Starting Over: Meditation for Mystics

Starting Over: Meditation for Mystics

Author: Susan Piver May 8, 2026 Duration: 31:52
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I reflect on a recent conversation in the Open Heart Project sangha about scientific research on meditation. Yes, meditation can improve brain function and mood. But if we stop there, we may miss the point. There’s a much older, deeper body of “research” drawn from lived experience over thousands of years. Meditation is not just about feeling better. It’s about waking up, opening fully to life, and discovering a freedom that goes far beyond conventional thoug...

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 Problem with Egolessness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:41
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I take a deep dive into a topic that a lot of people (myself included) find confusing; what does it mean to be egoless? Drawing from my 30+ years of experience, I share my own issues wit…
The Four Noble Truths of Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I share my personal adaptation of Buddhist principles for relationships, "The Four Noble Truths of Love." Drawing from my own 26-year marriage and moments of deep disconnection, I talk a…
Buddhist Cosmology: The Six Realms of Being [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 als…
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…