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.
Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver
The Seven Characteristics of a Dharmic Person
In this episode of Buddhism Beyond Belief, I explore how we truly enter the path—not through esoteric or “advanced” practices, but by grounding ourselves in simple awareness and presence. After more than thirty years of practice and teaching, I’ve come to see that depth in meditation isn’t about complexity. It’s about sincerity—how fully we can find our breath, sit with our mind, and meet life as it is.
I share what the Tibetan Buddhist tradition calls the seven characteristics of a Dharmic person—qualities that guide anyone, Buddhist or not, toward wisdom and compassion. Together, they offer a map for living with steadiness, clarity, and an open heart, even when life feels messy or painful.
I also tell a story about grief, and how the seemingly simple quality of good conduct can become an act of warriorship—opening to heartbreak instead of turning away.
And as always, I close with music I love: this time, “Swim Away” by the late Toni Price—an artist of rare authenticity whose voice carries both ache and freedom.
Highlights:
- Why Buddhism is not just about stress reduction, but about liberation and living fully.
- Why “advanced” practices mean nothing without the ability to find your breath.
- The Seven Characteristics of a Dharmic Person:
- Passionlessness: Tolerating life’s small irritations without chasing perfection.
- Contentment: Slowing down to appreciate the everydayness of daily life.
- Fewer Activities: Creating space by loosening the grip of constant doing.
- Good Conduct: Living with care, attention, and courage to face what is painful.
- Awareness of the Teacher: Recognizing and honoring the sources of wisdom that awaken you.
- Propagating Prajna (Wisdom): Bringing what you’ve verified as true into daily life.
- An Attitude of Goodness: Trusting your inherent wholeness—your Buddha nature.
- Reflections on grief, love, and the courage to open to heartbreak.
A story from Sharon Salzberg and the Dalai Lama on self-esteem and basic goodness. - How Buddhist faith is not rooted in belief, but in living what you’ve discovered to be true.
Music Segment
The episode ends with “Swim Away” by Toni Price—a haunting acapella piece about longing to return home.
Watch this episode on video
If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here.
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Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com
Produced by Citizens of Sound
Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project