Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto
Alan Peto hosts an informative and helpful podcast for anyone interested in Buddhism and beginning a Buddhist practice. He is a Buddhist layperson who explains Buddhist teachings for beginners and Westerners. The podcast aims to help those exploring or new to Buddhism understand Buddhist teachings and practices.
Episodes
91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16)
In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Lotus Sūtra: the idea that the Buddha didn’t become a Buddha under the Bodhi tree, but awakened countless ages ago. His birth, enlightenment, and even his passing are presented as skillful means and are compassionate appearances meant to guide us, not limits on who he is.This teaching reminds us that awakening / enlightenment
90 - Science & Buddhism
Many Westerners are drawn to Buddhism because it feels rational, experiential, and compatible with science. But Buddhism also includes teachings—like karma, rebirth, and cosmology—that don’t fit neatly into a scientific framework. So how do these pieces fit together?In this episode, we explore why Western culture often wants Buddhism to be “scientific,” what the Buddha actually taught about direct
89 - Chanting, Recitation, Mantras, and Dhāraṇīs in Buddhism
Chanting is one of the most widespread Buddhist practices, yet often one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we explore what chanting really is, how sound plays an important role in Buddhist practice, and how chanting developed from the early oral tradition.You’ll learn how chanting is used in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism, what dhāraṇīs are (and why you’ve probably heard them befor
88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana
The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & ParinirvāṇaIn this episode, we explore one of the most meaningful and human moments in all of Buddhism: the Buddha’s final days, his final teachings, and what his parinirvāṇa (his final passing or 'final Nirvana') really means for us today.We’ll walk through the Buddha’s last journey to Kuśinagara, the touching conversations he had with Ānanda
87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps)
What is Buddhism? This podcast episode covers ten basic Buddhist concepts and also has a video! It's a companion to my book, Buddhism in 10 Steps, that I co-wrote with Buddhist monk Sanathavihari Bhikkhu. I originally recorded this video for YouTube and thought it would be a great addition to the Learn Buddhism podcast. If you've been listening to all my episodes, some of this might sound
86 - After You Die...What Buddhists Believe About Life After Death
What do Buddhists believe happens after death? In this episode, we explore one of the most common and meaningful questions beginners ask about Buddhism. Rather than offering a single doctrine, Buddhism presents a clear process shaped by karma, mental habits, and the continuity of causes and conditions.You’ll learn how different Buddhist traditions understand death, rebirth, and the transition betw
85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections)
In this episode, we explore the Six Paramitas, the “perfections” that form the gradual training path of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. From generosity and ethical discipline to patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom, each Paramita is both a practice and an antidote to the obstacles that keep us bound to suffering.We look at how the Paramitas align with the Eightfold Path, why Maha
84 - Bodhisattvas
Bodhisattvas can be found in both Theravada and Mahayana branches of Buddhism. In Mahayana they take on a larger role where practitioners take on the path of the Bodhisattva towards helping all sentient beings and make up a core reason that Mahayana exists. Learn more about Bodhisattvas (and learn about two big VIP Bodhisattvas) in this episode!Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhi
83 - Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in Buddhism
What did the Buddha become "awakened" to? It was the twelve links of dependent origination! This is one of the most important concepts and teachings in Buddhism because all our Buddhist traditions and practices arise from it (and to liberating ourselves from it).Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OCNnti-NAQPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.
