Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

By 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... more

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How many episodes does Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto episodes:

March 08, 2021 3 - What the Buddha Discovered
What did the Buddha discover at his enlightenment? What did he want to teach others?
In this episode, I talk about what the Buddha discovered and how that shaped his entire teaching and the Buddhist religion.
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!
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25min
February 14, 2021 2 - Who Was the Buddha?
Who was the Buddha? And was does "Buddha" mean?
In this episode, I talk about the founder of the Buddhist religion, and why his life story is important to us as Buddhists.
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!
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14min
January 12, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 14 - Impermanence Day (Special Episode & Series)
Day 14: Impermanence Day
"When death comes, neither parents, children, nor kin can protect one." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 288)
After 14 days, you are finally here: “Impermanence Day”. Everything ends, and nothing lasts forever. But also, nothing is ever truly gone. Yesterday (and throughout the 14 days) we were reciting the Five Remembrances which is a tool to help us recognize impermanence. When we accept impermanence, we can live naturally in our world free of the three fires for their fuel is now truly gone. They cannot feed on someone’s mind who understands the true nature of impermanence.
Depending on your situation, day 14 is the last day of quarantine or self-isolation. But it also may not be the end as there could be a recovery period, more testing, or even other challenges unknown at this time. Yet, everything ends. COVID-19 pandemic will eventually “end” (or go in cycles, as nobody knows the true course of this virus yet) just like other pandemics in history. While we also will “end” one day, due to impermanence, it is not the end of us.
The karma we generate continues, even if we do not, to start a new cycle. You have the power to create wholesome karma, and isn’t that a wonderful thing? While you may have some unwholesome karma in ‘you’, that does not mean you cannot water it down like a speck of salt in a large swimming pool full of wholesome karma. For impermanence day, look at it as the end of your 14 days of ‘basic’ training, that will lead you to a deeper desire to create right action.
Focus
What have I learned over the past 14 days?

What is my greatest fear? Has Buddhist teachings provided me a path to understanding it?

What can I do to help others?

What can impermanence tell me about my life, others, and things like a pandemic? Am I more afraid of a viral pandemic now after understanding impermanence, and the Eightfold Path? Why or why not?
Practice
Your practice does not end today. Use what you have learned and continue to: 1) Recite the Five Remembrances. 2) Meditate. 3) Find a teacher, temple, group so you can grow in practice.

If you can end your time at home today, now is the time to “return to the market”. Enter the world at least slightly more transformed than when you left it and desire to make it a better place not just for you, but for all sentient beings.

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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35min
January 11, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 13 - The Five Remembrances (Special Episode & Series)
Day 13: The Five Remembrances
"There are these five facts that one should reflect on often, whether one is a woman or a man, lay or ordained." ~ The Buddha (Upajjhatthana Sutta)
The Buddha said we should contemplate and accept “the Five Remembrances”. Why? Because when we reflect on them, we are setting down the road of the Noble Eightfold Path! And when we set down this road, we are dropping all the baggage of “fetters” and abandoning “obsessions”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with our health, mortality, and loss of family, friends, and everything else. This is original fear exposed to all of us.
The Five Remembrances are not meant to be a “sad” thing, but instead reality. A reality we like to think “of course that will happen”, but we never really contemplate or accept it. By reciting the Five Remembrances daily, we are taking a hammer (figuratively) to this wall of fear. Slowly, we are breaking it down so we can see the beauty on the other side. When we truly accept them…and that all things are impermanent…we can live as genuinely happy and peaceful people.
Focus
What parts of the Five Remembrances causes me discomfort?

Have you lost anyone to an illness? What “wall” has that built that the Five Remembrances can help you bring down.

What are you afraid of? Write it down and begin the journey to find the root cause.
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances. Although you have been doing this for these past 13 days, you are now learning more about it.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on what is causing you the most fear. Impermanence is a not just a central Buddhist concept and teaching, but a fact of life. However, it is one of our original fears. The Five Remembrances help us to understand and accept impermanence so that fear dissipates.

