Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

Buddhist altars are an important part of Buddhist practice. Let's explore why they are important, what they do, how we build them, and where to place them.

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The most popular Bodhisattva is Avalokiteśvara (Guan Yin, Kannon, etc.). Because they are known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and can be called upon, you see Avalokiteśvara as the one Bodhisattva that most Buddhists know and love. Get an introduction to this Bodhisattva in my latest episode!

• Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhisattva-path/
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I'm answering YOUR questions about Buddhism in this episode! Recently I asked on my social media if anyone had questions about Buddhism and here are a few of those questions that I answered. Be on the lookout for me asking again or simply message me from my website.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Do Monastics Have a Better Chance at Nirvana Over Laypersons?

05:13 Buddhism and Vegetarian?

12:10 Westerners Focus on Vipassana [Meditation] Only?

16:55 Bodhisattvas Real?

24:34 Four Heavenly Kings Only in Chinese Buddhism?

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Want to try something special for your Buddhist practice this year? Mix in a monthly focus that compliments your daily practice! Join me in incorporating the Threefold Training throughout the year and be exposed to different Buddhist practices.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:30 The Eightfold Path & Threefold Training

02:00 The 12 Month Plan

03:27 Wisdom

11:26 Conduct & Morality

19:00 Concentration

28:12 Conclusion

Get the 12 Month Practice Graphic: https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhismGraphics

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Can a Western Buddhist participate in Western holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving? What about Buddhist or country specific holidays? Let's explore in this episode!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:05 Western Buddhism and Western holidays

00:30 should I engage in Western holidays?

01:22 finding Buddhism in western holidays

01:55 the path as a Buddhist with western holidays

03:15 Buddhist qualities, beliefs, ethics

04:00 engaging in the world as it is

06:07 going to church

08:40 doing complimentary activities

08:59 what about Thanksgiving or 4th of July?

11:54 you don't have to be the outlier

12:44 Buddhist and country/culture specific holidays

16:25 Conclusion

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The most chanted, studied, and copied sutra in the Buddhist world is the Heart Sutra. Found in most traditions that follow Mahayana Buddhism (the path of the Bodhisattva) chant this sutra daily. It teaches the profound nature of Prajna or supreme wisdom into the nature of "emptiness" and the teaching of not-self so that fear is ended, enlightenment achieved, and Nirvana realized.

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Mahayana Buddhism makes up the largest branch of Buddhism, and they follow the "Bodhisattva Path". What is that and why is it so important to them? A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being that practices for themselves and others and makes great vows to eventually become a Buddha. It provided a way for all people, not just monastics, to actively progress on the Buddhist path.

Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-hard-times/

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Impermanence in Buddhism is so important and central to our practice that we can't ignore it. However, it is also a very hard concept to understand. The Buddha essentially said that all conditioned things (that includes you and me) are every changing, impermanent, and interdependent on other things to exist. Because our existence is temporary in nature, thus impermanence, it is of the nature to be dukkha or suffering. This continual forced rebirth is the problem. But, when we fundamentally understand impermanence and our impermanent nature (and that of other things) we can be freed from the Three Fires/Poisons that create karma, force continued rebirth. Then can we reside in our true state of Nirvana and no longer have forced rebirth - breaking the cycle.

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Do Buddhists "repent"? Yes! And it's not what you think. Repentance in Buddhism is a fundamental part of Buddhist practice because it helps us "get out" the misdeed/transgression of the five precepts we created so that we can understand why, ask for help, and set an aspiration of action and cultivation of good deeds. This is important because morality/conduct is part of the Buddha's teachings and essential for enlightenment. As human beings, we sometimes go "off the path" in Buddhism and as we repent, we make ourselves aware of that so we can prevent it in the future. It's a wholesome practice that is firmly rooted in Buddhism.

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Check out episode three (3) of this podcast for the first part! In this new episode, I talk about more misconceptions you may have heard about Buddhism in the West. Here are the misconceptions covered in this episode: "The Buddha was just a regular guy", "There are no gods in Buddhism", "The Pali Canon in Theravada is the oldest", "Zen is not part of Mahayana", and "There is only one Buddha".

