Ritual Sustains Spiritual Practice

Ritual Sustains Spiritual Practice

Author: Susan Piver May 15, 2026 Duration: 20:12
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore why spiritual practice becomes sustainable through ritual, not force. I share the story of a month-long meditation retreat where I discovered an unexpected sense of ease in both meditation and writing, and how that experience led me to begin teaching meditation and writing retreats myself. I also introduce the first principle from my new book, Inexplicable Magic: Meditation for Mystics: We engage in daily ritual. Through the Buddhist teaching ...

In Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver, the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism meets the messy reality of modern living. Susan Piver, drawing from three decades of personal practice and her role guiding a large online meditation community, acts as a thoughtful companion rather than a distant teacher. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond theoretical doctrine to explore how core teachings-from the four noble truths to the practice of the paramitas-can be woven into the fabric of daily experience. You’ll hear discussions that feel applicable whether you’re dealing with stress, navigating relationships, or simply seeking a more grounded sense of purpose. The tone is accessible and personal, focusing on direct experience over dogma. This approach makes the podcast a resource for anyone curious about integrating contemplative practice into areas of health, fitness, and personal spirituality, regardless of their background. It’s about finding practical clarity and an open heart amidst life’s constant changes, with Susan offering insights that feel both timeless and immediately useful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver
Podcast Episodes
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…
On Meditation: An Uncommon View [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
Send us Fan Mail Meditation is most often described as a self-help technique that will support you to improve performance, reduce stress, manage pain, and sleep better. All of this is true. Thank you, science! However, a…
Teaser: Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39
Send us Fan Mail Buddhism 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 a…