Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

1d ago

As we close out a year many of us are ready to leave behind, this episode reflects on what we might want to carry forward—and what we can gently let go of. I explore the Buddhist teaching of the brahmavihāras , or Four Immeasurables, as a way of giving our hearts a place to live that is honest, resilient, and humane. The Four Immeasurables—loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity—are called “immeasurable” because they are not limited resources. They don’t require perfection or self-improvement. They begin with noticing what is actually happening. In this episode, we explore: Loving-kindness Begins with softening toward ourselves, not being “nice” or agreeable Extends outward to loved ones, strangers, and even enemies without requiring forgiveness or approval Far enemy: hatred Near enemy: conditional or performative kindness Compassion Feeling another’s pain as our own, grounded in shared humanity Distinct from sympathy or pity Far enemy: cruelty Near enemy: pity Sympathetic joy Feeling another person’s happiness as our own A remedy for isolation and scarcity thinking Far enemy: envy Near enemy: shallow or distracting pleasure Equanimity Staying present with joy and sorrow without grasping or pushing away Fully engaged, not numb or indifferent Far enemy: grasping Near enemy: indifference or “good vibes only” detachment Throughout the episode, I emphasize that the practice is not about trying to embody these qualities, but about noticing our real relationship to them. That noticing itself is the practice. Music Segment We close with a podcast after party featuring “Jump Around” by House of Pain, along with a story from my time working at Tommy Boy Records in the early ’90s and a brief exploration of the mysterious opening sample. A link to The Best Sample in History video is included here . Watch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is coming soon. Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes. Building a Mindful New Year is a free, six-day online program exploring how Buddhist practice can help us stay present, steady, and valu If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Dec 12

In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. Lately I’ve been ending each show with what I called the Podcast After-Party —I share a song I love, along with a few words about why it matters to me. I never meant it to be anything formal. It was simply a delight, a way of sharing the music that has struck some essential chord in my life (no pun intended). I’m not a scholar of music, nor a musician, nor anything close. But I’ve been lucky. My early years in Austin, I worked at a little blues bar called Antone’s—where I landed only because my car broke down—and it opened my ears in a way I could never have planned. I learned to hear . That hearing became a kind of companion to my practice: a way of sensing spaciousness, precision, longing, and joy in another language. As this year comes to an end, I wanted to gather all those after-parties into one place. Today’s episode is simply that: the songs I’ve shared with you, with my original commentary, offered again for your listening pleasure. The songs featured in this compilation are: Episode 28 “Christine Leroy” by the Johnson Mountain Boys An early American ballad that moved me deeply and launched the after-party itself, reminding me how music carries both sound and devotion. Episode 29 “Tribal Dance” and “Albatross” by Peter Green Two pieces from a singular musician whose playing embodies spaciousness, warmth, and directness. His work is a study in attunement rather than control. Episode 30 “My One and Only Love” by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman A tender, refined expression of what I call “undone”—an invitation to let the heart be unguarded. Episode 31 “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers Band A song about presence, joy, and the beauty of two instrumental voices finding harmony without forcing it. Episode 32 “Swim Away” by Toni Price A haunting a cappella piece about longing for home; spare and full of ache. Episode 33 “Double Trouble” by Otis Rush A dark, piercing blues performance that shows how restraint can reveal more than virtuosity. Episode 34 “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell (written by Jimmy Webb) A spacious, aching ballad often called one of the greatest songs ever written. A portrait of quiet yearning that still feels timeless. Episode 35 “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” by Yellowman A cornerstone of reggae’s remix tradition, built on the famous “Diseases riddim.” A reminder of presence, rhythm, and vitality. Thank you for listening, for sharing this practice and this music with me, and for making space for a little after-party each time we meet. Ask me a question You can send your questions about meditation, spirituality, or anything you like via Instagram DM or through If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Dec 5