82 - Pure Lands & Pure Land Buddhism
One of the most popular and widely practiced forms of Buddhism revolves around "Pure Lands". The ever popular Western Pure Land and Buddha Amitabha are the ones most people practice in with Buddhism. Learn more about this important and popular Buddhist practice and tradition.Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-cosmology/Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactWatch the vid
81 - Buddhism Q&A #5
In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice!Chapters:00:01 Introduction00:28 "I always struggle to continue my practice. I am active for six months then loose interest."08:37 "Karma. If anything bad happens to a child are we saying that child was bad in past life?"13:23 "How would a catholic and Buddhist raise their child? Can a
80 - Meat Eating in Buddhism
Can you eat animal meat as a Buddhist? Do you have to be vegetarian? This is a common question and debate. Learn more in this episode!Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/animals-in-buddhism/Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
79 - Love and Marriage in Buddhism
Can a Buddhist be in a romantic relationship? Married? What about the love we have for family and friends? Learn more about it in this episode!Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
78 - Repentance in Buddhism
Did you know Buddhists "repent" for their transgressions? This is a very popular practice, but also a very important one Westerners might be missing out on. Learn more about repentance in Buddhism, why it's important, and how to do it.Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
77 - A Buddhist Valentine's Day (Metta and Loving-Kindness)
"Metta" or "Loving Kindness" is a popular form of Buddhist practice (and teaching) that you can incorporate in a daily practice - and even Valentine's Day!Learn more about the "Love" that Buddhism teaches, and the "Loving-Kindness" practice in Buddhism.- The Loving Kindness Sutta/Sutra: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.08.amar.html-
76 - A Buddhist Lunar New Year
Is there a "Buddhist" Lunar New Year celebration? What about "Mahayana New Year"? What does this have to do with Chinese New Year, Tet, etc? Learn more in this episode and how Buddhists practice!
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
75 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #4
I'm answering your questions about Buddhism and Buddhist practice in this episode! I recently asked on social media what your questions are, and I got quite a few! This episode will be long due to the number of questions, but feel free to jump to a question if you'd like.
Here are the questions:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Is the emptiness of self any different from the emptiness of objects in the wo
74 - Buddha & Jesus
Did the Buddha and Jesus know each other? Did Buddhism influence Jesus' ministry? Are there similarities between Buddhism and Christianity? You're likely to hear one or all of these in your study of Buddhism. In this episode, I'll explain whether Jesus ever heart of Buddhism, can you be a Buddhist and Christian, views Buddhists have on Christianity, and can we get along?
Read the article: https:/
73 - Zen (Chan) Buddhism
Discover the deep roots of Zen Buddhism in our latest episode. We'll journey through its rich history and tackle common Western misconceptions. Explore the origins of Zen in Chan Buddhism, the profound practice of direct transmission, and the unique practices of chanting and reciting, threefold training, and delve into the dual practice of Chan/Zen and Pure Land. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
72 - The Six Sense Organs & Objects in Buddhism
In this episode we delve into the Buddhist practice of guarding the six sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Discover how mindful observation, reflection, and meditation can help prevent unwholesome states and cultivate wisdom. We’ll explore the differences in understanding and practices across various Buddhist traditions, and for practical tips on integrating these teachings int
71 - Ullambana and Hungry Ghosts Festivals
Two seemingly unrelated festivals have a Buddhist connection: The Hungry Ghosts Festival and the Ullambana Festival (also called Sangha Day).
Both go back to the time of the Buddha where he gave instruction to one of his most revered disciples on how to help his mother who had passed away and was in the hungry ghosts realm.
We celebrate today using the same instruction as the Buddha: support the s
70 - Blessings vs Merits in Buddhism
Blessings are a beautiful and important part of Buddhism, but they can often be confused with merits. Learn about what blessings are, how they are invoked, and how to integrate into your Buddhist practice.
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
69 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #3
The third installment of questions asked by you!
- "How can I integrate the practice with my day-to-day life as a westerner?"
- "Can I become a Buddhist if I drink or smoke socially?"
- "How can you create karma with outflows?"
- "Is it ok to mix Buddhist traditions, I was told it's best to stick to one, but I follow two."
Have a question for a future
68 - The Buddhist Virtues
Buddhists have "virtues" they uphold on their path towards enlightenment and nirvana. What is wonderful about the virtues is that they are meant to be practiced and upheld in everyday life! Learn about nine (9) Buddhist virtues in this episode, why they are important, and how to practice them.
Wisdom.
