14 - Enlightenment (Bodhi) in Buddhism

14 - Enlightenment (Bodhi) in Buddhism

Author: Alan Peto December 14, 2021 Duration: 24:33
Enlightenment captures the imagination of Westerners and beginners that are new to Buddhism.  But what exactly is "enlightenment" or "awakening" in Buddhism, and what does it mean to you as a practitioner?  Learn about "Bodhi" in Buddhism, why it's important, and why becoming enlightened in this life won't happen (but that doesn't mean you aren't making progress!).   Learn more in my article and video:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-enlightenment/

If you've ever felt curious about Buddhism but found traditional texts or teachings a bit daunting, you're not alone. Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto offers a grounded, accessible path into this ancient tradition. Alan, a dedicated Buddhist layperson, acts as a friendly guide, translating core principles and practices into language that resonates with modern, especially Western, beginners. This isn't about academic lectures or esoteric jargon; it's about practical understanding. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, breaking down foundational teachings-from the Four Noble Truths to mindfulness and meditation techniques-into manageable pieces you can apply in daily life. Whether you're just exploring spiritual paths or actively seeking to build a personal practice, this podcast provides a supportive space to learn at your own pace. Alan draws from his own experience and the work he shares on his website, ensuring the guidance is both authentic and immediately useful. Tune in to find clarity, reduce confusion, and discover how Buddhist wisdom can offer tools for navigating life with more peace and intention.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto
Podcast Episodes
91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Lotus Sūtra: the idea that the Buddha didn’t become a Buddha under the Bodhi tree, but awakened countless ages ago. His birth, enlightenment, and ev…
90 - Science & Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:44
Many Westerners are drawn to Buddhism because it feels rational, experiential, and compatible with science. But Buddhism also includes teachings—like karma, rebirth, and cosmology—that don’t fit neatly into a scientific…
89 - Chanting, Recitation, Mantras, and Dhāraṇīs in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
Chanting is one of the most widespread Buddhist practices, yet often one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we explore what chanting really is, how sound plays an important role in Buddhist practice, and how cha…
88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:29
The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & ParinirvāṇaIn this episode, we explore one of the most meaningful and human moments in all of Buddhism: the Buddha’s final days, his final teachings, and what his parinirvāṇa (h…
87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
What is Buddhism? This podcast episode covers ten basic Buddhist concepts and also has a video! It's a companion to my book, Buddhism in 10 Steps, that I co-wrote with Buddhist monk Sanathavihari Bhikkhu. I originally re…
86 - After You Die...What Buddhists Believe About Life After Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:40
What do Buddhists believe happens after death? In this episode, we explore one of the most common and meaningful questions beginners ask about Buddhism. Rather than offering a single doctrine, Buddhism presents a clear p…
85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:33
In this episode, we explore the Six Paramitas, the “perfections” that form the gradual training path of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. From generosity and ethical discipline to patience, joyful effort, concentration…
84 - Bodhisattvas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:46
Bodhisattvas can be found in both Theravada and Mahayana branches of Buddhism. In Mahayana they take on a larger role where practitioners take on the path of the Bodhisattva towards helping all sentient beings and make u…
83 - Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:01
What did the Buddha become "awakened" to? It was the twelve links of dependent origination! This is one of the most important concepts and teachings in Buddhism because all our Buddhist traditions and practices arise fro…
82 - Pure Lands & Pure Land Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
One of the most popular and widely practiced forms of Buddhism revolves around "Pure Lands". The ever popular Western Pure Land and Buddha Amitabha are the ones most people practice in with Buddhism. Learn more about thi…