In this episode, I answer questions from listeners about Buddhism and Buddhist practice!Chapters:00:01 Introduction00:28 "I always struggle to continue my practice. I am active for six months then loose interest."08:37 "Karma. If anything bad happens to a child are we saying that child was bad in past life?"13:23 "How would a catholic and Buddhist raise their child? Can a catholic be a Buddhist too"22:00 "As a buddhist I get asked "who do buddhist believe created the world if there's no god"27:00 "If there is no self, how does the Tulku system work? Is this advanced store consciousness?"30:37 "I've heard the ides of "non attachment" a lot in Buddhist practice. But how does that work in relationships or goals?"Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

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.com/buddhism/animals-in-buddhism/Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

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.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

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 about repentance in Buddhism, why it's important, and how to do it.Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contactPodcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcastPodcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

"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 about the "Love" that Buddhism teaches, and the "Loving-Kindness" practice in Buddhism.- The Loving Kindness Sutta/Sutra: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.08.amar.html- Loving Kindness Meditation: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/loving-kindness/- Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhist-virtues/- Alan's Buddhism Starter Pack: https://BuddhismStarterPack.com- Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact- Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast- Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Is there a "Buddhist" Lunar New Year celebration? What about "Mahayana New Year"? What does this have to do with Chinese New Year, Tet, etc? Learn more in this episode and how Buddhists practice! Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

I'm answering your questions about Buddhism and Buddhist practice in this episode! I recently asked on social media what your questions are, and I got quite a few! This episode will be long due to the number of questions, but feel free to jump to a question if you'd like. Here are the questions: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Is the emptiness of self any different from the emptiness of objects in the world? And if all is empty, does restraint, compassion, or ethical virtue have any meaning? 08:00 Is having a negative view on Abrahamic religions bad karma or unwholesome? How does Buddhists view the catholic faith? 15:30 Is music used in meditation practices? 18:35 Buddhist guidance on manifestation. 22:35 How can we keep our practice up when our worldly life is taking so much time/energy. 26:13 Different types of meditation. I wanna know the difference between vipassana and such 32:58 Karma 36:20 Can you be a full Buddhist and not believe in reincarnation or other realms/divine beings? 47:07 How to handle attending a temple for the first time. 51:19 The differences in levels you can attain in Buddhism! 57:59 why do so many schools of Buddhism have deities, reincarnation, metaphysical stuff. when buddha refused to talk about afterlife as it was a distraction from the present and specifically said I'm not a deity --- Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Did the Buddha and Jesus know each other? Did Buddhism influence Jesus' ministry? Are there similarities between Buddhism and Christianity? You're likely to hear one or all of these in your study of Buddhism. In this episode, I'll explain whether Jesus ever heart of Buddhism, can you be a Buddhist and Christian, views Buddhists have on Christianity, and can we get along? Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-buddhist-christmas/ Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

Discover the deep roots of Zen Buddhism in our latest episode. We'll journey through its rich history and tackle common Western misconceptions. Explore the origins of Zen in Chan Buddhism, the profound practice of direct transmission, and the unique practices of chanting and reciting, threefold training, and delve into the dual practice of Chan/Zen and Pure Land.  Read the article: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-hard-times/ Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

We delve into the Buddhist practice of guarding the six sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Discover how mindful observation, reflection, and meditation can help prevent unwholesome states and cultivate wisdom. We’ll explore the differences in understanding and practices across various Buddhist traditions, and for practical tips on integrating these teachings into your daily life and transforming your sensory experiences into the right conditions for progress on the Buddhist path. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer