Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16) 29.05.2026 29min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

90 - Science & Buddhism 01.05.2026 42min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

89 - Chanting, Recitation, Mantras, and Dhāraṇīs in Buddhism 17.04.2026 40min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana 03.04.2026 32min

The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & ParinirvāṇaIn 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/contact⁠Podcast Homepage: ⁠alanpeto.com/podcast⁠Podcast Disclaimer: ⁠alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer⁠

87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps) 13.03.2026 30min

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 Introduction0:32 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.comContact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

86 - After You Die...What Buddhists Believe About Life After Death 23.01.2026 51min

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 transferPure Land: the role of Amitābha Buddha, nianfo chanting, and rebirth in the Pure LandCh’an/Zen: clarity, non‑attachment, and approaching death as another moment of practiceTibetan Buddhism: the bardo teachings, phowa, and rituals that guide consciousnessWe 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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections) 21.11.2025 31min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

84 - Bodhisattvas 03.10.2025 48min

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/graphicsContact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

83 - Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in Buddhism 29.08.2025 23min

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-NAQPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

82 - Pure Lands & Pure Land Buddhism 08.08.2025 28min

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/contactWatch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxZ-CoGk6WkPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

81 - Buddhism Q&A #5 01.08.2025 34min

In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice!Chapters:00:01 Introduction00:28 "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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

80 - Meat Eating in Buddhism 03.06.2025 25min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

79 - Love and Marriage in Buddhism 27.05.2025 28min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

78 - Repentance in Buddhism 28.03.2025 21min

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/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

77 - A Buddhist Valentine's Day (Metta and Loving-Kindness) 14.02.2025 16min

"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 - A Buddhist Lunar New Year 29.01.2025 26min

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 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #4 23.12.2024 1h 11min

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

74 - Buddha & Jesus 13.12.2024 22min

Did the Buddha and Jesus know each other? Did Buddhism influence Jesus' ministry? Are there similarities between Buddhism and Christianity? You're likely to hear one or all of these in your study of Buddhism. In this episode, I'll explain whether Jesus ever heart of Buddhism, can you be a Buddhist and Christian, views Buddhists have on Christianity, and can we get along? Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-buddhist-christmas/ Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

73 - Zen (Chan) Buddhism 02.11.2024 29min

Discover the deep roots of Zen Buddhism in our latest episode. We'll journey through its rich history and tackle common Western misconceptions. Explore the origins of Zen in Chan Buddhism, the profound practice of direct transmission, and the unique practices of chanting and reciting, threefold training, and delve into the dual practice of Chan/Zen and Pure Land. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

72 - The Six Sense Organs & Objects in Buddhism 27.09.2024 28min

In this episode we delve into the Buddhist practice of guarding the six sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Discover how mindful observation, reflection, and meditation can help prevent unwholesome states and cultivate wisdom. We’ll explore the differences in understanding and practices across various Buddhist traditions, and for practical tips on integrating these teachings into your daily life and transforming your sensory experiences into the right conditions for progress on the Buddhist path. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer