Awareness of the teacher: honoring sources of wisdom

In this episode of Buddhism Beyond Belief, I explore how we truly enter the path—not through esoteric or “advanced” practices, but by grounding ourselves in simple awareness and presence. After more than thirty years of practice and teaching, I’ve come to see that depth in meditation isn’t about complexity. It’s about sincerity—how fully we can find our breath, sit with our mind, and meet life as it is.

I share what the Tibetan Buddhist tradition calls the seven characteristics of a Dharmic person—qualities that guide anyone, Buddhist or not, toward wisdom and compassion. Together, they offer a map for living with steadiness, clarity, and an open heart, even when life feels messy or painful.

I also tell a story about grief, and how the seemingly simple quality of good conduct can become an act of warriorship—opening to heartbreak instead of turning away.

And as always, I close with music I love: this time, “Swim Away” by the late Toni Price—an artist of rare authenticity whose voice carries both ache and freedom.

Highlights:

• Why Buddhism is not just about stress reduction, but about liberation and living fully.
• Why “advanced” practices mean nothing without the ability to find your breath.
• The Seven Characteristics of a Dharmic Person:
  1. Passionlessness: Tolerating life’s small irritations without chasing perfection.
  2. Contentment: Slowing down to appreciate the everydayness of daily life.
  3. Fewer Activities: Creating space by loosening the grip of constant doing.
  4. Good Conduct: Living with care, attention, and courage to face what is painful.
  5. Awareness of the Teacher: Recognizing and honoring the sources of wisdom that awaken you.
  6. Propagating Prajna (Wisdom): Bringing what you’ve verified as true into daily life.
  7. An Attitude of Goodness: Trusting your inherent wholeness—your Buddha nature.
• Reflections on grief, love, and the courage to open to heartbreak.
  A story from Sharon Salzberg and the Dalai Lama on self-esteem and basic goodness.
• How Buddhist faith is not rooted in belief, but in living what you’ve discovered to be true.
  
  
  

Music Segment

The episode ends with “Swim Away” by Toni Price—a haunting acapella piece about longing to return home.

Watch this episode on video
If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here.

Ask me a question
You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through

If you enjoyed this episode:

Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.

For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.

If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.

Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com

Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project