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

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

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’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

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 [email protected]

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.

It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.

Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day. 

Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism.

 
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp 35–36.

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 how to chant about specific issues like relationships and career. Today we’re tackling that question.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]

Resources:
How do I chant for ___?

“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3.

Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward peace. We discuss the Buddhist view on sustainable change and the vital role one individual can play.

You can watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources:

“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.

This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.

How to submit your question:

1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763. 

2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at [email protected].

Please send your question by July 4th, 2025.

We may select an assortment of voice messages to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit that way only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.