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One of the most important teachings in Buddhism is that of the "Three Fires" or "Three Poisons" of greed, anger, and ignorance. Why? Because it is the cause of our unwholesome karma keeps us trapped in the cycle of rebirth, which the Buddha said is Dukkha ("suffering"). The absence of the Three Fires is Nirvana...our true natural state and the goal of all Buddhists. Learn more in this episode!

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Buddhist practice isn't confined to a daily practice or going to the temple. There are "Observance Days" in numerous traditions where lay-Buddhists engage in practices that align themselves more with the monastic lifestyle and advance their development. This includes taking the Eight Precepts, vegetarian meals, or even fasting. Learn why Buddhists engage in Observance Days and what it means!

Alan's Daily Buddhist Practice Guide on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LTxbE8

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I've known meditation teacher Bodhipaksa for several years.  He was one of the first to use the internet when it was "new" to teach others about meditation when there wasn't a group or temple nearby.  He has also spread knowledge about what the Buddha really said (by dispelling fake Buddha quotes online).  With his latest book release, I interviewed him in this episode to help you learn more about mantras, recitations/chanting, visualization, meditation, and some interesting insights about the Buddha and meditation!

• Bodhipaksa's New Book "A Year of Buddha's Wisdom - Daily Meditations and Mantras to Stay Calm and Self-Aware (A Year of Daily Reflections)":  https://amzn.to/403J1Qo (Amazon affiliate link)
• Bodhipaksa's "Wildmind" Online Website (Meditation):  https://www.wildmind.org/
• Bodhipaksa's "Fake Buddha Quotes" Website:  https://fakebuddhaquotes.com/
• Bodhipaksa on Insight Timer:  https://insighttimer.com/bodhipaksa

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If you are new to Buddhism, there are plenty of things in Buddhism that make you question if it is real or not.  But they are clearly part of the religion.  And, different traditions may have various beliefs.  So, do you need to believe in everything "Buddhism" believes in?  This is one of the most asked questions and concerns for Westerners coming into Buddhism.  As I'll talk about in this episode, it's OK to not believe in everything right away, but please be respectful.  We don't always understand everything (and often how they help you understand Buddhist concepts and develop!), and that's OK!  Being OK with not knowing and understanding everything right away can be challenging, but an important part of engaging with the religion.

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How do you practice Buddhism when there is no Buddhist temple or monastics where you live?  Can technology and "virtual" Buddhism be an option?  In this episode, I talked with Venerable Tri Dao, a Buddhist monk in the Theravada tradition who has over a million followers on TikTok, and tens of thousands on Instagram and other social media.  Since Venerable Tri Dao is actively using technology to spread the Buddhist teachings in a way that is understandable, we can explore how "Virtual Buddhism" can be an option, and what is needed to practice that way.

• If you would like to learn more about Venerable Tri Dao and follow him:  https://linktr.ee/TriDaomonk
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There are many Buddhist holidays, but what are they and what do they mean to you?  

Buddhist holidays serve a few purposes, which include getting Buddhists together (Dharma Friends), engaging with monastics, visiting the temple, practicing the religion (chanting, recitation, sutra writing, etc.), engaging in additional practices, and reinvigorating your faith in the Buddhist path.

• Learn more about Buddhist holidays in my article here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-holidays-calendar/
• Get my Buddhist Calendar for a small donation here:  https://alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhismGraphics

Thank you for listening! 

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• Get Alan's FREE eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
• Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

When you are ready to become a Buddhist, you "officially" become one by taking the Triple Gem Refuge.  But what does this mean and why is it important?  Can you take the Triple Gem Refuge from home?  What's the purpose of becoming a Buddhist?  I'll talk about these topics and more in this episode!

Suppose you're ready to become a Buddhist and don't have a temple nearby. In that case, you can take the Triple Gem at home by saying "I take refuge in the Buddha (our teacher), I take refuge in the Dharma (the Buddha's liberating teachings), I take refuge in the Sangha (monastic community)".  

• Want to take the Triple Gem with a Buddhist monk?  Check out my latest video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuJ8FRKSGIg
• Learn more about the Triple Gem with my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx9uswNwntk&t=0s  and article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/triple-gem-refuge/
• How to Become a Buddhist for Westerners:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/
• Did you become a Buddhist and take the Triple Gem?  I'd like to hear about your experience!  Connect with me on social media.

