Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

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 article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-hard-times/ 

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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 in Buddhism in order to make progress and understand why we practice.  Learn more in this episode!

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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 more about Buddhist holidays in my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-holidays-calendar/
• Get my Buddhist Calendar for a small donation here:  https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhismGraphics

Thank you for listening! 

• Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
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• Get Alan's FREE eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
• Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

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 case, you can take the Triple Gem at home by saying "I take refuge in the Buddha (our teacher), I take refuge in the Dharma (the Buddha's liberating teachings), I take refuge in the Sangha (monastic community)".  

• Want to take the Triple Gem with a Buddhist monk?  Check out my latest video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuJ8FRKSGIg
• Learn more about the Triple Gem with my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx9uswNwntk&t=0s  and article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/triple-gem-refuge/
• How to Become a Buddhist for Westerners:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/
• Did you become a Buddhist and take the Triple Gem?  I'd like to hear about your experience!  Connect with me on social media.

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

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, looking to the Buddha can be a great source of inspiration.  Or, if you're just interested in this often-unseen aspect of the Buddha, you'll get an overview in this episode.  

Read the Article:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-leadership-lessons/

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

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 with our sense organs (we see something we like through our eyes for instance, and that gives rise to our mind/consciousness).  When we guard our senses and tame our mind, we cut off the fuel to the three fires which is nirvana...our true mental state of freedom.    

Also, in this episode I'll read the Fire Sermon (13 minutes into the episode) which gives context to Upadana and the Three Fires.

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

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!

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

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 

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

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 the Buddha 2,600 years ago!  In this episode, you'll learn why we have Buddha statues, why there is bowing and prostrating, and why you should give devotional Buddhism a chance.

• Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact   
• Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/   
• Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

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 scriptures:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-scriptures/
• Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fv0N9-iDN4
• Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
• Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/
• Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

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" that leads to enlightenment by providing an expedient "training ground" to help anyone who wants to go there.  Learn about this fascinating and powerful Buddhist practice. 

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact 

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": https://alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

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 my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-cosmology/

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact 

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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 helped create the conditions for young Siddhartha to eventually become the Buddha.  And his stepmother would be the one that pushed for female monastics (and became the first nun).  Learn more in this Mother's Day episode to two amazing mothers of the Buddha.

Read the Article:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mothers-day/

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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 become the Buddha, his belief in “self” needed to die.  When this occurred, his true natural state of Nirvana was resurrected.

Nirvana is within all of us, but we fail to see it. Siddhartha's enlightenment is celebrated by Buddhists as an inspiration for us to continue our efforts towards that same goal.

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

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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 - Practicing Buddhism

18:00 - Triple Gem Refuge (Becoming a Buddhist)

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

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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 challenging times.  In this episode, I'll explain three parts to continue practicing:  Faith, Effort, and an adaptive Practice to meet the needs of the situation.

Read the article:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-hard-times/

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

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 breaking down this illusionary belief in a self so we can encounter our true self and existence which is impermanent, ever-changing, and interdependent on other phenomena.  When we do this, we can live in our natural state of Nirvana free of the Three Fires/Poisons of ignorance, greed, and anger.

Have a question or comment?  Send me a message via my site at alanpeto.com/contact

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 'without outflows' meaning it is the karma of an enlightened being who is no longer creating karmic actions that are unskillful and reinforcing (and binding) the false idea of a permanent 'self'.  Instead, it is karma where one has a clear and fundamental understanding of the world and how to properly interact in it.  

Have a question or comment?  Send me a message at alanpeto.com/contact

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 but can ultimately be found in all the different practices, rituals, ceremonies, and other things found within them.

Send me your question or message:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

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 recommendation, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings" (https://amzn.to/3rDtSGJ) is one of his most popular introductory books on Buddhism.  The other book I mentioned in this podcast about Pure Land Buddhism is called "Finding Our True Home" (https://amzn.to/3slw4Sg).

Read my article on Thich Nhat Hanh:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/thich-nhat-hanh-life-lessons/

Send me your question or message:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

As an Amazon Associate, the link to the books above is on Amazon and provides Alan a small commission if you choose to purchase.  This does not affect the price to you.

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 and monastics as a mutually beneficial and symbiotic practice.  While this practice is often not known or practiced by Westerners, it is one that is within the Buddhist teachings, scripture, and is a wonderful way to progress on the path.

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 mental state of Nirvana.

Read the article here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mind/

And learn about Buddhist practice here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/

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/

The Mahayana Buddhist holiday of "Bodhi Day" celebrates the Buddha's enlightenment.  Bodhi, meaning awakened or enlightened, is the goal of all Buddhists so they can emulate what the Buddha achieved:  cutting through delusion and ignorance, realizing the truth, becoming enlightened (Bodhi), blowing out the three fires of greed, anger, and delusion, which then allows us to reside in our true, peaceful, calm, natural state of Nirvana.  Learn how we celebrate this holiday from a Western perspective to including how to repurpose a Christmas tree and lights into a "Bodhi Tree"!

