The Way is Personal

The Way is Personal

Author: Susan Piver May 22, 2026 Duration: 30:57
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I reflect on a recent meditation and writing retreat where participants explored grief, heartbreak, violence, loss, and the experiences that shape us most deeply. I talk about why the personal is not an obstacle to spiritual practice but the very material of the path itself. I explore how teachings on egolessness can become distorted into self-erasure, and why real transformation begins by turning toward our experience with curiosity, courage, and love....

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: 59

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver
Podcast Episodes
Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:23
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore a classical teaching throughout the Buddhist world, The Four Reminders, also known as the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma. When I first heard them, I thought how…
Egolessness, Self-Kindness & the Buddhist Enneagram [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore the tension between spiritual teachings on egolessness and the deeply personal need for self-understanding. I talk about how meditation reveals both the illusion of self and th…
Five Suggestions for Primordial Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Send us Fan Mail In this very, very crazy world, it’s easy to feel powerless. But from my decades of Buddhist practice, I've learned that it’s not just an inside job– you can actually arrange your outer world to give you…
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,…