Secular Buddhism

Noah Rasheta
  • 4.8 (2.5K)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Secular Buddhism

Don't use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist. Use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    202 - Who's Driving the Car?

    In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, Noah explores the Buddhist teaching of no-self through the powerful metaphor of a car ride. Who—or what—is really in control as we navigate our lives? Drawing from the five aggregates and the Internal Family Systems model, Noah illustrates how our emotions and mental patterns often take the wheel, shaping our actions and experiences. But through mindful awareness, we can begin to notice these “drivers,” understand their intentions, and gently shift how we respond. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their inner world with curiosity, compassion, and clarity, offering practical tools for cultivating emotional awareness and inner freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  2. APR 14

    201 - The Empty Boat

    In this episode, I explore the parable of The Empty Boat and how it serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the way we react to life’s inevitable bumps (especially those caused by others). Drawing from Taoist and Zen traditions, this story reminds us that much of our suffering arises not from what happens, but from the meaning we attach to it. We’ll look at what it means to take things personally, why we often assume intent where there may be none, and how mindfulness helps us shift from reactivity to response. I also share personal reflections, real-life examples, and variations on the parable to help bring this teaching into everyday life. Whether you’ve been bumped recently or you’ve unknowingly bumped into others, this episode offers a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and respond with more awareness and compassion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  3. MAR 15

    200 - The Music of Connection

    In this episode of The Secular Buddhism Podcast, I reflect on an experience at a dance competition that led me to deeply consider connection, perception, and the way we assign meaning to our experiences. As I watched dancers perform to carefully chosen songs, I found myself drawn into the emotions conveyed in the lyrics—emotions that felt strikingly familiar, even though they were someone else’s words, someone else’s story. This realization sparked a deeper exploration of Buddhist teachings on interdependence (pratītyasamutpāda), impermanence (anicca), and feeling tones (vedanā)—all of which play a role in how we connect to art, music, and each other. How is it that a song written by a stranger can make us feel understood in our most personal moments of joy or sorrow? What does this teach us about the shared human experience? Join me as we explore the ways in which our lives, like music, are constantly unfolding—sometimes melancholic, sometimes joyful, always moving. And just as we don’t cling to a single note in a song, we can learn to embrace the impermanence of life with greater ease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min

  4. MAR 6

    199 - A Candle in the Darkness

    In times of uncertainty and suffering, many of us find ourselves asking: What can I do? The weight of the world’s challenges—humanitarian crises, injustice, personal struggles—can feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering whether our efforts even make a difference. In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, I’m sharing the audio from a recent Dharma talk on the Bodhisattva path—a way of engaging with suffering that is rooted in compassion, wisdom, and the recognition of our deep interconnection. The Bodhisattva path invites us to act, not because we are certain we can fix everything, but because compassionate action is itself a meaningful response to the suffering around us. Through personal stories, Buddhist teachings, and reflections on our shared humanity, this talk explores how we can light even the smallest candle in the darkness without burning out or losing hope. I hope this episode offers you some clarity, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose in these challenging times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  5. MAR 1

    198 - Between What Was and What Will Be

    In this episode of the Secular Buddhism Podcast, Noah Rasheta explores the Tibetan Buddhist concept of bardos, traditionally understood as transitional states between life, death, and rebirth. Taking a secular approach, Noah reinterprets bardos as a framework for understanding all of life’s transitions, both big and small. Life is constantly shifting—between moments, relationships, jobs, emotions, and even identities. Each transition, whether minor or major, offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices about what we bring forward and what we leave behind. Noah discusses the six bardos in Tibetan Buddhism and reimagines them in an everyday context, showing how they can help us navigate change with mindfulness and presence. Through personal stories and practical reflections, this episode encourages listeners to embrace the space between what was and what will be—not as something to fear, but as a fertile ground for growth, renewal, and greater self-awareness. Tune in to explore how recognizing bardos in daily life can help you move through transitions with clarity, resilience, and wisdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  6. JAN 7

    197 - A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism

    In this episode of the Secular Buddhism Podcast, I sit down with Cortland Dahl, author of A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism, to explore how Buddhist teachings and meditation can help us navigate life’s challenges with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Cortland shares insights from his book, which serves as an accessible guide for both beginners and seasoned meditators, and discusses themes such as the practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life, the transformative power of curiosity, and the innate qualities of awareness, compassion, and wisdom that reside within all of us. We also discuss the concept of the “householder yogi,” how everyday moments can become opportunities for mindfulness, and the role of compassion in fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation offers relatable and transformative perspectives. Tune in to discover how Buddhist practices can help you suffer less, flourish more, and embrace the present moment with a fresh perspective. Find Cortland’s book, A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism, here https://amzn.to/3Pqx7w7 or wherever books are sold, and learn more about his work at cortlanddahl.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  7. 12/08/2024

    196 - Enlightenment Is the Path, Not the Destination

    In honor of Bodhi Day—commemorating the Buddha’s awakening—this episode challenges the conventional notion of enlightenment as a distant finish line. Instead, I explore how awakening emerges naturally in the everyday moments of our lives. Drawing on the Buddha’s story and reflecting on personal experiences, I'll discuss how to recognize the sacredness of ordinary life, embrace change with grace, and deepen our responsibility for our own happiness. Join me as we discover that enlightenment isn’t something to chase, but something to live—right here, right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  8. 12/01/2024

    195 - Letting Go: The Path to Freedom

    In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, Noah Rasheta explores the concept of letting go as a path to freedom and liberation. Using analogies like hanging onto a rope, carrying a backpack, and navigating monkey bars, Noah illustrates how our attachments to beliefs, roles, and identities can create unnecessary suffering. He offers practical advice for identifying and releasing the things that weigh us down, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the process. Noah also reframes the question of "Who am I?" to "What am I doing?" to help listeners focus on the present moment and respond skillfully to life's challenges. By embracing the dynamic nature of letting go, we can lighten our load and find peace on our journey through life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
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About

Don't use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist. Use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Noah Rasheta
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Secular Buddhism

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