The Five Remembrances: 1. I am subject to aging. There is no way to avoid aging. 2. I am subject to ill health. There is no way to avoid illness. 3. I am going to die. There is no way to avoid death. 4. Everyone and everything that I love will change, and I will be separated from them. 5. My only true possessions are my actions, and I cannot escape their consequences.

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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29min
January 10, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 12 - Bodhisattva Path (Special Episode & Series)
Day 12: The Bodhisattva Path
"A bodhisattva is a great practitioner who is walking on the path toward Buddhahood by benefiting all sentient beings as well as themselves." ~ Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Before the Buddha was “the Buddha”, he was a “Bodhisattva” in prior existences. As a Bodhisattva, he was able to save lives and help others. So, it is no wonder that Mahayana Buddhism fell in love with the Bodhisattva Path for laypersons. This is a practice where anyone can practice in their daily lives as an “unenlightened Bodhisattva” towards awakening.
During this time, couldn’t we all use a few more everyday Bodhisattvas in our world? A Bodhisattva has a strong desire (“Bodhicitta”) to help liberate all sentient beings from suffering. By practicing the Bodhisattva Path during this pandemic, you can surely help others.
Focus
“Suffering” means different things to different people during different circumstances! For some, dropping off some groceries may be an immense help. For others, simply listening to their fears and anxiety will bring tremendous relief.

Open your heart and mind to the suffering of others and see how you can help.

Bodhisattvas in Buddhist cosmology often have different “skills”. For instance, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has a thousand arms to help people in many ways. Whereas another can speak to people in a way that they understand. Whether you know it or not you have a skill that can help others.
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on the “Mind of a Bodhisattva” as described below:

New Practice: To help prepare you mentally, sow seeds of a Bodhisattva by building these three elements/qualities (do not worry, the effort towards these goals is important also): 1) Aspiration for Awakening: The mind seeking to attain Buddhahood. 2) Great Compassion: Qualify of mind that wishes to liberate sentient beings. 3) Skillful Means: Applies the four means of embracing (giving, kind words, altruism, and empathy) so that sentient beings can be happy.

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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23min
January 09, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 11 - Loving Kindness (Special Episode & Series)
Day 11: Loving Kindness
"Dwelling in Loving-Kindness, delighting in the Buddha’s teaching. Gets their bliss when conditions cease." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 368)
Loving kindness (Pali: Metta, Sanskrit: Maitri) is an essential part of Buddhism where we wish for all beings to be happy, and pair it with Karuna (compassion) to wish they be free from suffering.
By focusing our attention this way (which is typically self-centered), it is like a fireman’s hose dousing the three fires that have been causing us so many issues. Can you just imagine Mara dripping wet?!
During this pandemic, we need loving kindness more than ever. The regression towards self is widespread. After all, you may be thinking, “if I don’t take care of myself, who will?”. When this thinking happens, it becomes a domino effect that impacts the lives of everyone, and eventually yourself.
Focus
Loving Kindness is not about being “nice”, which is easy to do. Instead, Loving Kindness requires continuous effort to be unselfish and genuinely concerned for others.

You must also not leave yourself out of Loving Kindness. Do not forget that you need compassion as well.

Following the Eightfold Path and practicing meditation can aid you with Loving Kindness.
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, introduce Metta Meditation (refer to the Metta Sutra, or use the recitation below):

New Practice: A simple “prayer” can be used for you to express Metta (loving kindness) to all beings, yourself, and to build your strength in using Metta in everyday life: May all beings be free. May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature. May all beings be free.

