Transcending Insanity Part Two: Discipline

Transcending Insanity Part Two: Discipline

Author: Susan Piver August 22, 2025 Duration: 22:56

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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 continuously coming back to your intentions, your inner world, your experience, and your humanity.

Highlights:

  • Why discipline must be paired with generosity to avoid self-aggression.
  • The Buddhist definition of discipline as “coming back” over and over, especially in meditation.
  • How thinking for yourself and not outsourcing wisdom is a powerful form of discipline.
  • The three forms of discipline:
    • Binding Yourself – Committing to opening up, even when it's uncomfortable.
    • Gathering Virtuous Dharmas – Continuing to deepen your understanding through study, reflection, and practice.
    • Benefiting Sentient Beings – Shifting focus from self alone to bringing care for others into your experience
  • The three-step method of learning in Buddhist tradition: Hearing, Contemplating, and Meditating. (We usually stop at hearing, regurgitating, and then forgetting.)
  • How including others in your awareness brings joy, strength, and clarity, even in chaotic times.

“Discipline is synonymous with joy. Not yippy joy—but the joy of not hiding from your life.”

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Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project 


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: 52

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Send us Fan MailBuddhism Beyond Belief is a podcast from Susan Piver, a 30 year student of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Open Heart Project, an online meditation community with close to 20000 members.With Susan as…