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Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan PiverAuthor: Susan Piver
Buddhism Beyond Belief is a podcast from Susan Piver, a 30 year student of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Open Heart Project, an online meditation community with close to 20000 members.With Susan as a friend and guide, we will look at traditional teachings like the four noble truths and the six paramitasbut not from an academic standpoint. Rather, we will talk about how to make it all personal and relevant in everyday life. This podcast is not about Buddhist doctrine. Its about how anyone can bring the profound wisdom of the dharma into their real life: at home, at work, and in love. The foundation for it all is meditation as a spiritual practice, not the latest life hack. Lets go beyond the science and celebrity testimonials to discover the true power of meditation which is not based in self-improvement but in self-discovery. Language: en Genres: Buddhism, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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The Noble Eightfold Path: Step Two: The Power of Intention
Episode 43
Friday, 13 February, 2026
Send a textWhen I first started my own business years ago, I was full of doubt, excitement, fear, and hope, often all at the same time. Out of nowhere, a major opportunity landed in my lap that could have launched everything forward. There was just one problem. I did not respect the work of the person offering it. In this episode, I reflect on that moment and how a single sentence from my meditation teacher changed the way I understand right intention, karma, and the mysterious consequences of our actions.This conversation explores right intention through personal experience and Buddhist teachings, moving from practical self examination to a much larger, more mysterious view of how our actions ripple through the world. I also share a personal story about illness, healing, and what it means to work with karma without knowing how or when it will resolve.HighlightsThe early days of my business and an opportunity that forced a difficult ethical decisionA Tibetan Buddhist teaching that reframed how I think about success and failureWhat right intention really means beyond good outcomesRight view and the radical idea of interconnectednessThe three cycles of Buddhist teaching and how each understands intentionHow our actions move into the world like wave forms, not straight linesA personal story about injury, illness, and how it impacted my view of karmaThree ways to understand right intention in daily lifeLetting go of expectations while still acting with care and responsibilityMusic After PartyI share one of my all time favorites, Bobby Blue Bland’s recording from 1961, Two Steps from the Blues. I talk about why this album is such a turning point in blues and R & B history, and why Bland’s voice remains unforgettable to me. I also reflect on hearing him live while working at Antone’s in Austin, the reverence he inspired, and the joy of recently meeting his son, Rodd Bland, who continues the legacy in his own powerful way.You can also listen here.Watch this episode on videoIf you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is here.Ask me a questionYou can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes.Fearless Creativity: A Meditation and Writing Retreat Join me If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com. Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project
