Listeners of the Secular Buddhism Podcast have lots to have a good time this month because the globally acclaimed display marks its 10th anniversary with a technological leap: the revealing of Eightfold Path, a complete gaining knowledge of platform that merges a decade of Buddhist insights with synthetic intelligence-pushed aid. The milestone comes after attaining 16.five million downloads and constructing a devoted target target market in extra than a hundred countries.
A Decade of Non-Dogmatic Buddhist Wisdom
In December 2015, podcast host Noah Rasheta got down to proportion the necessities of Buddhist philosophy, now no longer as dogma however as realistic gear for normal life. Over ten years, he is introduced 214 podcast episodes, 3 books, established on line guides, and fostered an engaged network of over 2,000 practitioners. The consequences are impressive: extra than 70,000 lively month-to-month listeners and a #1 spot on Amazon’s Buddhism bestseller list.
But Rasheta’s adventure additionally uncovered a assignment many learners face—locating a relatable teacher. “When I first began out gaining knowledge of Buddhism, I contacted many instructors and found out it is very difficult to locate a person to paintings with,” Rasheta said. Lacking guidance, he trusted loads of books and impartial study, in the end completing a lay ministry program. That enjoy stimulated the introduction of Eightfold Path: a unmarried virtual hub wherein curious minds can now get right of entry to Rasheta’s entire teachings, path materials, and a searchable podcast archive—all supplemented via way of means of a groundbreaking AI companion.
AI Support for Everyday Mindfulness
What units Eightfold Path aside withinside the crowded international of on line gaining knowledge of? Its AI companion, recognised internally as “Noah AI,” is educated especially on Rasheta’s large frame of paintings, which include podcast episodes, books, and guides. This makes it specific amongst Buddhist apps, which frequently depend completely on historic texts or regularly occurring algorithms. Instead of preaching or instructing, Noah AI acts as a brainstorming partner—supporting customers practice Buddhist standards to their day by day challenges. Rasheta notes the platform displays the center Buddhist teaching: “be a lamp unto yourself.” Noah AI doesn’t push doctrine; it lighting fixtures the manner for customers to reach at their personal answers.
Tools for All, Not Teachings for Sale
Eightfold Path operates on a precept that’s uncommon in today’s monetized on line gaining knowledge of space: all its teachings are free. Podcast archives, transcripts, and introductory guides are without problems available. Those who pick to aid the platform acquire improved gear—like limitless AI conversations, stored chat history, and network features—however in no way pay for expertise itself. The philosophy, says Rasheta, is clear: “People pay for gear, in no way for teachings.” In practice, this version continues Buddhist information handy to anybody looking for extra conscious methods to navigate life, something their heritage or perception system.
From Oakley, Utah to a Global Community
Eightfold Path’s founder, Noah Rasheta, wears many hats: Buddhist teacher, bestselling author, paragliding instructor, and own circle of relatives man. Based in Oakley, Utah, Rasheta has delivered Buddhist thoughts to listeners throughout the globe, encouraging them now no longer to apply Buddhism to “be a Buddhist,” however as an alternative to “be a higher anything you already are.”
With the Eightfold Path platform now live, the Secular Buddhism Podcast’s 10th anniversary turns into now no longer simply a party of the past, however a step right into a destiny in which undying information meets present day technology. For the ones who’ve ever struggled to discover a mentor of their religious journey, or clearly needed for a have a look at associate who won’t choose them for asking the equal query 5 times, Noah AI would possibly simply be the pal they have been searching for.
As the Eightfold Path welcomes new freshmen and longtime listeners alike, the wish is clear: Buddhist philosophy isn’t always reserved for priests in remote monasteries, however geared up to assist “normal folks” face the ups and downs of each day life—with a touch assist from a few very present day tools.