Ethical Conduct
Patience
Generosity
Loving-kindness (Metta)
Compassion (Karu
67 - Realms of Rebirth in Buddhism
What are all the 'realms of rebirth' in Buddhism (and "Samsara" or the "Cycle of Rebirth")? And what do they mean to you as a layperson Buddhist practitioner? Are they real? Are they a state of mind? Let's explore!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
08:00 The Hell Realm
10:08 The Animal Realm
11:40 The Hungry Ghosts Realm
14:56 The Human Realm
19:11 The Titans or Asuras R
66 - Buddhist Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation
Learn Buddhist Mindfulness Breathing! Want to do breathing meditation like the Buddha? It's known as Ānāpānasati / Ānāpānasmṛti but is commonly referred to as "mindfulness of breathing". And it can be as straightforward as that.
(Jump to 17:20 minutes in this episode for the meditation session; view all the chapters below)
You are observing the breath without control, force, judgem
65 - The Diamond Sutra
The Diamond Sutra is the 'diamond' or 'lightening bolt' that cuts through 'illusion' that helps us become enlightened. It is one of the most well respected sutras in all of Mahayana Buddhism and found practiced widely in Zen/Ch'an traditions. Learn more about it in this episode and how to apply it to your daily life and practice!
Free eBook by Venerable Master Hsing Y
64 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #2
I received so many questions related to Buddhism, I have another episode! Learn what I think about these questions!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:20 - How much time does it take to reach nirvana?
03:17 - How can I take the Triple Gem if there is no temple or master in my country - can I do it on my own?
05:33 - Can I be a Buddhist and also believe in God or Gods
08:14 - Is having a family enco
63 - Western Buddhism
What is "Western Buddhism"? Practiced outside of Asia where Buddhism is traditionally practiced, Western countries have been adopting Buddhism, but often in different nuanced ways. Let's explore what Western Buddhism means, some misconceptions Westerners have about Buddhism, and how we can practice Buddhism authentically as Buddhists!
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homep
62 - The Baby Buddha!
Did you know the Buddha was once a baby? Learn about the Buddha's birth, and how we celebrate the Buddha's birthday in May!
Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-birthday/
and
https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mothers-day/
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
61 - Building a Buddhist Altar
Buddhist altars are an important part of Buddhist practice. Let's explore why they are important, what they do, how we build them, and where to place them.
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
60 - The Most Popular Bodhisattva in Buddhism (Avalokiteśvara)
The most popular Bodhisattva is Avalokiteśvara (Guan Yin, Kannon, etc.). Because they are known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and can be called upon, you see Avalokiteśvara as the one Bodhisattva that most Buddhists know and love. Get an introduction to this Bodhisattva in my latest episode!
Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhisattva-path/
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/conta
59 - Buddhism Questions and Answers from Listeners
I'm answering YOUR questions about Buddhism in this episode! Recently I asked on my social media if anyone had questions about Buddhism and here are a few of those questions that I answered. Be on the lookout for me asking again or simply message me from my website.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Do Monastics Have a Better Chance at Nirvana Over Laypersons?
05:13 Buddhism and Vegetarian?
1
58 - Dependent Origination ("Causes and Conditions") in Buddhism
What did the Buddha "awaken" to 2,600 years ago? It was "Dependent Origination"! This teaching is so fundamental to Buddhism, that it is where all the other things we focus on, such as karma, rebirth, five aggregates/skandhas, not self, etc., come from.
Learn more about Dependent Origination in this episode!
Get my FREE eBook on Buddhism (and check out the Dependent Origina
57 - 12 Month New Year Buddhist Practice
Want to try something special for your Buddhist practice this year? Mix in a monthly focus that compliments your daily practice! Join me in incorporating the Threefold Training throughout the year and be exposed to different Buddhist practices.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 The Eightfold Path & Threefold Training
02:00 The 12 Month Plan
03:27 Wisdom
11:26 Conduct & Morality
19:00 Conc
57 - Practicing Holidays as a Western Buddhist
Can a Western Buddhist participate in Western holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving? What about Buddhist or country specific holidays? Let's explore in this episode!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:05 Western Buddhism and Western holidays
00:30 should I engage in Western holidays?
