Secular Buddhism

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.

In this episode, I explore gratitude as a natural byproduct of awareness, interdependence, and impermanence. Through the lens of Buddhist teachings, including the metaphor of Indra’s net and the Zen story of “The Cup Is Already Broken,” I share how mindfulness reveals the interconnectedness of all things and inspires genuine gratitude.I discuss how gratitude isn’t something we’re commanded to feel but something that arises effortlessly when we embrace the fleeting nature of life and recognize the countless causes and conditions that support our existence. I also introduce practical ways to cultivate gratitude, such as Naikan practice and gratitude meditations, and show how awareness can transform even the simplest moments into opportunities for profound appreciation.Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or simply looking to deepen your understanding of mindfulness, this episode offers wisdom for cherishing life as it unfolds.

In this episode, I distill 30 life lessons that have shaped my personal journey and that I’ve found most impactful after nearly a decade of hosting the Secular Buddhism Podcast. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Buddhist teachings, these lessons serve as practical guides to living with more awareness, compassion, and resilience in everyday life. Join me as I share not only the core teachings but also my personal reflections on each one.

In this episode, I explore the topic of uncertainty and how embracing life’s unpredictability can lead to greater peace and freedom. From everyday frustrations to life’s biggest challenges, groundlessness is a shared human experience. Drawing on stories, metaphors, and Buddhist teachings, I discuss how letting go of the need for control opens us to new possibilities and deeper wisdom. Tune in to learn how you can transform fear of the unknown into a source of growth and connection.

In this episode, I interview the co-founders of Uplift Kids—Jon, Amanda, and Michelle—to explore how their curriculum helps parents teach emotional awareness and wisdom traditions to kids. We dive into practical tips for guiding kids through big emotions, the importance of mindfulness in parenting, and how ancient wisdom can be applied to modern family life. Whether you’re a parent looking for tools to raise emotionally intelligent kids or curious about integrating values-based lessons at home, this conversation offers valuable insights. Learn more about Uplift kids at upliftkids.org

In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, we explore the Buddhist perspective on suffering and how we can transform our relationship with it. We'll explore how changing our relationship with suffering can lead to personal growth, wisdom, and even unexpected joy. This episode offers listeners practical tools to apply Buddhist concepts in their daily lives, encouraging a curious and compassionate approach to life's challenges. Whether you're new to Buddhist ideas or a long-time practitioner, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating the inevitable difficulties of human existence.