Buddhability

How a Trailblazing Coach Made History Apr 18, 2025

How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career.

At the time of her retirement from Ohio State as the director of both Track and Field teams, she won the most Big Ten titles of any woman in Ohio State history. Prior, she coached teams at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michigan State and the National Women’s 2000 Olympic Team. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for three prestigious organizations and voted coach of the year by her peers 13 times. Today, we discuss what Buddhism has in common with mindset of winning athletes and coaches.

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources

“The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 172

Buddhability Short: How to Make Hard Decisions Apr 11, 2025

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how to make difficult decisions and life without regret.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episode Mentioned:

Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 26, 362.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 128-29.

Heartbreak Made Me a Better Mathematician Apr 04, 2025

Buddhism teaches that all our problems are opportunities for growth. But how could heartbreak possibly make someone better at math? Alex Scheffelin, of New York, shares how he used a moment of hopelessness to propel him to becoming a Ph.D. student at Columbia University.

Watch this week's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections [May 2024] Mar 28, 2025

With college decisions trickling in, we're airing a rerun of a May 2024 episode about college rejections.

When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness.

References:

Discussions on Youth

Aug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9.

Cheat Sheet:

03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 16

16:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections

35:27 Buddhism is about winning

40:00 How she landed the perfect job

47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business Mar 21, 2025

Chip Grossman, of Santa Monica, always thought spirituality and business were opposing goals. It wasn’t until he encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism that he realized their deep ties. Today, Chip shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him develop the courage and strength to go after his goals and build unshakable happiness.

View today's episode on YouTube.

Resources:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, pp. 272–73
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, pp. 27–28
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 185-87.

Buddhability Short: It's Never Too Late Mar 14, 2025

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about life milestones and feeling left behind.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episode Mentioned:

How I Beat Burnout

Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 6, 121.

Each Instant Contains Incredible Possibilities

When Plans Unexpectedly Change Mar 07, 2025

Life can’t always go according to plan. So, what do we do when things change? Buddhist practice helps us to be flexible and turn everything into an opportunity for deeper happiness.

Today’s guest, Camryn Snowden, of Oklahoma, navigated a big life change that helped her see that she could expand her capacity rather than compromising her dreams.

Resources:

The New Human Revolution, vol. 20, p. 89.

December 2, 2022, World Tribune, p. 7.

Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems Feb 28, 2025

Daily life throws a lot at us. When our state of life is low, it can be easy to get wrapped up in complaint. Buddhism teaches that caring for others helps us see beyond our problems, having a more expansive view of our lives with deeper appreciation and happiness.

Today’s guest, Daeseon Kim, of Queens, N.Y., shares how tying his dreams to a deeper purpose helped him move to the U.S. and advance in his career as a physical therapist.

Watch this episode on Youtube.

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, p. 336.

Perseverance is a Skill Feb 21, 2025

What happens when you’ve failed at your goal… more than once? Today’s guest, Ayumi Sasaki, of Detroit, had a big career goal that took two years and many attempts to accomplish. We discuss how her Buddhist practice and community helped her develop the ability to pick herself back up and keep going until she reached the finish line.

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, p. 24.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 215.

“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027.

Buddhability Short: What Is Love? Feb 14, 2025

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re learning how Buddhism can help us in relationships and love.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episode Mentioned:

On Self-Love and Relationships

References:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 60–67.

Believing in My Family Instead of Trying to Control Them Feb 07, 2025

When we want others to change, we’re at the whim of our environment. One moment we’re happy with their actions and another we’re upset with something they said. Buddhism teaches us that when we work on our inner transformation our environment, including people, reflect that.

Today’s guest, Emma Grover, of Oakland, shares how developing herself helped her believe in her family.

Resources:
Living Buddhism, January 2025, p. 12.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279.
Living Buddhism, January 2021, p. 14.

Buddhability Short: Why Do We Have a Daily Practice? Jan 31, 2025

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking why SGI Nichiren Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Mentioned:

How Connecting with People Enhanced by Self Care

Mastering Your Daily Rhythm

References:

Discussions on Youth pp. 215, 218, 220-21.

Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future Jan 24, 2025

We might have a laundry list of regrets but we don’t have to let them determine our lives today or tomorrow. Today’s guest, Jesse Thompson of Columbus, Indiana, shares how he used his Buddhist practice to overcome shame and create the future he’d always dreamed of.

You can also watch the video version of today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 536, 832.
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107
July 11, 1997, World Tribune, p. 14

Discussions on Youth, pp. 5, 26

How a Tattoo Artist is Revitalizing Her Community Jan 17, 2025

Buddhist practice empowers us to positively impact our environment. Amber Owens, of Anniston, Alabama, uncovered a deep sense of purpose in revitalizing her hometown’s art culture. Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps her continuously return to her “why” when the path to her dream gets rocky.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

Resources

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition

Discussions on Youth, p. 172

Buddhability Short: How to face the thing you've been avoiding Jan 10, 2025

In today’s Short, we talk about how to do the thing we’ve said we would do for days, months or years. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview.

Resources:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 98, 262, 395.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 5, 103.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279.

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Rewriting The Story I Tell Myself About Who I Am and Who I Can Be Jan 03, 2025

We all have narratives we tell ourselves about what is possible for our lives. Today’s guest, Jackie Alexander, of Chicago, shares how she overcame limiting beliefs about the kind of student and person she was. We discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo about everything from housing, to money, to graduate school led to Jackie’s newfound self-confidence.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

References

You Were Born to Win, p. 5

The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 46

3 Things I Learned This Year and 2 Things I’m Bringing into Next Year Dec 06, 2024

Thank you for an incredible year! Today we’re reflecting back on Buddhability’s 2024 guests and some things we’ve learned from them. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned for 2025.

Reach out to us any time at connect@buddhability.org to get connected to a local Buddhist community or ask questions.

The Courage to Live Authentically and Embrace Others Nov 22, 2024

The journey of self-discovery can sometimes be long and winding. Ray Guida, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how he developed the compassion and courage to live as his authentic self. We discuss the ways chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps us face all hardships with hope and what it is like to practice SGI Nichiren Buddhism as an LGBTIQA+ person.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

Buddhist History Pt.3: Buddhism Today Nov 15, 2024

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode is about how the Lotus Sutra and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are practiced today.

Online Articles:
About Our Community

Living The Lotus Sutra
Engaged Buddhism

Books:
Waking The Buddha

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Buddhist History Pt.2: Nichiren Daishonin and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Nov 08, 2024

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode focuses on the origins of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhist philosophy and the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Online Articles:
Buddhism Reaches the Shores of Japan

The Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin

Daishonin’s Life and Legacy

Books:
The Records of the Orally Transmitted Teachings Introduction

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1 and vol. 2

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Buddhist History Pt.1: Shakyamuni and The Lotus Sutra Nov 01, 2024

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode covers the early history of SGI Nichiren Buddhism.

Online Articles:
The Humanism of The Lotus Sutra
Buddhist Lineage

Books:
The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras
The Living Buddha
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series
The Heart of The Lotus Sutra

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

A Psychiatrist’s Experience with Buddhism and Mental Health Oct 25, 2024

Today’s guest, Bora Colak, is a psychiatrist in Brooklyn who struggled with depression for years after graduating from Harvard. When he started to practice Buddhism, something changed deep in his life. Bora shares the story of how he navigated depression, became a psychiatrist, and now uses Buddhism as the foundation for everything in his life.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

Basics of Buddhism

Buddhism Applied (Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)

Embracing Buddhism

How I Stopped Tying My Self-Worth to Relationships Oct 18, 2024

Self-worth is tough to cultivate when we look to others for validation. One moment we’re flying high, then one harsh word sends us spiraling. Today’s guest, Nikki Gonzalez, of Oakland, shares how her Buddhist practice helped her shift from a life consumed by the opinions of others to one based on a deeply held belief in her infinite worth. We talk about how Buddhist concepts helped her change the way she looks at love and relationships and determine to become the kind of person she would be proud to be with.

Watch the video version of today's episode here.

References:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 65, 69–70, 229.

Buddhability Short: Refreshing Your Life Oct 11, 2024

Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? In today’s Short, we talk about how to refresh yourself when you feel pulled in too many directions. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview.

Resources:
Sept. 13, 2024, World Tribune, p. 10.
May 21, 2021, World Tribune, p. 3.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 446-48.

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Finding My Path as an Art Therapist Oct 04, 2024

What does it look like to have a fulfilling career? While no one can tell us the best life path for us, Buddhism offers a clear framework for understanding how to live with meaning and purpose. Today’s guest, Paige Asawa of Los Angeles, shares her story of becoming an art therapist and how Buddhism helped her understand how to find a fulfilling career.

oday’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

A Change in My Heart Changed My Family Relationships Sep 27, 2024

Sometimes we may wish the people around us were different. Today’s guest, Brigid Perry of Boston, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo honestly about her feelings toward her family helped her make a fundamental shift in the way she views them.

Today’s episode is also available in video format here.

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol 1, pp. 173-4.

Living Buddhism, June 2024, p. 5.

The New Human Revolution, vol 30, Ch. 4.

Cheat Sheet:

02:05 Brigid joins her sister at a Buddhist meeting

07:45 Her brother comes home due to illness

13:00 Wishing her family would change so life would be easier

21:30 How Buddhist study helped her shift her perspective

26:20 Seeing her brother in a new light

33:15 Chanting to cherish her family just as they are

39:10 A once unimaginable family moment

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

Orlando Bloom Opens Up About His Buddhist Practice: Staying Grounded, Facing Fears and Living Fully Sep 20, 2024

We have a very special episode of Buddhability! You can listen as usual or watch the video on YouTube.

Today’s guest, Orlando Bloom, sits down to discuss how his Buddhist practice has informed everything from his breakout role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings to how he confronts his limitations in his new show To The Edge.

Orlando shares insights he’s gathered throughout his life since encountering SGI Nichiren Buddhism at age 16. He opens up about staying grounded with his sudden rise to fame, following a Buddhist example of a fulfilling life, and how he shows up to his relationships and the challenges of daily life.

In this interview, we discuss:

02:35 Orlando’s rambunctious childhood
08:46 Seeking a meaningful way of life

22:15 Practicing Buddhism when he hit sudden fame

29:27 Community is crucial for our growth
38:20 Having a mentor in life

51:00 Breaking free from self-isolation
54:45 Deciding to incorporate his practice into his new TV Show
1:00:15 Confronting fears

1:11:00 Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

1:19:12 Orlando’s advice for curious listeners

Learn more here:

Basics of Buddhism

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Buddhist Community

Buddhist Philosopher Daisaku Ikeda

Connect with us

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to check out a local Buddhability community.

www.buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

TikTok @buddhability

Facebook @buddhability

How I Feel Hope While Living with Anxiety and Depression Sep 13, 2024

Ariana Jaramillo, of Santa Cruz, started experiencing panic attacks in high school. Right around that time, she started to regularly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Today, she shares how practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism has helped her remain undefeated by anxiety and depression. We talk about what it looks like to chant daily, study Buddhism and apply it to your life.

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol 2, revised edition, p. 190.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death.

Discussions on Youth, p. 5.

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

Buddhability Short: How to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Aug 30, 2024

In today’s Short, we’re breaking down the Buddhist mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and explaining how to chant it step-by-step. By the end of the episode, you should feel confident trying it out yourself!

Helpful Resources for Chanting:

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Rejection Helped Me Become a Published Researcher at 18 Aug 16, 2024

Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re applying for colleges and finishing your senior year is even harder.

In today’s episode, Nikita shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her handle painful rejections and utilize feedback to help her become a better academic. Through the process, she learned how to overcome the thoughts that told her to give up.

Resources:

Twenty Life-Changing Buddhist Concepts, p. 39.

March 2017 Living Buddhism, p. 49.

Cheat Sheet:

03:35 What Nikita liked about growing up Buddhist

10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler

17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth

25:23 How to overcome your own negativity

33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism

Why You Started Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Aug 09, 2024

There are limitless reasons why someone might try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! For some, it’s an easy leap. For others, it might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you the voices of several Buddhability listeners sharing why they started to chant.

Helpful Resources for Chanting:
How to Start Your Buddhist Practice

Learn How to Chant (Video)
Ways to Enhance Your Chanting

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Changing My Perspective on Success Aug 02, 2024

Vishvak Prakkruth encountered Buddhism in Mumbai when he was an aspiring filmmaker. As he moved to New York and Los Angeles to further his career, he found deeper meaning in his art and shifted his perspective on success.

In today’s episode, we talk about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhist philosophy have helped him find meaning and purpose in his work.

Reference:
The New Human Revolution, revised edition, vol. 5.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 335-35.

How Loss Deepened My Appreciation for Life Jul 26, 2024

Alexandria Jones, of San Diego, grew up with many examples of the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It wasn’t until becoming a young adult that she decided to test it for herself.

In today’s episode, Alexandria shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to develop limitless strength and courage. Two things she would need when faced with the painful loss of a loved one. She shares how the Buddhist view of death deepened her appreciation of life.

References:

Unlocking the Mysteries of Life and Death

Announcement: Tell us why you started chanting! Jul 19, 2024

We’re making a listener episode with your stories about starting your Buddhist practice! You can submit a voice message telling us, in a minute or less, why you started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Ways to submit your voice message:

1. Instagram: Send a voice message to our DMs @Buddhability

2. Voicemail: Call us at (646) 883-6381 and leave a message after the tone.

Please send us your story by Friday, August 2nd.

We’ll select a small assortment to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

Valuing My Life: Making My Childhood Self Proud Jul 12, 2024

An 8-year-old Kimberly Cadillo struggled to find her place in a new culture, language and country. Moving from Peru to New Jersey brought many challenges, especially with self-esteem.

Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped Kimberly develop unshakable self-worth no longer tied to external validation. As she says, though the journey might be challenging, appreciating your life is a treasure no one can take away.

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 77.

December 3, 2004, World Tribune, p. 8.

Buddhability Short: Cultivating wisdom in an age of misinformation Jul 05, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the Buddhist perspective on wisdom and what it means to use knowledge with wisdom.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

References:

My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 369-71.

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 2,p. 33.

Buddhability Short: How to make the most of your time Jun 28, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can help us maximize every moment and use our time wisely.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Mentioned:

How To Do It All, with Dr. Gitima Sharma

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections

References:

The Victorious Teen, p. 28.

“On Prolonging One’s Life Span,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 955.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, p. 109.

Jan. 1, 2016, World Tribune, p. 8.
The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, p. 26.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 4, revised edition, pp. 149–50.
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214.
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, p. 354.

Buddhability Short: Looking at yourself with fresh eyes Jun 26, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the principle of the cherry, plum, peach and damson blossoms.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Mentioned:

Daniel: Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations

Megan: Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions

Joshua: Learning to Love Myself

References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 198.

The Strength to Challenge Every Limitation Jun 07, 2024

Keiko Brunson, of Denver, entered the world with a bang and continued to challenge every perceived limitation placed on her. Today she shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo gave her the confidence to live authentically and with deep gratitude for those who support her.

References:

“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.1027.

“The Difficult of Sustaining Faith” WND-1 p. 471.

Discussions on Youth, p. 74.

Cheat Sheet:

02:07 Keiko’s Memories Growing up in a Buddhist family

10:05 Getting accepted into college was the easy part

24:40 Learning to persist in her exams

33:38 Repaying her gratitude by supporting others

My Problems Remind Me of My Potential May 31, 2024

It isn’t always easy to believe you can make a change. Immaculate Mutebi, of New York City, has challenged that disbelief many times. In today’s episode, we discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her use obstacles in her family, workplace and housing to deepen her conviction in the power of her life.

References:

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series, p. 38.

A Foundation for Your Life: Essentials of Nichiren's Writings for Young Women, p.198.

Discussions on Youth, pp. 298–99.

Cheat Sheet:

03:58 Immaculate joins her first Buddhist meeting

09:41 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for an impossible family goal

19:28 Feeling dis-empowered to change her work environment

27:45 A Buddhist friend reminds Immaculate of her potential

36:48 Finding her dream apartment

How Connecting with People Enhanced My Self-Care May 24, 2024

Cam Morose, a Boston school psychologist, found Buddhism at a crucial time. He was struggling with anxiety that felt impossible to challenge. In today’s episode, Cam shares how Buddhism gave him the roadmap and energy to connect with others, challenge his inner critic and find deeper happiness.

References:
July, 2019, Living Buddhism, pp.56–57
“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 104

Cheat Sheet:
03:40 A friend’s life state inspires Cam to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
08:57 His anxiety reaches a breaking point
17:16 How connecting with others made him rethink self-care
29:00 Finding purpose in his career based on his struggles
40:58 A clear guide for living a happy and fulfilling life

Buddhability Short: How to find your power in a chaotic world May 17, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how Buddhist practice empowers us to move the world in a positive direction.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Referenced:

Abe: “How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye”

Dori: “How to turn your circumstances into your purpose”

References:

“King Rinda,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 989.

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 98–99.

Sept. 28, 2007, World Tribune, p. 2.