01:22 finding Buddhism in western holidays
01:55 the path as a Buddhist with western holidays
03:15 Buddhist qu
56 - Live Like the Buddha
How can you, as a lay-Buddhist, "be like The Buddha" in your daily life? Here are my five observations about the Buddha and his life that we can incorporate into our life!
00:00 - Introduction
05:00 - Mindfulness
10:18 - Generosity
13:08 - Precepts
18:00 - Compassion
21:22 - Concentration
25:18 - Conclusion
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast
55 - The Super Buddha
Did you know the Buddha was "super"? He had supernatural and supranormal abilities. But this was something he didn't see as central to Buddhism, but as a consequence of meditative concentration. Yet, it is a key part of skillful means in Buddhism where the Buddha (and also Buddhas and Bodhisattvas) used these abilities in many ways to aid others with the path in Buddhism and achieving liberation.
54 - The Heart Sutra
The most chanted, studied, and copied sutra in the Buddhist world is the Heart Sutra. Found in most traditions that follow Mahayana Buddhism (the path of the Bodhisattva) chant this sutra daily. It teaches the profound nature of Prajna or supreme wisdom into the nature of "emptiness" and the teaching of not-self so that fear is ended, enlightenment achieved, and Nirvana realized.
Contac
53 - The Bodhisattva Path
Mahayana Buddhism makes up the largest branch of Buddhism, and they follow the "Bodhisattva Path". What is that and why is it so important to them? A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being that practices for themselves and others and makes great vows to eventually become a Buddha. It provided a way for all people, not just monastics, to actively progress on the Buddhist path.
Read the artic
52 - Impermanence in Buddhism
Impermanence in Buddhism is so important and central to our practice that we can't ignore it. However, it is also a very hard concept to understand. The Buddha essentially said that all conditioned things (that includes you and me) are every changing, impermanent, and interdependent on other things to exist. Because our existence is temporary in nature, thus impermanence, it is of the nature
51 - Repentance in Buddhism
Do Buddhists "repent"? Yes! And it's not what you think. Repentance in Buddhism is a fundamental part of Buddhist practice because it helps us "get out" the misdeed/transgression of the five precepts we created so that we can understand why, ask for help, and set an aspiration of action and cultivation of good deeds. This is important because morality/conduct is part of t
50 - Buddhism Misconceptions (Part 2)
Check out episode three (3) of this podcast for the first part! In this new episode, I talk about more misconceptions you may have heard about Buddhism in the West. Here are the misconceptions covered in this episode: "The Buddha was just a regular guy", "There are no gods in Buddhism", "The Pali Canon in Theravada is the oldest", "Zen is not part of Mahayana&quo
49 - The Three Fires of Buddhism
One of the most important teachings in Buddhism is that of the "Three Fires" or "Three Poisons" of greed, anger, and ignorance. Why? Because it is the cause of our unwholesome karma keeps us trapped in the cycle of rebirth, which the Buddha said is Dukkha ("suffering"). The absence of the Three Fires is Nirvana...our true natural state and the goal of all Buddhists. L
48 - Prayer in Buddhism
Hundreds of millions of Buddhist pray. But why? And more importantly, why should you pray as part of your Buddhist practice?
Prayer in Buddhism is not the same as in other religions where you might be praying to a creator God or other being to have forgiveness, worship, or help. Instead, Buddhist prayer has many components and uses, one of which is showing devotion, respect, love, and reverence fo
47 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Buddhism (Does AI Have Buddhanature?)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is capturing everyone's attention at the moment. From ChatGPT to Microsoft's Bing chat and Co-Pilot, to Google Bard. It can seemingly be like talking to a real person who then gives you answers or helps you with things. But can AI ever become a sentient being and become enlightened, or become a Buddha? "Does AI have Buddha nature?!". I explore that question in this ep
47 - Observance Days Practice in Buddhism
Buddhist practice isn't confined to a daily practice or going to the temple. There are "Observance Days" in numerous traditions where lay-Buddhists engage in practices that align themselves more with the monastic lifestyle and advance their development. This includes taking the Eight Precepts, vegetarian meals, or even fasting. Learn why Buddhists engage in Observance Days and what
46 - Daily Practice & Meditation - Interview with Bodhipaksa
I've known meditation teacher Bodhipaksa for several years. He was one of the first to use the internet when it was "new" to teach others about meditation when there wasn't a group or temple nearby. He has also spread knowledge about what the Buddha really said (by dispelling fake Buddha quotes online). With his latest book release, I interviewed him in this episode to help you l
45 - Do You Have to Believe in Everything Buddhism Believes In?
