218 - Right Concentration

218 - Right Concentration

Author: Noah Rasheta March 20, 2026 Duration: 33:43

In this episode, I explore skillful concentration, the final aspect of the Eightfold Path, using a road trip analogy where concentration is like having steady hands on the wheel. I clarify that concentration is distinct from mindfulness, doesn't require hours of meditation, and is characterized by joy, not seriousness. I discuss the five hindrances—sensory desire, aversion, dullness, restlessness, and doubt—as obstacles to concentration, likening them to road hazards, and explain how to work with them by recognizing them as information. I also touch upon the jhanas as progressive states of concentration, from joy to equanimity, and offer practical advice on developing concentration by gradually increasing focus time, choosing an object of attention, and gently redirecting the mind when it wanders, emphasizing that concentration is a skill cultivated through consistent, gentle effort rather than force.

Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Noah Rasheta hosts Secular Buddhism, a podcast that explores Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness, and meditation from a non-religious, practical perspective. The discussions are grounded in everyday life, focusing on how ancient ideas can address modern challenges in relationships, work, and personal growth. Rather than promoting conversion, the core idea is to use these insights to become a more mindful and compassionate version of yourself, whatever your background may be. Episodes often weave together themes from philosophy, psychology, and culture, examining concepts like impermanence, non-attachment, and suffering in an accessible way. Listeners will find a thoughtful, conversational tone that demystifies complex topics, making them relevant for anyone interested in spirituality, ethics, or simply living with greater intention. This isn't about rituals or dogma; it's about actionable wisdom. The Secular Buddhism podcast consistently returns to that central, liberating premise: take what is useful to deepen your own human experience, leaving the rest behind.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 222

Secular Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
78 - No Hope No Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:00
Suffering arises when we want things to be other than how they are. Where there is hope, there is fear and where there is fear there is hope. They are like two sides of the same coin. When we feel uneasy, we get restless…
77 - Embracing Rebellion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:30
"I think of mindfulness meditation as almost a rebellion against natural selection...Natural selection sets our agenda, and Buddhism says, 'We don't have to play this game." In this episode, I will discuss the concept of…
76 - Patience With Ourselves, Others, And Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
What does it mean to be patient with ourselves, others, and life? How do we practice patience? Is Mindfulness practice for everyone? These are a few of the questions and ideas I will explore in this podcast episode. I ho…
75 - Everyday Buddhism Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:02
This podcast episode is the audio of a recent interview I did on the Everyday Buddhism podcast with my friend Wendy. If you enjoy this podcast episode, check out the Everyday Buddhism Podcast on your favorite podcasting…
74 - Goals, Relationships, and Non-Attachment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:00
If we're practicing non-attachment, how should we approach things like goals and relationships? Should we avoid such things? I don't think so. Goals are great and so are relationships. So how should we approach goals and…
73 - What Moves Us? The 5 Core Social Motives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
What Moves Us? Why do we fear rejection? Why are we so motivated to want to belong? In this episode, I will discuss the 5 core social motives of Belonging, Understanding, Control, Enhancing Self, and Trust as presented b…
72 - Yanny Or Laurel? - A Lesson in Mindful Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
In this episode, I will share an audio clip that's gone viral where some people hear the word "yanny" and others hear the word "laurel". I will also discuss 6 tips to help us be more mindful of how we communicate.Explore…
71 - Breaking The Chain Of Reactivity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:55
At any given moment, we’re all acting upon what has been set in motion by others. A central teaching of Buddhism is that we can pause and break the cycle of reactivity. We can learn to be more skillful in how we contribu…
70 - Beware Of The Guru Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:59
In this episode, I will discuss my personal views about having a Guru/teacher. In order to learn something new or to develop a new skill, it can be helpful and wise to have the guidance and advice of a teacher but it can…
69 - Sitting With Sadness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:20
Buddhist teachings often talk about "being with our emotions" or learning to "sit with an emotion" but what does that really mean? What does that look like in our day to day lives? In this episode, I will discuss a recen…