In this episode, I speak directly to a question I’m often asked: what can we do when anxiety or panic takes over? While many people associate Buddhism with calming the mind, the path is far more layered than stress reduction. Sometimes the most skillful response is not meditation but something far more ordinary and tender. I share my own experience with severe panic attacks—episodes triggered whenever I felt trapped, especially on airplanes. These attacks arrived suddenly and with enormous force, and none of my usual tools helped. Not meditation. Not breath practice. Not even medication or, memorably, tequila. What ultimately made a difference was human connection: one person’s kindness interrupting the spiral of fear. The turning point came from a United Airlines pilot, Captain Denny, whose simple presence and reassurance steadied me. Later, I learned to ask seatmates for brief conversation during takeoff. Every single time, someone responded with kindness. That small act—letting myself be seen—became my true mantra. Sometimes the most effective practice is to ask another human being to care, even for a moment. Meditation, I learned, can actually intensify panic, and it’s important to acknowledge that. In moments of terror, the dharma may show up not as a technique but as connection, vulnerability, and shared humanity. Highlights Why Buddhist practice offers more than stress relief My experience with claustrophobia-related panic attacks The flights where panic overwhelmed every coping strategy How Captain Denny’s kindness changed everything The healing power of vulnerability for both giver and receiver Why meditation can sometimes intensify fear The “mantras” that truly helped: someone sees me, someone cares, we’re in this together After-party: Yellowman, “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” and a brief history of the “Diseases” riddim Thank you for listening, for sharing the podcast with anyone who might benefit, and for being part of this exploration of the dharma. I’ll see you next week. Music Segment “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng,” performed by Yellowman, built on the legendary “Diseases” riddim—an essential thread in reggae’s remix lineage and a showcase of Yellowman’s remarkable presence. Watch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here. Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes. Learn to Teach Meditation The Open Heart Project Meditation Teacher Training returns this January. We begin January 17th, 2026. I teach every session. It’s intimate, rigorous, supportive—and it’s for anyone who wants to help others work with their own m If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Nov 28

In this episode, I explore what I believe to be one of the most urgent Buddhist teachings for our current moment: Right Speech. Many people associate Buddhism with stress reduction or calming the mind, and while those benefits are real, the path is far more robust. It offers a way to wake up, to see clearly, and to live everyday life with more meaning, compassion, and courage. I also share a story that unfolded early this morning at Austin’s Barton Springs pool—an unexpected confrontation between two dog owners that I somehow stepped right into. It wasn’t pretty. I wasn’t pretty! As I reflected on what happened, I realized it offered a lens for examining Right Speech, what it is, what it isn’t, and how challenging it can be to practice it in real time. Right Speech is the third step on the Noble Eightfold Path, following Right View and Right Intention. It is essential. Speech is our bridge to one another and a central part of the path. In this episode, I walk through the four characteristics of wrong speech, the five questions to ask yourself before speaking, and the ways in which our words—and the intention behind them—shape the world. I close with a song for our podcast after-party: “Wichita Lineman,” written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by Glen Campbell, one of the most beautiful and mournful songs I know. Highlights Why Buddhism is more than mindfulness or stress relief Why Right Speech may be the most vital teaching for our time A real-life story about conflict, dogs, and my unplanned intervention The four kinds of wrong speech: lying, divisive speech, abusive speech, idle speech Five questions to ask before speaking: Is it the right time? Is it truthful? Is it gentle or kind? Is it beneficial? Is it spoken with goodwill? Reflections on whether my own speech this morning met any of these criteria Why awareness of speech is a profound spiritual practice Thank you for listening, for sharing the podcast with anyone who might enjoy it, and for being part of this exploration of the dharma. I’ll see you next week. Music Segment “Wichita Lineman,” written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by Glen Campbell in 1968, is a spacious, aching ballad often hailed as one of the greatest songs ever written. Its haunting melody, iconic six-string bass solo, and portrait of quiet longing make it a perfect companion for reflection. Watch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here . Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Nov 21