If you are new to Buddhism, there are plenty of things in Buddhism that make you question if it is real or not. But they are clearly part of the religion. And, different traditions may have various beliefs. So, do you need to believe in everything "Buddhism" believes in? This is one of the most asked questions and concerns for Westerners coming into Buddhism. As I'll
44 - Virtual Buddhism & Venerable Tri Dao Interview
How do you practice Buddhism when there is no Buddhist temple or monastics where you live? Can technology and "virtual" Buddhism be an option? In this episode, I talked with Venerable Tri Dao, a Buddhist monk in the Theravada tradition who has over a million followers on TikTok, and tens of thousands on Instagram and other social media. Since Venerable Tri Dao is actively using t
43 - The Enemy of the Buddha - Mara
Before Siddhartha was enlightened and became the Buddha, he had to face the demon Mara and his army. While Mara doesn't get talked about all the time in Buddhism, he is all around us trying to make us create the unwholesome karma that keeps us trapped in rebirth/samsara. Mara is also an analogy for our obstacles in Buddhism and for the Three Fires/Poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance
42 - Buddhism During Difficult Times
When challenging and difficult times happen in your life, are you able to continue your Buddhist practice? What does it mean to practice Buddhism during these times, and what practices may be helpful? In this episode, we will talk about the "storms" that can come into our lives, what we as Buddhists do for our practice, and why continuing on the path in Buddhism is important.
Read the
41 - Faith in Buddhism
Do you need to have blind faith in Buddhism? Faith in things you can't prove such as karma, rebirth, samsara, etc.? This is one of the most often-asked questions (and concerns) about Westerners exploring or entering Buddhism for the first time. The short answer is that we have faith in Buddhism, but it isn't what you expect. However, faith is a crucial component of the path
40 - Buddhist Holidays
There are many Buddhist holidays, but what are they and what do they mean to you?
Buddhist holidays serve a few purposes, which include getting Buddhists together (Dharma Friends), engaging with monastics, visiting the temple, practicing the religion (chanting, recitation, sutra writing, etc.), engaging in additional practices, and reinvigorating your faith in the Buddhist path.
Learn mor
39 - Taking the Triple Gem Refuge (Becoming a Buddhist)
When you are ready to become a Buddhist, you "officially" become one by taking the Triple Gem Refuge. But what does this mean and why is it important? Can you take the Triple Gem Refuge from home? What's the purpose of becoming a Buddhist? I'll talk about these topics and more in this episode!
Suppose you're ready to become a Buddhist and don't have a temple nearby. In that
38 - The Leadership of the Buddha
We often think of the Buddha as the founder of the Buddhist religion in our era. But he was also a leader. The Buddha had to manage, supervise, organize, inspire, and delegate to get a community started, rules to organize the monastics, talk with everyone from kings to farmers, and do this all in a way that everyone could understand.
If you want to develop your leadership skills, looki
37 - Attachment (Upadana) in Buddhism and the Fire Sermon
What are we trying to end in Buddhism? The Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance result in karmic actions that trap us in rebirth and dukkha (suffering). But how did we get here in the first place? What "fuels" those three fires? It's Upadana. Literally "fuel", but often translated as "attachment". This is where we cling and attach to sense objects wi
36 - The Six Perfections (Paramitas) in Buddhist Practice
What is the practice of Mahayana Buddhists? From Zen to Pure Land, Mahayana Buddhists strive to perfect the Six Perfections or "Paramitas". These are the qualities and virtues of the true nature of an enlightened being like a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Learn what they are and how to apply them to your practice!
