The Spiritual Quest

FULL PROGRAM

“Beautiful. I have dreamed of a forum such as this, where representatives of different faiths and different groups of humanity come together to discuss spiritual/philosophical issues. I am a huge fan of Karen Armstrong, and also of Buddhism and of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, so there were lots of reasons for me to enjoy this, but I hope more people representing more varied perspectives will weigh in on these issues as well. Most of all I appreciated a serious discussion about compassion being a priority in the 21st century. I hope to see more programs like this.” – Scott A,
Seattle

“Absolutely inspiring and full of wisdom to revisit over and over again. Thank you Phil for an amazing series.“- Joanne W.
Venice, CA

” This was simply amazing. Robert and Karen were so comfortable as the topic flowed in and out of its different subtexts, so personable and accessable as well, that this is easily a program to watch again and again as well as share.” – Dadzee

“So great to see Bob anytime. He is, as usual, funny, enthusiastic, genuine and erudite all at once. And Karen Armstrong – I am so taken by her view because she was the first person I ever read who thought about theism the way I do. I’ve been wanting a meet up between Karen and one of the major American Buddhist writers (I was hoping for Pema Chodron but Bob is a great choice). Congratulations on your show – can’t wait for the next episode.”  – Tanya,
Kennewick, WA

“Rich and essential program where ideas dance energetically – a program that one will watch again and again – a program that deals with the uber-reality of our existence. Thank you to Karen and Robert and Phil for this great blessing. I look forward to the future episodes and plan to spread the word. This is GOOD STUFF!” – david_lile,
Boca Raton, FL.
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The First Internal Travel Series

The Spiritual Quest

  • Explore the burning questions that have intrigued humanity since the dawn of time.
  • Who am I ? What is the meaning of life ? Do I need a teacher or guide ?
  • Karen Armstrong & Bob Thurman share their insights.

The spiritual quest is often understood as a desire to reach God, or to attain spiritual enlightenment. It is a search that is often challenging, full of questions and uncertainties. In this episode of Global Spirit, writer and lecturer Phil Cousineau hosts comparative religion scholar Karen Armstrong and Professor of Buddhist studies Dr. Robert Thurman for a discussion of The Spiritual Quest as both a personal and religious phenomenon.

Drawing on personal experiences and the guests’ extensive knowledge of various religious traditions, this fascinating conversation illuminates the individual and universal dimensions of the spiritual quest. This episode asks questions that have intrigued humanity since the dawn of time such as: What is the meaning of life? What does it mean to take a spiritual journey? What would that journey look and feel like? And what is the role of a teacher?

Return to Season 1 | View Season 2

Program Guests

Karen Armstrong
Karen Armstrong is considered one of the foremost thinkers on modern religion. Formerly a Roman Catholic nun, Armstrong studied literature at Oxford. Her book chronicling her experiences in the convent, “Through the Narrow Gate,” caused a furor among Catholics; subsequent books discuss her spiritual awakening, and her provocative thoughts on world religions. Recent major works include: A History of God and Holy War: The Crusades and Their Impact on Today’s World and The Bible: A Biography.
Charter for Compassion Project
Robert Thurman
Robert Thurman ( 1941 – 2026.) Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of Tibet House US, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. The New York Times recently hailed him as “the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.”
Robert Thurman’s Website
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Program Excerpts

The Golden Rule Is Harder Than It Sounds
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The Only Demon Is Self-Cherishing
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