Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

In this episode, I move on in our exploration of the Six Paramitas (“transcendent actions”) to the third paramita: patience.There is a common misconception that patience means tolerating bad behavior or remaining silent in the face of harm. Instead, patience is a profound and active spiritual practice that can help us transcend aggression and stay present with reality as it unfolds.Drawing on classical Buddhist teachings and a personal story about losing my  temper in traffic, I talk about how we can remain connected to our own and others’ humanity—even in difficult moments—and why doing so is essential for a compassionate life.Highlights:What Patience Is (and Isn't):Not about tolerating wrongdoing or suppressing anger.True patience is the opposite of aggression—it’s about staying present and not shrinking the world to your anger.A personal story of losing patienceTwo Keys to Patience:Staying connected to humanity—even when angry.Letting go of expectations.Three Forms of Patience (from the Buddhist tradition):Overcoming Others’ Destructiveness – Meeting aggression without adding more.Realizing the Nature of Aggression – Seeing the pain behind harmful actions (in others and ourselves).Individual Examination – Resisting assumptions and prejudice; seeing each situation and person freshly.War has never led to peace, and hatred has never resolved anything. We must learn to fight injustice without aggression.Cultivating patience begins with how we relate to our own inner experiences.What would happen if you responded to frustration or criticism without expectations—and stayed open to the humanity behind every interaction?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

This week we continue our exploration of the Six Paramitas (or Transcendent Actions)—the Buddhist teachings on how to go beyond suffering and confusion into wakefulness, compassion, and liberation. I talked about the first paramita, Generosity, in a previous episode. Now we look at the second: Discipline.This isn’t the harsh, rigid discipline of making yourself do things you don’t want to do. Here, discipline is a joyful, courageous return to presence—a practice of continuously coming back to your intentions, your inner world, your experience, and your humanity.Highlights:Why discipline must be paired with generosity to avoid self-aggression.The Buddhist definition of discipline as “coming back” over and over, especially in meditation.How thinking for yourself and not outsourcing wisdom is a powerful form of discipline.The three forms of discipline:Binding Yourself – Committing to opening up, even when it's uncomfortable.Gathering Virtuous Dharmas – Continuing to deepen your understanding through study, reflection, and practice.Benefiting Sentient Beings – Shifting focus from self alone to bringing care for others into your experienceThe three-step method of learning in Buddhist tradition: Hearing, Contemplating, and Meditating. (We usually stop at hearing, regurgitating, and then forgetting.)How including others in your awareness brings joy, strength, and clarity, even in chaotic times.“Discipline is synonymous with joy. Not yippy joy—but the joy of not hiding from your life.”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

In this episode, I explore a little-known yet profoundly practical Buddhist teaching: The Seven Riches of the Universal Monarch. I warmly invite you to look beyond the modern view of mindfulness as merely a stress-relief tool; rather, consider your practice as a transformative lens on how to live fully, wisely, and with meaning.Drawing from classical Buddhist teachings, my own seminary training, and over 30 years of personal practice, I share how these "seven riches" can serve as guiding principles for cultivating intimacy, purpose, vitality, and inner wisdom in daily life. I even share a story about lying on a couch mid-conversation and realizing my ideal form of social interaction.Highlights:Why mindfulness is more than just stress relief – It’s a path to living with depth, presence, and authenticity.Introduction to the obscure yet profound teaching of the Seven Riches of the Universal Monarch, possibly rooted in the indigenous Bön tradition of Tibet.The 7 Riches unpacked:Consort – The value of intimate connection (romantic or platonic) rooted in trust and love.Minister – Having a trusted source of wisdom or guidance (a person, study, or tradition).General – A sense of protection, whether from people, community, or even financial stability.Horse – The wellspring of vitality and momentum, from energy to inspiration.Elephant – Living with purpose and steady, grounded intention.Wish-Fulfilling Jewel – Deep self-knowledge and compassion as the truest wealth.The Wheel – Integration of all six riches into a cohesive, supportive whole.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

This episode starts off a new series on the Six Paramitas (Transcendent Actions). Focusing on the first paramita: generosity, I share how this quality—often misunderstood as mere niceness or material giving—is actually the foundation for waking up,  finding sanity, and increasing the sanity of this world. I talk about three forms of generosity:Ordinary generosity – Giving material things with an open heartThe gift of dharma – Sharing wisdom in a humble, useful wayThe gift of fearlessness – Helping others feel stronger and less alone, often through the simple act of listeningHighlights:Why generosity is the gateway to all other ParamitasHow practicing generosity transforms the way people respond to youWhat it really means to lead with offering, rather than seekingA beautiful, powerful definition of listening: “When you stop thinking your thoughts and start thinking mine.” –Catherine MacCounPractical ways to embody generosity in daily life—emails, conversations, arguments, and moreAs always, don’t take my word for any of this—reflect on these teachings yourself, and see what arises.This is a rich and grounding episode for anyone interested in living more deeply, whether or not you identify as Buddhist.Next week, I’ll share about the second paramita, discipline (Shila), or how to stay intentional without becoming rigid.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