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal
35 - The Five Hindrances of Buddhist Meditation
Buddhism has something called the "Five Hindrances" which are mental obstructions on our path towards enlightenment and Nirvana. In this episode, we will talk about Buddhist meditation, our mind, and how the Five Hindrances are like obstacles on the road and some common Buddhist ways to overcome them.
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-dis
34 - Reincarnation in Buddhism? (Rebirth)
A common misconception is that Buddhism believes in “reincarnation” where a permanent and unchanging “self” or “soul” transmigrates to a new body or existence. The Buddha firmly rejected this.
In Buddhism, the focus on “karma,” and generating wholesome karma, is related to rebirth. The reason Buddhists want to achieve enlightenment and realize Nirvāṇa is to stop creating the types of karma that ke
33 - Devotional Buddhism
Regardless of tradition or branch, the half-billion Buddhists around the world practice something called devotional Buddhism. This is based on faith and refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and not on blind faith. This foundational way to practice Buddhism provides a balanced approach on the path towards enlightenment that can be traced all the way back to the time of
32 - Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana makes up the second branch of Buddhism in our world today and is practiced in the East-Asian and Central-Asian countries. Mahayanists follow the "Bodhisattva Path" that leads to the full awakening of Buddhahood. This Mahayana Path allows anyone, even laypersons, to achieve enlightenment without having to take a path of a monastic.
Learn more in the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddh
31 - Theravada Buddhism
The first in a series of episodes on the branches and traditions of Buddhism, we will explore Theravāda Buddhism. How did this school emerge? Did it ever read Mahayana sutras? What is the school of thought and guiding practice? Come explore in this episode!
Learn more in the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-mahayana-theravada/
About Buddhist scripture
30 - Buddhist Temples
What is a Buddhist temple and how do you attend services in one? In this episode, I'll talk about why we have Buddhist temples, how to find one, some examples of etiquette when going to one, the general layout and structure of a temple, and what to do if there is no temple near you.
Contact Alan: https://alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Disclaimer: https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/
Ge
29 - Pure Land Buddhism & Amitābha Buddha
One of the most popular and widely practiced forms of Buddhism is "Pure Land". This practice is found throughout East-Asia and Central-Asia (Mahayana) and is part of the daily practice of a large number of Buddhists. But what does this mean for a Westerner? Often, Pure Land Buddhism can look very devotional or faith-based, and there is that aspect. It is one of many "Dharma doors
28 - Buddhist Cosmology
Buddhism has a rich and vast cosmology that can sometimes be overlooked or disregarded by Westerners. However, this cosmology is central to the half-billion Buddhists around the world and shapes the desire and effort they have in practicing Buddhism. Learn about the six realms of rebirth, units of time (kalpas), and pure lands in this new episode.
Learn more about Buddhist cosmology in
27 - Buddhism in 10 Steps Book Interview with Buddhist Monk Sanathavihari Bhikkhu
The free eBook, Buddhism in 10 Steps, was written by Alan Peto and Buddhist Monk Sanathavihari Bhikkhu to help those new to Buddhism get a 'quick start' with a short and easy to read book. In this episode, Alan discusses some topics from the book, and Buddhism in general, with Sanathavihari. Sanathavihari’s websites and social media: https://linktr.ee/sanathaviharibhikkhu
To get the book, visit:
26 - The Buddha's Mothers (Mother's Day Episode)
Did you know that the Buddha actually had two mothers? His mother, Maya, passed away just a few days after he was born. His aunt became his stepmother and raised him as her own. At a basic level, this doesn't speak much about Buddhism until you realize how important these two women were. One gave birth to the Buddha of our era (in a very supernatural way), and the other hel
25 - A Buddhist Easter
Easter is celebrated by Christians around the world. But does Buddhism have a similar resurrection story? Yes and no. While Jesus and the Buddha were two different people, religions, and paths, we can find some similarities between their stories and "resurrection".