Finding Purpose in My First Year of Buddhist Practice May 10, 2024

Daylen Heidt, of Houston, grew up labeled as a “bad kid.” Everything changed when they started practicing Buddhism just over a year ago. Buddhism teaches that we’re the protagonists of our lives and have the power to write, perform and direct our dream script. Today, Daylen shares their journey from being directionless and hopeless to living with courage and purpose.

Reference:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 165–66

Cheat Sheet:

06:40 Daylen finds Buddhism at a time of uncertainty

11:05 Connecting with their local Buddhist community

18:27 Finding the courage to repair relationships

24:25 Defying their “bad student” label

30:40 Seeing yourself as the protagonist of your life

36:30 How Buddhism has changed their life

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections May 03, 2024

When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness.

References:

Discussions on Youth

Aug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9.

Cheat Sheet:

03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 16

16:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections

35:27 Buddhism is about winning

40:00 How she landed the perfect job

47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

Winning Over Perfectionism Apr 26, 2024

Buddhism teaches us that our lives are precious just as they are. This can be hard to believe if we struggle with self-criticism and strive for flawlessness. Fortunately, each time we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we tap into our limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion and challenge our inner critic head-on.

Today, Clark Harrell, of Seattle, Washington, shares how fighting perfectionism helped him enjoy his Buddhist practice, musical pursuits and everyday life.

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 171

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 102

Cheat Sheet:

10:10 Clark discovers Buddhism through jazz

15:45 First steps in Buddhist practice

25:21 Placing self-worth in achievements

29:43 Getting support from his Buddhist community

41:09 Chanting without self-criticism

54:18 Community is the key to never giving up

Buddhability Short: Uncertainty after graduation Apr 19, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about navigating life after graduation and finding your unique path.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Referenced:
Josef: "Finding Your Purpose in College"
Louise: "Building a Career You Love"
Luca: "What you do isn't who you are"

References:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 71-73, 26

Learning to Love Myself Apr 12, 2024

It can be hard to embrace ourselves when society often makes us feel otherwise. In this episode, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo empowers us to appreciate and treasure every part of who we are.

Today’s guest, Joshua Thomas, of Portland, Oregon, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him to live authentically, love his life and encourage others to do the same.

References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 207.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 335–36.
October 11, 2013, World Tribune, p. 9.

Happiness That Can’t Be Destroyed Apr 05, 2024

Daily life can feel like a roller coaster where we’re tossed around by the ups and downs of our health, school, family relationships and so on. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can strengthen our life force and become people unswayed by our circumstances.

Today’s guest, Koda Jordet, of Fargo, North Dakota, shares how prioritizing his Buddhist practice, mental health and addiction recovery, helped him develop indestructible happiness.

References:

“Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition,pp. 5–6.

Buddhability Short: Making meaningful friendships Mar 29, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo brings out the characteristics needed to make authentic relationships that last.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 106–07.

Discussions on Youth, pp. 39–40, 117–18, 283–84.

https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/overcoming-loneliness/ <accessed on March 28, 2024>.

Facing the Fear of Death Mar 22, 2024

It’s natural to want to look away from the inevitable reality of death but Buddhism teaches that death is an alternate phase of life and makes up a larger universal cycle. To understand death is to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for life.

Today’s guest, John Plummer, of Cold Spring, NY, shares how facing his fear of loss improved his relationships and deepened his work as a film and TV writer.

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol. 24, pp. 177–78

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 79, 83–84.

Leave of Grass by Walt Whitman.

“Like the Sun Rising,” Journey of Life: Selected Poems of Daisaku Ikeda

Unlocking the Mysteries of Unlocking Birth and Death, p. 104.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition.

Buddhability Short: How to increase your life force Mar 15, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. This month, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo elevates the inner state of life and brings forth the life force we need to accomplish our goals.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 35.

Discussions on Youth, p. 411.

https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/each-instant-contains-incredible-possibilities/

Overcoming Loneliness Mar 08, 2024

Experts say the U.S. is dealing with a serious “loneliness epidemic” as adults feel more isolated and alone than ever. How can Buddhism help us break out of our shell and find meaningful connection with others?

Today’s guest, Apoorvee Sawhney, of Denver, shares how studying Buddhism and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to overcome self-pity in order to graduate a Ph.D. program and start a career in academia.

References:

“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4

https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/challenging-times-are-opportunities-for-human-revolution/

How I Beat Burnout Mar 01, 2024

Our daily lives can be challenging and we might be asking ourselves, “Is there anything more to life than sleeping, eating and going to a job I don’t like?” If you’re feeling burnt out, you’re not alone. But Buddhist practice can refresh us and help us lead fulfilling lives.

Today’s guest, Kyle Maharlika-Roper, of Miami, shares how he went from burnt out in an unfulfilling job to finally pursuing his childhood dream of art.

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol. 16.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 392–393.

Breaking Through Stagnation Feb 23, 2024

Do you ever feel like you’re not making any progress even though you’ve been trying to reach a goal for what feels like forever? Today’s guest, Hannah Doherty, of Los Angeles, shares how she broke through self-doubt and stagnation to find a job in her dream field, foster friendships and reach new heights as a dancer.

References:

The Light of Learning, p. 130.

July 11, 1997, World Tribune, p. 14.

Buddhability Short: Finding your purpose Feb 16, 2024

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. This month, we’re talking about how Buddhist practice helps us to value our unique qualities and lead a purposeful life.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@sgi-usa.org

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 335.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 212–214.

What It Took to Make My Dreams a Reality Feb 09, 2024

Buddhism helps us to build a solid inner life that isn’t swayed by our circumstances. That strength is the key to having the confidence needed to take action toward our dreams.

Today’s guest, Christopher Robin Donaldson, of Denver, Colorado, shares how he went from passively waiting for his dreams to becoming a father, professional actor, husband, college graduate and homeowner.

References:

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 794

Soar Into the Skys of Hope, p. 70
Faith Into Action, p. 140

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 165–66

A Skeptic's Approach to Buddhism Feb 02, 2024

It’s natural to have doubt. The key, however, is whether we use our questions as fuel to seek out answers. Confidence in the power of Buddhist practices grows with time as you see actual proof of change in your life.

Today’s guest, Devesh Kumar, a medical student in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shares how he tested Buddhism to see whether her could really make his impossible dreams a reality.

References:
Jan. 2, 1998, World Tribune, p. 11
Hope Is a Decision, p. 5
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 126
The Buddha in Your Mirror, pp. 207–10

How Living True to Myself Improved My Relationships Jan 26, 2024

Whether we like it or not, we don’t exist in isolation. The interconnection of life means that when we change, our environment changes as well.

Today’s guest, Heidi Hayashi, of Stratford, Conn., shares how finding the courage to live true to herself improved and deepened her family relationships.

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition p. 270

Buddhism Day by Day: Wisdom for Modern Life, p. 315

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, p. 20

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition

Buddhability Short: Caring for ourselves and others Jan 19, 2024

Buddhability Shorts are monthly episodes where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. This month, we’re talking about why Buddhist practice is neither simple altruism nor is it focused solely on ourselves.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@sgi-usa.org

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 239–241

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 229–230

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 227–229

Anatomy of a Dream Jan 12, 2024

This week we’re talking about dreams. How do we dream? How do we find purpose in our dreams? And if we have a clear dream, how we pursue it.

We’re speaking with two young Buddhists: one who learned how to open her life up to new possibilities and another who discovered deeper meaning in his dreams. Samantha Collins of St. Paul, Minnesota and Grady Tesch of New York City share how they discovered and followed their dreams.

References:

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.835

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 173

Discussions on Youth, pp. 76-77

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 112-113

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 279

Your Stories of Gratitude Dec 22, 2023

As we head into the final stretch of the year, we bring you the voices of several Buddhability listeners sharing appreciation for someone in their life.

References mentioned:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, pp. 66-68

Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations Dec 15, 2023

Believing that we each possess limitless wisdom, courage and compassion—what we call Buddhability—can be a daily battle. Many of us impose limitations on ourselves, believing that we’re not capable of accomplishing our dreams and becoming happy.

Today’s guest, Daniel Sun, of Boston, shares how he used Buddhism to overcome his limiting beliefs and become an accomplished Harvard scientist and scholar. We discuss the key role chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhism played in his ability to shift his mindset.

Cheat Sheet:

7:20 Daniel tries Buddhism to get through graduate school

11:05 Dreaming of a research career in the U.S.

21:03 What Buddhism says about self-doubt

33:56 Fresh confidence to apply for a large grant

43:46 How studying maximizes the effects of Buddhist chanting

References mentioned:

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 39-43
The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 133
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4
The Light of Learning, p. 130

How Sasha Lee Learned to View Her Problems as Opportunities Dec 08, 2023

Struggles are an unavoidable part of life. While it may seem counterintuitive to view them as opportunities, Buddhism teaches that we can use each problem in our life as fuel for our happiness. Today we’re discussing how overcoming challenges builds an unshakable and undefeated self.

Today’s guest, Sasha Lee, and influencer and TV personality in Hawaii, shares how she started to see that obstacles were opportunities for her growth and the powerful role a friend’s encouragement can play.

References mentioned
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, Part 1, p. 170

Listener Episode: Send us your stories on gratitude! Dec 01, 2023

We’re creating a special episode about gratitude with stories from listeners.

To submit, send a voice memo of no more than 1 minute to connect@sgi-usa.org sharing a quick story about someone you appreciate. It can be a small interaction with a stranger on the bus to a family member who’s been with you all your life. We want to showcase the variety of ways one person can make an impact. So, there’s no moment to share that is too big or too small. No need to share names in your voice memo—you can submit anonymously.

We’ll select a small assortment to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda Passes Away Nov 22, 2023

Today we share the news of Buddhist philosopher and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku Ikeda’s passing and the impacts of his life and work.

How I Stopped Letting Anger and Fear Control Me Nov 17, 2023

Fear and anger can be overpowering. Especially when they’re grounded in past and deeply personal experience. While our fears may feel justified they can also hold us back from accomplishing our goals and living a happy life. Today we’re talking about how to uproot those tendencies in our lives and transform them for our happiness.

Today’s guest, Krithi Byadgi, of San Francisco, shares how she used her Buddhist practice to transform her deep anger and fear into the courage and joy needed to strive for a harmonious family and her dream career.

References mentioned
Discussions on Youth, p. 410
“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 4

Honoring My Parents by Fighting for My Dreams Nov 10, 2023

Amid a painful reality that can’t be changed, like a family member’s terminal disease, how can we still create hope? Today we’re discussing how tapping into our Buddhability—the limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion we each possess—can help us transform our attitude, create a beautiful life, and accomplish our dreams amid a difficult reality.

Our guest is Jonathan Cheng, of New York City, who shares how he is courageously accomplishing his dreams as a filmmaker to honor his parents and fight for their eternal happiness.

Cheat Sheet:
7:52 Why Jonathan decided to start chanting
10:26 Developing confidence in college and finding your place
13:30 Starting your first post-college job
25:28 Navigating grief at the height of COVID
31:48 Finding meaning in our struggles
39:31 Finding courage to fight for your dreams

References mentioned:
Discussions on Youth, p. 26
“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 499
Hope is a Decision, p. 6

Season Finale: New Beginnings Oct 12, 2023

Today, we have for you the season finale of Buddhability Season 1, and we’re so excited to share some big updates about the show.

We’ve just passed the three-year anniversary of launching Buddhability, and with it, a huge milestone, surpassing 1 million podcast downloads, and well over 100 episodes. Thank you for your support and dedication to sharing the show all this time.

Alongside this milestone, we’re welcoming a brand-new host who you’ll meet on today’s episode. Cassidy Bradford shares a little of her story and we discuss what we’ve loved about the podcast so far. Thank you for joining us along this journey and we’re looking forward to seeing you again later this fall.

Announcement: Season Finale Oct 03, 2023

Today, October 2nd, marks the three year anniversary since our launch! We are also celebrating a milestone- hitting 1 million downloads! To commemorate this, we're going to be closing out with an exciting season finale next week. Stay tuned.

How do I deal with the stress of living with chronic pain? Sep 23, 2023

Here's today's question: How can Buddhism help me with this stress caused by chronic physical pain? How can I be happy living with chronic illness?

Buddhism teaches that falling to illness is not a form of failure or defeat. In fact illness can be an inspiration to bring out our best, most resilient selves.

References:

Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work? Sep 15, 2023

Here’s today’s question: Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work?

This is a question nearly every person who starts to chant has in the back of their mind. Unless spirituality or a chanting-like practice has already been part of your life for a while, it can feel very new and hard to believe in.

We want to approach this question from a few angles but first, to answer it directly: no, when you first start chanting, you do not have to believe in it or understand it for it to work.

References:

https://buddhability.org/practice/dont-know-much-about-buddhism/
https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/buddhism-is-the-clear-mirror-that-reflects-our-lives/
“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3

A Buddhist Take on Setting Boundaries Sep 07, 2023

Here's today's question: How can I set healthy boundaries that honor myself and others?

One listener asked: “How can Buddhism help me and my family with setting boundaries? Setting boundaries at work seems easier than with family stuff.”

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo about our situation ensures that we make our decisions based on wisdom, courage and compassion, rather than trends or emotion.

References:

What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief? Aug 25, 2023

Here’s today’s question: What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief? Grief is something we all experience at some point in life. One listener asked, “I've recently had a few folks die and I am trying to give myself space to have this new emotional experience but also be strong, move forward, help others and be happy. What should I do?” Another listener wrote in, “What does Buddhism teach about grieving about sudden death and the trauma that comes with it?”

Today we’ll discuss the Buddhist view that life and death are one.

References:

Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo? Aug 18, 2023

Here’s today's question, ”Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?” It’s actually a combination of a few questions we received. One person asked, “Some days I feel powerful and determined. Some days I feel sad and cry. But lately, I've been furious and angry. Is it okay to be furious and angry in front of my Gohonzon?” And another person asked, “Is there a way I can use my anger for good?” So let's talk about anger and chanting.

References:

Going through a stressful transition at work? Aug 09, 2023

Here’s today’s question, “I’m starting a new job soon and I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit about stressful transitions in life?” We actually got quite a lot of questions about work stress or challenging professional situations. We’ll answer the question and touch on what Buddhism says about work.

Dealing with a stressful relationship? Jul 26, 2023

Here’s today’s question: I’m dealing with a really stressful relationship with someone close to me. Do you have any advice on what to do when someone just keeps getting under your skin?

Well first of all, who can’t relate to this one? Stress is an inevitable part of daily life, but when it manifests through a person, it tends to bring with it a whole host of other emotions – anger, frustration, blame, hopelessness, and feeling stuck in a cycle.

But Buddhism does offer some great perspective on relationships like this. Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda writes, “Our human relationships are like a mirror. So if you’re thinking to yourself, ‘If only so-and-so were a little nicer to me, I could talk to them about anything,’ then that person is probably thinking, ‘If only such-and-such would open up to me, I would be nicer to them.’ ... Therefore, you should make the first move to open the channels of communication.”

References:

A New Summer Series! Send us your questions Jul 18, 2023

Today we have two exciting announcements. First, we’re launching a new 7-day series called “Change Your Relationship with Stress.” From July 24 to August 1, you'll receive inspiration in your inbox each day about how to transform stress in nearly every area of your life from relationship stress and financial stress to work and family stress. Visit us at Buddhability.org and sign up for our email newsletter to be a part of it.

Our second announcement: We’re launching a new summer podcast series, where we’ll answer your questions about Buddhism and life in mini podcast episodes. If you'd like to ask a question, just email us at connect@sgi-usa.org, or message us on Instagram. Feel free to send us a voice memo too! We might anonymously include it on the show. We'll kick off the series with this question, which inspired the stress series too: How can Buddhism help me deal with stressful relationships?

Tips & Insights: 4 Ways to Look at Suffering Jul 07, 2023

“Tips & Insights” is an episode series in which we introduce one Buddhist concept each month and share how it can be applied to your life!

Today’s episode is about suffering, an inescapable fact of life for all living beings, but one that Buddhism offers a refreshing and concrete perspective on.

References:

Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality [June 2021] Jun 27, 2023

This week we're airing a rerun of one of our most popular episodes from June, 2021 with lawyer Dan Foley. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage, a monumental achievement after a more than 25-year battle across the country.

Recently, journalist Sasha Issenberg published a riveting, comprehensive history of that struggle, titled The Engagement: America’s Quarter Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage, tracing it back to 1990, when the political movement took off with a case in the Hawaii Supreme Court.

At that point, Issenberg explains, no significant gay rights group had endorsed marriage as an objective. But, in 1990, when three same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses in Honolulu and were denied, they turned to a lawyer named Dan Foley. Less than three years later, the Hawaii Supreme Court became the first court in the world to conclude that queer couples’ freedom to marry was a basic civil right. The rest is a fascinating and groundbreaking history of the national journey toward June 26, 2015.

How to find the wisdom to move forward Jun 14, 2023

Today, we’re talking about how Buddhism can help you find the wisdom to overcome anything in life. In particular, the challenges that sometimes come with love and relationships. Our guest is Bryant Ríos-Niño, of Connecticut. He shares his parallel journeys of developing his Buddhist practice and learning what love, relationships and supporting your family truly takes.

How to tap into the potential you always knew you had Jun 08, 2023

Today we are talking about how to tap into your potential, even when you can’t see it and even when your circumstances make you feel incapable.

Our guest is Lance Powell, of Georgia, who shares how he encountered Buddhism at a time when hope for the future was hard to find, and how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo allowed him to finally tap into the potential he knew he had, but had never quite been able to access before.

Tips & Insights: Winning in the morning May 23, 2023

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: Winning in the morning.

How I Stopped Letting Anger Control My Life May 12, 2023

Today, we’re talking about what winning over yourself really takes: an honest look at what is causing you to suffer and the courage to transform it deep within.

Our guest is Jamie Bautista from Davis, California, who shares her journey using her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to battle her own anger, which manifested at a young age. In the process, she discovered a beautiful person within.

How I changed the one thing that was holding me back May 03, 2023

Today we’re talking about what inner transformation or human revolution looks like through a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Our guest is Judy Juanita from Oakland, California. A writer and lecturer, she shares her incredible journey of many decades practicing Buddhism and how it helped her find the courage to change the things that held her back.

SHOW NOTES:

1:33 Judy discovers Buddhism

9:05 Identifying the thing that was holding her back

20:56 Transforming a part of behavior she didn’t like

25:50 Her writing career opens up

37:51 Moving to Oakland to support her family

43:13 Her Buddhist practice gets deeper and deeper over decades

How my daily ups and downs led to overall growth Apr 20, 2023

Today, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a foundation for your life. It’s a theme we’ve explored before on the show but one that looks different for all of us. Our guest is George Wong, of San Francisco, California, who shares how his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has allowed him to turn his difficulties with school and self-worth into a career creating value from every experience.

SHOW NOTES:

2:44 Getting rejected from college inspires George to start practicing Buddhism

10:44 Previous setback turns into a great breakthrough

16:55 Struggling with impostor syndrome

25:48 Importance of never giving up, even if you’re not sure where you’re headed

32:13 Seeing long-term growth despite daily ups and downs

35:43 Each experience has deep meaning

Announcement: Buddhability Beginner Course Apr 11, 2023

The teachings of Buddhism are vast and profound, that's why Buddhist study is a crucial part of deepening our practice. We're excited to announce our first ever Buddhability Beginner Email Course. So if you're new or just need a little refresher, you can go to https://buddhability.org/practice/emailcourse/ to sign up for seven short lessons, which will be delivered to your inbox over the course of four weeks.

What it really takes to face your reality Apr 03, 2023

Today, we're talking about what it really takes to face your reality, especially when that requires taking a hard look at yourself. Our guest is Miho Saito, of Long Beach, California who shares the ups and downs of a journey in which she continually left home in search of herself in an effort to avoid things that felt too difficult to face.

Eventually, through her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Miho found the courage to come home to herself.

SHOW NOTES:

1:37 How Miho started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:10 Miho lives on the road, looking to find herself

18:15 Decides to move back home

29:10 Miho finds her passion

38:19 Finding the courage to face her problems and deeply respect her life.

50:16 The biggest benefit of practicing Buddhism is the intangible stuff

Tips & Insights: Buddhism and the real world Mar 24, 2023

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: Buddhism and the real world.

References:

“The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1121
The Power to Win Each Day
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 88
My Dear Friends in America, third edition, p. 83
Discussions on Youth, p. 71

I overcame my biggest setback, now anything is possible Mar 16, 2023

Today, we're talking about how Buddhism sees obstacles in particular, those big challenges, life throws your way when you're least expecting it. Our guest is Brian Lindgren of Virginia who shares about how his buddhist practice helped him challenge his circumstances with fresh energy, helped him find a life in music and understand the deeper meaning of his problems.

SHOW NOTES:

1:30 How Brian encountered Buddhism

10:40 Trying to create a life as a musician in New York and facing financial setbacks

20:00 Re-imagining his dream and going back to school.

30:30 The bike accident that changes everything.

40:40 In recovery, Brian brings out his grit and determination like never before.

58:50 Getting into his PhD program and solidifying a life in music.

1:03:25 Now that he overcame his biggest setback, he fells like anything is possible.

How I Learned to Never Give Up on Myself Mar 09, 2023

Our guest is James, of New York, who shares how a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps him navigate some of the toughest moments of his life from dealing with addiction to finding his place and purpose.

Note: Buddhism does not contradict medical science. If anything, for Buddhists, seeking out professional advice and support is an important step toward caring for ourselves. If you or a friend is struggling with addiction, please seek out professional help.

SHOW NOTES:

3:11- James discovers Buddhism one day while working at a thrift shop.

5:00- Changes he notices after chanting.

11:11- Not showing up for others and himself the way he wanted to.

15:50- Telling friends about his challenges and finding ways to be accountable

19:17- Moving back home to upstate New York.

23:42- How Buddhism changed his family.

27:56- Realizing that coming back home was the best move he could have made.

31:06- How Buddhism taught him to never give up.

37:03- Advice to anyone that wants to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions Mar 01, 2023

Today we are talking about one of the most difficult but universal tendencies we experience—people-pleasing. Our guest is Megan Weinstein, of Chicago, who shares about her journey practicing Buddhism and how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her identify and tackle the feelings that, for too long, led her to live her life based on other people’s opinions.
For anyone who has ever felt like they are supposed to show up in a certain way, rather than as your true precious self, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES

3:43 Megan’s first breakthrough from practicing Buddhism

8:36 The need to please everyone in her environment

19:31 A Buddhist friend gives Megan advice

21:42 Rooting out the need for validation through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

32:46 Caring for others while caring for herself

35:00 Everything starts to change

46:53 Advice for those just starting to give Buddhism a try

Tips & Insights: Bodhisattvas of the Earth Feb 21, 2023

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

References:

How I Found (and then Re-Found) the One Feb 14, 2023

Today we are talking about relationships—especially the long and complicated kind, the ones that provide us with the greatest lessons about life and love. Our guest is Mónica Lladó-Ortega, of Puerto Rico, who shares the most beautiful story of her relationship with her husband, which endured a significant breakup right in the beginning. But most encouraging of all is the story of her relationship with herself and how Buddhism helped her see her own worth.

CHEAT SHEET

4:29 How Mónica encountered Buddhism

15:35 An unexpected reunion

20:42 How a daily Buddhist practice leads to inner transformation

36:31 Entering a relationship leading with self-worth

50:52 Advice on being in love, finding love or experiencing a breakup

References

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, Part 1

Changing My Relationship With My Parents Feb 10, 2023

Today, we’re talking about how to orient our lives onto a happy, healthy path, no matter what kind of circumstances we begin with.

Our guest is Melanie Santiago, of Denver, who shares how she encountered Buddhism at the young age of 13 when she was going through a tumultuous time and how learning to apply Buddhist philosophy to her life helped her shift her life state from one of suffering and victimhood to one of agency and happiness.

Trigger Warning: This episode mentions attempted suicide.

CHEAT SHEET

5:30 Why Melanie started practicing Buddhism

22:30 How Melanie shifted the relationship with her mom

24:50 Caring for others help us to care for ourselves

28:27 Having the courage to establish a relationship with her dad

35:16 Meeting her dad

41:40 Where we start from doesn’t determine how far we can go

Reference:

What can I do to improve my complicated relationship with my parentsWhat can I do to improve my complicated relationship with my parents?

Winning with friends vs. Winning alone Jan 31, 2023

Today we're talking about what it takes to pursue a dream that forces you to battle your own ego or hopelessness. Key takeaway: Practice for self and others is the key to breaking through our own limitations. Our guest is model, Masamichi Nyunoya, of New York, who shares the story of how his parents helped him start his Buddhist practice at a crucial crossroads in his life and how he has turned to that practice again and again on his journey toward the career of his dreams.

CHEAT SHEET

1:52 How Masa started practicing Buddhism

10:40 Where his dream of becoming a model came from

14:57 The year that changed his life

20:34 What brought him to New York City to pursue his dreams

27:12 How Buddhist study changed his practice

31:58 Learning to care for others

35:59 His favorite Buddhist quote about art

38:09 Advice for anyone striving to pursue a big dream

References mentioned:

Mastering your daily rhythm Jan 19, 2023

Today we’re unpacking the question: what does it mean to win every day when sometimes things take time to resolve? Our guest is Yoko Ambulo, of Chicago, who shares her journey learning Buddhist lessons about what happiness actually is, what a winning daily rhythm looks like, and why it's so important to create an arena in which you give yourself a chance to win.

CHEAT SHEAT

1:11 Why Yoko started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

4:47 The law of cause and effect

7:30 What a winning daily rhythm looks like in Buddhist practice

11:36 How Yoko learned that happiness comes from within

15:10 A step-by-step approach to creating value from unhappiness

21:45 What winning means

28:14 One of Yoko’s favorite Buddhist quotes

29:35 How Yoko found her purpose

32:33 Her goals for 2023

38:08 Advice on how to get the most out of this year

References

Kosen-Rufu: Our Mission, p. 241
The New Human Revolution, vol. 16, pp. 201–02
The New Human Revolution, vol. 25, pp. 73–74

Tips & Insights: Approaching the new year one day at a time Jan 12, 2023

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: winning in the present.

References:

Healing family rifts when you don’t share beliefs [October 2021] Dec 22, 2022

Today we’re talking about family and what to do if you just can’t reconcile differences with them.

Our guests are sisters Lauren and Molly Leebove from Michigan, whose intertwined stories of beginning their Buddhist practice and transforming their relationship with their parents are rich with lessons on what Buddhability looks like in a family setting.

CHEAT SHEET

1:22 Quote from Daisaku Ikeda in The New Human Revolution, vol. 26 p. 203–4.

2:04 Introduction to Molly and Lauren

2:54 How Molly started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism

5:45 What Lauren’s reaction was to her sister’s practice and why she started her own

7:37 What it was like growing up eight years apart

12:08 Lauren’s struggle with her mental health in college

17:28 How they both ended up back home in Michigan

19:37 How Molly decided to challenge her struggle with being home

21:44 The Buddhist concept “transforming karma into mission”

24:12 How Lauren’s life changed when she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

26:43 Why caring for others can be so healing

30:42 What it takes to set aside political or social differences

39:31 How Lauren transformed rejection into shared love

44:56 How starting fresh in every moment can change relationship dynamics

51:58 What uniting for family harmony looks like

56:31 How Buddhism changed my sister

61:06 Advice for anyone struggling with a family rift

Transforming my family through my own agency Dec 15, 2022

Today we're addressing how Buddhism can help us tackle family dynamics. Our guest is Brian Angulo, of New York, who shares how, in just a few years, his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enabled him to transform a family dynamic that seemed impossible to change. Based on finding his own agency, courage and wisdom, he learned to lead with his heart and take responsibility for strengthening bonds in a way that was true to him.

CHEAT SHEET

1:18 How Brian starting chanting Nam-myoho-rengekyo

6:22 What changed after he began his practice

7:31 The family dynamic he wanted to change

11:56 How he started approaching change

17:53 The transformation of his own behavior

23:28 What he specifically chanted about

33:19 The power of the present moment

40:45 How he experiences family now

47:32 Advice for anyone who wants to transform a family relationship

References:

The Ultimate Key to Victory in Life is Accumulating the Treasures of the Heart

Navigating Career Setbacks Dec 08, 2022

Today we’re talking about navigating job challenges, an aspect of life that be universal difficult, whether you are facing job loss, trying to find a job, navigating a tough industry or having a hard time believing in yourself at work. Our guest is Mehul Anand, of Georgia, who shares the ups and downs of her career in tech, and the profound lessons her Buddhist practice helped her learn along the way.

CHEAT SHEET

2:39 Why Mehul started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:24 An overview of her career trajectory, which didn’t go as planned

10:55 How she learned to use her Buddhist practice to navigate finding work

15:54 What protection means in Buddhism

21:52 The inner transformation she experienced through a long period of unemployment

28:29 Practical action to take when facing a difficult situation

33:50 Mehul’s turning point

38:13 What mission means in Buddhism

41:34 Mehul’s favorite Buddhist quotes

48:57 Advice for anyone who is currently facing a job-related struggle

References:

“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 502
“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 17
How to Make Things Work

Tips & Insights: Human Revolution Nov 30, 2022

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: human revolution.

References:

How To Do It All, With Dr. Gitima Sharma Nov 16, 2022

Today we’re talking about how to do it all when you have a full plate. Whether you are an overwhelmed parent or caregiver aspiring to build a career you love, or lacking the support you wish you had to care for yourself and everything else in your life, doing it all can be tough. And amid the chaos, we tend to be hardest on ourselves.

Dr. Gitima Sharma, of California State University, talks us through how she approaches this subject as a counselor educator, and also as a Buddhist practitioner and working mom with two young children.

CHEAT SHEET

1:34 How Gitima started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

13:11 Her own experience with “doing it all”

19:22 The challenges of self-doubt, self-comparison and perfectionism

28:04 What having a sense of purpose means in Buddhism

32:02 What research says about having a sense of purpose

45:46 How to increase your sense of purpose

53:31 A favorite Buddhist quote about time and enlightenment

56:27 Advice for anyone who is struggling to do it all

References:

On Buddhism and Appreciation Nov 10, 2022

Today we're talking about appreciation, which is central to Buddhism in so many ways and yet, easier to talk about than truly practice, especially when it comes to the tougher circumstances in our lives. Our guest is Doris Edwards, of Philadelphia, who has been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for many years. We discuss the Buddhist perspective on appreciation and her own journey toward it.

CHEAT SHEET

2:18 How Doris encountered Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:16 What shifted within her when she started chanting

11:14 Why appreciation is so important in Buddhism

14:36 Having appreciation when you’re struggling

19:35 What it means to pursue true happiness

23:08 The turning point in her own journey toward appreciation

29:19 Why Doris treasures human revolution

35:47 A few favorite Buddhist quotes

40:54 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism

References:

Overcoming the need for approval Nov 03, 2022

Today we're talking about how to stop seeking the approval of other people, which, on the one hand, is a normal human desire, and on the other, can cause us the deepest suffering when we don't receive it. It can be especially worse when the approval or praise we seek is from our loved ones.

Our guest is Dave Drake, who practices Buddhism in New York City, and shares his journey with this very struggle, both in his personal life and as a musician, The episode is filled with practical insights about how to apply the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to transform the desire for approval into of a life state of humility, appreciation, forward momentum and true confidence.

CHEAT SHEET

1:20 How Dave encountered Buddhism and decided to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

3:23 The feeling that made him want to continue

7:26 The struggle of constantly seeking approval from others

12:35 How he approached chanting about this pattern in his life

19:42 The Buddhist quotes he loves

22:28 How his relationship with his father changed

31:06 What applying Buddhist philosophy to daily life looks like

40:35 Advice for anyone feeling stuck in a situation where they don’t feel seen

References mentioned:

Learning From Nichiren’s Writings: The Teachings for Victory, vol. 4, p. 28
Lecture: Everything Begins With Prayer Infused With the Shared Vow of Mentor and Disciple
Discussions on Youth, p. 8

Tips & Insights: Earthly Desires are Enlightenment Oct 27, 2022

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: earthly desires are enlightenment.

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part one, revised edition, pp. 170–71
My Dear Friends in America, p. 92

How I Found My Purpose: Nuclear Abolition Edition Oct 20, 2022

Today we're talking about unlocking our own agency when it comes to peace-building efforts and protecting our planet. Our guest is Emma Pike, of Boston, who is an activist in the field of nuclear abolition, an issue that is key to SGI Nichiren Buddhists because nuclear war represents the exact opposite of what Buddhism strives to protect: the dignity of all life.

Emma shares her own inspiring journey of unlocking the courage to pursue work in this field, which began from her practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The lessons she shares are applicable to any fight you might be currently engaged in, whether it's personal or global.

CHEAT SHEET

2:10 Why Emma started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:42: How she came to pursue a career path in nuclear abolition

17:14 A brief primer on the issues

27:03 How she found her place as an activist

33:54 A pivotal turning point in her own confidence and hope

50:23 Buddhism and nuclear abolition

54:57 Advice for anyone who wants to unlock their agency when it comes to big global issues

References

Tips on starting your Buddhist practice … and why we chant for the impossible Oct 12, 2022

Today’s episode is for beginners, though the takeaways are refreshing and valuable for even seasoned chanters. Our guest is Crystal Fraser, of Colorado, who shares some basics about SGI Nichiren Buddhism and its core practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as well as her own journey with it. We then dig into a popular question: What should we chant about and why do people talk so much about turning the impossible into possible?

