Buddhability

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 Legac...

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...

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 o...

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...

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 ,...

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...

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....

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 enc...

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 Revol...

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 Practice Learn How to Chant (Video) Ways to Enhance Your Chanting Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddh...

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...

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...

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...

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 h...

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...

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 yo...

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. 36...

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...

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: Livin...

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 ” W...

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 Ser...

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 Nich...

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...

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 C...

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 t...