Transcending Insanity Part Two: Discipline

Transcending Insanity Part Two: Discipline

Author: Susan Piver August 22, 2025 Duration: 22:56
Send us Fan Mail This week we continue our exploration of the Six Paramitas (or Transcendent Actions)—the Buddhist teachings on how to go beyond suffering and confusion into wakefulness, compassion, and liberation. I talked about the first paramita, Generosity, in a previous episode. Now we look at the second: Discipline. This isn’t the harsh, rigid discipline of making yourself do things you don’t want to do. Here, discipline is a joyful, courageous return to presence—a practice of continuou...

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
Meditation, Rage, and Other Strong Emotions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:16
Send us Fan Mail Why do we turn to meditation when things fall apart—and what are we really supposed to do with all these overwhelming emotions? In this short episode, we explore three powerful ways to relate to difficul…
Why You’re Not Meditating Consistently (and What to Do About It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:11
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Susan reflects on one of the most common meditation struggles: staying consistent. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I just do the thing I know is good for me?”—this episode is for you…
True Compassion or Idiot Compassion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:27
Send us Fan Mail In Buddhism (as in most wisdom traditions), compassion is central—but it’s often misunderstood. It’s not about being nice, it’s about being awake. True compassion is wise, fierce, and rooted in awareness…
Who Can You Trust in the Spiritual World? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:32
Send us Fan Mail Trusting a spiritual teacher is one of the most important—and complex—decisions on the path. This talk explores three personal experiences: one with a brilliant but inscrutable and controversial teacher,…
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:02
Send us Fan Mail In the previous episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it…
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:08
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it is a pe…
The Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way: Foundations of the Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:56
Send us Fan Mail The Buddha’s Early Life & Awakening Siddhartha was a protected prince, shielded from suffering by his father. He encountered old age, sickness, and death for the first time during a trip outside the pala…
The Broken Hearted Meditator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Send us Fan Mail Perhaps contrary to popular belief, meditation does not make us feel all zen. Rather, it actually makes us feel more deeply. Discussed in this episode: Meditation Heightens Emotions – It doesn’t numb fee…
On Road Rage and Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
Send us Fan Mail In this (embarrassing) episode, long-time Buddhist practitioner Susan Piver describes an episode of road rage (her own) and the moment her rage turned into compassion. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with…
How to Meditate (and Avoid the Biggest Misconceptions) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Send us Fan Mail This episode provides a deep and practical exploration of meditation, defines meditation as something more than mindfulness, it also includes awareness. Common misconceptions are enumerated. The key take…