What do you do when you’re told you’re not cut out for something? Buddhism teaches that the only person who can determine that is you. Wayne Thomas Jr., of Los Angeles, always knew he was an artist but his environment told him otherwise. He shares the story of how he proved them wrong.

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Resources:
Learning From the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 75
A New Humanism: The University Addresses of Daisaku Ikeda

Kaitlin Todd, of Gretna, Louisiana, was enjoying her early 20s and taking the scenic route to her dreams. Everything changed when she learned she was pregnant. That’s when she used her Buddhist practice to go for her goals and create a stable life for her son.

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Resources:

“Opening of the Eyes” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 242.

Joseph Aguilar, of Leavenworth, Kansas, set out on a personal journey to find a life philosophy that met three specific conditions. Through that process, they uncovered their true self and found the courage to undo years of repression.

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References: 

“Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412.

Can we really feel happy when we’re facing health problems? Kimberly Rios-Niño, of San Diego, shares how she came to treasure life regardless of her circumstances. We talk about her journey into parenthood and taking care of children battling illness. 

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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 why goals and dreams are critical for our happiness.

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 one, revised edition, pp. 170–71

Hope is a Decision, pp. 5–7.

You’re almost to the finish line of 2025! Today we’re talking about how you can end the year feeling victorious and hopeful rather than dragging your feet. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]

Resources:

The Courage to 'Go All In'
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 175.

There are as many unique relationships as there are people. Why is it that some of them are so difficult and how can we actually change them? Three mental health experts share their professional knowledge and personal experience with common relationship challenges and how to resolve them.

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Some things feel truly insurmountable. But what happens when someone truly believes in the value and power of your life? Jason Lions, of LA, experienced childhood trauma and struggled for years with the impacts. In today’s episode, he shares how he transformed his family and mental health through the care of others, professional support and awakening to the power of his life through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Content warning: We speak about childhood abuse in this episode. Please listen with care.

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Quote From:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 35–46.

What do you do when a family emergency calls you away from your career and back to your hometown? Adam W. Sadberry, of Montgomery, Texas, shares the story of how he joyfully pursues his dreams all while caring for and supporting his parents. 

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Resources:

“Wu-lung and I-lung” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1101.

Living Buddhism, December 2018, p. 33.

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.