Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

Latest Episodes:

85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections) Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

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, and wisdom, each Paramita is both a practice and an antidote to the obstacles that keep us bound to suffering.

We look at how the Paramitas align with the Eightfold Path, why Mahayana emphasizes them as the Bodhisattva’s toolkit, and how they embody the vow to liberate all beings before oneself. Along the way, we uncover what these perfections mean in daily life and how anyone can begin applying them, not as distant ideals but as practical steps toward compassion, clarity, and transformation.

By the end, you will see how the Six Paramitas offer a gradual, cumulative path, a way to cultivate enlightened qualities step by step while carrying others with you across the shore of liberation.

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84 - Bodhisattvas Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

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 up a core reason that Mahayana exists. Learn more about Bodhisattvas (and learn about two big VIP Bodhisattvas) in this episode!

Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhisattva-path/

Get my Bodhisattva graphic: https://alanpeto.com/graphics

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

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83 - Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in Buddhism Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

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 from it (and to liberating ourselves from it).

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OCNnti-NAQ

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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82 - Pure Lands & Pure Land Buddhism Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

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 this important and popular Buddhist practice and tradition.

Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-cosmology/Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxZ-CoGk6Wk

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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

81 - Buddhism Q&A #5 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice!

Chapters:

00:01 Introduction

00:28 "I always struggle to continue my practice. I am active for six months then loose interest."

08:37 "Karma. If anything bad happens to a child are we saying that child was bad in past life?"

13:23 "How would a catholic and Buddhist raise their child? Can a catholic be a Buddhist too"

22:00 "As a buddhist I get asked "who do buddhist believe created the world if there's no god"

27:00 "If there is no self, how does the Tulku system work? Is this advanced store consciousness?"

30:37 "I've heard the ides of "non attachment" a lot in Buddhist practice. But how does that work in relationships or goals?"

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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80 - Meat Eating in Buddhism Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Can you eat animal meat as a Buddhist? Do you have to be vegetarian? This is a common question and debate. Learn more in this episode!

Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/animals-in-buddhism/

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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79 - Love and Marriage in Buddhism May 27, 2025

Show notes

Can a Buddhist be in a romantic relationship? Married? What about the love we have for family and friends? Learn more about it in this episode!

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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

78 - Repentance in Buddhism Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Did you know Buddhists "repent" for their transgressions? This is a very popular practice, but also a very important one Westerners might be missing out on. Learn more about repentance in Buddhism, why it's important, and how to do it.

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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

77 - A Buddhist Valentine's Day (Metta and Loving-Kindness) Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

"Metta" or "Loving Kindness" is a popular form of Buddhist practice (and teaching) that you can incorporate in a daily practice - and even Valentine's Day!

Learn more about the "Love" that Buddhism teaches, and the "Loving-Kindness" practice in Buddhism.

- The Loving Kindness Sutta/Sutra: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.08.amar.html

- Loving Kindness Meditation: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/loving-kindness/

- Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-virtues/

- Alan's Buddhism Starter Pack: https://BuddhismStarterPack.com

- Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

- Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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

76 - A Buddhist Lunar New Year Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Is there a "Buddhist" Lunar New Year celebration? What about "Mahayana New Year"? What does this have to do with Chinese New Year, Tet, etc? Learn more in this episode and how Buddhists practice!

Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

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

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