Read the article here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-easter/
In order for Siddhartha Gautama to becom
24 - How to Start Off in Buddhism
If you live in a country where Buddhism is not the major religion, it can be overwhelming to begin with for many. However, if you just follow three straightforward steps you can correctly begin your journey in the religion!
Get our FREE eBook, Buddhism in 10 Steps, to start off your journey! Get it here: alanpeto.com/books
Episode Time Bookmarks:
1:25 - Understanding Buddhism
8:05 - Practic
23 - Buddhism During Difficult and Challenging Times
When challenging times happen to us, we can easily become overwhelmed with the situation. While we are following the advice of professionals during these times, we can sometimes lose our Buddhist practice. We may feel that there isn't a way to practice Buddhism, or perhaps it is the furthest thing from your mind.
As Buddhists, we can and should practice Buddhism even during these chall
22 - Not-Self in Buddhism
One of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha is that we do not have a permanent, unchanging, and independent "self". However, we believe we do have such a "self", and as a result, we engage in karmic actions that trap us in the cycle of rebirth, which means continual rebecoming in new existences, which is suffering because they are impermanent. Buddhist practice is focused on breakin
21 - Karma in Buddhism
Karma can be a misunderstood term in our world since it has crept into our everyday conversations with "good karma" and "bad karma". But for Buddhists, it is an important part of the religion because it is something one wants to both transform, and ultimately end creating karma that keeps them bound to the cycle of rebirth. Enlightened beings, such as the Buddha, created Karma 'wi
20 - The Buddhist Threefold Training
The "Threefold Training" is based upon the Buddha's Eightfold Path to practice Buddhism that leads to enlightenment and Nirvana. It is the way to end the Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance/delusion which would then lead to your true state of Nirvana (which is devoid of the Three Fires). The Threefold Training is practiced by the different Buddhist traditions in different ways b
19 - Thich Nhat Hanh
The world-famous Buddhist monk Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in January 2022 at the age of 95. He left behind a legacy of monasteries, local groups, books, and millions of followers. In this episode, I'd like to reflect on what I feel is some of his key teachings and some things that are often overlooked by Westerners about him. If you are new to him and would like a book
18 - The Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism
The Buddha taught that our existence is marked by impermanence, dukkha, and the illusion of self. He wasn't telling us this to make us sad, but to spur us into action. The only permanent thing is "impermanence", but we fail to utterly understand that, and along with the belief we have a permanent, unchanging, and independent "self", we create the actions (Karma) that trap us in the cycle of rebi
17 - Merit Practice in Buddhism
The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit. Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment. Because enlightenment is often not possible in our lifetime and is difficult for laypersons, the Buddha created the practice of merit to help create these future conditions. It is practiced both by laypersons
16 - New Year, New Buddha Mind
With a new year upon us, it can be a perfect time to reflect upon why we are Buddhists and re-invigorating our determination and effort to practice. The Eightfold Path, and the Threefold Training that derives from it, provide us the foundation to practice Buddhism so that we can liberate ourselves from the unsatisfactoriness (Dukkha) of the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) by realizing our true me
15 - A Buddhist Christmas
Merry Christmas! Can a Buddhist celebrate Christmas? Yes, with a Buddhist mindset. Learn how Buddhists can demonstrate the shared values of peace, love, kindness, compassion, and charity, and allow it to fill your heart and mind.
Alan's Buddhism and Christmas articles and videos: https://alanpeto.com/tag/christmas/
14 - Enlightenment (Bodhi) in Buddhism
Enlightenment captures the imagination of Westerners and beginners that are new to Buddhism. But what exactly is "enlightenment" or "awakening" in Buddhism, and what does it mean to you as a practitioner? Learn about "Bodhi" in Buddhism, why it's important, and why becoming enlightened in this life won't happen (but that doesn't mean you aren't making progress!).
Learn more in my article and v
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