Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

"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: htt...

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 rest...

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/understandin...

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/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto....

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 ...

Two seemingly unrelated festivals have a Buddhist connection: The Hungry Ghosts Festival and the Ullambana Festival (also called Sangha Day).

Both go back to the time of the Buddha where he gave instruction to one of his most revered disciples on how to help his mother who had passed away and was in the hungry ghosts realm.

We celebrate today using the same instruction as the Buddha: support the sangha (monastic community) as way ...

The third installment of questions asked by you!

- "How can I integrate the practice with my day-to-day life as a westerner?"

- "Can I become a Buddhist if I drink or smoke socially?"

- "How can you create karma with outflows?"

- "Is it ok to mix Buddhist traditions, I was told it's best to stick to one, but I follow two."

Have a question for a future episode? Or a topic? Reply to ...

Buddhists have "virtues" they uphold on their path towards enlightenment and nirvana. What is wonderful about the virtues is that they are meant to be practiced and upheld in everyday life! Learn about nine (9) Buddhist virtues in this episode, why they are important, and how to practice them.

1. Wisdom.
2. Ethical Conduct
3. Patience
4. Generosity
5. Loving-kindness (Metta)
6. Compassion (Karuna)
7. Sympathetic Joy (Muditā)
...

What are all the 'realms of rebirth' in Buddhism (and "Samsara" or the "Cycle of Rebirth")? And what do they mean to you as a layperson Buddhist practitioner? Are they real? Are they a state of mind? Let's explore!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

08:00 The Hell Realm

10:08 The Animal Realm

11:40 The Hungry Ghosts Realm

14:56 The Human Realm

19:11 The Titans or Asuras Realm

20:50 The Devas or Gods or Hea...

Learn Buddhist Mindfulness Breathing! Want to do breathing meditation like the Buddha? It's known as Ānāpānasati / Ānāpānasmṛti but is commonly referred to as "mindfulness of breathing". And it can be as straightforward as that.

(Jump to 17:20 minutes in this episode for the meditation session; view all the chapters below) You are observing the breath without control, force, judgement, etc. While this sounds easy,...

The Diamond Sutra is the 'diamond' or 'lightening bolt' that cuts through 'illusion' that helps us become enlightened. It is one of the most well respected sutras in all of Mahayana Buddhism and found practiced widely in Zen/Ch'an traditions. Learn more about it in this episode and how to apply it to your daily life and practice!

• Free eBook by Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the Diamond Sutra: https:...

I received so many questions related to Buddhism, I have another episode! Learn what I think about these questions!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:20 - How much time does it take to reach nirvana?

03:17 - How can I take the Triple Gem if there is no temple or master in my country - can I do it on my own?

05:33 - Can I be a Buddhist and also believe in God or Gods

08:14 - Is having a family encouraged? Is love for our children en...

What is "Western Buddhism"? Practiced outside of Asia where Buddhism is traditionally practiced, Western countries have been adopting Buddhism, but often in different nuanced ways. Let's explore what Western Buddhism means, some misconceptions Westerners have about Buddhism, and how we can practice Buddhism authentically as Buddhists!

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

Podca...

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/
• Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
• Podcast Homepage: alan...

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 ...