37 - Attachment (Upadana) in Buddhism and the Fire Sermon
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. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ 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/
27 Sep 202225min
36 - The Six Perfections (Paramitas) in Buddhist Practice
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! Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
19 Sep 202226min
35 - The Five Hindrances of Buddhist Meditation
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. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
6 Sep 202223min
34 - Reincarnation in Buddhism? (Rebirth)
A common misconception is that Buddhism believes in “reincarnation” where a permanent and unchanging “self” or “soul” transmigrates to a new body or existence. The Buddha firmly rejected this. In Buddhism, the focus on “karma,” and generating wholesome karma, is related to rebirth. The reason Buddhists want to achieve enlightenment and realize Nirvāṇa is to stop creating the types of karma that keep them trapped so they can end the cycle of birth and death known as Saṃsāra. Learn about rebirth in Buddhism in this episode! Read about rebirth in my article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-reincarnation-rebirth/ And in my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYmp3LjvSFE Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
16 Aug 202228min
33 - Devotional Buddhism
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. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
25 Jul 202225min
32 - Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana makes up the second branch of Buddhism in our world today and is practiced in the East-Asian and Central-Asian countries. Mahayanists follow the "Bodhisattva Path" that leads to the full awakening of Buddhahood. This Mahayana Path allows anyone, even laypersons, to achieve enlightenment without having to take a path of a monastic. Learn more in the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-mahayana-theravada/ About Buddhist scriptures: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-scriptures/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fv0N9-iDN4 Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
29 Jun 202239min
31 - Theravada Buddhism
The first in a series of episodes on the branches and traditions of Buddhism, we will explore Theravāda Buddhism. How did this school emerge? Did it ever read Mahayana sutras? What is the school of thought and guiding practice? Come explore in this episode! Learn more in the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-mahayana-theravada/ About Buddhist scriptures: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-scriptures/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fv0N9-iDN4 Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
20 Jun 202224min
30 - Buddhist Temples
What is a Buddhist temple and how do you attend services in one? In this episode, I'll talk about why we have Buddhist temples, how to find one, some examples of etiquette when going to one, the general layout and structure of a temple, and what to do if there is no temple near you. Contact Alan: https://alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Disclaimer: https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/ Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": https://alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps
13 Jun 202229min
