Buddhability

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 family10:05 Getting accepted into college was the easy part24:40 Learning to persist in her exams33:38 Repaying her gratitude by supporting others

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 meeting09:41 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for an impossible family goal19:28 Feeling dis-empowered to change her work environment27:45 A Buddhist friend reminds Immaculate of her potential36:48 Finding her dream apartment

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-kyo08:57 His anxiety reaches a breaking point17:16 How connecting with others made him rethink self-care29:00 Finding purpose in his career based on his struggles40:58 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 connect@buddhability.org 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.

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 uncertainty11:05 Connecting with their local Buddhist community18:27 Finding the courage to repair relationships24:25 Defying their “bad student” label30:40 Seeing yourself as the protagonist of your life36:30 How Buddhism has changed their life

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 YouthAug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9. Cheat Sheet:03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 1616:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections 35:27 Buddhism is about winning40:00 How she landed the perfect job47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

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. 171The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition,  p. 102 Cheat Sheet:10:10 Clark discovers Buddhism through jazz15:45 First steps in Buddhist practice25:21 Placing self-worth in achievements29:43 Getting support from his Buddhist community41:09 Chanting without self-criticism54:18 Community is the key to never giving up

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 connect@buddhability.orgEpisodes 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.

Daily life can feel like a roller coaster where we’re tossed around by the ups and downs of our health, school, family relationships and so on. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can strengthen our life force and become people unswayed by our circumstances. Today’s guest, Koda Jordet, of Fargo, North Dakota, shares how prioritizing his Buddhist practice, mental health and addiction recovery, helped him develop indestructible happiness. References:“Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 5–6.