Buddhability

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 connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

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 Buddhist10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth25:23 How to overcome your own negativity33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism

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

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

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 @Buddhability2. 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.

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 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 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 SharmaWhy 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 connect@buddhability.org Episodes Mentioned:Daniel: Breaking Free from Self-Imposed LimitationsMegan: Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s OpinionsJoshua: Learning to Love Myself References:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 198.