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
A Powerful New Take on the Enneagram (from my new book)
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This episode, we pause our exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path before returning next week with Right Effort.
This week, Shambhala Publications (my favorite publisher) is reissuing my book, The Buddhist Enneagram. I’m so proud this is happening and I wanted to take this chance to share thoughts on the two wisdom streams that have shaped my life for more than three decades: the Buddhadharma and the Enneagram.
Highlights:
- Why compassion is central to Buddhist teaching and why it can be most difficult in our intimate relationships
- Nine patterns of attention through which we experience the same world
- How understanding these patterns can transform conflict with partners, family, and colleagues
- A personal example of how different Enneagram types notice different things in the same situation
- The three centers of intelligence in the Enneagram: instinctual, emotional, and mental
- How each center responds differently when life does not go our way
- The three instinctual drives that shape each type: self-preservation, social, and intimate connection
- Why these combinations create 27 nuanced ways of being
- How each type carries both an idealization and an avoidance
- Using the Enneagram not to label people but to understand them and remain connected
- How the system can support genuine compassion in everyday life
Music selection:
I share a recording of “Black Night,” most famously associated with musician Charles Brown. The version we listen to features Willie Nelson and Dr. John from the album Milk Cow Blues. I talk about the extraordinary musicians on the track, including producer and guitarist Derek O’Brien, who created the theme music for this podcast. You can also listen to it here.
Get your copy of The Buddhist Enneagram
From March 10 – April 10, you can receive 30% off the new physical edition of The Buddhist Enneagram when you order directly from Shambhala Publications. Use code ENNEAGRAM30 at checkout. If this book has been on your reading list, or if you know someone who might benefit from this perspective on the Enneagram, this is a great time to pick up a copy. Buy yours
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Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com
Produced by Citizens of Sound
Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project