CHEAT SHEET

0:49 How Crystal encountered Buddhism and why she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:35 The basic philosophy and practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism

13:09 What changed when Crystal started chanting

27:21 Why we chant about things that feel impossible

46:35 The concept of human revolution

48:49 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism

References:

What is Human Revolution?
Sign up for 10 Days to Get Unstuck

Reflections on Music, Tina Turner and Overcoming Obstacles Oct 05, 2022

Today we’re speaking with Yuri Yamashita, of New York, about her career as a percussionist and how her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her beat the odds and her own self-doubt to pave her own path in the industry. She was most recently the percussionist for the Tina Turner musical on Broadway, a remarkable coincidence because during moments of her own personal struggles, Tina Turner’s story and Buddhist practice was a great source of inspiration for Yuri.

CHEAT SHEET

1:08 How Yuri started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

4:32 What brought her to New York

12:03 How chanting impacted her daily life

16:16 The challenges of being a freelance musician

22:05 Why Tina Turner’s story inspired her so much

32:11 Yuri’s favorite Buddhist concepts

39:12 Advice for young musicians or freelancers

References

Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good, p. 107

Caring for People vs. The Idea of People Sep 28, 2022

Today we’re talking about effective activism and how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can allow us to tap into the internal resources we need to truly help other people. Our guest is Alex Boling, of Los Angeles, who honestly shares the insights he has gained by applying his Buddhist practice to his experiences as an activist and volunteer.

Key takeaway: Sometimes we have to do the internal work to be able to truly care for the people in front of us, rather than just the idea of caring for people.

CHEAT SHEET

1:42 How Alex was inspired to start chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

9:42 The immediate impact he saw in his life

11:18 The shift he experienced in his relationship with his father

18:00 The formula he learned to apply to all future challenges

21:06 How his Buddhist practice began to change his attitude toward volunteering

32:58 The difference between caring for people vs. the idea of people

37:44 Why Alex shares Buddhism

41:54 How his family and friends saw him change

47:32 The concept of the Ten Worlds

52:28 Learning to hear other people

58:53 Advice for anyone who is struggling in their efforts to effect positive change

References:

One by One: The World is Yours to Change, p. 60

Tips and Insights: The Oneness of Life and its Environment Sep 21, 2022

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life!

Today’s is: the oneness of life and its environment.

References:

Survival vs. Happiness Sep 14, 2022

Today we’re talking about what it takes to believe that you can be happy, even when you’re facing the most difficult circumstances. Our guest is Christina Moran, of El Paso, Texas, who shares her own journey of pursuing happiness after experiencing a series of very challenging events that made her feel like she had hit rock bottom.

CHEAT SHEET

2:29 How Christina encountered Buddhism

7:30 The grief and postpartum depression she was experiencing at the time

10:13 The Buddhist book that turned things around for her

14:38 What changed in her first month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

17:02 Her initial goals for herself

22:35 Survival vs. Happiness

29:48 What it took to reconnect to happiness

39:54 The role of the Buddhist community

41:46 Her favorite Buddhist quotes

43:51 Advice for anyone who feels like happiness isn’t an option for them

References mentioned:

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death
“The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 149
“To My Friends,” from the June 23, 2020, Seikyo Shimbun

What wellness really means Sep 07, 2022

Today we're talking about what wellness really means from a Buddhist perspective. Our guest is Erica Stein, L.A.-based co-host of the podcast Courageous Wellness, and Buddhist practitioner. We cover everything from the powerful experiences that led to Erica beginning her own practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to what she’s learned about wellness through producing her podcast.

CHEAT SHEET

1:55 How Erica started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

3:01 The family struggles that taught her the value of Buddhism

9:16 Erica’s own struggle with weight that led to a wellness journey

20:03 What it means to treasure your life

22:11 Overcoming body dysmorphia

27:22 The power of community

30:07 How to learn how to take care of yourself

33:08 Helping others is self-care

34:02 How her wellness journey inspires her work

42:07 Connections between wellness and Buddhism

45:03 Turning poison into medicine

50:22 Advice for anyone who is struggling with their wellness journey

References

How I Beat the Odds: Doctor Edition Aug 31, 2022

Today we're talking with Bobby Eppsteiner, a surgeon in Massachusetts, who shares the story of how he used his Buddhist practice to beat the odds and become a doctor, even when he was told he wouldn't make it. Key takeaway: Never give up.

CHEAT SHEET

1:31 How Bobby started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

2:15 What inspired his dream of going into medicine

3:53 The challenges he faced getting into medical school

8:44 How he used his Buddhist practice to counter being discouraged

11:15 The day-to-day life of a surgeon

17:48 How he developed the strength to deal with high-stress situations

27:10 The role of the Buddhist community in his victory

31:07 Bobby’s favorite Buddhist quote

33:50 Advice for anyone who feels they are pursuing something impossible

References:

“General Stone Tiger,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 953
The Never-Give-Up Queen

Tips and Insights: The Oneness of Body and Mind Aug 24, 2022

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life!

Today’s is: the oneness of body and mind.

References:

How to bring main character energy to your life Aug 17, 2022

Today we're talking about what it takes to live your life as the main character or protagonist. Our guest is Nadia Ullah Morin, of Texas, who shares her journey practicing Buddhism after an unexpected series of events took her off the life path she had envisioned for herself. Through consistently chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, she found the courage to create a new path for herself.

CHEAT SHEET

1:10 How Nadia encountered Buddhism

3:50 Why it felt hard for her to continue practicing

12:26 How becoming a young mom impacted her life and self-worth

14:12 What drove her to begin chanting consistently

20:28 The role the Buddhist community played in her life

24:08 The turning point that transformed her marriage

37:00 How she came to love her life

39:54 Living life as the main character

45:27 Her favorite Buddhist concept

49:52 Why community is so important

52:41 Advice for anyone who feels like they’ve lost their way

References

Anxiety, Self-Trust and Psychology Aug 10, 2022

Today's episode is a conversation with psychologist Elizabeth Merrick about anxiety, therapy, Buddhism, and how they all connect. Sometimes it helps to examine what Buddhability looks like from different perspectives, identifying parallels between the work of experts in different fields and how Buddhism views the potential of human beings.

Elizabeth's insights are unique because she has experience counseling young adults, training mental health professionals and being in therapy herself, all while practicing Buddhism.

CHEAT SHEET

1:27 How Elizabeth started practicing Buddhism

5:23 Context about her professional background as a psychologist

8:34 The most common mental health challenges she sees young adults struggle with today

11:22 Natural questions during different developmental stages

14:21 When you think something is wrong with you

21:16 Connections between Buddhism and psychology on our potential for change

27:58 What anxiety is and why we experience it

32:47 Overcoming anxiety

38:52 Why the core elements of Buddhist practice are effective

44:16 Chanting vs. mindfulness

47:00 The biggest change she’s experienced through chanting

54:49 The value of having a community

1:00 A favorite Buddhist quote

1:03:20 The difference between human revolution and self-improvement

1:08:01 Advice for anyone who is struggling with anxiety

References

Discussions on Youth, p. 5
“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027

Coasting vs. Winning: Dream Job Edition Aug 03, 2022

This week’s conversation is the perfect refresher for anyone who might be feeling like they could use a little fire or motivation right now.

Our guest is Shawn Lewis, of New Orleans, who tells us the story of a period in his life when he found himself coasting, and after losing a job, also financially struggling with no sense of direction. By solidifying his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, he dug deep to rediscover a childhood dream to work in the video game industry that opened up a most unexpected journey, and ultimately led to him building and selling a social media channel to create his dream career.

CHEAT SHEET

1:07 Introduction to Shawn

1:39 When and how he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

5:24 The circumstances that led him back to his childhood dream

9:11 How he began to build his channel

11:16 What the internal battle felt like as he balanced three jobs

12:44 How he developed a habit of winning

15:18 An unexpected opportunity

19:38 The impact of striving to encourage other people

25:27 His favorite Buddhist quote

30:48 The biggest internal change he experienced

32:34 Advice for anyone who feels like they are coasting or unhappy with their circumstances

References

“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 1000–01
Discussions on Youth, p. 22

On Boundaries and True Self-Care [May 2021] Jul 27, 2022

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episodes the first Wednesday in August. This episode originally aired May 2021.

Today we are covering one of our most highly requested topics: boundaries and self-care.

Our guest is Jessica Riley, a mental health specialist in Florida, who most recently was a military psychologist. After struggling deeply with setting boundaries, an overwhelming workload and an inability to really take care of herself, she started chanting about her situation and came to a major realization about herself that changed everything. We’ll cover how she navigated her own experience and why caring for others doesn’t have to require sacrifice.

CHEAT SHEET

1:28 Jessica's journey to become a military psychologist

6:31 Why she turned to chanting

15:08 What the daily workload felt like

25:36 Two Buddhist concepts that shifted her perspective

27:45 How she found time to chant

31:12 What she realized about herself

41:36 What happened after she decided to prioritize self-care and boundaries

41:15 What believing in yourself looks like in practice

50:22 Advice for anyone struggling with self-worth or burnout

What you do isn’t who you are [November 2021] Jul 20, 2022

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episodes the first Wednesday in August. This episode originally aired November 2021.

Today we speak with Los Angeles-based actor Luca Manganaro, who shares his intertwined journey with acting and Buddhism and the lessons he learned along the way.

Key takeaway: what you do, especially if you’re currently pursuing a big dream or goal that seems far away, isn’t who you are. Who you are is based on what you practice every day, how you show up in relationships, how you treat the people around you and what you base your self-worth on.

CHEAT SHEET

1:46 How Luca started practicing Buddhism

6:03 How chanting helped him transform a lifelong health challenge

13:27 How he decided to pursue acting in New York

21:05 What Buddhism taught him about dealing with the ups and downs of the business

30:25 Why he believes in having a Buddhist mentor

36:02 How he developed a foundation for his life through community

42:41 What caring for other people has to do with our own growth

51:27 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism who wants to feel fulfilled

Mentioned references:

A Buddhability Guide to Self-Love

How to get unstuck from a monotonous daily life [August 2021] Jul 13, 2022

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episodes the first Wednesday in August. This episode originally aired August 2021.

Today we’re talking about work and more specifically, how to deal with feeling stuck. If you’re feeling trapped by your job or routine, or if you have a secret dream that you haven’t yet had the courage to pursue, this episode is for you.

Our guest is Clara Kitongo, a young woman who started practicing Buddhism at a time when she was really feeling stuck in her career and life. Her journey with chanting opened up an entirely new perspective on what a creative life means, and now she’s living the life she always wanted.

Cheat Sheet

1:04 Introduction to Clara

3:27 How she got stuck in a “treadmill type existence”

6:04 What her dreams had been before she got stuck

7:44 When and why she started practicing Buddhism

11:36 How to become free from the chains of your own mind

17:45 How she found her place in the workforce after school

33:39 How she dealt with her pain along the journey

35:36 What Buddhism says about opening the door to your life

42:18 What a creative life really means

44:49 How to deal with the opinions of others

49:55 Advice for anyone feeling afraid to open the door to their own life

How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye [November 2020] Jul 06, 2022

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episodes the first Wednesday in August. Today we’re playing an episode that originally aired November 2020 but feels more relevant than ever.

We speak with Abe Uccello about working for change in Florida’s prison system, even when he couldn’t see any forward movement. He explains how chanting can help you build trust and respect with anyone, and what unity actually means. Hint: You have to unlock your own wisdom and compassion first.

Cheat Sheet

1:50 What we’re trying to understand today

4:02 Introduction to Abe

5:02 How chanting helped him feel like he had control over his life again

10:54 His experiences working with the prison system

16:20 How chanting helped him figure out what to do

17:20 What a tenacious effort to build trust helped him achieve

25:10 Why he didn’t give up

28:32 How to maintain hope even when you see the darkest parts of humanity

32:33 What the end goal in Buddhism is

35:46 Advice to anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by uncertainty

38:02 What “happiness for self and others” means

45:39 What else to read on Buddhability about feeling stuck and making change

Tips & Insights: Yes, you can change your karma Jun 29, 2022

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life!

Today’s is: karma.

References:

Outshining Our Karma With the “Sun of Wisdom”
For more in-depth study of the karma, check out An Introduction to Buddhism, second edition, p. 40

Learning to Live My Truth, A Coming Out Story Jun 23, 2022

Today’s episode is about learning to live your truth. Chris, of Detroit, shares the incredibly moving journey to affirm himself and how his Buddhist practice helped him find the courage to come out as a trans man. A foundational element of Chris’s experience was learning to believe that his life has unlimited value and worth, upon which he has been able to build a foundation for new dreams.

CHEAT SHEET

1:18 How Chris encountered Buddhism and why he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

8:29 The experiences that lead to Chris affirming himself

17:53 How Buddhism helped him find the courage to pursue happiness

25:14 What it was like to come out

30:10 What it took to break out of lifelong limitations

33:16 Continually reaffirming himself through chanting

36:17 Chris’s favorite Buddhist concept

42:17 Building a foundation upon valuing your life

45:05 Advice for anyone struggling with self-conflict

References:

December 2016 Living Buddhism, p. 40
Soka Education: For the Happiness of the Individual, pp. 209-10

Overcoming pessimism through action Jun 15, 2022

Today’s topic is pessimism, which can be defined as a lack of hope or confidence in the future. At different times in our lives, all of us might experience pessimism, especially if our future is uncertain or we find ourselves in a situation where the odds seem stacked against us. This can be compounded by societal conflicts and current affairs, and increasingly, teens and young adults feel a sense of worry, anxiety or futility about the future. Today, we'll unpack the Buddhist perspective on optimism. Our guest is Stuart Adams, a firefighter in California who shares the story of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him transform pessimism into a life of confidence and action.

CHEAT SHEET

1:47 Why Stewart started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:17 How he discovered his dream to become a firefighter

9:56 What it took to challenge his fear

16:52 What faith means in Buddhism

23:32 How chanting helped him take initiative

32:05 Addressing mistakes without hesitation

36:33 The role of Buddhist friends

40:28 The Buddhist perspective on optimism

45:53 Advice for anyone who struggles with pessimism

Self-Doubt vs. Self-Trust Jun 08, 2022

Today we’re talking about self-trust, which, if you’re the type of person who is constantly berating themselves internally, can feel really hard to build. Our guest is Anivat Chanachanchai, of Hawaii, who shares how taking his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo seriously helped him finally let go of a cycle of toxic relationships and environments. Once he tapped into his Buddhability, he finally began to trust himself and take the steps to respect his life.

CHEAT SHEET

1:18 Why Anivat started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

5:17 Having a dialogue with yourself

9:11 His experiences with bullying and coming out

21:03 The challenges he faced in Hawaii

30:05 What it means to take full responsibility for your life

35:26 How chanting helped him through the hard days

45:39 Advice for anyone new to chanting

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 9
Discussions on Youth, p. 291

Tips & Insights: What you feel isn’t who you are Jun 01, 2022

"Tips & Insights” is a new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life! Today’s is: the mutual possession of the Ten Worlds.

References:

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs May 25, 2022

Today we are discussing limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Whatever form they take for you, whether it’s your own negative self-talk, the way you see yourself or limitations others have placed on you that you’ve internalized, transforming limiting beliefs can be hard. Fortunately, the essence of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is to do exactly this. By strengthening our Buddhability, we can transform our limitations.

Our guest is Rachel Mundus, who practices Buddhism in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Today she shares the many self-doubts she has had to challenge on the long journey toward her dream of becoming a dentist for the people.

CHEAT SHEET

1:29 Why Rachel began chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

3:09 Where her dream to provide dental care came from

5:28 The difference she felt once she started chanting

9:20 What her work is now

11:43 Her greatest challenge along the way

16:13 Key turning points in challenging her limiting beliefs

24:19 What it looks like to strengthen your determination daily

30:10 The impact of learning to enjoy the journey

35:02 How she decided to tackle school again

41:02 How she uprooted her “tree of self-doubt”

43:53 Advice for anyone struggling with limiting beliefs or self-doubt

References

The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 149.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, p. 153.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, p. 363.

Sign up for our newsletter (and this week’s life hacks) here.

Conviction vs. Control: How to become an unshakable leader May 18, 2022

Today we are talking about what it takes to become unshakable. Our guest is Brittany Jones, who recently became the youngest elementary school principal in the country's second largest school district. She shares her journey into education, and how, at a crucial turning point in her career as an educational leader, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her challenge her own insecurities and win each day.

This episode is especially relevant for anyone who struggles with limiting themselves or easing their anxiety by trying to control their schedule a little too much. It’s also an incredible illustration of how sometimes, letting go and focusing on the present is the greatest strength of all.

CHEAT SHEET

1:50 Why Brittany started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

8:58 How she became interested in education

13:01 Her journey to become an elementary school principal

29:28 Finding the courage to stay the course

34:17 How her Buddhist practice helps her identify her priorities

37:54 Supporting the Buddhability of children

39:19 The importance of winning in the morning

45:44 How Brittany learned to let go of the need for control

50:00 The impact of chanting on becoming unshakable

53:05 Brittany’s favorite Buddhist quote

55:09 How she defines her Buddhability

57:13 Her vision for what’s next

59:40 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism

References

The New Human Revolution, vol. 30, p. 53.
April 2016 Living Buddhism, p. 49.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, vol. 1, p. 70.
How to start chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Buddhism is a team sport May 10, 2022

Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him overcome tremendous anxiety about his path forward after college. Until then, Shota’s identity had been entirely tied to his ice hockey career, but once he started chanting, he discovered so much more of himself.

