Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

Alan Peto

Alan Peto hosts an informative and helpful podcast for anyone who is interested in Buddhism and beginning a Buddhist practice. Alan is a Buddhist layperson who explains Buddhism and Buddhist teachings for beginners and Westerners on his website, https://alanpeto.com. This podcast is aimed at helping those exploring Buddhism or new to Buddhism understand Buddhist teachings and practices.

Contact Alan: https://alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: https://alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

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21 episodes
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English

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#94
August 21 · 33 min
94 - Engaged Buddhism
"Engaged Buddhism" is Buddhism lived in the world through compassion in action, wisdom applied to real life, and mindfulness extended beyond the meditation cushion! In this episode, we explore how Engaged Buddhism developed from the Buddha’s own teachings and practices 2,600 years ago, and then through the reform movement of Venerable Taixu and Humanistic Buddhism, to Thich Nhat Hanh’s modern mindfulness‑in‑action approach and the 14 Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing that were created during the Vietnam war. We also look at Master Hsing Yun’s global humanitarian work with Fo Guang Shan, showing how Engaged Buddhism can be both deeply personal and profoundly communal. This is a great episode if you have heard of 'Engaged Buddhism' before and are wondering how your Buddhist practice can help respond to suffering, support our communities, and live the Bodhisattva ideal in everyday life. 📖 Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/engaged-buddhism-buddhist/ More about Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh: https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/biography More about Ven. Master Hsing Yun: https://hsingyun.org/bio/index.php Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#93
July 25 · 1 hr 15 min
93 - Buddhism in 10 Steps (Audiobook Special Edition)
This episode is the full audiobook reading of my book Buddhism in 10 Steps. Many of you have already listened to the shorter podcast/video version, which offered a quick overview of the ten foundational steps. This episode is different — it’s the complete, long‑form narration of the actual book. If you prefer listening over reading, or you enjoy deeper, uninterrupted explanations, this audiobook version is for you. It walks through each step (topic) with more detail, context, and guidance than the condensed episode, making it a great companion for new Buddhists, curious listeners, or anyone wanting a clearer path into Buddhist practice. You can also find the book and eBook here: alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps/ or BuddhismStarterPack.com Settle in, relax, and enjoy the full journey through the ten steps! Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#92
July 19 · 32 min
92 - Buddhist Symbols & Symbolism
In this episode, we explore the beautiful world of Buddhist symbols — the dragons, lotus flowers, prayer flags, mandalas, guardian lions, and more that fill temples and artwork across Asia. These symbols aren’t just decoration; they’re teaching tools that help us understand compassion, wisdom, karma, and enlightenment in simple, visual ways. If you’re new to Buddhism, this episode will give you a warm, accessible introduction to the Dharma you can see. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#91
May 29 · 29 min
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 isn’t distant or rare. It’s timeless, ever‑present, and something we can uncover in ourselves right now. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#90
May 1 · 42 min
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 experience in the Kālāma Sutta, and why Buddhism still includes a healthy form of confidence (saddhā) rather than blind belief. We also look at where Buddhism and science genuinely overlap, where they don’t, and how to approach teachings that can’t be tested in a laboratory. Using a clear analogy from medicine—where we often trust what works long before we understand how it works—we examine why unprovable teachings like rebirth aren’t dismissed in Buddhism, and why the tradition encourages open‑minded investigation rather than rigid belief or rigid skepticism. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#39
April 17 · 40 min
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 before), and why traditional languages like Pāli and Sanskrit matter—even if you don’t understand every word. We’ll also look at popular chants across traditions and offer simple ways to start chanting, especially if you're hesitant or unsure. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#88
April 3 · 32 min
88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana
The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & Parinirvāṇa In 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, and the Saṅgha, and the powerful guidance he offered even while facing the end of his life. His final message, which is that all conditioned things are impermanent, and that we must strive with diligence, becomes a living reminder of how to practice right now, in our everyday lives. You’ll also learn how Theravada and Mahayana understand parinirvāṇa. For example, Theravāda emphasizes the historical Buddha’s final passing and the importance of the Dharma as our guide. In contrast, Mahāyāna adds the perspective of the Buddha’s three bodies (trikāya) and explains why awakened bodhisattvas attain nirvāṇa but choose not to enter parinirvāṇa, remaining in the world out of compassion for all beings. This episode is both a teaching and a reflection. It's an invitation to look closely at impermanence, to appreciate the preciousness of this moment, and to carry the Buddha’s final encouragement into your own practice. Contact Alan: ⁠alanpeto.com/contact⁠ Podcast Homepage: ⁠alanpeto.com/podcast⁠ Podcast Disclaimer: ⁠alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer⁠
