Alan Peto hosts an informative and helpful podcast for anyone who is interested in Buddhism and beginning a Buddhist practice. Alan is a Buddhist layperson who explains Buddhism and Buddhist teachings for beginners and Westerners on his website, https://alanpeto.com. This podcast is aimed at helping those exploring Buddhism or new to Buddhism understand Buddhist teachings and practices.
Contact Alan: https://alanpeto.com/contact
Podcast Homepage: https://alanpeto.com/podcast
Podcast Disclaimer: https://alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer/
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
95 - What is Suffering (Dukkha) in Buddhism
#38 trending · Buddhism
Why do we suffer? Why does life feel painful, stressful, or disappointing even when things seem to be going well? In this episode, we explore suffering from a practical B
Sep 21 42 min
95 - Can You be Christian and Buddhist
Can someone be both Christian and Buddhist? In this episode, we take a down‑to‑earth look at how these two traditions can fit together in real life, and hard truths about
Sep 12 36 min
94 - Engaged Buddhism
"Engaged Buddhism" is Buddhism lived in the world through compassion in action, wisdom applied to real life, and mindfulness extended beyond the meditation cushion!
In t
Aug 21 33 min
93 - Buddhism in 10 Steps (Audiobook Special Edition)
This episode is the full audiobook reading of my book Buddhism in 10 Steps. Many of you have already listened to the shorter podcast/video version, which offered a quick
Jul 25 1 h 15 min
92 - Buddhist Symbols & Symbolism
In this episode, we explore the beautiful world of Buddhist symbols — the dragons, lotus flowers, prayer flags, mandalas, guardian lions, and more that fill temples and a
Jul 19 32 min
91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16)
In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Lotus Sūtra: the idea that the Buddha didn’t become a Buddha under the Bodhi tree, but awakened co
May 29 29 min
90 - Science & Buddhism
Many Westerners are drawn to Buddhism because it feels rational, experiential, and compatible with science. But Buddhism also includes teachings—like karma, rebirth, and
May 1 42 min
89 - Chanting, Recitation, Mantras, and Dhāraṇīs in Buddhism
Chanting is one of the most widespread Buddhist practices, yet often one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we explore what chanting really is, how sound plays a
Apr 17 40 min
88 - The Buddha's Death & Parinirvana
The Buddha’s Last Teaching: Impermanence & Parinirvāṇa
In this episode, we explore one of the most meaningful and human moments in all of Buddhism: the Buddha’s final da
Apr 3 32 min
87 - Ten Basic Buddhism Concepts (Buddhism in 10 Steps)
What is Buddhism? This podcast episode covers ten basic Buddhist concepts and also has a video! It's a companion to my book, Buddhism in 10 Steps, that I co-wrote with Bu
Mar 13 30 min
86 - After You Die...What Buddhists Believe About Life After Death
What do Buddhists believe happens after death? In this episode, we explore one of the most common and meaningful questions beginners ask about Buddhism. Rather than offer
Jan 23 51 min
85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections)
In this episode, we explore the Six Paramitas, the “perfections” that form the gradual training path of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism.
From generosity and ethical
Nov 21 2025 31 min
84 - Bodhisattvas
Bodhisattvas can be found in both Theravada and Mahayana branches of Buddhism. In Mahayana they take on a larger role where practitioners take on the path of the Bodhisat
Oct 3 2025 48 min
83 - Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in Buddhism
What did the Buddha become "awakened" to? It was the twelve links of dependent origination! This is one of the most important concepts and teachings in Buddhism because a
Aug 29 2025 23 min
82 - Pure Lands & Pure Land Buddhism
One of the most popular and widely practiced forms of Buddhism revolves around "Pure Lands". The ever popular Western Pure Land and Buddha Amitabha are the ones most peop
Aug 8 2025 28 min
81 - Buddhism Q&A #5
In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice!
Chapters:
00:01 Introduction
00:28 "I always struggle to continue my practice.
Aug 1 2025 34 min
80 - Meat Eating in Buddhism
Can you eat animal meat as a Buddhist? Do you have to be vegetarian? This is a common question and debate. Learn more in this episode!
Read the article: https://alanpeto
Jun 3 2025 25 min
79 - Love and Marriage in Buddhism
Can a Buddhist be in a romantic relationship? Married? What about the love we have for family and friends? Learn more about it in this episode!
Contact Alan: alanpeto.co
May 27 2025 28 min
78 - Repentance in Buddhism
Did you know Buddhists "repent" for their transgressions? This is a very popular practice, but also a very important one Westerners might be missing out on. Learn more ab
Mar 28 2025 21 min
77 - A Buddhist Valentine's Day (Metta and Loving-Kindness)
"Metta" or "Loving Kindness" is a popular form of Buddhist practice (and teaching) that you can incorporate in a daily practice - and even Valentine's Day!
Learn more ab
Feb 14 2025 16 min
Chart trend
Position in the Buddhism chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#9#17JulAugSepOct
#5
all-time peak
356
days in the top 10 since Nov 2024
Chart positions
Where Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 2, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I’m getting so much from this podcast and appreciate how he goes through Buddhist concepts step by step. I’ve leaned so much and gained insight to Buddhism and myself.
optocc · Feb 2025
I’ve been drawn to Buddhism and starting reading a couple books about it. Then I found this podcast. Alan’s podcast has been a tremendous help in my journey to understand and implement Buddhism in my life. Thank you!
Jack5210-/; · Jun 2024
There are lots of podcasts out there, but I especially love this one on Buddhism because Toni starts at square one for those of us who are getting our feet wet. I like the backstory and context so you understand the why of this religion.
elikqitie · Sep 2022
I’m so happy you created this podcast and interviewed the guy in episode 9. You answered questions I feel I couldn’t find anywhere, and what I mean is that, i couldn’t think of the right questions to ask and you asked them on that episode. Thank you so much.
LooneyisHome · Oct 2021
Alan unintentionally presents a dogmatic view of Buddhism through his own mind’s eye. He also speaks far too quickly for many listeners, and doesn’t always introduce and explain new terms or concepts properly. He also unintentionally pushes an anti-Western Buddhism viewpoint. There is still much to learn here regardless, so take his content with a grain of salt.
Aelfred of Wessex · Feb 2025
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