CHEAT SHEET

1:23 Why Shota started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

4:05 Letting go of his ice hockey career

10:02 What shifted once he began chanting about his situation

15:25 How he discovered a new career path

20:53 What it means to win where you are by transforming your life condition

24:17 Thinking about Buddhism as a sport

25:21 The power of having a community or team

29:06 What daily effort in Buddhist practice looks like

33:06 The Buddhist quote that kept Shota going

40:57 How Shota defines his own Buddhability

43:41 Advice to anyone who feels stuck about their future

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol. 24, p. 117.
Hope is Life’s Treasure

Finding my own path in relationships Apr 26, 2022

Today we’re talking about identity and relationships. Briana Boche, of Seattle, shares her story of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and how she developed confidence in the practice of human revolution, that is, the process of continually chanting to reveal our Buddhability—courage, wisdom and compassion for ourselves and others.

One aspect of Briana’s life where her Buddhist practice carried her through was exploring her own relationship with sexuality and eventually realizing that she is ace, short for asexual.

CHEAT SHEET

1:40 How Briana started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:06 How a setback after college helped her find a new path

11:19 Getting connected to the Buddhist community in Seattle

20:20 Briana’s journey of exploring her sexuality and identity

27:53 What happened when she started chanting to find a partner

31:44 Coming to terms with a big realization

40:21 What it took to challenge her own insecurities

44:06 How she’s chanting about the future

47:45 Her favorite Buddhist quote

50:37 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism

References mentioned:

“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.
Discussions on Youth, p. 27.
Discussions on Youth, p. 8.

How I stopped letting my environment control me Apr 19, 2022

Today we’re talking about the impact our environment has on us. In Buddhism, a crucial concept called “the oneness of life and environment” teaches that our environment is simply a reflection of our own life. Because they are interconnected, when we change internally, it’s reflected in our environment. For an explainer on the topic, check out this video.

To unpack this idea, we’re speaking with Nile Ross, of Santa Monica, California, about how his practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has enabled him to become someone whose internal sense of confidence and self-love outweighs any negativity he experiences from his environment. Based on this shift, he has created a life and career he truly loves.

CHEAT SHEET

1:24 Nile’s early experiences with chanting Nam-myoho-reng-kyo

15:51 The turning point he experienced in 2018

25:28 How he came to redefine happiness for himself

30:51 The impact of making chanting a priority

37:08 How he transformed early experiences with bullying and racism into a sense of purpose

44:08 Becoming a better person by overcoming struggles

49:04 Nile’s favorite Buddhist quotes about revolution

52:29 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism

References:

Video: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained
The New Human Revolution, vol. 2, p. 39
The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 110

Correction: It was mentioned that the 50k Lions of Justice Festival took place in 3 cities, but it actually took place in 9.

Finding the courage to change my life Apr 13, 2022

Today we’re speaking with Asia Harvey-Wright, who goes by Harvey, about their first steps practicing Buddhism after encountering the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in 2020, during one of the darkest periods of their life.

This episode is all about the courage it takes to be open to one's Buddhability. Harvey shares how, in the face of addiction and mental health challenges, they unearthed their own hope, creativity and desire to move forward.

CHEAT SHEET

1:35 How Harvey encountered Buddhism

4:45 What their initial experience of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was like

7:10 The struggles they were facing at the time

12:58 Initial steps they took to begin their practice

15:58 The difference they saw through chanting

22:30 A Buddhist concept that stuck with them

25:39 Their experience with the Buddhist community

27:55 How chanting is helping them navigate mental health challenges

34:21 Their goals for the future

36:58 Advice for anyone who is new to chanting

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. x
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107

Finding my purpose as a journalist Mar 29, 2022

Today we’re talking with journalist Melissa Hirsch about how her Buddhist practice helped her navigate her career journey. This episode is especially relevant for anyone who may have a dream they are pursuing but is finding the path to get there a bit more winding than they expected. Melissa explains how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her transform her childhood dream of becoming a journalist into a deep desire to use her voice for justice.

CHEAT SHEET

1:04 How Melissa started practicing Buddhism

6:46 Why she wanted to pursue journalism

9:05 Her first steps on her career path

15:03 The tension between survival and purpose

18:08 The challenges she faced in graduate school

22:35 How chanting helped her succeed in her investigative work

25:54 Overcoming social anxiety and imposter syndrome

32:40 Melissa’s favorite Buddhist quote

37:35 How her growing sense of purpose allowed her to open a new career path

45:48 What she does now

49:05 The role that the Buddhist community played in her journey

51:20 What true confidence is

53:10 Advice for anyone navigating their career

References:

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, volume 6, p. 244
Discussions on Youth, p. 73

Buddhism and the startup journey Mar 22, 2022

Today we’re talking about the startup journey, though this episode is filled with lessons for anyone starting anything, be it a company, a project or just a fresh path in life. Creating something new, especially together with other people, requires tremendous wisdom, courage and compassion, which are the very qualities of our Buddhability.

Tushar Dadlani, of Dublin, California, shares his journey of moving to Silicon Valley to start a company, and exactly how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him navigate the rollercoaster.

CHEAT SHEET

1:10 How Tushar started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

3:11 The perspective on world peace that intrigued him

5:07 Why he came to the U.S. to pursue his dreams of working in tech

8:04 How he decided to start a company

12:33 How his Buddhist practice helped him manifest courage

15:55 The key turning points in his journey as an entrepreneur

18:56 How he learned not to be swayed

22:44 Mastering the art of dialogue

28:27 How he battled his own arrogance

33:12 Applying the Buddhist concept “many in body, one in mind” to work

38:46 Nine takeaways on the abilities entrepreneurs need

40:13 The importance of staying true to himself

43:58 How he thinks about peace now

46:56 Advice for anyone on a journey to create something

References

Discussions on Youth, pp. 101–102

How a young female pilot found the courage to fly Mar 16, 2022

Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her incredible journey to pursue a career in aviation, an industry in which less than 5% of pilots are women. Her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate being a woman, being out, and overcoming every obstacle that came her way in order to open a path for other female pilots.

CHEAT SHEET

0:47 How Mardi starting practicing Buddhism

6:45 Discovering her dream to become a pilot

14:25 How chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate fear

18:26 What it took for her to bring her authentic self to a male-dominated industry

21:22 How she dealt with discrimination

28:04 The Buddhist concept that helped her persevere

30:44 The ups and downs that almost made her give up

38:17 How lifting up others helped her keep going

40:19 Her vision for the future of aviation

41:46 Advice for anyone struggling to pursue their dream

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 105

Moving on after experiencing loss Mar 08, 2022

Today we’re talking how to move on after experiencing loss. Our guest is Hannah Jones, of Ohio, who shares how she encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism while in high school, and how it helped her navigate the loss of her best friend—her older brother—and ultimately find her way back to her dreams.

CHEAT SHEET

1:03 How Hannah started practicing Buddhism as a teenager

5:05 Her first experience chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

10:00 The family dynamics she chanted about

15:53 How Buddhism helped her deal with the loss of her brother

28:09 The shift in their relationship

32:01 How having Buddhist friends helped at the darkest time

37:59 Hannah’s favorite Buddhist quote

41:06 The internal breakthrough she experienced

47:07 Her dream to go into psychology

48:43 Advice for anyone grappling with loss

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 69
A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, p. 83

How to let your walls down and show up as your true self Mar 01, 2022

Today we’re talking about what it takes to tear down your walls if you have trouble showing up as your authentic self. Jermira Trapp, of Chicago, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has enabled her to transform painful family dynamics into fuel to show up as her most authentic self. This shift has impacted every aspect of her life, especially her work in law enforcement, where it can be difficult to be vulnerable and transcend differences. Still, she has learned to do both.

CHEAT SHEET

0:55 Introduction to Jermira

2:24 Why she wanted to join the police force

3:28 What happened when she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

12:33 Her dream to create a harmonious family

17:13 How Jermira healed from the loss of her mother

24:20 How she learned to be vulnerable

27:47 The impact this inner transformation has had on her work in law enforcement

32:13 Jermira’s favorite Buddhist concepts

35:48 How she sees her purpose

41:39 How she defines her own Buddhability

42:41 Advice for anyone who struggles to show up authentically in a challenging environment

Send us a voice memo! Feb 22, 2022

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 31-day chanting challenge on Friday! We'd love to hear how it went, especially if you are new to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. To submit, just send a voice memo of no more than 2 minutes to podcast@sgi-usa.org sharing your name, where you’re located, and what you feel you learned or changed through the chanting challenge. We're also always open to questions about Buddhism, which we'll try to address on future episodes. Selected voice memos might be included on future episodes, so please only submit if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Feb 15, 2022

On this episode, we’re speaking with Nikolas Spayne, of Chicago, who started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo just last year, when he remembered having heard about Buddhism and decided to look it up. Like many of us, the stress of the pandemic, the constant stream of negative news and big questions about his own life and future had him seeking a fresh path forward.

Today he walks us step-by-step through his first year of Buddhist practice.

CHEAT SHEET

00:54 How Nikolas encountered Buddhism
8:02 Why he decided to start chanting on his own
10:41 How his mornings transformed when he started chanting
15:13 His approach to goal-setting
17:37 When he decided to reach out to the Buddhist community
21:18 What his first Buddhist meeting was like
29:39 How bringing all three elements of Buddhist practice together impacted his life
34:38 The biggest change he has experienced
38:12 His favorite Buddhist concepts
42:20 How he developed a sense of mission
47:57 How he defines his Buddhability
50:19 Advice for anyone new to chanting

References:

You Were Born to Win, pp. 10-12

Buddhism, relativity and science Feb 08, 2022

Today we’re speaking with two friends and scientists, Tee Ponsukcharoen and Siraput Jongaramrungruang, about their intertwined journeys from studying science to practicing Buddhism together.

Originally from Thailand, they both came to California to complete their doctorates, but along the way, they discovered a far greater sense of purpose than they could have imagined.

We cover everything from how and why they were attracted to Buddhism, how they navigated their own attachments to logic, and how concepts from physics, like relativity and string theory, connect to Buddhism.

CHEAT SHEET

1:00 Introduction to Tee and Siraput

2:34 Why Siraput started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

5:23 How he introduced Tee to chanting

10:31 The dilemma Tee faced after completing his Ph.D.

18:11 Siraput’s experience encouraging his friend

20:58 What changed after Tee started practicing Buddhism

27:16 How Buddhism enables us to see ourselves clearly

32:17 Two concepts that Buddhism and science have in common

42:25 Siraput’s favorite Buddhist quote

46:53 Tee’s favorite Buddhist quote

49:31 How Tee views his work as a scientist now

52:08 Advice for anyone who values logic over spirituality

56:35 Key takeaways from today’s episode

References Mentioned:

The Third Stage of Life: Aging in Contemporary Society by Daisaku Ikeda
Discussions on Youth, p. 16
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 1, p. 23

Defeating the doubt within Feb 01, 2022

Today we’re talking about the battle with our own inner negativity, whatever form it may take: self-doubt, self-hatred, regret, worry or anything else.

Jimmy Anicet, of Boston, shares about the significant personal journey he went on during 2019. Jimmy decided to tackle his own sense of regret and self-doubt once and for all by digging deeply into his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Then, just a month after he arrived at a significant epiphany and things started looking up, he experienced a profound family tragedy. But this time, he decided he would use it as a catalyst for his truest happiness.

CHEAT SHEET

1:14 Why Jimmy started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
5:56 What changed for him and his comedy work
7:15 His turning point in 2019
11:51 How he decided to tackle his inner negativity for once and for all
17:18 How his Buddhist practice helped him cope with the loss of his brother
22:37 Jimmy’s favorite Buddhist quote
27:51 What his transformation allowed him to tackle next
29:46 How he gained the courage to be a leader
32:26 How he sees comedy now
33:45 Advice for anyone struggling with their own self-doubt or inner negativity

References Mentioned:

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series, pp. 30-31
Discussions on Youth, p. 327

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How to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are Jan 25, 2022

Today we are talking about how to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are, whether at work or in any other situation.

Our guest is Fernanda Kelly, actress, entrepreneur and TV and radio host. While her career in media has been successful, Fernanda’s childhood dream was always to be an actress. Today, she opens up about what it took for her to grapple with that dream not coming true in the way she hoped, and how she used her Buddhist practice to deepen her faith in herself and become a person of action.

CHEAT SHEET

0:57 How and why Fernanda starting chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

3:13 The first benefits she saw from her practice

6:39 The internal shift she began to experience naturally

10:24 Where her dream of acting was born

12:29 How she dealt with the struggle of achieving this dream

18:36 What steps she took to open a new path for herself

21:45 What winning means

23:54 Her favorite Buddhist concept

25:20 What she’s working on now

27:00 Her “why”

28:49 Advice for anyone who might be feeling stuck right now

29:53 How having a sense of purpose helps us unlock our Buddhability

References mentioned:

Discussions on Youth, p. 10

To join this month’s chanting journey, sign up for our newsletter here.

What it means to value your life Jan 18, 2022

Today we’re talking about the amazing difference that a month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can make in your life, told through the story of Alex McClintock, of Hawaii.

Alex is currently a diver in the Coast Guard, one of the hardest careers to train for, but his story starts in his early 20s when he felt completely stagnant. After dropping out of college and feeling increasingly lost, Alex decided to try chanting for one month, just to see what happened. He quickly realized that he didn’t value his own life, and as he took the steps to build his confidence, he changed everything.

Note: To join our 31-day chanting journey beginning January 18, 2022, sign up here.

CHEAT SHEET

1:13 Introduction to Alex

1:24 Why Alex decided to try chanting for a month

5:08 Two things that changed right away

10:04 How he decided to join the Coast Guard

12:46 What the struggle to value his life looked like

17:00 Alex’s journey through dive school

23:25 How his Buddhist practice turned him into a person of action

29:23 The struggle to pass exams after dive school

34:37 The role of the Buddhist community in his transformation

38:27 His favorite Buddhist quote

40:34 Advice for anyone who wants to value their life more greatly

References:

“On Rebuking Slander of the Law,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 444
The New Human Revolution, vol. 16, p. 28

How to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a habit Jan 12, 2022

As we kick off our 31-day chanting Journey on January 18, today we are discussing how and why to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a daily habit.

Celize Christy, of Iowa, shares her own process of recommitting to her daily Buddhist practice over the last two years, as well as tips for chanting every day and what happens when you do.

Here’s the key point: In a world that can feel increasingly overwhelming and negative, it’s important to have ways we can refresh our spirit. That’s precisely what chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which Celiz calls the ultimate self-care, is for. It allows us to tap into the boundless reserves of courage, compassion and wisdom that we all have within us (in other words, Buddhability) to navigate life with confidence and self-belief. This, in turn, allows us to show up for other people as our best self. And in community, we can build a more hopeful world.

Note: To join our 31-day chanting journey beginning January 18, 2022, sign up here.

CHEAT SHEET

1:50 Introduction to Celize

5:25 Why she decided to recommit to her Buddhist practice

10:49 What chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo does

14:15 Why she decided to make it a daily habit

24:25 What an average morning chanting routine looks like

30:05 What sustainable happiness looks like

33:36 The importance of feeling worthy and capable

41:03 What it takes to be the protagonist of your own life

44:39 Celize's favorite Buddhist quote

46:02 Practical tips for making chanting a habit

References

Hope Is a Decision, pp. 3–5

Overcoming the need to control things Jan 05, 2022

Today we’re exploring what the power of a daily practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can really do for you, specifically if you struggle with feelings of helplessness, anxiety or a need to control things.

Will Moody, of New Orleans, shares his story of what Buddhism calls “human revolution,” or inner transformation, the process of tapping into your Buddhability on a daily basis to change your life and environment. After struggling with anxiety and a tendency to micromanage everyone in his environment, including himself, Will learned to replace his fear with belief in himself. Step by step, he saw his environment change profoundly.

CHEAT SHEET

1:31 Introduction to Will

1:56 How he was introduced to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and why he started

3:56 The early experiences that contributed to his anxiety

9:28 What changed when he started chanting

13:32 How he feels now

16:25 What his anxiety and need for control used to look like

22:57 How Buddhist study helped him transform his tendency

32:52 What change looked like for him

38:56 On setting intentions for relationships

45:02 What an average day looks like when you chant

50:46 Advice for anyone who is struggling with anxiety or feeling out of control

References Will mentioned:

“Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 141
A Foundation for Your Life, p. 65

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A short thank you from Buddhability! Dec 22, 2021

A short message to thank all of our amazing listeners and guests for a fantastic year! We’re taking a break for the holidays and will be back with a new episode on Monday, January 3. In the meantime, to sign-up for our weekly newsletter visit: https://buddhability.org/connect/

On Self-Love and Relationships Dec 13, 2021

Today we’re talking about self-love and relationships, and, specifically, how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can empower you to become the protagonist in all your relationships, whether they are romantic or family-oriented, or you just want to better how you interact with other people.

