Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.

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

Resources:

Which is more important for chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: quality or quantity?
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24, 130.

The gap between our dreams and reality can sometimes feel impossible to close. Especially when our dream means pursuing a field that’s less traditionally “easy” to make a career from like art. 

In today’s episode we sit down with two full-time artists to discuss how Buddhism helped them become full-time artists without compromising their vision. Our guests are sculptor Brian Enright, of Oakland, and animator and director Leo Matsuda, of LA. We dig into their journey and the many ways Buddhism informs their work.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

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

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:

• https://buddhability.org/practice/what-should-i-think-about-when-im-chanting/
• https://buddhability.org/purpose/how-to-transform-your-anger-into-positive-action/ 
• https://www.worldtribune.org/2022/resolving-conflicts-as-buddhists/ 

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.

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:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKeAERp90-o&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldtribune.org%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt
• https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/buddhism-is-the-clear-mirror-that-reflects-our-lives/ 
• https://buddhability.org/purpose/10-ways-to-improve-our-relationships-in-2022/ 

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” 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:

• https://www.daisakuikeda.org/main/philos/essays-on-buddhism/buddhist-view-of-life-and-death.html
• https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/faith-is-the-compass-for-victory-in-life/
• https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/chanting-in-both-suffering-and-joy/ 

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.

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. 

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” 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 

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. 

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” 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

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. 

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. 

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” 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:

• Nichiren Buddhist Library: Bodhisattva
• The Bodhisattva Opens the Way to Happiness for All
• The Mission and Practice of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth
• Illuminate the World With the Sun of Your Youthful Vow

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

In this special Buddhability episode, we sit down with four science and aerospace professionals, speaking as private citizens, to discuss the relationship between Buddhism and space. They share perspectives on Buddhist humanism in space exploration, Buddhist theory and space science, and the eternity of life.

You can watch today’s episode on your YouTube channel.

Resources:

Space and Eternal Life: A dialogue between Chandra Wickramasinghe and Daisaku Ikeda, p. 219

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 113-12

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?

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:

• “To the Next Generation of Artists” by Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter
• Discussions on Youth, pp. 29-30

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” 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:

• True Cause: The Spirit of Always Moving Forward From the Present Moment

• 4 Points to Master Time

• The Power to Win Each Day

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

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

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” 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:

• Human Revolution
• What Does Human Revolution Look Like?
• Can my human revolution really change the world?
• How can I be sure that I’m progressing in my human revolution?
• The Wisdom of Buddhist Humanism

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:

• The Time Is Now! Let’s Create a Whirlwind of Dialogue!
• Live Life to the Fullest With Clear Purpose

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:

• Appreciation Enriches Our Lives
• “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life”—Humanity is Awaiting Your Growth
• The Gohonzon, Explained

Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop lasting friendship. In today’s episode, we discuss what real friendship looks like and how we can cultivate the kinds of friendship that help us grow and become happy.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 106.

The Power of Friendship

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” 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

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

• Choose Hope 
• Nuclear Disarmament Proposal (2009)
• Nothing is More Precious than Life

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 

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

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 & 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:

• Winning Over Ourselves Brings Victory in All Other Realms
• Video: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained

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

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

• Changing Poison into Medicine
• Discussions on Youth, p. 16

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

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked about why some things you chant about don’t happen on the timeline you want. Today we’re answering that question!

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

Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 126–28.

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

“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:

• We Are Connected to Everyone, Everything
• Our Resolve is Everything
• Is the Mind-Body Connection Real?
• Mindfulness and Buddhism

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

• Daisaku Ikeda
• Mindfulness and Buddhism

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