S87 · E87
March 13 · 30 min
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 familiar (and that's good!). You can watch a VIDEO for this episode on Spotify, or if you are on another platform, check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cn9GlUomlzU?si=UaE96U-c6KPQP9r4. You can also download the FREE eBook, Buddhism in 10 Steps, on my website by going to my Buddhism Starter Pack page! https://BuddhismStarterPack.com. Tell a friend! Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:32 What is Buddhism (1) 4:52 Who was the Buddha? (2) 7:47 What did the Buddha Teach? (3) 12:12 Four Noble Truths (4) 16:09 Noble Eightfold Path (5) 18:31 Dependent Origination (6) 22:02 Karma (7) 23:51 Not Self (8) 26:19 Rebirth (9) 28:49 Nirvana (10) Get the Book: https://alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps or https://BuddhismStarterPack.com Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
January 23 · 51 min
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 between lives: Theravada: the importance of the final mind state, wholesome actions, and merit transfer Pure Land: the role of Amitābha Buddha, nianfo chanting, and rebirth in the Pure Land Ch’an/Zen: clarity, non‑attachment, and approaching death as another moment of practice Tibetan Buddhism: the bardo teachings, phowa, and rituals that guide consciousness We also look at merit and merit dedication, why families generate merit for the deceased, and how these practices support a peaceful transition and favorable rebirth. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or deepening your understanding, this episode offers a clear, compassionate guide to how Buddhists view death — and what these teachings reveal about living with wisdom and intention. Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-reincarnation-rebirth/ Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#85
Nov 21, 2025 · 31 min
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 Mahayana emphasizes them as the Bodhisattva’s toolkit, and how they embody the vow to liberate all beings before oneself. Along the way, we uncover what these perfections mean in daily life and how anyone can begin applying them, not as distant ideals but as practical steps toward compassion, clarity, and transformation. By the end, you will see how the Six Paramitas offer a gradual, cumulative path, a way to cultivate enlightened qualities step by step while carrying others with you across the shore of liberation. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#84
Oct 3, 2025 · 48 min
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/bodhisattva-path/ Get my Bodhisattva graphic: https://alanpeto.com/graphics Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#83
Aug 29, 2025 · 23 min
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-NAQ Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#82
Aug 8, 2025 · 28 min
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/contact Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxZ-CoGk6Wk Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#81
Aug 1, 2025 · 34 min
81 - Buddhism Q&A #5
In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice! Chapters: 00:01 Introduction 00:28 "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 catholic be a Buddhist too" 22:00 "As a buddhist I get asked "who do buddhist believe created the world if there's no god" 27:00 "If there is no self, how does the Tulku system work? Is this advanced store consciousness?" 30:37 "I've heard the ides of "non attachment" a lot in Buddhist practice. But how does that work in relationships or goals?" Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#80
Jun 3, 2025 · 25 min
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/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#79
May 27, 2025 · 28 min
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/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#78
Mar 28, 2025 · 21 min
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/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
Feb 14, 2025 · 16 min
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 - Loving Kindness Meditation: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/loving-kindness/ - Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-virtues/ - Alan's Buddhism Starter Pack: https://BuddhismStarterPack.com - Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact - Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast - Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer
#76
Jan 29, 2025 · 26 min
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
Dec 23, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
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 world? And if all is empty, does restraint, compassion, or ethical virtue have any meaning? 08:00 Is having a negative view on Abrahamic religions bad karma or unwholesome? How does Buddhists view the catholic faith? 15:30 Is music used in meditation practices? 18:35 Buddhist guidance on manifestation. 22:35 How can we keep our practice up when our worldly life is taking so much time/energy. 26:13 Different types of meditation. I wanna know the difference between vipassana and such 32:58 Karma 36:20 Can you be a full Buddhist and not believe in reincarnation or other realms/divine beings? 47:07 How to handle attending a temple for the first time. 51:19 The differences in levels you can attain in Buddhism! 57:59 why do so many schools of Buddhism have deities, reincarnation, metaphysical stuff. when buddha refused to talk about afterlife as it was a distraction from the present and specifically said I'm not a deity --- Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

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