Starting Over: Meditation for Mystics

Starting Over: Meditation for Mystics

From Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver by Susan Piver

May 8, 2026 · 32 min · Season 1 · Episode 53

About this episode

In this episode, Susan Piver reflects on the deeper significance of meditation beyond its benefits for brain function and mood.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I reflect on a recent conversation in the Open Heart Project sangha about scientific research on meditation. Yes, meditation can improve brain function and mood. But if we stop there, we may miss the point. There’s a much older, deeper body of “research” drawn from lived experience over thousands of years. Meditation is not just about feeling better. It’s about waking up, opening fully to life, and discovering a freedom that goes far beyond conventional thoug...

People in this episode

Host: Susan Piver

Topics covered

  • meditation
  • scientific research
  • brain function
  • mood improvement
  • lived experience
  • freedom
  • spiritual awakening

Keywords

  • meditation
  • scientific research
  • brain function
  • mood
  • spirituality
  • freedom
  • awakening

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Open Heart Project

More episodes of Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver podcast page.