Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

• Transcending Insanity, Part One: Generosity (the Virtue that Produces Peace)

  This episode starts off a new series on the Six Paramitas (Transcendent Actions). Focusing on the first paramita: generosity, I share how this quality—often misunderstood as mere niceness or material giving—is actually the foundation for waking up,  finding sanity, and increasing the sanity of this world. I talk about three forms of generosity:Ordinary generosity – Giving material things with an open heartThe gift of dharma – Sharing wisdom in a humble, useful wayThe gift of fearlessness – Helping others feel stronger and less alone, often through the simple act of listeningHighlights:Why generosity is the gateway to all other ParamitasHow practicing generosity transforms the way people respond to youWhat it really means to lead with offering, rather than seekingA beautiful, powerful definition of listening: “When you stop thinking your thoughts and start thinking mine.” –Catherine MacCounPractical ways to embody generosity in daily life—emails, conversations, arguments, and moreAs always, don’t take my word for any of this—reflect on these teachings yourself, and see what arises.This is a rich and grounding episode for anyone interested in living more deeply, whether or not you identify as Buddhist.Next week, I’ll share about the second paramita, discipline (Shila), or how to stay intentional without becoming rigid.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project

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• Choosing the Buddhist Path: How and Why

  In this new episode, I explore what it actually means to become a Buddhist through the Refuge Vow. Potentially misunderstood as a formality or an unnecessary label, I discuss the spiritual and practical significance of the vow.Refuge is taken in the Three Jewels—Buddha (awakening), Dharma (wisdom/path), and Sangha (community). What do they mean? I also share about my own journey in taking the vow in 1993, how I was trained and given permission to offer the vow myself, and the internal changes that often follow taking the vow.Taking refuge isn't about labeling yourself—it's about recognizing a path you're already on.Highlights:What the Refuge Vow actually is—and isn’tThe meaning and power of the Three JewelsWhen (and if) you know you're ready to take the vowPersonal stories of transformation, doubt, and commitmentHow taking the vow changes your relationship with life“The best time to take the Refuge Vow is when it simply feels like a recognition of something that has already happened.”Resources & Links:Visit Susan’s Substack & continue the conversation: Susan Piver on SubstackLearn more or join her community: The Open Heart ProjectMentioned in podcast: Episode 8: Who Can You Trust in the Spiritual World?For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project

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• The 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Meditation

  In today’s episode, I take a deep dive into the meditation questions I’ve been asked the most over the past three decades—as a student, as a teacher, and now, as someone who teaches others to teach.We talk about the real stuff. The messy, wonderful, confusing, luminous questions that arise when you sit down on your cushion and meet your own mind.Highlights:“Why can’t I stop thinking?” You’re not supposed to. That’s not a failure—it’s reality. Thoughts are not the enemy.“Why do we keep our eyes open during practice?” Eyes open helps us stay here, in this life, not some special spiritual realm. We’re not retreating. We’re engaging—with softness and awareness.“I feel like I’m hyperventilating… or I’m weirdly obsessed with my breath or eyes—what’s happening?” You’re just noticing more. That wide open space you’ve created isn’t empty—it’s your awareness. And yes, it’ll settle.“What if I have a really good idea during meditation?” The real answer is: call it thinking, let go, return to the breath. But… I also share my (slightly quirky) workaround involving my thumbs.“Can meditation help with depression, anxiety, or trauma?” This is an important and delicate topic. Meditation is not a cure-all, and it is essential to proceed gently, and ideally with guidance from a trusted healthcare provider.“I’m overwhelmed by feelings when I meditate. Isn’t this supposed to calm me down?” Not always. Sometimes the most compassionate choice is to not meditate. Or to gently make your feeling—rather than your breath—the object of attention.“How do I know if I’m doing it right?” Because, let’s face it, it feels boring. But the answer is not on the cushion—it’s in your life. Are you more kind? More patient? More real? Then yes, you’re doing it right.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project

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• Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma

  In this episode, I explore a classical teaching throughout the Buddhist world, The Four Reminders, also known as the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma. When I first heard them, I thought how can I forget what I just heard?! Turns out, I can’t. Warning: once you hear them, you can’t unhear them either. They are at once brutal and deeply compassionate. Much like life itself. Highlights:The Four Thoughts are uncomfortable but essential contemplations that help you see with what truly matters. They are:Precious Human Birth – It's rare and valuable simply to be here. If one person in your line had done something different, you would not be you!Impermanence and Death – Death is real (but only 100% of the time) and comes without warning.Karma is real – Actions have results, whether or not in this lifetime.Samsara is an ocean of unavoidable suffering. Sure, there are also great things, but even they come with suffering because they all eventually dissolve.Remembering these truths can turn your mind toward wisdom, compassion, and a life of generosity.Even if you don't identify as Buddhist, these reflections can offer clarity in how to live more deliberately and kindly.With personal stories and my best insights, I hope to share how remembering these truths can shift your priorities and bring you back to what matters most.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project

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• Egolessness, Self-Kindness & the Buddhist Enneagram

  In this episode, I explore the tension between spiritual teachings on egolessness and the deeply personal need for self-understanding. I talk about how meditation reveals both the illusion of self and the reality of who we are. I also share how the Enneagram—a system of personality types—has been an invaluable tool for fostering compassion and clarity in myself and my relationships.Highlights:1. The Problem with EgolessnessTeachings on “no self” can feel like a shaming of personal identity.Meditation helps us see both our egoless nature and our genuine self.2. Meditation as Friendship with SelfEncourages self-awareness and emotional honesty.3. The Enneagram as a Spiritual ToolDescribes 9 personality types; not limiting but illuminating.Helps identify personal patterns and build self-compassion.Integrated with Buddhist values like loving-kindness.4. Three Enneagram Frameworks to Understand Yourself and OthersCenters of Intelligence:Mental: Thinkers → anxiety under stress.Gut: Intuitive types → anger under stress.Heart: Emotional types → neediness or withdrawal under stress.Instinctual Drives:Self-preservation: Focused on safety and comfort.Social: Motivated by group belonging.One-to-One: Seeks deep personal connection.Stress Responses (Karen Horney’s model):Toward: Seeks harmony.Against: Confronts conflict.Away: Withdraws from tension.Understanding your own wiring—how you think, feel, relate, and react—is not a detour from spiritual growth, but part of its foundation. Tools like the Enneagram, when combined with meditation, become powerful aids in cultivating compassion for yourself and others. True spiritual insight begins with self-acceptance.For more on the enneagram from a Buddhist perspective, check out my book, The Buddhist Enneagram: Nine Paths to Warriorship.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project

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