logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
32m 31s

207 - Be a Lamp Unto Yourself

NOAH RASHETA
About this episode

In this episode of the Secular Buddhism podcast, I explore what it means to “be a lamp unto yourself.” Drawing from personal stories, including my time teaching paragliding, and Buddhist teachings on wisdom, I reflect on the journey from seeking external guidance to cultivating trust in your own inner knowing. What does it mean to become your own teacher? How can we balance learning from others while honoring our unique path? Join me as we look beyond the teacher and into the deeper work of awakening your own wisdom.

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.

Up next
Jan 21
215 - Dying to Live
In this episode, I talk to Andy Chaleff about his book Dying to Live, which explores our societal discomfort with death and how confronting mortality can lead to a more meaningful life. We discuss the "3 AM panic" of existential dread, the concept of "little deaths" as moments of ... Show More
1h 3m
Dec 18
Skillful Means (10-Year Anniversary Episode)
In this episode, I celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Secular Buddhism podcast by announcing a new AI-powered website, EightfoldPath.com, which serves as a modern application of the Buddhist concept of skillful means. Skillful means, or upaya, is the idea that teachings sho ... Show More
25m 26s
Oct 22
213 - No Water, No Moon
Why are we so uncomfortable with not knowing? We often race toward any answer, even a bad one, just to escape the anxiety of uncertainty. This episode explores the strange and profound world of Zen koans.Using the powerful story of the nun Chiyono and her breaking water pail ("No ... Show More
29m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
INNER REVOLUTION: 9 - Attachment and Detachment on the Spiritual Path
This is episode 9 of INNER REVOLUTION - a podcast series where we walk through the fire of inner transformation and awakening together. The purpose of this series is to help you shed ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that isn't a true reflection of Who You Really Are, so you can fully embo ... Show More
30m 25s
Feb 2025
Inner Work 230: What does it mean to spiritually awaken?
What does it really mean to have a spiritual awakening? To wake up from the dream (or nightmare) of the 3D illusion?  Join me for this episode of INNER WORK where we'll discuss and answer these questions: what does it mean to spiritually awaken? what does the spiritual awakening ... Show More
32m 10s
Sep 2025
INNER REVOLUTION: 10 - Practicing self-compassion
<p>This is episode 10 of INNER REVOLUTION - a podcast series where we walk through the fire of inner transformation and awakening together.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of this series is to help you shed ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that isn't a true reflection of Who You Real ... Show More
34m 21s
Aug 2024
Inner Work 202: Spiritual Awakening is a Transgressive Act
Spiritual awakening - and the choice to STAY on the spiritual path - is a transgressive act. In this episode of Inner Work, we'll explore what it really means to consciously decide to walk the spiritual path and make an unwavering commitment to your own evolution and awakening. J ... Show More
26m 33s
Jul 2025
No. 534 The Seasons Of Spiritual Growth | Meditation podcast | spirituality in practice
Meditation talk given by Master Sirio during an intense spiritual retreat at Sant Bani Ashram Ribolla,2011,autumnMake your own first-hand experience following the guidance of an authentic and realised master with more than 50 years of intense experience in spirituality. Take the ... Show More
14m 18s
Nov 2020
You are here to learn and grow
tail spinning
10m 31s
Jul 2025
Inner Work 253: When Family & Friends Don't Understand Your Spiritual Path
Has it been challenging to try to explain your spiritual awakening to family, friends, co-workers, or other people in your life? In many cases, it can feel like people don't understand your spiritual path, are judgmental about it, or just don't want to hear about your spiritual e ... Show More
24m 44s
Dec 2024
How to Sit in Silence with God and Not Fear Your Feelings
For the past four months, nearly every morning, I’ve started my day with a quiet ritual: stepping outside, grounding myself by putting my feet in the grass (or snow) and soaking in 8 to 10 minutes of morning sunlight.In this episode, we’re diving into the power of rest, silence, ... Show More
14m 49s