Learn more in my article and videos here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhi-day/

What is "Gratitude" in Buddhism and what does it have to do with Thanksgiving?  Learn more about how gratitude is a tool and antidote to greed (one of the Three Fires in Buddhism), and how a Buddhist can participate in the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

For this week only (11/20/21 through 11/26/21) you can get my Buddhist Thanksgiving Prayer poster for free here:  https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhistThanksgiving/9p3c2q2

Learn more about Buddhist Gratitude and Thanksgiving in my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-thanksgiving-gratitude/ and video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d2D6TO-gUI

With Halloween approaching, let's talk about our version of "ghosts" in Buddhism called "hungry ghosts".  These are beings in one of the realms of rebirth where they are constantly craving, and can't be satisfied.  Instead of fearing these ghosts, Buddhists practice compassion towards them through many festivals and ceremonies hoping they can hear and find the Buddha's teachings towards liberation.

Precepts in Buddhism are the foundation for the rest of your Buddhist practice of meditative concentration and wisdom.  Learn about why and how the precepts are very important to your Buddhist practice, what the Five Precepts consist of and how they relate to the Eightfold Path, additional precepts you can take, and more.

View an Infographic regarding the precepts on my Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CVS4aqyFNta/

Becoming a Buddhist monastic (monk or nun) is often a desire by Westerners new to the religion instead of staying a layperson. But should you? What does it entail? And, can you have a complete Buddhist experience as a layperson?

This episode's guest is Bhante Sanathavihari who is a Mexican American Theravada Buddhist monk from the Sarathchandra Buddhist Center in North Hollywood, California, and shares his experiences and insights.  This was a Zoom video session which you can watch on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr3HYG0GzIU

Join Alan and Sanathavihari Bhikkhu as we discuss this topic in the video!

Send in a comment if you have any questions about the layperson or monastic life in Buddhism!

What is Buddhist meditation?  How do you start meditating?  In this episode, we will discuss how Buddhist meditation is different than the meditation you'll find in everyday life, and how to start practicing.  Learn more in Alan's article here and see an infographic:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/learn-meditation-home/

As the COVID-19 pandemic changes, lockdowns, and other restrictions ending, how does a Buddhist reintegrate back into a changing world?  A world that has changed due to the causes and conditions of the pandemic is different from the one we left.  Just like a Buddhist monk returning to a village after meditating in the forest for a long time, we must also be mindful of the changes that occurred to society - and us - while we were away.

Our new book, "Returning Home", is a follow-up and companion to our original book, "The 14-Day Buddhist Daily Planner for the COVID-19 Pandemic".  It is designed to help Buddhists with "reintegrating" back into a changed world and society that has been shaped by not only the pandemic, but our changed experiences and that of others. As we return to places, people, and experiences we may find them different than we left them, and that is where this new 7-day practice aligned with the Buddhist teachings comes in.

In this podcast, I will go over some portions of the eBook.

• Get the FREE eBook + Extras:  https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhistReturningHome
• You can also get our prior eBook here:  https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
• Listen to Sanathavihari Bhikkhu's daily meditation sessions for Returning Home on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1x0eKScnoo

The foundation of the Buddhist religion and Buddhist practice revolves around the Buddha's very first sermon where he told of the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path towards liberation (Nirvana).  But what is this all about?  What does it mean to you?  And is there a map?  Find out in this episode!

Learn more on my website:  Four Noble Truths (https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/four-noble-truths/) & Noble Eightfold Path (https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-eightfold-path/)

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

Who was the Buddha?  And why is he important to your Buddhist practice?  In this episode, I will talk about the life of Shakyamuni Buddha (the Buddha of our era), some misconceptions about him and his life, and why his story is so crucial to our practice.

Want to learn more?  Read:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-quick-intro/

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

What is a "Buddhist"?  In this episode, we will take a deeper dive into the two types of Buddhists, how to become a Buddhist, what Buddhist laypersons do, some misconceptions laypersons have about being a Buddhist, and ways to have a fulfilling Buddhist life as a layperson.

Ready to become a Buddhist?  Learn more in my article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/ 

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

There are many mistaken beliefs and views about Buddhism by beginners and Westerners. Let's take a look at five of the most common ones and a brief explanation of them!

Learn more in my article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-misconceptions/ or just head to my website at alanpeto.com and you'll see the article linked there.  You can also watch a video for this topic on my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVaMum5f398 

How do you start a daily Buddhist practice?  For beginners, this can be challenging especially if you have not picked a Buddhist tradition to follow (and their practice).  In this episode, I will explain how to start a daily practice that is rooted in the different Buddhist traditions but simple enough for beginners to follow.  

You can read more about a daily practice in my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/  and watch my video on YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89gM2g0KOYU

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

Buddhism is a worldwide religion based on the insight and teachings of the Buddha of our current era, known as Shakyamuni Buddha (commonly called “The Buddha”). But what exactly is "Buddhism"?  In this episode, I start off my podcast series by giving you a high-level overview of Buddhism and why it is so empowering to us as humans.  We will cover Dependent Origination, the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, Karma, and Rebirth.  

You can also read my companion article "Introduction to Buddhism" on my website:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-quick-intro/ 

Do you have any questions or feedback about this episode?  I would like to hear from you!  Contact me at https://alanpeto.com/contact

Audio updated in November 2021.

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/