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 quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.

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

Resources:

Which is more important for chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: quality or quantity?
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24, 130.

The gap between our dreams and reality can sometimes feel impossible to close. Especially when our dream means pursuing a field that’s less traditionally “easy” to make a career from like art. 

In today’s episode we sit down with two full-time artists to discuss how Buddhism helped them become full-time artists without compromising their vision. Our guests are sculptor Brian Enright, of Oakland, and animator and director Leo Matsuda, of LA. We dig into their journey and the many ways Buddhism informs their work.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

A strong routine can be crucial to getting through the day when you have a full plate. But that discipline doesn’t happen over night. Enoa Reid, of Oahu, shares how the reality of adulthood helped him develop the skills needed to win every day.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources:
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 361—62.

How can one of the most inevitable things in life still be so shocking and confusing? Oona Friedland, of Berkley, Michigan, shares the story of how she navigated the pain of illness and death, eventually creating new meaning for her life.

Watch this 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 how to overcome division in our personal lives and beyond.

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

Resources:

The Dragon Girl
The Two Admonitions of the ‘Devadatta’ Chapter
Transforming Evil Into the Highest Good

Compassion, Wisdom and Courage: Building a Global Society of Peace and Creative Coexistence

If someone asked you to identify something getting in the way of your happiness right now, could you? It can be challenging to see ourselves clearly but doing so helps us change our lives. Our guest, Zoie Young, of Phoenix, struggled with self-worth from a young age. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo she came to treasure her life, changing her self-image, relationships, and ability to dream.

Content warning: We speak about disordered eating in this episode. Please listen with care.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:
Discussions on Youth, p. 10
July 2025 Living Buddhism, p. 45
A Foundation For Your Life, pp. 60–61
Through Suffering to Joy

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 handling personal stress brought on by problems in society.

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

Resources:

Three Keys On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

2012 Peace Proposal—Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity of

Life

“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 6–30.

Hope Is a Decision, p. 5.

There isn’t an expiration date for our dreams. It’s our own limiting beliefs that hold us back from pursuing them. Today’s guest, Jee Hyo Kim, of the Bay Area, set a dream aside and didn’t pick it back up until after she started a career. She shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her develop the self-worth and confidence needed to make the leap.

Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

You Were Born to Win, pp. 8–9.

“On the Treasure Tower,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 299.

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 start and navigate a new phase of your life.

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. 165–66.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 224.

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.