In this new episode, I explore what it actually means to become a Buddhist through the Refuge Vow. Potentially misunderstood as a formality or an unnecessary label, I discuss the spiritual and practical significance of the vow.Refuge is taken in the Three Jewels—Buddha (awakening), Dharma (wisdom/path), and Sangha (community). What do they mean? I also share about my own journey in taking the vow in 1993, how I was trained and given permission to offer the vow myself, and the internal changes that often follow taking the vow.Taking refuge isn't about labeling yourself—it's about recognizing a path you're already on.Highlights:What the Refuge Vow actually is—and isn’tThe meaning and power of the Three JewelsWhen (and if) you know you're ready to take the vowPersonal stories of transformation, doubt, and commitmentHow taking the vow changes your relationship with life“The best time to take the Refuge Vow is when it simply feels like a recognition of something that has already happened.”Resources & Links:Visit Susan’s Substack & continue the conversation: Susan Piver on SubstackLearn more or join her community: The Open Heart ProjectMentioned in podcast: Episode 8: Who Can You Trust in the Spiritual World?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

In today’s episode, I take a deep dive into the meditation questions I’ve been asked the most over the past three decades—as a student, as a teacher, and now, as someone who teaches others to teach.We talk about the real stuff. The messy, wonderful, confusing, luminous questions that arise when you sit down on your cushion and meet your own mind.Highlights:“Why can’t I stop thinking?” You’re not supposed to. That’s not a failure—it’s reality. Thoughts are not the enemy.“Why do we keep our eyes open during practice?” Eyes open helps us stay here, in this life, not some special spiritual realm. We’re not retreating. We’re engaging—with softness and awareness.“I feel like I’m hyperventilating… or I’m weirdly obsessed with my breath or eyes—what’s happening?” You’re just noticing more. That wide open space you’ve created isn’t empty—it’s your awareness. And yes, it’ll settle.“What if I have a really good idea during meditation?” The real answer is: call it thinking, let go, return to the breath. But… I also share my (slightly quirky) workaround involving my thumbs.“Can meditation help with depression, anxiety, or trauma?” This is an important and delicate topic. Meditation is not a cure-all, and it is essential to proceed gently, and ideally with guidance from a trusted healthcare provider.“I’m overwhelmed by feelings when I meditate. Isn’t this supposed to calm me down?” Not always. Sometimes the most compassionate choice is to not meditate. Or to gently make your feeling—rather than your breath—the object of attention.“How do I know if I’m doing it right?” Because, let’s face it, it feels boring. But the answer is not on the cushion—it’s in your life. Are you more kind? More patient? More real? Then yes, you’re doing it right.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

In this episode, I explore a classical teaching throughout the Buddhist world, The Four Reminders, also known as the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma. When I first heard them, I thought how can I forget what I just heard?! Turns out, I can’t. Warning: once you hear them, you can’t unhear them either. They are at once brutal and deeply compassionate. Much like life itself. Highlights:The Four Thoughts are uncomfortable but essential contemplations that help you see with what truly matters. They are:Precious Human Birth – It's rare and valuable simply to be here. If one person in your line had done something different, you would not be you!Impermanence and Death – Death is real (but only 100% of the time) and comes without warning.Karma is real – Actions have results, whether or not in this lifetime.Samsara is an ocean of unavoidable suffering. Sure, there are also great things, but even they come with suffering because they all eventually dissolve.Remembering these truths can turn your mind toward wisdom, compassion, and a life of generosity.Even if you don't identify as Buddhist, these reflections can offer clarity in how to live more deliberately and kindly.With personal stories and my best insights, I hope to share how remembering these truths can shift your priorities and bring you back to what matters most.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

Discover the intriguing balance between egolessness and self-awareness in spirituality. Explore how meditation unveils both our true essence and the illusion of self. The Enneagram emerges as a powerful tool for personal growth, offering insights into personality types that enhance self-compassion. Learn how understanding stress responses influences your relationships, fostering communication and harmony. This journey highlights that knowing ourselves is essential to spiritual development, not a distraction from it.

In a chaotic world, feeling powerless is common, but small changes can empower you. Start by tidying your space; a clean environment brings clarity and elegance. Choose clothes you love to wear, fostering self-respect each morning. Prioritize quality food and enjoy the preparation process, treating yourself kindly. Finally, surround yourself with people who see your true worth, minimizing time with those who don't uplift you. Embrace these suggestions to cultivate confidence and strength from within.

In this episode, I take a deep dive into a topic that a lot of people (myself included) find confusing; what does it mean to be egoless? Drawing from my 30+ years of experience, I share my own issues with the call to transcend ego within the Western cultural backdrop of individualism, shame, and self-judgment.Key Points:"Ego as the enemy" can reinforce cultural self-shaming:  Broadly speaking, we are wired to monitor, scrutinize and “fix” our flaws and mitigate our failings. This kind of self-focus in our culture makes it easy to see so-called ego as a problem to solve and our very own self as an obstacle on the journey.Relating to our wounds and pursuing spiritual insight are not mutually exclusive:  Both are essential and can coexist.Meditation fosters receptivity, not self-improvement: Rather than fall into the trap of using meditation to solve your problems, allow your practice to make the space for the wisdom that’s already a part of you. It will arise naturally.Egolessness is about openness, not self-denial: Genuine egolessness is not about prioritizing everyone else and abandoning yourself entirely. Our practice of letting go, being present; this is more helpful when it comes to realizing egolessness. It’s not about forcing yourself out; rather, it’s about being with what is (you are a part of what is) and receiving the love, wisdom, and insight that reveal rather than force egolessness. 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