Using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text “Guru Puja,” or “The Devotion to the Mentor” by the Fourth Panchen Lama, Robert A.F. Thurman leads listeners through the practice of “taking refuge”, giving an in-depth teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism and how the lessons of the historical Buddha can transform and improve the life of any sensitive being, no matter their background, faith or religious association. Opening with a line-by-line reading of the “Refuge Prayer” recited at the start of Buddhist teachings and practices, Thurman explains the nature of faith and how to develop one’s compassion and inner wisdom through the study of Buddha Dharma and the Buddha’s life story. This episode includes a short history of Buddhism in India & Tibet and an extended Jewel Tree Refuge guided meditation. “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.” – Text from “The Jewel Tree of Tibet” This episode is an excerpt from “The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism” 12-Part audio retreat by Robert Thurman, available from www.soundstrue.com. Taking Refuge Under the Jewel Tree of Tibet - Ep. 296 of the Bob Thurman Podcast Refuge Field Image via www.himalayanart.org.