Marilena Ward, of Queens, New York, shares her story today, which begins with one of the toughest periods of her life, when she moved from Panama to New York by herself to learn English and begin a new life. On a deeper level, however, she was running away from a number of challenging relationships, including with her then-boyfriend and her family.

This is when she decided to start her Buddhist practice and quickly realized that she was the common denominator in all her relationships, and her tendency toward pessimism and anger was driving her unhappiness. So began a journey of profound inner transformation in which she used chanting to heal her own toxic relationship with herself, which caused ripple effects in all her other relationships.

Cheat Sheet

1:30 Introduction to Marilena
2:05 When and why she began practicing Buddhism
4:35 The hope that emerged from chanting
8:32 Her experience in a toxic relationship
10:50 How her journey of self-love began
13:03 The role the Buddhist community played in her transformation
16:32 How she changed on the inside
24:20 The Buddhist concept that took a huge weight off her shoulders
25:49 What karma into mission means
32:49 Three steps anyone can take to begin to tackle self-love
41:26 What Marilena’s vision for the future is
43:32 Advice for anyone struggling with self-love or relationships right now

References:
How you can practice self-love every day

How to stop seeking approval from others Dec 06, 2021

Consider any situation you’ve found yourself in where you felt like you couldn’t truly be yourself. Have you ever changed your behavior to fit in or impress others?

On this episode, we’re talking with Brandon Poythress, of Dallas, who struggled with exactly that from a young age. When he started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, he quickly discovered he was seeking approval from other people, which, in Buddhism, means you are seeking happiness outside yourself.

Today we’ll cover how to flip that script and turn inward to find yourself instead.

CHEAT SHEET

1:21 Introduction to Brandon

1:51 Why he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a teenager

4:21 How it helped him stop seeking approval from other people

7:42 What it took for him to make good friends

8:38 How he applied Buddhist philosophy to his situation

12:22 How he became comfortable with himself

18:36 What he decided to challenge next

27:34 Brandon’s vision for his 30s, 40s and 50s

32:55 What uncovering your Buddhability really means

37:48 Advice for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of seeking approval from others

Caring for someone who struggles to care for themself Nov 29, 2021

Today we are addressing a topic that’s universally challenging in close human relationships: How do you care for someone who struggles to care for themself? What if your belief in them is greater than their belief in themself?

To address these questions, we are speaking with Katie Thornber, of Los Angeles, who bravely shares a very personal journey she went through with her late father, and how she used her Buddhist practice to support him through the toughest time of his life.

This story is an incredible example of the Buddhist principle of the oneness of life and its environment.

CHEAT SHEET

1:09 Introduction to Katie and how she started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism

4:13 A little bit about her family and their experience with the financial crisis

6:05 How she decided to approach the situation

10:30 What her dad was going through

11:45 Why she turned to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo at this time

14:58 How she saw herself and her environment begin to change

19:25 Her dad’s health challenges and what it took to get him to a doctor

24:41 How he opened up to her

27:03 Why change always begins within

27:54 What Katie came to believe in

30:56 What freedom means in Buddhism

41:53 What the experience was like for Katie’s mom

45:50 How this experience impacted other aspects of her life

49:31 Advice to anyone who is struggling to support someone they care for

51:02 Words from Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda that Katie holds on to

References:

Video: The oneness of life and environment explained
Quote: Discussions on Youth, p. 27

Advice from Buddhist teens on social anxiety Nov 22, 2021

Today we're tackling social anxiety, which feels like it has become ubiquitous since the pandemic began. Social interactions seem to take more energy after being physically distanced for so long. The world feels more polarized and therefore, a bit more intimidating. And then there's the real fear of social interaction.

Given all of this, the approaching holiday season and the fact that many Americans are still adjusting to in-person school and work, we reached out to a few Buddhist teenagers to ask for their advice on how to deal with social anxiety.

CHEAT SHEET

0:55 What is social anxiety?

3:18 Meet Nico, Kimmy and Sudha

3:57 How they started practicing Buddhism

9:14 Their favorite Buddhist concepts

11:34 What it’s been like to go back to school

19:30 Their best advice for social anxiety

References:

ADAA: The COVID-19 Cycle: Social Anxiety and Withrdrawal in School-Aged Kids

ADAA: Social Anxiety During COVID-19

Buddhability: Why Buddhist Don’t Sweat Mistakes

Girls Night In: Questions to Ask a New Person

What you do isn’t who you are Nov 08, 2021

Today we speak with Los Angeles-based actor Luca Manganaro, who shares his intertwined journey with acting and Buddhism and the lessons he learned along the way.

Key takeaway: what you do, especially if you’re currently pursuing a big dream or goal that seems far away, isn’t who you are. Who you are is based on what you practice every day, how you show up in relationships, how you treat the people around you and what you base your self-worth on.

CHEAT SHEET

1:46 How Luca started practicing Buddhism

6:03 How chanting helped him transform a lifelong health challenge

13:27 How he decided to pursue acting in New York

21:05 What Buddhism taught him about dealing with the ups and downs of the business

30:25 Why he believes in having a Buddhist mentor

36:02 How he developed a foundation for his life through community

42:41 What caring for other people has to do with our own growth

51:27 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism who wants to feel fulfilled

Mentioned references:
A Buddhability Guide to Self-Love

Overcoming trauma and finding the will to live Nov 01, 2021

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses trauma and attempted suicide.

Today’s episode is about mental health. Our guest is Tanushree Salvi of Boise, Idaho, who started her practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism when she came to the U.S. for school and was introduced to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo by a college roommate.

Tanushree shares the story of how she was able to take the steps to take care of her own mental health through a combination of professional support and her Buddhist practice, as well as how she learned to value her own life and unique beauty.

CHEAT SHEET

1:02 Introduction to Tanushree

2:18 How she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:18 The first changes she witnessed in herself

13:09 Tanushree’s struggle with her mental health

15:10 The steps she took after being hospitalized

17:28 How she found the right therapist

20:01 How her inner determination to heal impacted her environment

21:54 What “kosen-rufu” means and how it helps us give meaning to our struggles

27:18 How she used Buddhism and therapy to heal

32:32 What it takes to have compassion for yourself

34:49 How she’s doing now

41:28 Her favorite Buddhist concept (see: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, pg. 125-6)

43:46 Advice for anyone currently struggling with their mental health

45:40 A closing quote from Ikeda

References mentioned:

Finding your purpose in college Oct 25, 2021

Today we’re talking about college: how hard it can be to decide where to go and what to pursue, and how to find your purpose while there.

Our guest is Josef Gaudiesus, a football coach and high school teacher in Texas, who shares his own journey of getting into college and how beginning his Buddhist practice while there helped him find confidence, a winning attitude and a sense of purpose.

CHEAT SHEET

1:32 How Josef got introduced to Buddhism

2:17 How he decided to become a teacher and football coach

5:25 What his own struggles in high school and college were

12:34 The goals he set when he starting chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in college

24:06 How he accomplished all three goals

26:45 What it means to win in Buddhism

29:31 What his vision is for the young people he is teaching

38:43 How he sees his purpose

46:28 Advice for anyone who is feeling unsure about what steps to take to move their life forward

Healing family rifts when you don’t share beliefs Oct 18, 2021

Today we’re talking about family and what to do if you just can’t reconcile differences with them.

Our guests are sisters Lauren and Molly Leebove from Michigan, whose intertwined stories of beginning their Buddhist practice and transforming their relationship with their parents are rich with lessons on what Buddhability looks like in a family setting.

CHEAT SHEET

1:22 Quote from Daisaku Ikeda in The New Human Revolution, vol. 26 p. 203–4.

2:04 Introduction to Molly and Lauren

2:54 How Molly started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism

5:45 What Lauren’s reaction was to her sister’s practice and why she started her own

7:37 What it was like growing up eight years apart

12:08 Lauren’s struggle with her mental health in college

17:28 How they both ended up back home in Michigan

19:37 How Molly decided to challenge her struggle with being home

21:44 The Buddhist concept “transforming karma into mission”

24:12 How Lauren’s life changed when she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

26:43 Why caring for others can be so healing

30:42 What it takes to set aside political or social differences

39:31 How Lauren transformed rejection into shared love

44:56 How starting fresh in every moment can change relationship dynamics

51:58 What uniting for family harmony looks like

56:31 How Buddhism changed my sister

61:06 Advice for anyone struggling with a family rift

Trailer: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained Oct 11, 2021

Today we have a trailer for a new video that we just released: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained.

Can I actually influence what’s happening around me for the better? Do I really have control over my circumstances? At times it may seem like we don’t have much say in how our lives will go. But Buddhism teaches that people and their surroundings are interconnected. This is a key concept to understand on your Buddhability journey, in order to realize that we are the protagonists of our lives, not bystanders.

Four reminders if you’re looking for a fresh start Oct 04, 2021

To celebrate our 40th episode and one year since we launched Buddhability, we’re looking back at highlights from past episodes.

Reflecting on the feelings described by social psychologist Amy Cuddy and writer JillEllyn Riley in their recent article about “pandemic flux syndrome” we consider 4 tips on how to refresh yourself if you’re feeling worn out or anxious.

Episodes referenced:

Episode 7: Winning morning, winning life

Episode 24: On boundaries and true self-care

Episode 32: Navigating death and illness

Episode 3: Buddhism, therapy and how people actually change

How to make an internal shift when you’re feeling disconnected Sep 27, 2021

Today we’re addressing a feeling that can be experienced universally: feeling disconnected from yourself. Sometimes, our life looks pretty good on paper and we’re lucky enough to have meaningful work and relationships, but still, deep inside, we feel…nothing.

Our guest is Rodrigo Carvalhedo, an animator and writer based in Los Angeles who started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism a few years ago, when he moved to the U.S. from Brazil to pursue an artistic career.

Ever since then, he has been taking steps forward in his career, but halfway through the pandemic, he started to feel a deep sense of inertia. You know, that feeling that you’re going through the motions, and while you look okay, inside, you’re really struggling?

We discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the essential practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism, can help you reconnect with yourself and find a sense of purpose again.

CHEAT SHEET

2:40 How Rodrigo discovered Buddhism through Instagram

4:40 What motivated him to dive into the practice

7:27 How he saw himself change once he started chanting

10:45 The roots of his dream to become a writer and animator

15:06 How the daily practice of chanting affected his work, both internally and externally

20:32 When the inertia and emptiness set in during the pandemic

23:23 What he did to address his feelings

26:27 What happiness means in Buddhism

30:32 How he reconnected with his practice

35:36 A Buddhist quote that captures his experience

37:12 How making an internal shift translated to a shift in his environment

39:28 Advice for anyone who is feeling disconnected or empty right now

Becoming proud of where you’re from Sep 21, 2021

Today we’re speaking with Krystal Kalima, a 22-year-old college student from Hawai’i who started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism when she was in high school.

Krystal’s story is a lesson in what it takes to overcome shame and become proud of where you’re from. Growing up, she and her mom experienced extreme financial hardship, which led her to feel ashamed about sharing her circumstances with other people.

Around this time, she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to address the deeper feelings she held about her circumstances, and one by one, she tackled each thing that made her feel less than, turning each one into fuel for her dreams.

CHEAT SHEET

1:28 Introduction to Krystal

2:07 How she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

5:48 The financial challenges she faced growing up

12:58 The epiphany that helped her change her perspective

15:48 How she began to tackle feelings of shame through her Buddhist practice

21:14 How her family’s situation started to change

24:55 What it means to transform family karma

26:08 How she decided what to challenge next

30:29 Battling her own self-doubt

35:05 Battling stigma in her environment

42:58 How being part of a Buddhist community has helped her become who she is

47:46 Advice for anyone struggling with feelings of shame or powerlessness about their background

The Strokes’ Nikolai Fraiture on Buddhism, music and collaboration Sep 13, 2021

Today we’re talking about music and creativity with special guest Nikolai Fraiture, who is best known for being the bassist of The Strokes.

He also created a new theme song for Buddhability, which we’re so excited for you to hear!

Nikolai started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is the core practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism, just a few years ago. Today he shares how he has seen his Buddhist practice impact his life and his work.

Plus, this year, which is the 20th anniversary of their breakout album, Is This It, The Strokes won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their newest album titled The New Abnormal. Nikolai discusses his experience recording the album, as well as his journey with the band from the age of 19.

CHEAT SHEET

0:35 Buddhability’s new theme song by Nikolai Fraiture

2:13 How Nikolai started practicing Buddhism

5:03 How chanting first felt to him

6:49 The changes he noticed in himself

10:33 How Nikolai got into music as a teenager

15:02 The first two years of being The Strokes

18:38 What the hardest part of the creative process is

22:35 How he dealt with his health challenges

30:03 How Buddhism helped him change preconceived notions and judgments

33:47 When his bandmates noticed he 37:21 The evolution of his creative process as a musician

43:12 How Buddhism resonates with what he learned from one of his first bass teachers

48:25 What went into recording The New Abnormal

52:20 Key concepts from Buddhism and basketball

56:36 Advice for aspiring young musicians

59:30 How Nikolai’s relationship with his brother changed due to Buddhism

1:07:28 Where to check out Arts Elektra

How to be yourself when you’re put in a box Sep 04, 2021

Today’s episode is about the power of believing in yourself, even if the people around you don’t.

Having the courage to pursue the life you want isn’t easy, and it’s especially hard when the people around you put you in a box, or limit what they believe you can do. But Buddhism teaches us how to live a life of unlimited courage.

Our guest is Jenny Ye, of Michigan who started her practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism as a teenager in South Korea.

After being given little choice about her career options because of her gender, she decided to chant to transform her relationship with her family and believe in her own dreams.

Today, she shares that journey and how, after conquering her fears back home, she was able to navigate entering a male-dominated industry in the United States, where she faced similar disbelief. Still, she won over it all.

CHEAT SHEET

2:07 Why Jenny started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

4:08 How she knew chanting worked

5:13 How her relationship with her father changed

10:40 What it took to begin a new career-path on her own terms

17:35 How she dealt with feeling like an outsider in the U.S.

19:55 How she learned to believe in herself

24:20 Her favorite Buddhist concept about individuality

28:37 Her dream for the future

30:37 How her dad feels about her Buddhist practice now

33:32 Advice for anyone who feels limited by their environment or circumstances

Join us Saturday for a Buddhability Talk! Aug 25, 2021

You’re invited to a conversation hosted by Buddhability on how to overcome negative self-talk. We teamed up with Celebrity Makeup Artist Janice Kinjo, Former NFL Player Josh Scobey and Learning Behavior Specialist Jennifer Cook who will share their stories of overcoming self-doubt and negative self talk.

When: Saturday, August 28, 2021 @ 11am PT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET

Register here: https://buddhability.org/practice/buddhability-talk-how-to-overcome-negative-self-talk/

How to get unstuck from a monotonous daily life Aug 14, 2021

Today we’re talking about work and more specifically, how to deal with feeling stuck. If you're feeling trapped by your job or routine, or if you have a secret dream that you haven't yet had the courage to pursue, this episode is for you.

Our guest is Clara Kitongo, a young woman who started practicing Buddhism at a time when she was really feeling stuck in her career and life. Her journey with chanting opened up an entirely new perspective on what a creative life means, and now she's living the life she always wanted.

CHEAT SHEET

1:04 Introduction to Clara

3:27 How she got stuck in a "treadmill type existence"

6:04 What her dreams had been before she got stuck

7:44 When and why she started practicing Buddhism

11:36 How to become free from the chains of your own mind

17:45 How she found her place in the workforce after school

33:39 How she dealt with her pain along the journey

35:36 What Buddhism says about opening the door to your life

42:18 What a creative life really means

44:49 How to deal with the opinions of others

49:55 Advice for anyone feeling afraid to open the door to their own life

Vinessa Shaw on acting, perfectionism and success Aug 07, 2021

Today’s episode is an in-depth conversation with actor Vinessa Shaw, who is known for her success as a child actor in movies such as Ladybugs and Hocus Pocus and then, as an adult, in Eyes Wide Shut and most recently, 12 Mighty Orphans, which is in theaters.

Vinessa has been practicing Buddhism since childhood, and today she shares her honest experience dealing with success at a young age, struggling with perfectionism and finding true self-worth.

She also shares advice on auditioning and rejection for actors, and her three favorite Buddhist quotes.

CHEAT SHEET

1:59 Why Vinessa started practicing Buddhism

7:06 How she got into acting and the challenges of success as a child actor

24:28 The role that chanting played in dealing with depression and anxiety

33:45 What is self-esteem when you’re in the spotlight?

40:07 How Buddhism helped her navigate taking a break from acting

47:30 How she feels about acting now

51:38 How chanting helped her battle negative self-talk

57:32 Advice on rejection, especially for actors

64:01 Being in rhythm and how she got 12 Mighty Orphans

66:58 Three Buddhist quotes on believing in yourself

Overcoming negative self-talk… and other chanting tips Jul 31, 2021

Tomorrow, we are kicking off our 31-Day Chanting Journey so today’s episode is filled with practical tips and advice on how to make the most of it, especially if one of your reasons for doing it is to address negative self-talk.

