and to audiences around the world. She is also the author of several books, “Sit Down to Rise Up” and “How We Ended Racism.” This is her second appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, Shelly and Sharon speak about: • What motivated Shelly to get her PH.D. • The definition of Mutual Aid • Mutual Aid across history • Peter Kropotkin’s view of society • Cooperation vs competition in society • Thriving interspecies ecosystems • How Shelly’s practice has evolved over time • Finding a balance in our compassion • Prioritizing self-care in engaged compassion • How Shelly has let go of her caregiving guilt • The signs that burnout is lurking • Seeing resentment as a signal flare • Shelly’s advice to change-makers • Activism with our own sustainability in mind • Asking for help before falling into burnout • Joy is not an abandonment of responsibility • How Shelly finds joy in nature and with music Additional Resources The episode closes with Shelly leading a lovingkindness meditation. Learn more about Shelly’s work and her different books right here. Learn more about Pandemic of Love right here. Related Metta Hour Episodes Episode 121: Shelly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.