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

We often think of the Buddha as the founder of the Buddhist religion in our era.  But he was also a leader.  The Buddha had to manage, supervise, organize, inspire, and delegate to get a community started, rules to organize the monastics, talk with everyone from kings to farmers, and do this all in a way that everyone could understand.

If you want to develop your leadership skills, looking to the Buddha can be a great source of inspiration.  Or, if you're just interested in this often-unseen aspect of the Buddha, you'll get an overview in this episode.  

Read the Article:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-leadership-lessons/

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

What are we trying to end in Buddhism?  The Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance result in karmic actions that trap us in rebirth and dukkha (suffering).   But how did we get here in the first place?  What "fuels" those three fires?  It's Upadana.  Literally "fuel", but often translated as "attachment".  This is where we cling and attach to sense objects with our sense organs (we see something we like through our eyes for instance, and that gives rise to our mind/consciousness).  When we guard our senses and tame our mind, we cut off the fuel to the three fires which is nirvana...our true mental state of freedom.    

Also, in this episode I'll read the Fire Sermon (13 minutes into the episode) which gives context to Upadana and the Three Fires.

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Get Alan's new book:  "Daily Buddhist Practice Guide":  https://alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/

What is the practice of Mahayana Buddhists?  From Zen to Pure Land, Mahayana Buddhists strive to perfect the Six Perfections or "Paramitas".  These are the qualities and virtues of the true nature of an enlightened being like a Buddha or Bodhisattva.  Learn what they are and how to apply them to your practice!

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Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

Buddhism has something called the "Five Hindrances" which are mental obstructions on our path towards enlightenment and Nirvana.  In this episode, we will talk about Buddhist meditation, our mind, and how the Five Hindrances are like obstacles on the road and some common Buddhist ways to overcome them.

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Regardless of tradition or branch, the half-billion Buddhists around the world practice something called devotional Buddhism.  This is based on faith and refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and not on blind faith.  This foundational way to practice Buddhism provides a balanced approach on the path towards enlightenment that can be traced all the way back to the time of the Buddha 2,600 years ago!  In this episode, you'll learn why we have Buddha statues, why there is bowing and prostrating, and why you should give devotional Buddhism a chance.

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• Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps

The "Threefold Training" is based upon the Buddha's Eightfold Path to practice Buddhism that leads to enlightenment and Nirvana.  It is the way to end the Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance/delusion which would then lead to your true state of Nirvana (which is devoid of the Three Fires).  The Threefold Training is practiced by the different Buddhist traditions in different ways but can ultimately be found in all the different practices, rituals, ceremonies, and other things found within them.

Send me your question or message:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

The world-famous Buddhist monk Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in January 2022 at the age of 95.  He left behind a legacy of monasteries, local groups, books, and millions of followers.  In this episode, I'd like to reflect on what I feel is some of his key teachings and some things that are often overlooked by Westerners about him.  If you are new to him and would like a book recommendation, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings" (https://amzn.to/3rDtSGJ) is one of his most popular introductory books on Buddhism.  The other book I mentioned in this podcast about Pure Land Buddhism is called "Finding Our True Home" (https://amzn.to/3slw4Sg).

Read my article on Thich Nhat Hanh:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/thich-nhat-hanh-life-lessons/

Send me your question or message:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

As an Amazon Associate, the link to the books above is on Amazon and provides Alan a small commission if you choose to purchase.  This does not affect the price to you.

The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit.  Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment.  Because enlightenment is often not possible in our lifetime and is difficult for laypersons, the Buddha created the practice of merit to help create these future conditions.  It is practiced both by laypersons and monastics as a mutually beneficial and symbiotic practice.  While this practice is often not known or practiced by Westerners, it is one that is within the Buddhist teachings, scripture, and is a wonderful way to progress on the path.

With a new year upon us, it can be a perfect time to reflect upon why we are Buddhists and re-invigorating our determination and effort to practice.  The Eightfold Path, and the Threefold Training that derives from it, provide us the foundation to practice Buddhism so that we can liberate ourselves from the unsatisfactoriness (Dukkha) of the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) by realizing our true mental state of Nirvana.

Read the article here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mind/

And learn about Buddhist practice here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/