Out guest is Erin Harris, who grew up practicing Buddhism in the Bay Area. Erin’s own story is so moving. She grew up with a stutter and at a young age, realized that the only time she felt she could really be her authentic self and not stutter was while chanting. Today, she breaks down how chanting works, and how it can help address questions of self-esteem, inner negativity and making every day a quality one.

If you’re listening to this in August, join the chanting journey by signing up for our daily newsletter at www.buddhability.org.

You’ll get daily prompts that you can combine with your chanting to fuel your growth, a downloadable calendar, as well as inspiration from others in the Buddhability community.

CHEAT SHEET

1:47 How Erin started practicing Buddhism

3:15 Her experience with stuttering and how chanting helped

6:18 How to chant and what it means

9:02 The purpose of the Gohonzon and your altar

10:47 What you can chant about

15:02 Some tips on intention-setting if you are just starting out

18:28 The role of the Buddhist community

22:25 How to address negative self-talk

26:35 Erin's own experiences overcoming negative self-talk through a chanting challenge

32:18 Where to start if your struggle with self-esteem feels overwhelming

39:01 Why it is important to be consistent with chanting

42:16 One piece of advice for anyone starting the chanting journey

A 31-Day Buddhability Journey Jul 25, 2021

Just a short announcement today to share that starting August 1 we are doing another 31-Day Buddhability Journey where we invite you to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the month of August! Sign up at www.buddhability.org/journey

Navigating Death and Illness Jul 17, 2021

Today we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances are different, our guest, Jonathan Teran, shares his family's story, and the takeaways feel truly universal.

In August 2020, Jonathan lost his father to pulmonary fibrosis, and today he shares how his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the journey, from finding him care, to supporting him during hospice, to dealing with the grief that came afterward.

On top of all of this, his father’s battle took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, all while Jonathan himself was in his first few months as a resident physician.

CHEAT SHEET

1:30 How Jonathan started practicing Buddhism

4:16 Why he decided to pursue a career in medicine

10:29 His father's battle with illness

17:30 How his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the experience

24:15 What they learned by studying Buddhism together

30:04 What his darker moments felt like and how chanting helped

35:06 How he is navigating grief

38:52 The impact it had on his work as a doctor

45:54 How chanting can help you bring out your best self

49:42 What his dream is for the future

51:38 Advice for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one

On self-respect and love in relationships Jul 10, 2021

Today we are talking about relationships and specifically addressing a few questions that we’ve received from listeners, which are: How do I decide if the person I’m with is the one? What does Buddhism say about creating a healthy long-term relationship? And how can I support my partner while also supporting myself?

Our guest is Faith Jones, a young woman whose journey with Buddhism is intertwined with her relationship experience. Practicing Buddhism helped her identify a tendency to seek happiness based on external validation, not only in relationships but also at work and in other situations. She shares her story today, which is filled with so many practical insights, applicable to relationships of all kinds.

CHEAT SHEET

2:17 How Faith encountered Buddhism through her partner

6:28 Why she started chanting

8:19 Her pattern of seeking validation through relationships

12:48 The story of her relationship with Cole

22:14 What it was like to support his transition and go through her own transformation

25:25 How she chanted through the process

28:48 How to support your partner without controlling them

35:10 How to decide to be with someone for the long term

41:24 Navigating feeling erased by someone else’s story

43:58 Her favorite Buddhist concept

48:10 Advice to anyone who might be feeling insecure in their relationship

How to overcome resistance in creative work Jul 02, 2021

Today we’re discussing creative work, but the lessons apply to virtually anything in your life that brings out feelings of resistance, fear or self-doubt.

Our guest is Monica Ong, a Connecticut-based visual poet and designer. She’s been practicing Buddhism ever since discovering it on study abroad in high school and our conversation today is filled with practical insights on how to navigate a creative career as a Buddhist.

Monica’s own story is about identity and paving her own way as a visual poet. In 2015, her book, Silent Anatomies, was selected by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo as the winner of the Kore Press First Book Award in poetry.

On this episode, she shares about her journey as a Buddhist and a creative, as well as how chanting helped her navigate the pandemic, when she struggled deeply with sleep issues and health.

Key takeaway: Chanting and taking small, consistent steps to tackle our self-doubt can help us create the life and work we are proudest of, no matter what others might think.

CHEAT SHEET

1:32 Introduction to Monica's work

2:44 How she became a visual poet

6:53 When and why she started practicing Buddhism

11:08 How chanting impacted her creative work and path

15:36 Dealing with insomnia during the pandemic

23:55 How she has challenged self-doubt and resistance

33:18 Balancing work, art and family all at once

40:35 Navigating the desire for validation as an artist

47:47 Her favorite Buddhist teaching

50:03 What she's working on now, and a poem about Vera Rubin

Note: In the poem about Vera Rubin that Monica reads at the end of the show, she refers to an excerpt from this article.

Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality Jun 26, 2021

Six years ago today, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage, a monumental achievement after a more than 25-year battle across the country.

Recently, journalist Sasha Issenberg published a riveting, comprehensive history of that struggle, titled The Engagement: America’s Quarter Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage, tracing it back to 1990, when the political movement took off with a case in the Hawaii Supreme Court.

At that point, Issenberg explains, no significant gay rights group had endorsed marriage as an objective. But, in 1990, when three same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses in Honolulu and were denied, they turned to a lawyer named Dan Foley. Less than three years later, the Hawaii Supreme Court became the first court in the world to conclude that queer couples’ freedom to marry was a basic civil right. The rest is a fascinating and groundbreaking history of the national journey toward June 26, 2015.

Today we are speaking with that lawyer, Dan Foley, who practices SGI Nichiren Buddhism. He shares his journey through the case, and how Buddhism can you help you win, no matter what your fight is.

CHEAT SHEET

3:20 Dan’s work as a lawyer and judge

6:13 When and why he started practicing Buddhism

9:25 A short history of the same-sex marriage case in Hawaii

17:01 The impact it had on the rest of the country

21:28 The role that chanting played in his work

26:17 Why he didn’t give up

30:46 The growth he had to go through along the way

37:00 How anyone can tap into their Buddhability and make a difference

38:27 How to summon compassion and respect in a system that is unjust

45:18 Advice to anyone struggling to believe they can make a real difference

Never giving up on your dream May 28, 2021

Today we're talking about how not to give up on your dream.

Even if we discover our dream job or purpose at a young age, on the path to pursuing it, we often have to grapple with our own self-doubt, tough decisions, and at times, challenging and unexpected obstacles.

Today we’re talking to Michael Cornell, a 5th-grade teacher in New York City. After struggling with anxiety and depression during graduate school, and then facing the realities of education in NYC, his journey in education became more and more challenging. But when he discovered Buddhism along the way, chanting helped him expand his own vision for education and develop the spirit to do his best at every task in front of him.

Key takeaway: Our environment doesn’t need to dictate whether we feel we are on the right path or not. Rather, by tapping into our Buddhability through chanting, we can create the conditions to advance toward our dreams, no matter what’s happening around us.

CHEAT SHEET

1:24 How Michael discovered his passion for education
4:21 Why he was drawn to Buddhism
10:58 What his vision for education was
14:23 How chanting impacted his daily life
32:41 What a value-creation based vision for education looks like
39:01 How to create the conditions for trust and success
46:20 The award Michael is currently up for

Taking the steps to respect your own life May 22, 2021

Today we’re talking to Lorenna Garcia-Bochas, a young woman in Georgia who grew up around the Buddhist community and chanting. Her own practice developed when she started college and faced some major challenges in her family and with her own mental health, which drove her to dig deep into her own heart to find a way forward.

We cover a lot today: how to grapple with multiple identities and feeling like you don’t fit anywhere; how to take care of your family when they are struggling; and how to find the courage to seek help for your mental health, if that’s what you need.

Ultimately, Lorenna’s story is an amazing example of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can be fuel for taking steady steps to respect your own life, which includes resolving doubt and pain, establishing a dream for the future and taking great care of yourself.

(Note: No information on this episode should be considered medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for any questions related to treatment for mental health issues.)

CHEAT SHEET

1:30 How Lorenna grew up

6:50 Why she started practicing Buddhism

8:30 The family challenges that drove her practice

11:59 What her day-to-day struggle looked like

21:46 How her expectations for herself started to change

25:25 How she changed her experience of school

30:28 What it took to believe in herself

33:46 How she found her dream career path

40:24 The challenges she faced being mixed-race

43:17 Transforming shame

45:34 Her favorite Buddhist concept

48:41 What it took to ask for help for her mental health

56:52 Advice for her younger self and anyone listening

Join Us for a 7 Day Refresh! May 15, 2021

Today we have a short announcement about Buddhability’s upcoming 7 Day Refresh, starting Monday, May 17. Sign up at www.buddhability.org.

On Boundaries and True Self-Care May 09, 2021

Today we are covering one of our most highly requested topics: boundaries and self-care.

Our guest is Jessica Riley, a mental health specialist in Florida, who most recently was a military psychologist. After struggling deeply with setting boundaries, an overwhelming workload and an inability to really take care of herself, she started chanting about her situation and came to a major realization about herself that changed everything. We’ll cover how she navigated her own experience and why caring for others doesn’t have to require sacrifice.

Also, an announcement: For anyone struggling with well-being, self-care or burnout, starting Monday May 17 join us for a 7-Day Refresh on Buddhability! For a whole week, you’ll get daily newsletters with prompts, tips and advice on how to refresh yourself to protect your health, from a Buddhist perspective. To join, just sign up for our newsletter.

CHEAT SHEET

1:28 Jessica's journey to become a military psychologist

6:31 Why she turned to chanting

15:08 What the daily workload felt like

25:36 Two Buddhist concepts that shifted her perspective

27:45 How she found time to chant

31:12 What she realized about herself

41:36 What happened after she decided to prioritize self-care and boundaries

41:15 What believing in yourself looks like in practice

50:22 Advice for anyone struggling with self-worth or burnout

Building a career you love Apr 24, 2021

Today we're talking about careers, a topic that we plan to cover from many different perspectives on future episodes.

Our guest is Louise Ocasion, who started practicing Buddhism when she was in college and struggling with a deep sense of confusion about what to do with her life. Today, she’s a corporate executive who has worked at some of the biggest entertainment companies in the world, but the journey to get here was filled with twists and turns. In short, it’s all about how to develop true confidence in your own voice, and true humility if you do achieve success, especially in a competitive environment.

Key Takeaway: Inner transformation is a never-ending process, and along with being relentless in your efforts to achieve your goals, truly believing in yourself means looking honestly at what’s holding you back on the inside, as much as on the outside.

Cheat Sheet

1:24 Louise’s childhood as an immigrant

4:20 Why she started chanting in college

12:45 What it feels like to compare yourself to other people

13:59 How chanting helped her get through school

16:20 How she found her way to marketing

20:52 The concept of beauty, benefit and good

31:31 How she dealt with negative feedback

44:33 Advice for anyone who is trying to build their career right now

Trailer: What is enlightenment? Apr 16, 2021

Instead of an episode this week, we have an announcement! Based on your requests, we just published a video explainer on enlightenment. Find it on Buddhability's YouTube or Instagram, or at this link.

How to turn your circumstances into your purpose Apr 09, 2021

Today’s episode is about a key Buddhist concept, which teaches that where you are right now is exactly the place you need to be to fulfill your purpose, as long as you're willing to dig deep into your heart and let the courage out.

We speak with Dori Colly, a young mother in North Carolina. On the surface, hers is a story about the challenges she went through to buy a house. But what's most incredible about her experience practicing Buddhism is how she courageously opened her heart, despite many traumatic experiences, to put down roots in a community that she never wanted to stay in the first place, because of how volatile and unsafe it felt.

Today, many of her family members live on the same block and are working together to transform the community in which they live.

CHEAT SHEET

0:19 Introduction to today’s topic
2:16 Dori’s story
5:53 What made her decide to start practicing Buddhism consistently
7:40 Her journey to buy a house
14:13 How winning in the morning became the key to transforming her disbelief
16:50 What chanting can do
18:42 How she’s been able to support a child with autism
24:49 How chanting helped her transform family discord
26:46 How chanting helped her transform how she felt towards the world
30:58 How she reunited with her dad and moved him in next door
32:46 What her dream became after purchasing the house
40:16 The role that having supportive friends has played
40:41 Advice for anyone who feels beat down by their environment right now
42:55 The moment Dori’s heart shifted from not wanting to stay in North Carolina to taking full responsibility for her community

How to stop comparing yourself to others Apr 03, 2021

Today we are discussing a question that comes up a lot: How do I stop comparing myself to other people? It can be a real struggle, especially if you feel like the people around you are better or farther ahead than you in some way. Here’s an article we did on the subject, called Feel like you're falling behind?

Our guest today is Harrison Tsao, who started practicing Buddhism in high school because he was deeply struggling with anxiety and depression, stemming from the fact that he found school really challenging, and was constantly being compared to his twin brother. It’s a really inspiring story: Once he started chanting, he took steady steps to find his own path forward and discovered his dream of becoming a chef. Then Covid-19 happened. Still, he never gave up. (You're gonna wanna to listen to the end on this one.)

Cheat Sheet

00:13 Introduction to today’s topic

2:17 Why Harrison started practicing Buddhism

6:45 What it was like growing up as a twin

9:41 His journey toward college and finding his dream

15:41 How Covid-19 impacted his path

18:32 How having a Buddhist community helped him navigate his path forward

22:28 The quote that changed his life

24:38 How he started setting goals for himself

29:59 Advice for anyone who feels like other people are farther ahead in life

31:59 Where Harrison is now

Join Us Friday for a Buddhability Community Talk! Mar 24, 2021

Appreciate the Buddhability content but want to hear from people actually practicing Buddhism? We teamed up with members of our Buddhist community to present a new online series hosted by Buddhability. The first one is this Friday and we're talking about how to refresh yourself when you feel burned out.

Join us Friday, March 26 at 9 a.m. PT, 11 a.m. CT, 12 p.m. ET.
Register here: https://buddhability.org/practice/live/

Finding happiness while living with chronic illness Mar 19, 2021

On this episode, we discuss living with chronic health challenges, be it physical or mental health. Jenny Ohrstrom, who has been seeking treatment for Lyme disease for nearly 8 years, shares her story of learning how to find happiness despite living with painful, unpredictable symptoms.

While everyone's experience with illness is different, for chronic illness, the battle is as much about managing the symptoms and seeking treatment as it about finding a way to value your life on daily basis, especially when you feel no hope.

Key takeaway: Tapping into Buddhability can simply mean tapping into real, deep, courageous happiness, in the face of pain. Unlike positivity, sustainable happiness comes from cultivating a life state that enables us to never give up or give in to hopelessness.

CHEAT SHEET

1:38 Introduction to Jenny and her Buddhist practice

4:28 How she found out she had Lyme

14:40 Why it was so bad

17:07 How chanting helped her navigate the journey

23:32 What the doctors told her

24:38 How she defines recovery

27:18 What happiness means on a daily basis

33:02 Advice for anyone feeling defeated by chronic or long-term illness

Being new parents (in a pandemic) Mar 12, 2021

Today we are talking about being new parents, which is a topic that's been requested by many listeners. Savini and Piper, college sweethearts from India who moved to New York City in their 20’s, share the story of having their first child in September 2019, just 6 months before the pandemic began.

They've had to navigate a lot: not only grappling with a new identity and sense of responsibility, but also navigating covid and some unexpected health challenges their son was born with.

Key takeaway: If you’re a new parent or thinking of becoming one, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can help you build emotional and spiritual muscle to take on anything life throws your way.

CHEAT SHEET

00:19 Today’s topic
1:38 Introduction to Savini and Piper
6:48 Navigating fear of parenthood
10:25 The story of Maadhav’s birth
13:40 How they chanted while pregnant
18:25 How they navigated unexpected health challenges
24:58 What it means to build resilience and confidence over time
39:18 The hardest parts of parenting
42:48 An amazing analogy for your capacity as a person
47:19 Advice for new parents
49:14 What chanting just 5 minutes can do
53:20 Guest appearance by Maadhav

Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 2) Mar 03, 2021

We are back with part 2 of last week’s episode, which is all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over Zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together.

In part 2, we share Karina’s story of facing and transforming her past with support from her Buddhist friends, as well as advice for anyone who has just finished the 28 Day Buddhability Journey.

If you would like to connect to a local Buddhist community virtually in your area, email us! And to subscribe to our newsletter, sign up here.

Cheat Sheet

0:29 Voicemails and messages from listeners who completed the 28-day journey

6:35 Karina’s Story

31:19 Advice on what to do after you’ve started chanting

Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 1) #struggleictory Feb 27, 2021

We have a two-part episode for you today, all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together.

After all, research shows that giving help to others by listening and providing empathy and encouragement, gives us positive emotional and cognitive benefits in return.

