87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps)

87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps)

Author: Alan Peto March 14, 2026 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 recorded this video for YouTube and thought it would be a great addition to the Learn Buddhism podcast. If you've been listening to all my episodes, some of this might sound familiar (and that's good!).

You can watch this video for this episode on Spotify, or if you are on another platform, check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cn9GlUomlzU?si=UaE96U-c6KPQP9r4.

You can also download the free eBook, Buddhism in 10 Steps, on my website by going to my Buddhism Starter Pack page! https://BuddhismStarterPack.com. Tell a friend!

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:32 What is Buddhism (1)

4:52 Who was the Buddha? (2)

7:47 What did the Buddha Teach? (3)

12:12 Four Noble Truths (4)

16:09 Noble Eightfold Path (5)

18:31 Dependent Origination (6)

22:02 Karma (7)

23:51 Not Self (8)

26:19 Rebirth (9)

28:49 Nirvana (10)


Get the Book: https://alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps or https://BuddhismStarterPack.com

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

Podcast Disclaimer: 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: 91

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto
Podcast Episodes
9 - Do You Want To Become a Buddhist Monk? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
Becoming a Buddhist monastic (monk or nun) is often a desire by Westerners new to the religion instead of staying a layperson. But should you? What does it entail? And, can you have a complete Buddhist experience as a la…
8 - Buddhist Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:43
What is Buddhist meditation? How do you start meditating? In this episode, we will discuss how Buddhist meditation is different than the meditation you'll find in everyday life, and how to start practicing. Learn more in…
6 - The Four Noble Truths & Noble Eightfold Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
The foundation of the Buddhist religion and Buddhist practice revolves around the Buddha's very first sermon where he told of the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path towards liberation (Nirvana). But what is this all abou…
5 - The Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
Who was the Buddha? And why is he important to your Buddhist practice? In this episode, I will talk about the life of Shakyamuni Buddha (the Buddha of our era), some misconceptions about him and his life, and why his sto…
4 - What is a Buddhist? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:21
What is a "Buddhist"? In this episode, we will take a deeper dive into the two types of Buddhists, how to become a Buddhist, what Buddhist laypersons do, some misconceptions laypersons have about being a Buddhist, and wa…
3 - Five Common Misconceptions About Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
There are many mistaken beliefs and views about Buddhism by beginners and Westerners. Let's take a look at five of the most common ones and a brief explanation of them! Learn more in my article: https://alanpeto.com/budd…
2 - Daily Buddhist Practice for Beginners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
How do you start a daily Buddhist practice? For beginners, this can be challenging especially if you have not picked a Buddhist tradition to follow (and their practice). In this episode, I will explain how to start a dai…
1 - What is Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:08
Buddhism is a worldwide religion based on the insight and teachings of the Buddha of our current era, known as Shakyamuni Buddha (commonly called “The Buddha”). But what exactly is "Buddhism"? In this episode, I start of…
Welcome to the Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:46
If you are interested in Buddhism and live in a Western country, but confused by all the confusing words and concepts, this podcast is for you. I have been explaining Buddhism for years in my articles, videos, and infogr…