In this episode we delve into the Buddhist practice of guarding the six sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Discover how mindful observation, reflection, and meditation can help prevent unwholesome states and cultivate wisdom. We’ll explore the differences in understanding and practices across various Buddhist traditions, and for practical tips on integrating these teachings into your daily life and transforming your sensory experiences into the right conditions for progress on the Buddhist path. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Two seemingly unrelated festivals have a Buddhist connection: The Hungry Ghosts Festival and the Ullambana Festival (also called Sangha Day). Both go back to the time of the Buddha where he gave instruction to one of his most revered disciples on how to help his mother who had passed away and was in the hungry ghosts realm. We celebrate today using the same instruction as the Buddha: support the sangha (monastic community) as way to generate and dedicate merit to our loved ones who have passed away and may be in the hungry ghosts realm. It also helps us built compassion, generosity/giving, and loving kindness - all key Buddhist qualities. Read the article:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/ullambana-hungry-ghosts/ ‎ Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Blessings are a beautiful and important part of Buddhism, but they can often be confused with merits. Learn about what blessings are, how they are invoked, and how to integrate into your Buddhist practice. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

The third installment of questions asked by you! - "How can I integrate the practice with my day-to-day life as a westerner?" - "Can I become a Buddhist if I drink or smoke socially?" - "How can you create karma with outflows?" - "Is it ok to mix Buddhist traditions, I was told it's best to stick to one, but I follow two." Have a question for a future episode? Or a topic? Reply to this podcast on Spotify, or send me a message on alanpeto.com, or via social media. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Buddhists have "virtues" they uphold on their path towards enlightenment and nirvana. What is wonderful about the virtues is that they are meant to be practiced and upheld in everyday life! Learn about nine (9) Buddhist virtues in this episode, why they are important, and how to practice them. Wisdom. Ethical Conduct Patience Generosity Loving-kindness (Metta) Compassion (Karuna) Sympathetic Joy (Muditā) Equanimity (Upekkhā) Diligence (Viriya ) Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Do Buddhists "repent"? Yes! And it's not what you think. Repentance in Buddhism is a fundamental part of Buddhist practice because it helps us "get out" the misdeed/transgression of the five precepts we created so that we can understand why, ask for help, and set an aspiration of action and cultivation of good deeds. This is important because morality/conduct is part of the Buddha's teachings and essential for enlightenment. As human beings, we sometimes go "off the path" in Buddhism and as we repent, we make ourselves aware of that so we can prevent it in the future. It's a wholesome practice that is firmly rooted in Buddhism. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/message

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 Hindrances are like obstacles on the road and some common Buddhist ways to overcome them. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact  Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/  Get Alan's free eBook "Buddhism in 10 Steps": alanpeto.com/books/buddhism-10-steps --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/message

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 infographics, and now taking to podcasts.  What sets this apart is that I am not a Buddhist monastic or having some fancy title in front of my name.  Instead, I am a Buddhist layperson - just like you.  This allows me to help explain Buddhism in a way that "makes sense" and is relatable, while still holding true to the Buddhist teachings.  This intro episode will tell you what to expect in the next few episodes, and what is coming up later.  I want to hear from you:  tell me what you are wanting to learn about Buddhism, what you are confused about, and what you want to get out of this podcast!  Also, check out my articles and videos on my website and subscribe to me on your favorite social media platform: alanpeto.com.  To learn more about me, visit:  alanpeto.com/about --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/message