On this episode, Caitlin, Jahmela and Karina walk us through their own experience doing just that. Part 1 covers what to expect at Buddhist meetings, what the purpose of the community is and how Caitlin and Jahmela were able to give and gain support in their own local communities. And next week, we’ll be back with part 2 about Karina's story of facing and transforming her past with support from her Buddhist friends, as well as advice for anyone who has just finished the 28-Day Buddhability Journey.

If you would like to connect to a local Buddhist community virtually in your area, email us at connect@sgi-usa.org.

Cheat Sheet

1:36 Introduction to Caitlin, Jahmela and Karina

12:26 What to expect when you go to a Buddhist meeting

17:04 Caitlin's Story

32:28 Jahmela’s Story

40:53 Coming up on Part 2

How’s chanting going? (Journey Check-in) Feb 19, 2021

This week, we wanted to check in with everyone who is currently doing the 28 Day Buddhability Journey. (Remember, it’s not too late to jump in. Even a week of chanting can feel amazing!)

Tell us how it’s going! If you’ve been chanting this month, send us a brief voice memo to podcast@sgi-usa.org sharing 1 thing you have learned or noticed so far during the chanting challenge. If you want to share your story with us in greater depth, put that in the email too and we might reach out to interview you! In March, we’ll do an episode recapping the challenge and we’ll play your messages on it.

Six Questions About Love Feb 13, 2021

Today we’re answering listener questions about love and relationships. We called up 3 people from our Buddhist community who have been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for a while now—Abby from Oakland, Rah'mad from Washington, D.C., and Erika from New Jersey—and asked them their honest answers to your questions. The episode covers everything from what it takes to leave a bad relationship and how to move on when you do, to how to find your life partner and know if they are the one. You can listen all the way through or use the cheat sheet below to skip to specific questions.

Cheat Sheet

1:36 Introduction to Abby

3:53 How can I get myself to leave a relationship that I know isn’t healthy?

19:32 How do I move on after a relationship ends?

24:56 Introduction to Rah'mad

28:26 How can I deal with unreciprocated love?

37:25 Help, I keep running into my ex.

41:32 What Buddhist idea or teaching should I base my relationships on?

44:59 Introduction to Erika

47:31 How should I chant about finding a life partner, and how will I know if they are the one?

Everything you need to know about chanting Feb 04, 2021

Today we are covering some of the basics of Buddhism for anyone who might be new to chanting or simply wants a refresher. We speak with Ryan Hayashi, who starting chanting in high school, when he was going through some pretty serious challenges. Now, over 10 years later, he’s an amazing high school math teacher in Arizona and also really active in the local Buddhist community there.

If you’re new, we recommend listening to this episode all the way through, but if you just want to skip around for answers to your questions, see the cheat sheet below for timestamps.

Cheat Sheet

0:16 On how to join the February Buddhability Journey
2:41 The basics of chanting Nam-myoho-renge kyo: how, when, for how long
4:24 Should I be thinking about something while chanting?
7:15 Is chanting the same as meditation?
9:01 How does chanting make you feel? What changes will I see?
11:36 How chanting impacted Ryan’s day-to-day life as a teacher
14:54 Why chant in the first place?
17:22 What is Buddhability? What are we trying to tap into by chanting?
20:33 How is SGI Nichiren Buddhism different from other forms of Buddhism?
25:50 What’s the point of having a Buddhist community?
30:39 How does my daily practice connect to changing the world?
30:04 What if I chant and don’t feel or see any changes?
16:20 Tips for those trying chanting for the first time

My First Days Chanting, A Buddhability Journey Jan 28, 2021

We are excited to announce something special today—the 28 Day Buddhability Journey—which we’re kicking off on February 1. It’s a monthlong challenge to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day for however long you'd like, and it’s open to anyone, whether you’re brand new to chanting or just want a reason to refresh your practice.
Sign up at buddhability.org/journey for all the details!

Before we start the journey together, we thought it would helpful to talk to someone who is currently on this journey herself. So we called up Shannon Griffin, 26, of Philadelphia, who started chanting in March, right at the beginning of the pandemic.

Cheat Sheet

0:22 Introducing The Buddhability Journey
1:58 The first time Shannon ever chanted
2:55 Why she decided to try chanting every day
6:36 What the initial days felt like
11:13 How she decided what to chant about
13:56 The changes she started seeing in her daily life
17:49 A Buddhist concept that stood out to her
21:20 How Shannon came to define her own Buddhability
23:43 How she set goals for 2021
26:47 Advice for anyone who is thinking about doing the Buddhability Journey

When you feel like you don’t belong anywhere Jan 19, 2021

Feeling like you fit in is hard, especially when you have many different identities. If you’ve ever felt like you put on a different mask every place you go, this episode is for you. We speak with Falcon Sang, a young artist from L.A., about how practicing Buddhism helped him find himself.

Key takeaway: If you’re willing to dig deeper, you’ll find that Buddhability is universal, and it can help you connect with anyone.

Cheat sheet:

00:30 Announcement: Send us your questions about love

1:13 Introduction to the episode

2:02 A little bit about Falcon’s childhood

6:26 Why it’s important to know who you are

7:26 How his childhood made him feel

9:58 Where he went looking for answers

18:07 Why Buddhism clicked for him

22:38 How loneliness can be turned into a source of strength

23:27 How Falcon’s anger started changing

27:28 How he found a sense of purpose

32:16 The passage that changed his life

37:32 His dream for the future

What Buddhism and Design Have in Common Jan 12, 2021

In our first conversation of 2021, we speak with designer and architect James Ludwig, VP of Global Design and Product Engineering for Steelcase Inc., the world’s leading designer of office furniture. He’s also been practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism for a very long time.

We discussed what design and Buddhism have in common, which is a lot, and how, at the beginning of a new year and new decade, we can think about designing our lives and solving big problems.

Cheatsheet
1:52 The design he's most proud of
3:42 What he does day to day
5:46 Growing up in a farm town
7:41 How he started practicing Buddhism
8:53 How he found a path to industrial design
10:03 What industrial design is
11:22 Uncovering problems to solve through design
13:46 Design example: reducing medical error
15:35 How pain points can become opportunities
16:27 What design and Buddhism have in common
18:01 Iterating your way toward big goals
19:09 How to work with other people better
20:29 What "human revolution" means in Buddhism
21:10 The three keys to breaking through in life and design
23:24 How to think about "the now, the near and the far"
25:58 Designing for the future when the present is stressful
29:11 James' experience developing a team through care
35:35 Curiosity is more valuable than knowledge in approaching life
37:40 How to generate options in your life through your own transformation
38:49 Advice for anyone who feels like they haven't tapped into their full potential yet
40:48 The difference between being bold and courageous
42:22 How to set intentions or goals at the beginning of a year
43:50 Envisioning yourself as one part of an ecosystem
45:57 Advice for anyone who is ready to design their life
47:10 A final thought on creating what's never been created before

You Asked, We Answered: 3 Tips for Starting or Continuing Your Practice Jan 05, 2021

Happy New Year from the team at Buddhability! As promised, today we are answering 3 listener questions about your Buddhability, which were submitted to us by voicemail over the last couple of weeks.

Cheatsheet:
2:20 How to get over the guilt of chanting for things you want
8:12 How to help your loved ones become happy
13:25 What if I don’t chant everyday?

Have a question for Buddhability? Send us a voice memo! Dec 18, 2020

We’re taking a short break for the holidays but our year-end episode will feature answers to a few listener-submitted questions about anything you want to ask about your own Buddhability. All you have to do is email a voice memo to podcast@sgi-usa.org of no more than two minutes, sharing your name, where you’re located, what your question is and any context you want to share. A few selected voice memos will be included in the podcast, so please only submit if you’re comfortable having it shared! Deadline: December 27.

How to find your place within your family Dec 11, 2020

As we enter into a most unusual holiday season, we’re thinking a lot about what family means and how tapping into your Buddhability can impact your loved ones. If you’ve ever felt unsure of your place in your family, or like you wish you could connect with them better, this story is worth a listen. Priya Gunaseharan shares the story of how she found her own voice by helping her grandmother find hers, entirely through a series of phone calls. Key takeaway: If you try your best to accept others the way they are, you’ll find you can finally do the same for yourself.

Cheat sheet:
00:35 Introduction to the episode
3:25 How Priya started chanting
5:17 Why she struggled to express herself within her family
9:18 How she decided to start calling her grandma
14:47 What to do when you love someone who can be also hurtful
18:03 What Priya chanted about
24:46 What her dream for her family is
28:04 What she learned about her grandmother
29:58 How Priya feels in her family now

How small goals add up to big dreams Dec 04, 2020

This week’s episode is about how to build the confidence to pursue a big dream. Seon Yeop Jung shares how he using chanting and goal-setting to rebuild the confidence he lost due to bullying. By pursuing one small goal after another, he discovered his dream of being a scientist and educator. Key takeaway: If you don’t believe in yourself right now because of whatever you may have faced in the past, it’s OK. Just start wherever you are with one small goal and you’ll discover your purpose along the way.

Cheatsheet:

0:35 Introduction to Seon

4:30 How bullying affected his childhood

8:29 What he realized when he started chanting

11:59 Why he set a goal of studying for 10 hours

13:50 How achieving minor goals can build your confidence

16:58 How to apply chanting to specific goals

19:08 What if you get stuck?

23:16 How having supportive friends can help

24:53 What Seon’s dream is now

27:24 3 keys to never giving up

29:46 Seon’s advice to anyone pursuing a dream

30:44 Today’s key takeaway

What It Takes, A Love Story Nov 20, 2020

This week, we’re talking about love. Well, specifically what it takes to be in a committed relationship for the long haul. Ian and Audrey McIlraith, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year, tell us the story of how they overcame their own fears of being alone and of being good enough, to create a happy family. Here are their secrets: if you want to find a life partner and stay together through life’s storms, you need to be willing to confront your fears, see yourself honestly and strive for a shared goal.

0:39 Introduction to today’s topic

2:01 Introduction to Ian, Audrey and how they met

4:15 How they each starting practicing Buddhism

6:30 What their mindsets toward relationships were before they met

16:23 How they challenged fears of being alone, and being good enough

18:30 How chanting helped them overcome an accident and a long journey to have kids

21:56 Why self-transformation and respect are so key to relationships

27:11 Their advice to anyone struggling with a relationship (or finding a partner)

Winning Morning, Winning Life Nov 13, 2020

This week, we speak with Rory Arnaud about what a daily Buddhist practice in the morning can do for you. The fact is, most of us haven’t even scratched the surface of what we are capable of accomplishing, learning and giving in this lifetime. Today’s key lesson is that if you can consistently win over yourself in the morning through chanting, you can unearth a treasure trove of wisdom, energy and courage and completely transform how you see yourself and the world.

0:37 Introduction to today’s topic

1:52 Rory’s story

7:00 What losing a friend taught him about life

8:50 What his mornings used to feel like

10:00 How they changed after he started chanting

11:57 How he decided to start a company

17:12 What winning in the morning means

19:20 What he’s up against each morning

22:56 The question that keeps him motivated every single day

27:04 Advice for Rory’s younger self (or anyone listening)

How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye Nov 04, 2020

This week, we speak with Abe Uccello about working for change in Florida’s prison system, even when he couldn’t see any forward movement. He explains how chanting can help you build trust and respect with anyone, and what unity actually means. Hint: You have to unlock your own wisdom and compassion first.

Cheatsheet:

1:50 What we’re trying to understand today

4:02 Introduction to Abe

5:02 How chanting helped him feel like he had control over his life again

10:54 His experiences working with the prison system

16:20 How chanting helped him figure out what to do

17:20 What a tenacious effort to build trust helped him achieve

25:10 Why he didn’t give up

28:32 How to maintain hope even when you see the darkest parts of humanity

32:33 What the end goal in Buddhism is

35:46 Advice to anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by uncertainty

38:02 What “happiness for self and others” means

45:39 What else to read on Buddhability about feeling stuck and making change

Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding on what it takes to be authentic Oct 29, 2020

Great artists are authentic. It’s how they are able to connect to enormous audiences, yet each person experiencing the music, or art, feels directly spoken to. What would you do if you could go through life with this kind of genuine, inspiring power?

Being yourself, truly yourself, is hard. Today, we speak with legendary Grammy-winning jazz musicians Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding about how Buddhism has helped them become their most authentic selves.

P.S. The book mentioned in the episode is called Reaching Beyond: Improvisations on Jazz, Buddhism, and a Joyful Life.

Cheatsheet:

1:25 Introduction to Wayne & Esperanza

2:41 How Esperanza discovered Buddhism

5:22 Why Wayne started chanting

7:11 How Wayne discovered a deeper purpose to playing music

8:10 How chanting helped Wayne see himself more clearly

12:23 Esperanza on authenticity as a musician

17:35 Wayne on how Buddhism can help you check yourself

19:25 Esperanza on how to unlock your own capacity

20:34 Some notes on Esperanza’s “life force”

21:48 On Wayne & Esperanza’s friendship

23:33 Wayne’s advice to anyone who feels stuck with their art or work

24:57 A key lesson from today’s conversation

Dream Job, How I Fight Climate Change Oct 22, 2020

Deciding on your career is hard. If you’ve ever felt like what you’re passionate about and what you do for work don’t align, this episode is for you. Climate activist Roberta Giordano shares how she found the courage to make the bold decision of committing full time to fight climate change and how, through chanting, you can do the same, whatever your passion or cause might be.

Cheatsheet:
1:22 Episode Intro
2:14 Intro to Roberta Giordano
4:15 How her childhood fears influenced her career
7:08 How she started practicing Buddhism in college
12:00 The first steps she took to fight climate change
15:21 How chanting helped her decide what impact she could make
18:35 The difference between actually believing in yourself vs. telling yourself to
19:50 How chanting can help you process your feelings and take action
22:11 How Roberta found the courage to choose a career in climate finance
27:00 What to do when you feel small or overwhelmed along your way
31:00 Key takeaways from Roberta’s story

Buddhism, therapy and how people actually change Oct 15, 2020

This week, we speak with psychotherapist Sean Grover about how therapy works, what its limits are, and what it takes to actually change yourself for the better. He also shares insights from his own Buddhist practice and what chanting can offer in the journey of self-transformation.

Key takeaway: Human beings heal through relationships, so how you show up in relationships matters … a lot. If you want to be really, truly happy, you have to learn to care for yourself well, to be yourself around other people, and also learn to care for other people well. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and having a supportive community can help you do all of the above.

Cheatsheet:

1:14 Episode Intro

2:12 Introduction to Sean

2:36 Why he started practicing Buddhism

6:16 What brings people to therapy

8:14 The difference between temporary and sustainable happiness

11:05 The growth of self-awareness practices

16:15 The limits of therapy and mindfulness

18:23 How Buddhism can tackle the ego

20:27 Why changing yourself is so hard

22:19 What the Bodhisattva vow is, in plain English

25:42 Why mastering human relationships is the key to most problems

26:25 Creating a culture of caring for others

29:43 How not to get drained by giving to others

33:14 How therapy and Buddhism can work together

37:08 Next week’s show

Angelica Ross on How to Get the World to See You as YOU Oct 08, 2020

This episode is a masterclass in how to get the world to see you the way you see yourself.

We speak with trans rights activist, actress (you might recognize her as Candy from FX's Pose) and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, Angelica Ross. She constantly shares about Buddhism in interviews, but today we’re talking about a deeply personal part of her life that chanting helped her transform: her relationship with her mom.

For more from Angelica, also see our recent IGTV video.

Cheatsheet:

0:00 Welcome to Buddhability

0:34 Intro to Angelica Ross

1:20 How Angelica transformed her relationship with her mom

7:06 What chanting allowed her to bring out of her own life despite the hurt

15:19 How chanting helps her navigate so many projects and relationships

19:46 Angelica explains Nichiren Buddhism for new listeners

21:26 What Angelica’s chanting (and daily) routine looks like

24:03 Angelica’s dream for the rest of the 21st century

You can also subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts.

What is Buddhability and how can I tap into it? Oct 01, 2020

Welcome to Buddhability, a new weekly podcast about the amazing ability people have to change their lives and the world.

On this episode, we welcome you to the show and Buddhability universe, and speak with Cynthia McCright about what Buddhability is and how you can tap into it.

You can also subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

Cheatsheet:

0:00 Welcome to Buddhability

1:38 Basics of Buddhism

3:39 How and why Cynthia started chanting

6:58 What she was able to tap into by chanting

10:25 What believing in yourself actually means

14:35 How chanting can help you transform your biggest fears

20:11 Why working hard at the thing in front of you can impact all parts of your life

23:14 How chanting gets deeper over time, and chanting vs. mindfulness

28:11 Cynthia’s big takeaway for everyone listening

28:49 Recap of today’s discussion

Trailer: Introducing Buddhability Sep 29, 2020

Buddhability is a new weekly podcast about how to believe in yourself, told by a community of Buddhists doing it every day.

Hosted by journalist Jihii Jolly, who you might know from the popular SGI-USA podcast Buddhist Solutions for Life’s Problems, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode.

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