18 - The Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism

18 - The Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism

Author: Alan Peto January 25, 2022 Duration: 22:24
The Buddha taught that our existence is marked by impermanence, dukkha, and the illusion of self.  He wasn't telling us this to make us sad, but to spur us into action.  The only permanent thing is "impermanence", but we fail to utterly understand that, and along with the belief we have a permanent, unchanging, and independent "self", we create the actions (Karma) that trap us in the cycle of rebirth which is - you guessed it - dukkha ("suffering").  Through his teachings, he helps us break down the belief in "self", understand impermanence and dependent origination, which helps us change our Karmic actions to ones that don't bind us in rebirth, helps us realize our true peaceful state of Nirvana, and allows us to end Dukkha and the cycle of rebirth.  

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: 92

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto
Podcast Episodes
21 - Karma in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:19
Karma can be a misunderstood term in our world since it has crept into our everyday conversations with "good karma" and "bad karma". But for Buddhists, it is an important part of the religion because it is something one…
20 - The Buddhist Threefold Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:59
The "Threefold Training" is based upon the Buddha's Eightfold Path to practice Buddhism that leads to enlightenment and Nirvana. It is the way to end the Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance/delusion which would th…
19 - Thich Nhat Hanh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
The world-famous Buddhist monk Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in January 2022 at the age of 95. He left behind a legacy of monasteries, local groups, books, and millions of followers. In this episode, I'd like to…
17 - Merit Practice in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit. Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment. Because enlightenment is often not possible in…
16 - New Year, New Buddha Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:10
With a new year upon us, it can be a perfect time to reflect upon why we are Buddhists and re-invigorating our determination and effort to practice. The Eightfold Path, and the Threefold Training that derives from it, pr…
15 - A Buddhist Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:06
Merry Christmas! Can a Buddhist celebrate Christmas? Yes, with a Buddhist mindset. Learn how Buddhists can demonstrate the shared values of peace, love, kindness, compassion, and charity, and allow it to fill your heart…
14 - Enlightenment (Bodhi) in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 "Bo…
13 - Bodhi Day in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:35
The Mahayana Buddhist holiday of "Bodhi Day" celebrates the Buddha's enlightenment. Bodhi, meaning awakened or enlightened, is the goal of all Buddhists so they can emulate what the Buddha achieved: cutting through delus…
12 - A Buddhist Thanksgiving & Gratitude [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:50
What is "Gratitude" in Buddhism and what does it have to do with Thanksgiving? Learn more about how gratitude is a tool and antidote to greed (one of the Three Fires in Buddhism), and how a Buddhist can participate in th…
11 - Hungry Ghosts in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:38
With Halloween approaching, let's talk about our version of "ghosts" in Buddhism called "hungry ghosts". These are beings in one of the realms of rebirth where they are constantly craving, and can't be satisfied. Instead…