Buddhability

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 feeling constrained by things like our income, relationships and obligations.   To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org   Resources: Discussions on Youth , revised edition, pp. 269–82...

Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Oz,” “Lost,” “Euphoria”) shares how his difficult childhood shaped him into the actor, writer, and director he is today. He also opens up about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him cultivate deep happiness and create meaning from his challenging childhood. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel

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 true individuality and how to bring it out.   To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org   Resources: Discussions on Youth , revised edition, pp. 283–96.

How can we strive to do our best without tying our self-worth to the outcome? Today’s guest, Sandeep Ramanthan, of Seattle, struggled with an emptiness any time he was alone and not working. Through diving into Buddhist practice, he found self-worth independent of his friendships and a career. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel .

Each of us is already enlightened but it can be difficult to believe when we hit problems. Dr. Victoria Smith, of New Orleans, had overcome so much through Buddhist practice but still struggled to see herself as a Buddha. Today she shares how she finally broke through. Watch today's episode on YouTube.

Is it possible for someone who wasn’t always a top student to land a full-ride scholarship? Gabe Morris, of New York, shares how being himself and following his passions as a gifted tap dancer helped him open doors to college and more. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

When you feel stuck, it’s hard to see a path forward. Buddhability sat down with Kimberly Cadillo, Tom Hatton and Marco Giannavola for our first ever live taping to tell their stories of getting unstuck. Watch the live taping on our YouTube channel.

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 the role appreciation plays in our happiness.   To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org   Resources: The Power of a Grateful Heart The New Human Revolution , vol. 17, p. 72. A Foundat...

If you’re not on speaking terms with someone, can that relationship ever change? Today’s guest, Min Kim Sieling, reach many of her life goals like moving to the U.S. and getting married. But she realized she wanted to strive for something deeper: her relationship with her mom. Min shares the story of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her go from no-contact to best friends with her mom.   Wat...

RSVP for Buddhability Live on Monday, April 27th   This month, we’re doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today’s episode is about the power of connection and mutually encouraging relationships.   Resources: Want to Be Happy? Help Other People Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life Toward an Era of Human Rights: Building a People’s Movement Cam’s Interview: How...

This month, we’re doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today’s episode is about the potential in your problems.   Resources:  Challenges Can Fortify Our Growth and Happiness “What It Means to Hear the Buddha Vehicle,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , vol. 2, p. 743) July 2020 Living Buddhism , p. 56 Interviews Included: Moeko Fukada Teter Marko Bajkovic Immaculat...

This month, we’re doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today’s episode is about the power of simply deciding. Resources: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace , part 1, revised edition, p. 35. Discussions on Youth , new addition, p. 411. Each Constant Contains Incredible Possibilities Christopher Robin’s Episode: What it Took to Make My Dreams a Reality Reach o...

As a child, Samirah Gnangbe, lived through a civil war. From that moment on, she became someone who paved the way for others as a second-language learner and Ph. D. student in engineering. Samirah shares how she challenged herself each step of the way through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel . Resources: Discussions on Youth, new edition, pp. 8, 25 The Wr...

Rhonda Windham, of Los Angeles, was already an NCAA basketball champion and trailblazing WNBA General Manager beforeencountering Buddhism. She shares what practicing Buddhism taught her that all her success did not—how to look inward with unflinching honesty and lead with her heart. Watch today's episode on YouTube

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 an...

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...

Radhika Rao, of San Francisco, tried Buddhism because she was jealous of a friend’s happiness. Since then, she’s living a life beyond anything she had dreamed. Today she shares her perspective on life as a theater teaching artist and Buddhist. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel .   Resource: The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , vol. 1, p. 748 The Flowering of Creative Life Force The Wisd...

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 i...

How can we maintain hope for a peaceful world? Today we hear from three college students and recent graduates about how they create hope on a daily basis and practical steps we can take to create peace. Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel   Resources: My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 229–39. Winter Turns to Spring quote

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 how to build friendships that last.   To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org   Resource: The science of why friendships keep us healthy Discussions on Youth , new edition, pp. 37–48.

What do you do when you’re told you’re not cut out for something? Buddhism teaches that the only person who can determine that is you. Wayne Thomas Jr., of Los Angeles, always knew he was an artist but his environment told him otherwise. He shares the story of how he proved them wrong. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel . Resources: Learning From the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichi...

Kaitlin Todd, of Gretna, Louisiana, was enjoying her early 20s and taking the scenic route to her dreams. Everything changed when she learned she was pregnant. That’s when she used her Buddhist practice to go for her goals and create a stable life for her son.   Watch today's episode o our YouTube Channel Resources: “Opening of the Eyes” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 242.

Joseph Aguilar, of Leavenworth, Kansas, set out on a personal journey to find a life philosophy that met three specific conditions. Through that process, they uncovered their true self and found the courage to undo years of repression. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel   References:  “Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , vol. 1, p. 412.

Can we really feel happy when we’re facing health problems? Kimberly Rios-Niño, of San Diego, shares how she came to treasure life regardless of her circumstances. We talk about her journey into parenthood and taking care of children battling illness.  Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

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 why goals and dreams are critical for our happiness.   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 one, revised edition, pp....