Secular Buddhism

Noah Rasheta

Don't use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist. Use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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20 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes20

Newest first

224 - The Long Way Home
Twelve Lessons from The Odyssey
July 22 · 42 min
223 - Nothing is Missing
Buddha Nature & Layers of Self
July 15 · 34 min
222 - Holding Two Things at Once
A teaching & personal life update
May 17 · 28 min
221 - Stars, Planets, and Black Holes
Three Modes of Being Human
May 12 · 38 min
220 - This Messy Gorgeous Love
In this episode, I talk to Devon and Nico Hase about their book, This Messy, Gorgeous Love. We explore how the Buddhist concept of dukkha, or inherent unsatisfactoriness, applies to relationships, reframing difficulty not as a sign of failure but as a natural and even beautiful aspect of partnership. Key takeaways include understanding that relationships are inherently challenging, the importance of "deep listening" to ourselves, our partners, and the space between us, and redefining patience not as passive resignation but as active, courageous engagement with difficulty, or "patience with teeth." This approach offers practical tools for navigating conflict, such as understanding different conflict styles (volcanoes, diplomats, and dodgers) and practicing regular "check-ins" to foster deeper connection and understanding in our messy, gorgeous lives. Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 29 · 1 hr 2 min
219 - You Are Good, You Are Enough
An Interview with Author Lodro Rinzler
April 2 · 52 min
218 - Right Concentration
In this episode, I explore skillful concentration, the final aspect of the Eightfold Path, using a road trip analogy where concentration is like having steady hands on the wheel. I clarify that concentration is distinct from mindfulness, doesn't require hours of meditation, and is characterized by joy, not seriousness. I discuss the five hindrances—sensory desire, aversion, dullness, restlessness, and doubt—as obstacles to concentration, likening them to road hazards, and explain how to work with them by recognizing them as information. I also touch upon the jhanas as progressive states of concentration, from joy to equanimity, and offer practical advice on developing concentration by gradually increasing focus time, choosing an object of attention, and gently redirecting the mind when it wanders, emphasizing that concentration is a skill cultivated through consistent, gentle effort rather than force. Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 20 · 33 min
217 - Right Mindfulness
In this episode, I explore skillful mindfulness, the seventh aspect of the Eightfold Path, using analogies like a permanently attached camera and a train station to illustrate its core principles. I emphasize that mindfulness isn't about stopping thoughts but about developing the capacity to observe them without being swept away, akin to sitting on a bench and watching trains come and go. Key takeaways include understanding mindfulness as awareness, acceptance, and discernment, and recognizing its practical application in everyday transitions and tasks. This practice matters because it counters the constant demand for our attention, offering clarity and choice, ultimately allowing us to be more awake and responsive to our lives rather than living on autopilot. Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 20 · 31 min
216 - Right Effort
In this episode, I explore the concept of skillful effort, also known as right effort, which is the sixth aspect of the Eightfold Path. I explain that skillful effort isn't about "trying harder" but rather about applying energy wisely, much like a gardener tends to their plants. This involves four key tasks: preventing unskillful states from arising, abandoning those that have already arisen, cultivating skillful states that haven't yet appeared, and maintaining the skillful states that are present. I offer practical examples, such as building a "fence" by avoiding triggers like social media first thing in the morning, "weeding" by noticing and withdrawing attention from unskillful thoughts like anger after being cut off in traffic, "planting seeds" by intentionally practicing gratitude or kindness, and "tending the garden" through consistent, balanced effort. The core takeaway is that by understanding and applying these principles, we can foster genuine organic growth in our minds and lives, leading to greater clarity and well-being. Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 12 · 27 min
215 - Dying to Live
A Conversation with Andy Chaleff
January 21 · 1 hr 3 min
214 - Skillful Means (10-Year Anniversary Episode)
When Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Technology
Dec 18, 2025 · 25 min
213 - No Water, No Moon
Zen and the Art of Not Getting It
Oct 22, 2025 · 29 min
212 - The War Within
Finding Peace in a World of Violence
Sep 1, 2025 · 28 min
211 - Right Livelihood
In this episode, Noah explores Right Livelihood, the next step on the Eightfold Path. More than just avoiding harmful professions, Right Livelihood invites us to reflect on how our work shapes who we are and how we show up in the world. Noah shares personal stories, analogies, and practical questions to consider, such as: Does my work align with my values? Does it cultivate compassion and presence, or leave me depleted and divided? Whether you love your job, dislike it, or are somewhere in between, this talk reframes livelihood as not about finding the “perfect” career, but about engaging skillfully with the conditions of life and bringing mindfulness into how we work every day. Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 19, 2025 · 19 min
210 - Right Action
Choosing Skillful Responses to Life's Challenges
Aug 4, 2025 · 29 min
209 - Unbecoming Ourselves (with Heather Schenck)
How letting go of labels helps us rediscover who we really are
Jul 29, 2025 · 50 min
208 - Right Speech
How Our Words Shape the World We Live In
Jul 28, 2025 · 23 min
207 - Be a Lamp Unto Yourself
Cultivating Your Inner Wisdom Beyond the Teacher
Jun 24, 2025 · 32 min
206 - Right Intention
Planting Seeds of Wisdom
Jun 17, 2025 · 25 min
205 - Right View
Seeing Clearly in a World of Many Truths
Jun 10, 2025 · 30 min

Secular Buddhism

Don't use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist. Use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.

224 - The Long Way Home

223 - Nothing is Missing

222 - Holding Two Things at Once

221 - Stars, Planets, and Black Holes

220 - This Messy Gorgeous Love

219 - You Are Good, You Are Enough

218 - Right Concentration

217 - Right Mindfulness

216 - Right Effort

215 - Dying to Live

214 - Skillful Means (10-Year Anniversary Episode)

213 - No Water, No Moon

212 - The War Within

211 - Right Livelihood

210 - Right Action

209 - Unbecoming Ourselves (with Heather Schenck)

208 - Right Speech

207 - Be a Lamp Unto Yourself

206 - Right Intention

205 - Right View