Buddhist Cosmology: The Six Realms of Being

Buddhist Cosmology: The Six Realms of Being

Author: Susan Piver May 16, 2025 Duration: 17:56
Send us Fan Mail Which one are you in right now? In this episode, I explore the six realms of Buddhist cosmology which can be understood as both literal places of rebirth and psychological states we all experience. I also mention how this might help us contextualize the chaos and cruelty of our current political situation in the US. The realms include: The God Realm - A place of complete abundance where beings have everything they desire but no motivation to seek enlightenment The Jealous...

In Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver, ancient wisdom meets the messy reality of modern living. Susan Piver, drawing from three decades as a student of Tibetan Buddhism and her experience guiding the nearly 20,000-member Open Heart Project meditation community, acts as a thoughtful companion rather than a distant teacher. This isn't about scholarly lectures; it's a conversation. You'll hear explorations of foundational concepts-the four noble truths, the six paramitas, and more-but always through the lens of direct, personal application. The focus is on how these teachings can resonate in the middle of a busy workday, within complex relationships, or during moments of quiet doubt. Each episode of this podcast feels like a genuine discussion about integrating contemplative practice into all aspects of life, from physical health and spiritual curiosity to navigating everyday stress. The aim is to move past doctrine and into direct experience, offering practical insights for cultivating resilience, compassion, and a sense of groundedness. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or simply curious about a more mindful approach to fitness, health, and personal growth, Susan's guidance is both accessible and deeply authentic. Tune in for a perspective that values lived understanding over belief, creating space for clarity and an open heart amid the noise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 53

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver
Podcast Episodes
Recap: The Noble Eightfold Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:53
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I bring all eight steps of the Noble Eightfold Path together. This teaching is a way of living, not a project of self-improvement. This is about how we relate to experience and how that…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Eight: Right Samadhi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:29
Send us Fan Mail This week we arrive at the final step of the Noble Eightfold Path: Right Samadhi, often translated as concentration or absorption. If the earlier steps help us see clearly and act with intention, this fi…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Seven: Right Mindfulness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:45
Send us Fan Mail This week we explore Right Mindfulness, the seventh step of the Noble Eightfold Path. While the earlier steps shape how we see and act in the world, this step turns us inward again, toward our direct exp…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Six: Right Effort [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Send us Fan Mail This week we explore Right Effort, the sixth step of the Noble Eightfold Path. While the earlier steps guide how we understand reality and how we act in the world, Right Effort begins to turn inward. It…
A Powerful New Take on the Enneagram (from my new book) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:08
Send us Fan Mail This episode, we pause our exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path before returning next week with Right Effort. This week, Shambhala Publications (my favorite publisher) is reissuing my book, The Buddhi…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Five: Right Livelihood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore Right Livelihood, the fifth step on the Noble Eightfold Path. We began with Right View and Right Intention, then moved into speech and action. Now we turn to how we earn a livi…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Four: Right Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore Right Action, the fourth step on the Noble Eightfold Path. We begin with Right View and Right Intention, then move outward into speech. Now we take those steps into how we live…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Three: Right Speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore the third step of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Speech, and why it might more accurately be called Right Listening. I begin with a story about the so-called “Marcus Syndrome”…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Two: The Power of Intention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
Send us Fan Mail When I first started my own business years ago, I was full of doubt, excitement, fear, and hope, often all at the same time. Out of nowhere, a major opportunity landed in my lap that could have launched…
The Noble Eightfold Path: Step One: Seeing Clearly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I begin a conversation about the Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, and its first step, Right View. I review the first three Noble Truths and reflect on how Buddhism is often…