Transcending Insanity, Part One: Generosity (the Virtue that Produces Peace) Artwork

Buddhism Beyond Belief with 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 paramitas–but 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. It’s 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. Let’s 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.

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Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Transcending Insanity, Part One: Generosity (the Virtue that Produces Peace)

August 08, 2025 • Susan Piver • Season 1 • Episode 20

This episode starts off a new series on the Six Paramitas (Transcendent Actions).

Focusing on the first paramita: generosity, I share how this quality—often misunderstood as mere niceness or material giving—is actually the foundation for waking up, finding sanity, and increasing the sanity of this world.

I talk about three forms of generosity:

Ordinary generosity – Giving material things with an open heart
The gift of dharma – Sharing wisdom in a humble, useful way
The gift of fearlessness – Helping others feel stronger and less alone, often through the simple act of listening

Highlights:

Why generosity is the gateway to all other Paramitas
How practicing generosity transforms the way people respond to you
What it really means to lead with offering, rather than seeking
A beautiful, powerful definition of listening: “When you stop thinking your thoughts and start thinking mine.” –Catherine MacCoun
Practical ways to embody generosity in daily life—emails, conversations, arguments, and more

As always, don’t take my word for any of this—reflect on these teachings yourself, and see what arises.

This is a rich and grounding episode for anyone interested in living more deeply, whether or not you identify as Buddhist.

Next week, I’ll share about the second paramita, discipline (Shila), or how to stay intentional without becoming rigid.

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