As the COVID-19 pandemic changes, lockdowns, and other restrictions ending, how does a Buddhist reintegrate back into a changing world?  A world that has changed due to the causes and conditions of the pandemic is different from the one we left.  Just like a Buddhist monk returning to a village after meditating in the forest for a long time, we must also be mindful of the changes that occurred to society - and us - while we were away.

Our new book, "Returning Home", is a follow-up and companion to our original book, "The 14-Day Buddhist Daily Planner for the COVID-19 Pandemic".  It is designed to help Buddhists with "reintegrating" back into a changed world and society that has been shaped by not only the pandemic, but our changed experiences and that of others. As we return to places, people, and experiences we may find them different than we left them, and that is where this new 7-day practice aligned with the Buddhist teachings comes in.

In this podcast, I will go over some portions of the eBook.

The foundation of the Buddhist religion and Buddhist practice revolves around the Buddha's very first sermon where he told of the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path towards liberation (Nirvana).  But what is this all about?  What does it mean to you?  And is there a map?  Find out in this episode!

Learn more on my website:  Four Noble Truths (https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/four-noble-truths/) & Noble Eightfold Path (https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-eightfold-path/)

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

Who was the Buddha?  And why is he important to your Buddhist practice?  In this episode, I will talk about the life of Shakyamuni Buddha (the Buddha of our era), some misconceptions about him and his life, and why his story is so crucial to our practice.

Want to learn more?  Read:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-quick-intro/

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

What is a "Buddhist"?  In this episode, we will take a deeper dive into the two types of Buddhists, how to become a Buddhist, what Buddhist laypersons do, some misconceptions laypersons have about being a Buddhist, and ways to have a fulfilling Buddhist life as a layperson.

Ready to become a Buddhist?  Learn more in my article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/ 

View my Podcast main page:  https://alanpeto.com/podcast

There are many mistaken beliefs and views about Buddhism by beginners and Westerners. Let's take a look at five of the most common ones and a brief explanation of them!

How do you start a daily Buddhist practice?  For beginners, this can be challenging especially if you have not picked a Buddhist tradition to follow (and their practice).  In this episode, I will explain how to start a daily practice that is rooted in the different Buddhist traditions but simple enough for beginners to follow.  

You can read more about a daily practice in my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/  and watch my video on YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89gM2g0KOYU

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

Buddhism is a worldwide religion based on the insight and teachings of the Buddha of our current era, known as Shakyamuni Buddha (commonly called “The Buddha”). But what exactly is "Buddhism"?  In this episode, I start off my podcast series by giving you a high-level overview of Buddhism and why it is so empowering to us as humans.  We will cover Dependent Origination, the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, Karma, and Rebirth.  

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!  Contact me at https://alanpeto.com/contact

Audio updated in November 2021.

Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/

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!

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!

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

Practice

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/

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