Secular Buddhism

In this episode, I explore the "artificial I" — the sense of self that feels so solid and obviously real, yet works a lot like the AI systems so many of us are worried about right now. Drawing on my work in data infrastructure, my studies in applied AI, and the Noah AI tool I built, I explain in plain terms how AI learns from training data and predicts the next word, and then show how our own minds were trained on family, culture, and early experiences we never chose — like the child who learns love has to be earned and grows into an adult who can't rest. I connect this to the Buddhist teaching of no self through the word "artificial," which originally meant "made by skill" rather than fake, and the Pali word sankhara (formations, conditioned things, literally "put together"): the self isn't fake, it's made, and what's made can be seen, questioned, and even remade. I look at the three things people fear AI will do — deceive us (hallucination, illustrated by the split-brain "chicken shed" experiment), manipulate us (the predictive mind and the teaching of the two arrows), and make decisions without our consent (habit) — and show that the self has been doing all three for as long as we've been alive. Using the image of a megaphone and the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion, I suggest that AI amplifies whatever mind is holding it, which makes an unexamined self dangerous to ourselves, to others, and to the planet. Mindfulness, then, is interpretability turned inward, and the practice for this week is simple: when a strong reaction shows up, name it as a prediction ("my mind is telling me...") and ask, "What was this trained on?"Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our journey through the Eightfold Path by exploring Right Speech. More than just speaking truthfully or avoiding gossip, Right Speech is a mindfulness practice—an invitation to reflect on how, why, and when we communicate. We look at the four types of unskillful speech—false, harsh, divisive, and idle chatter—and how becoming aware of them can transform our relationships, both with others and with ourselves. From conversations with loved ones to the inner dialogue in our minds, speech shapes our experience. Tune in as we reflect on how a single moment of awareness before speaking can reduce harm and create connection.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Eightfold Path by diving into the second aspect of wisdom—Right Intention. We explore how intention functions like a compass, helping us navigate life with purpose and clarity. Rather than reacting habitually, Right Intention invites us to respond skillfully to whatever arises. We discuss the three core intentions highlighted in Buddhist teachings: letting go (renunciation), wishing well (goodwill), and doing no harm (harmlessness). With everyday examples and practical insights, this episode is a reminder that intention shapes the seeds we plant with every word and action—and that we always have the power to begin again in any moment.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the difference between happiness and joy, and how can we experience greater contentment, even when life doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I explore the Buddhist perspectives and modern insights that reveal happiness as a fleeting emotional state, while joy represents a deeper, more enduring form of well-being. Drawing inspiration from “The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama, “Happiness” by Matthieu Ricard, and “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, I discuss practical exercises and teachings that help us cultivate a more resilient, compassionate, and flexible approach to life’s inevitable ups and downs. Join me as we learn to hold space for joy in every moment, beyond mere happiness.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, Noah explores the Buddhist teaching of no-self through the powerful metaphor of a car ride. Who—or what—is really in control as we navigate our lives? Drawing from the five aggregates and the Internal Family Systems model, Noah illustrates how our emotions and mental patterns often take the wheel, shaping our actions and experiences. But through mindful awareness, we can begin to notice these “drivers,” understand their intentions, and gently shift how we respond. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their inner world with curiosity, compassion, and clarity, offering practical tools for cultivating emotional awareness and inner freedom.Explore more at eightfoldpath.com: full transcripts, guided meditations, courses, and Noah AI, an AI you can chat with about any episode or teaching. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.