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.

All Episodes

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Seven Sources of True Wealth

August 15, 2025 • Susan Piver • Season 1 • Episode 21

In this episode, I explore a little-known yet profoundly practical Buddhist teaching: The Seven Riches of the Universal Monarch. I warmly invite you to look beyond the modern view of mindfulness as merely a stress-relief tool; rather, consider your practice as a transformative lens on how to live fully, wisely, and with meaning.

Drawing from classical Buddhist teachings, my own seminary training, and over 30 years of personal practice, I share how these "seven riches" can serve as guiding principles for cultivating intimacy, purpose, vitality, and inner wisdom in daily life. I even share a story about lying on a couch mid-conversation and realizing my ideal form of social interaction.

Highlights:

Why mindfulness is more than just stress relief – It’s a path to living with depth, presence, and authenticity.
Introduction to the obscure yet profound teaching of the Seven Riches of the Universal Monarch, possibly rooted in the indigenous Bön tradition of Tibet.
The 7 Riches unpacked:
1. Consort – The value of intimate connection (romantic or platonic) rooted in trust and love.
2. Minister – Having a trusted source of wisdom or guidance (a person, study, or tradition).
3. General – A sense of protection, whether from people, community, or even financial stability.
4. Horse – The wellspring of vitality and momentum, from energy to inspiration.
5. Elephant – Living with purpose and steady, grounded intention.
6. Wish-Fulfilling Jewel – Deep self-knowledge and compassion as the truest wealth.

The Wheel – Integration of all six riches into a cohesive, supportive whole.

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