Episodes
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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 [email protected]
Instagram: @buddhability
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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:
How to Start Your Buddhist PracticeLearn How to Chant (Video)Ways to Enhance Your ChantingReach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
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Episodes manquant?
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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
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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 PracticeLearn How to Chant (Video)
Ways to Enhance Your ChantingReach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
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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. -
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
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected]
References:
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 369-71.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 2, p. 33.
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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 [email protected]
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 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 [email protected]
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. -
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
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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
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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. 104Cheat 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 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 [email protected]
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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 [email protected]
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 -
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. - Montre plus