In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Eightfold Path by diving into the second aspect of wisdom—Right Intention. We explore how intention functions like a compass, helping us navigate life with purpose and clarity. Rather than reacting habitually, Right Intention invites us to respond skillfully to whatever arises. We discuss the three core intentions highlighted in Buddhist teachings: letting go (renunciation), wishing well (goodwill), and doing no harm (harmlessness). With everyday examples and practical insights, this episode is a reminder that intention shapes the seeds we plant with every word and action—and that we always have the power to begin again in any moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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25:55
205 - Right View
In this episode, I share the audio recording of a Dharma talk I gave during one of our Sunday Zoom calls. The topic is Right View, the first step on the Buddhist Eightfold Path. Inspired by the book Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari, I explore the nature of truth and how we relate to it in our everyday lives.I talk about three distinct types of truth—objective, subjective, and intersubjective—and how understanding these can help us develop a more skillful and compassionate view of reality. Using analogies like traffic lights, tinted glasses, and even Tetris blocks, I examine how Right View isn’t about having the “correct” opinion, but about recognizing our perspectives and holding them with humility and curiosity.This episode is an invitation to look more closely at how we see the world—and how a clearer view can help reduce suffering for ourselves and others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30:28
204 - Beyond Happiness
What is the difference between happiness and joy, and how can we experience greater contentment, even when life doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I explore the Buddhist perspectives and modern insights that reveal happiness as a fleeting emotional state, while joy represents a deeper, more enduring form of well-being. Drawing inspiration from “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama, “Happiness” by Matthieu Ricard, and “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, I discuss practical exercises and teachings that help us cultivate a more resilient, compassionate, and flexible approach to life’s inevitable ups and downs. Join me as we learn to hold space for joy in every moment, beyond mere happiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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36:59
203 - The Art of Purposelessness
In this episode, I explore the Buddhist teaching of aimlessness, one of the Three Doors of Liberation, through personal reflection and the lens of my son’s journey into adulthood. What if life doesn’t need a fixed purpose to be meaningful? Drawing on insights from Buddhism, Alan Watts, and everyday life—including paragliding, parenting, and playing music—I consider what it means to live fully when we stop racing toward a destination. Aimlessness isn’t about giving up; it’s about letting go of the pressure to always be somewhere else, and discovering the joy of being right here, right now. Life, like dancing or listening to music, might not be about getting to the end—it might just be about the experience itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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27:20
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.
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.
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