Learn Loving Kindness: http://buddhanet.net/e-learning/loving-kindness.htm and for teaching children: http://buddhanet.net/metta_k.htm

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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26min
January 08, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 10 - No Harm (Special Episode & Series)
Day 10: No Harm
"Harassing not others, those who seek happiness gain their own happiness hereafter." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 132)
One of the Five Precepts is to refrain from stealing or taking what is not yours. But what does that mean during a pandemic? We have seen people going to stores to hoard things, such as toilet paper, food, water, and other supplies. Some have said this is a psychological response to lack of control over the situation.
However, most of modern supply chains work in a “just-in-time” replenishment, meaning shelves are going bare unnecessarily. They are going bare not because there is no food or supplies, but because they cannot be restocked fast enough when people take too much.
The impact seems hidden; however, it is now being seen and felt. The elderly and others who live on fixed incomes and cannot compete with the numerous peoples stripping the shelves bare. Medical workers cannot find masks, gloves, and other equipment to keep themselves safe. Pharmacies are running out of medication when people want two-month supplies or get a doctor to prescribe them medication that might help them if they get the virus. People who are sick may not get needed supplies.
Harm is being done each time. Your actions may start the chain of events that leads to someone being killed as a result. Lack of medication, food, and supplies can quickly impact the most vulnerable.
Focus
Recognize when you are buying, or doing, something out of fear and loss of control.

Develop insight to see how your actions may be hurting others.

See if you can help those most in need, such as an elderly neighbor or someone with a medical condition. Have you given blood to a blood bank? Have you given comfort to someone?
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on the interconnectedness of all sentient beings. Are your actions harming them? Can you see how one action can cause another? Gain insight to see how an action can cause someone or something to die as a result, and how right action produces wholesome results.

New Practice: Strive to do no harm and instead to do wholesome actions and built merit. For instance, while you may want an extra can of food, which is fine, an entire case can cause a shortage. Connect with others to see how you can help them so they can survive.

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/
#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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23min
January 08, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 9 - Entering the Market (Special Episode & Series)
Day 9: Entering the Market
"Bare-chested, barefooted, he comes into the marketplace. Muddied and dust-covered, how broadly he grins! Without recourse to mystic powers, withered trees he swiftly brings to bloom." ~ Kuòān Shīyuǎn
In Zen Buddhism, the famous “Zen Ox-herding Pictures” are used to illustrate the path one takes in achieving enlightenment. The final picture is that of the practitioner, now awakened to realizing Buddha nature, they enter the market (an analogy for everyday life/world) now truly aware of what is around them, and free of all delusions, desires, and attachments to share their wisdom. They are resilient to problems, because they understand the true nature of things, and accept them with joy and a smile.
Because our daily lives have been altered, our “market” (world) is very much different. In-fact, when we enter a grocery store “market”, we need to be taking extra steps as a Buddhist. The real-life market looks chaotic and scary (especially with people hoarding and acting in unwholesome ways), and you need mindfulness and compassion when you enter it.
Focus
What does your “market” look like? You may be unemployed, have someone who is sick with COVID-19, or you are unable to find supplies.

What are your fears and attachments? Now, develop insight using Buddhist teachings and concepts why you have that fear or attachment.

“What would the Buddha do?” If the Buddha were going out to buy toilet paper, and there was none, would he be angry at the hoarder who has them all piled in their shopping basket? If you had extra, would you give some to a neighbor in need? Remember, the extraordinary thing about the Buddha was that he was not extraordinary. He was a human just like the rest of us but was able to see the true nature of our world and practiced every moment.
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on the awakened practitioner returning to the ‘market’. Walk in their shoes and through their eyes. Imagine you are them seeing the situations of daily life. Knowing what you know of Buddhism, how would you act? You may also put yourself in the body of the Buddha if that makes this easier to envision.

