24 - How to Start Off in Buddhism

24 - How to Start Off in Buddhism

Author: Alan Peto April 4, 2022 Duration: 28:32

If you live in a country where Buddhism is not the major religion, it can be overwhelming to begin with for many.  However, if you just follow three straightforward steps you can correctly begin your journey in the religion!

Get our FREE eBook, Buddhism in 10 Steps, to start off your journey! Get it here: alanpeto.com/books

Episode Time Bookmarks:

1:25 - Understanding Buddhism

8:05 - Practicing Buddhism

18:00 - Triple Gem Refuge (Becoming a Buddhist)


Contact Alan:  https://alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Disclaimer:  https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/


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
41 - Faith in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:29
Do you need to have blind faith in Buddhism? Faith in things you can't prove such as karma, rebirth, samsara, etc.? This is one of the most often-asked questions (and concerns) about Westerners exploring or entering Budd…
40 - Buddhist Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:54
There are many Buddhist holidays, but what are they and what do they mean to you? Buddhist holidays serve a few purposes, which include getting Buddhists together (Dharma Friends), engaging with monastics, visiting the t…
39 - Taking the Triple Gem Refuge (Becoming a Buddhist) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
When you are ready to become a Buddhist, you "officially" become one by taking the Triple Gem Refuge. But what does this mean and why is it important? Can you take the Triple Gem Refuge from home? What's the purpose of b…
38 - The Leadership of the Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
We often think of the Buddha as the founder of the Buddhist religion in our era. But he was also a leader. The Buddha had to manage, supervise, organize, inspire, and delegate to get a community started, rules to organiz…
37 - Attachment (Upadana) in Buddhism and the Fire Sermon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:27
What are we trying to end in Buddhism? The Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance result in karmic actions that trap us in rebirth and dukkha (suffering). But how did we get here in the first place? What "fuels" thos…
36 - The Six Perfections (Paramitas) in Buddhist Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:55
What is the practice of Mahayana Buddhists? From Zen to Pure Land, Mahayana Buddhists strive to perfect the Six Perfections or "Paramitas". These are the qualities and virtues of the true nature of an enlightened being l…
35 - The Five Hindrances of Buddhist Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:09
Buddhism has something called the "Five Hindrances" which are mental obstructions on our path towards enlightenment and Nirvana. In this episode, we will talk about Buddhist meditation, our mind, and how the Five Hindran…
34 - Reincarnation in Buddhism? (Rebirth) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:15
A common misconception is that Buddhism believes in “reincarnation” where a permanent and unchanging “self” or “soul” transmigrates to a new body or existence. The Buddha firmly rejected this. In Buddhism, the focus on “…
33 - Devotional Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:58
Regardless of tradition or branch, the half-billion Buddhists around the world practice something called devotional Buddhism. This is based on faith and refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and not on b…
32 - Mahayana Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:40
Mahayana makes up the second branch of Buddhism in our world today and is practiced in the East-Asian and Central-Asian countries. Mahayanists follow the "Bodhisattva Path" that leads to the full awakening of Buddhahood.…