The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 87 Lama Surya Das, Daniel C. Esty

In season 4 episode 87 of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes two guests to the show: Lama Surya Das and Daniel C. Esty. Lama Surya Das is a Buddhist teacher and author, while Daniel C. Esty is an environmental policy expert and author.

The episode begins with Colbert joking about how much he loves the Dalai Lama, but how he's not sure if he loves other lamas quite as much. He introduces Lama Surya Das, who he calls "the chocolate to the Dalai Lama's vanilla." Lama Surya Das sits down with Colbert to discuss his book "Make Me One with Everything: Buddhist Meditations to Awaken from the Illusion of Separation."

Colbert asks Lama Surya Das about the concept of "enlightenment," and wonders if he himself could achieve it. Lama Surya Das assures him that he can, and explains that "enlightenment" is not some mystical state that only a select few can reach. Instead, it's about being present in each moment and being aware of oneself and one's actions.

Colbert also asks Lama Surya Das about his belief in reincarnation, and wonders if he could come back as something cool, like a falcon. Lama Surya Das laughs and says that while anything is possible, the goal of Buddhism is not to escape this life, but to fully embrace it.

Next, Colbert switches gears and introduces his second guest, Daniel C. Esty. Esty is an environmental policy expert who has advised multiple US presidents. He's also the author of the book "Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage."

Colbert begins by poking fun at the idea of "green" businesses, and wonders if they're just an excuse for companies to cash in on the environmental trend. Esty agrees that there are certainly some businesses that are only paying lip service to environmentalism, but argues that there are others that are genuinely committed to making a positive impact.

Colbert and Esty discuss various examples of companies that are making strides toward sustainability, such as McDonald's reducing its packaging waste and Toyota developing hybrid cars. Esty argues that these companies are not only doing good for the environment, but they're also creating a competitive advantage for themselves.

Colbert challenges Esty on the idea that businesses should care about the environment at all, arguing that their only responsibility is to shareholders. Esty counters that long-term shareholder value can't be achieved if a company is ignoring environmental concerns. He also points out that consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products and services, so it's in businesses' best interests to meet those demands.

The episode wraps up with Colbert thanking both of his guests for coming on the show and sharing their insights. He jokingly asks Lama Surya Das if he can be "enlightened by osmosis," and Esty encourages viewers to take action in their own lives to reduce their environmental impact.