Buddhism and the Enneagram (with a musical aside)

In this episode, I share why I wrote The Buddhist Enneagram and how two life-changing systems—the Buddha Dharma and the Enneagram—can support your journey toward wisdom, compassion, and self-understanding. Contrary to common views of Buddhism as merely stress relief, I explore its deeper invitation: to live more fully, to wake up, and to meet life with an open heart. The Enneagram, in turn, becomes a powerful upaya —a skillful means—for making compassion real. In this episode, I talk about: Why Buddhist teachings go far beyond “calming down” How I first encountered the Enneagram—and why it changed everything The connection between your “flaws” and your true nature Real-life stories of how understanding Enneagram types transformed relationships The Buddhist view that our poisons are our wisdom How each Enneagram type maps onto a path of transformation Plus: At the end, I share a beautiful bluegrass song that has moved me deeply— “Christine Leroy” by the Johnson Mountain Boys. It’s our new “after-party” segment to celebrate the power of music and storytelling. Listen to the whole song here: https://open.spotify.com/track/0obAxxHy2PoTA7BM2aadDt?si=d51c970c363e4c05 Have a question for me? Send a voice message via DM on Instagram (@susanpiver)—I’d love to hear from you. *Please note: Your recording might be included in a future podcast episode and answered on the show. 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