In this episode of Buddhism Beyond Belief, I explore how we can keep our meditation practice genuinely spiritual without making it complicated, performative, or “weird.” After more than thirty years of practice, I’ve learned that depth comes from sincerity, not technique. The simplest form of meditation—just sitting—can open profound dimensions of patience, clarity, confusion, authenticity, and genuine confidence. I share a story from a long retreat in the Colorado Rockies, where I unexpectedly found myself helping to produce a classical music recording inside a sacred building called the Great Stupa. Unsure how to preserve the serenity of the space, I asked my teacher for guidance. He offered three simple instructions that continue to shape my practice today: make offerings, request blessings, and dedicate the merit. In this episode, I talk about what each step means, how it can frame a daily practice, and why ritual helps us sustain a spiritual view without needing anything elaborate. I also reflect on how the effects of meditation show themselves–not during the practice, but in the rest of our lives. I close this episode with music I love. This time, I share “Double Trouble” by the incomparable Otis Rush—one of the most haunting, emotionally searing blues artists of all time. I talk about his unusual left-handed, upside-down guitar style, the mystery of the track’s opening lyric, and my own early encounters with Otis Rush that left an indelible mark on me. Highlights: Why approaching meditation as a ritual can deepen the spiritual dimension of practice A story from a Colorado retreat and making a recording inside the Great Stupa The three steps my teacher offered for keeping practice sacred: Make offerings: Enter practice with generosity by offering your present-moment heart Request blessings: Turn toward the sources of wisdom you hold in the highest regard Dedicate the merit: Offer whatever goodness arises to benefit all beings How simplicity in meditation can lead to profound effects in daily life Reflections on Otis Rush’s unique sound and the emotional power of “Double Trouble” Memories of encountering his music and how it shaped my understanding of depth and authenticity Music Segment The episode ends with “Double Trouble” by Otis Rush—a dark, piercing, beautifully restrained blues performance that reveals how much can be said with very few notes. Watch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here . Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Nov 14

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 . Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Nov 7

In this episode, I offer a guided meditation and explore what it really means to not be trying —not striving to get somewhere, even in practice. Rather than exerting effort or resisting, meditation invites us to let go again and again and rest in a state of receptivity. We look at how love, insight, and creativity are not things we can get , but things we receive , and how meditation teaches us to rest in that open space. I also clarify common misconceptions about meditation—especially the idea that we must stop thinking—and instead suggest developing awareness of thought rather than control over it. We end with a reflection on attention, presence, and the natural rhythm of the breath, followed by a story about one of my favorite songs, “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers Band, and the beauty of two voices joining in spontaneous harmony. Highlights: Letting go of striving and resting in presence The art of receiving rather than seeking Thoughts as part of awareness, not the enemy of it Attention as placement, not analysis The connection between meditation, creativity, and love Closing reflection: “ Blue Sky ” by The Allman Brothers Band Watch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is available here . Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes. Learn to Teach Meditation The Open Heart Project Meditation Teacher Training returns this January. We begin January 17th, 2026. I teach every session. It’s intimate, rigorous, supportive—and it’s for anyone who wants to help others work with their own minds and hearts. Click here to learn more & sign up. If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project

Oct 31

In this episode, I explore the sixth and final pāramitā—prajna, or wisdom—the one beyond words and concepts. True wisdom isn’t about knowledge but about recognizing the interdependence of all things and walking the Middle Way between eternalism (“something lasts forever”) and nihilism (“nothing matters”). We revisit the first five pāramitās—generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, and meditative absorption—and see how they lead us to the spacious awareness that meditation reveals. Mindfulness is only half the path; the other half, awareness, brings love, creativity, and compassion. We also look at the three forms of wisdom—worldly, beyond worldliness, and beyond even dharma—and the essence of the Heart Sutra: “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” I close with a piece of music I love, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman’s “My One and Only Love,” a perfect expression of what I call undone and refined. Highlights: Prajna as direct, wordless knowing The Middle Way between extremes Emptiness as fullness and interconnection Mindfulness vs. awareness in meditation The three forms of wisdom The Heart Sutra’s simple truth Closing reflection: Coltrane and Hartman’s timeless duet Watch this episode on video If you’d like to see me share my reflections, the video version is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdpt80EJvOc Ask me a question You can send your questions via Instagram DM or through our form — I’d love to include them in future episodes. Learn to Teach Meditation The Open Heart Project Meditation Teacher Training returns this January. We begin January 17th, 2026. I teach every session. It’s intimate, rigorous, supportive—and it’s for anyone who wants to help others work with their own minds and hearts. Click here to learn more & sign up. If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. 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 Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project