New Practice: Practice mindfulness in every moment possible. Align yourself with the Noble Eightfold Path. With every step, be an awakened being. Pandemics can cause us fear;

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/
#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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25min
January 06, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 8 - Right Concentration (Special Episode & Series)
Day 8: Right Concentration
"With no concentration there is no wisdom, with no wisdom there is no concentration. But with concentration and wisdom one will come near nirvana" ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 372)
The final part of the discipline group of the Noble Eightfold Path is Right [Meditative] Concentration. This specifically refers to focus the mind and settle your distracted body so you can cultivate yourself. If you cannot concentrate, you will let Mararun rampant in your mind and control your actions.
With right concentration, you begin to settle your mind of distractions, lead yourself from ignorance, clarify the mind, and attain peace. Through right concentration you can discover your true self (Buddha nature), and lead towards the state of awakening.
During the pandemic, right concentration may feel particularly challenging. However, through right effort, you will begin to see yourself grow stronger in your ability to concentrate and apply that towards all the rest of the steps. By practicing Right Concentration, you will become calmer, and able to handle situations correctly.
Focus
While you have been meditating these past few days, now is the time to deepen right concentration. You will work on developing this skill which will allow you to have better insight into Buddhist teachings and concepts.

What is your true self? The Buddha said, upon his awakening, that all sentient beings have the capacity for liberation just like him. However, Mara would like to lead us to believe otherwise. Through right concentration, we begin to see through Mara’s fog of delusion and see our true self. And then we can live in our natural state, just like the Buddha did, which is Nirvana. Wouldn’t you like to be calmer in the situations that are occurring?
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, begin the practice of settling your mind. This does not mean you will be attacking stray and random thoughts like a video game, but instead to acknowledge them and let them go. Focus on your breathing as an anchor of stability, rather than what Marais trying to do to you.

New Practice: Work on right concentration as much as possible. This can, of course, be during sitting meditation, but also walking meditation and even in everyday life! As you develop, you will find your concentration grows deeper, and you can apply it towards mindfulness, effort, and the rest of the path. This may take time, but you will gradually grow your ability.

Learn more about the Eightfold Path: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-eightfold-path/
Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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28min
January 05, 2021Buddhist Practice: Day 7 - Right Mindfulness (Special Episode & Series)
Day 7: Right Mindfulness
"Constantly contemplative on the body, mindful, and alert they block out all the influences." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 293)
Mindfulness often gets a generic view in western culture; however, it is a core part of the Buddhist practice. When you are truly practicing mindfulness, you are a Buddha! We sometimes look at the Buddha as becoming enlightened, and that was the end of his effort. However, he was practicing every day, and every moment, of his life.
True contemplation (another term for right mindfulness) is to develop your mind so it is “pure, aware, and does not give rise to unwholesome thoughts.”. As we learned so far, Mara would love for you to be unmindful so the three fires can burn hotter and longer. So, in every moment of your life, the more you are mindful of what is occurring and how your mind is ‘interpreting’ it (and thus controlling your actions), you will be walking the path of the Buddha.
Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh once said that if he learned that, while on an airplane, that it was going to crash, he would essentially practice mindfulness and practice mindful breathing. Mindfulness is a choice you can practice at any time.
Focus
The four applications of right mindfulness are to contemplate: 1)   the impurities of the body, 2) suffering of feelings,   3) impermanence of the mind, and 4) non-selfhood of phenomena.

Are you being mindful in every moment, or do you often seem to go on ‘autopilot’ with your actions (or ‘reactions’)? Are   you mindful of: Where you put your   hands? (face, door handles, etc.) Washing your hands? What people say or do?

The Noble Eightfold Path is the right path. It allows you to navigate life’s troubles that affect your mind, such as pandemics. This is the guide the   Buddha gave to all of us.
Practice
Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, contemplate the ‘right path’, which is all the parts of the Noble Eightfold Path. When understood, and practiced, you make the wheel ‘round’ and ‘perfect’. Thus, a life lived correctly is following this path.

New Practice: Be mindful in every moment, and every situation. To help with this, review the Noble Eightfold Path at least once a day (refer to page 34), and review whenever you encounter a situation so you can see how you can improve next time. For instance, if you were not nice to a family member or a grocery store clerk, reviewing will help you next time.

Learn more about the Eightfold Path: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-eightfold-path/
Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID
View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE
More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about
More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings
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30min

FAQs about Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto:

How many episodes does Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto have?

The podcast currently has 99 episodes available.

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