Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

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About the show

Latest episodes

• 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…

• 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…