Religion & Spirituality

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

by Alan Peto

BuddhismReligion & Spirituality

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Latest episodes

97 - The Buddhism Secrets of Cats (Audiobook Special Edition)

October 18, 2026 · 1 hr 18 min

What if cats are actually secret Buddhist monks? My book, "The Buddhism Secrets of Cats" explores the [fictional?!] hidden world of Buddhist cats and their practices and beliefs. I'm excited to read my book for you in this episode! You can…
96 - Emotions & Buddhism

October 4, 2026 · 31 min

Emotions are, of course, part of being human. We experience emotions like anger, anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, frustration. But why do they feel so powerful? And why do they sometimes lead to suffering? In this episode, we explore…
95 - What is Suffering (Dukkha) in Buddhism

September 21, 2026 · 43 min

Why do we suffer? Why does life feel painful, stressful, or disappointing even when things seem to be going well? In this episode, we explore suffering from a practical Buddhist perspective not as a concept, but as a lived human…
94 - Engaged Buddhism

August 21, 2026 · 34 min

"Engaged Buddhism" is Buddhism lived in the world through compassion in action, wisdom applied to real life, and mindfulness extended beyond the meditation cushion! In this episode, we explore how Engaged Buddhism developed from the…
93 - Buddhism in 10 Steps (Audiobook Special Edition)

July 25, 2026 · 1 hr 15 min

This episode is the full audiobook reading of my book Buddhism in 10 Steps. Many of you have already listened to the shorter podcast/video version, which offered a quick overview of the ten foundational steps. This episode is different…

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92 - Buddhist Symbols & Symbolism

July 19, 2026 · 33 min

In this episode, we explore the beautiful world of Buddhist symbols — the dragons, lotus flowers, prayer flags, mandalas, guardian lions, and more that fill temples and artwork across Asia. These symbols aren’t just decoration; they’re…
91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16)

May 29, 2026 · 30 min

In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Lotus Sūtra: the idea that the Buddha didn’t become a Buddha under the Bodhi tree, but awakened countless ages ago. His birth, enlightenment, and even his passing are…
90 - Science & Buddhism

May 1, 2026 · 43 min

Many Westerners are drawn to Buddhism because it feels rational, experiential, and compatible with science. But Buddhism also includes teachings—like karma, rebirth, and cosmology—that don’t fit neatly into a scientific framework. So how…
89 - Chanting, Recitation, Mantras, and Dhāraṇīs in Buddhism

April 17, 2026 · 41 min

Chanting is one of the most widespread Buddhist practices, yet often one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we explore what chanting really is, how sound plays an important role in Buddhist practice, and how chanting developed…
88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana

April 3, 2026 · 32 min

The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & Parinirvāṇa In this episode, we explore one of the most meaningful and human moments in all of Buddhism: the Buddha’s final days, his final teachings, and what his parinirvāṇa (his final passing…
87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps)

March 13, 2026 · 30 min

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…
86 - After You Die...What Buddhists Believe About Life After Death

January 23, 2026 · 52 min

What do Buddhists believe happens after death? In this episode, we explore one of the most common and meaningful questions beginners ask about Buddhism. Rather than offering a single doctrine, Buddhism presents a clear process shaped by…

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About the show

Alan Peto hosts an informative and helpful podcast for anyone who is interested in Buddhism and beginning a Buddhist practice. Alan is a Buddhist layperson who explains Buddhism and Buddhist teachings for beginners and Westerners on his website, https://alanpeto.com. This podcast is aimed at helping those exploring Buddhism or new to Buddhism understand Buddhist teachings and practices. Contact Alan: https://alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: https://alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/