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Podcast Episode

Conversation with Samuel Bercholz, founder of Shambhala Publications and my meditation teacher, Part Two

Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver··20 September 2026·20 min

About this episode

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I continue my conversation with Sam Bercholz. We talk about bringing the dharma into the modern West without reducing it to either cultural imitation or scientific validation. We discuss the three yanas, emptiness and fullness, egolessness, and devotion. Sam shares a way to understand devotion as appreciation for wakefulness and a willingness to be guided by someone who embodies it.Stay tuned for Part Three next week. Highlights:Why dharma does not require scientific validationThe three yanas Emptiness as fullness, not nihilismWhat egolessness actually meansDevotion as appreciation, trust, and openness to guidanceHow a teacher-student relationship forms through investigation and experienceHow Sam met Chögyam Trungpa RinpocheWhy he named his business Shambhala Publications Mentioned in this episode Rude Awakenings: An Unconventional Guide to the Buddhist Path by Samuel Bercholz Inexplicable Joy: On the Heart Sutra by Susan Piver Meditation in Action by Chögyam Trungpa RinpocheWatch this episode on video If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is here.My new book is now available - in print, e-book, and in audio formats Inexplicable Magic: Meditation for Mystics, is available for purchase. Explore the spiritual path through 7 principles which run counter to conventional wisdom on mindfulness. Learn more and buy your copy here. If you enjoyed this episode:Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.comProduced by Citizens of SoundMusic by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project