
Learning is Remembering: The Outer, Inner, and Secret Teachers
About this episode
How do we recognize a true teacher? In this episode I talk about the outer teacher, the inner teacher, and the secret teacher. Along the way I share a story from teaching the Heart Sutra, reflect on an unexpected lesson about joy, and use a piece of music to show how wisdom can reach us through content, direct experience, and the context in which it all unfolds.
Highlights:
- What the outer, inner, and secret teacher represent in Buddhist practice
- Why real learning is often based in recognition rather than picking up new information
- How expectations color the voice of the inner teacher
- A story from a Heart Sutra retreat and an unexpected teaching on joy
- How music shows three different ways of knowing
- Why the outer teacher's job is to point us toward the wisdom we already have
Mentioned in this episode: The Heart Sutra
Watch this episode on video
If you’d like to watch the podcast, the video version is here.
My new book is now available
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 [email protected]
Produced by Citizens of Sound
Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project
Get every episode summarized
Each time Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Conversation with Samuel Bercholz, founder of Shambhala Publications and my medi...
Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Three Ways to Work With Heartbreak: Part Three
Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Three Ways to Work With Heartbreak: Part Two
Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver

Three Ways to Work With Heartbreak: Part One
Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver