Buddhism isn’t about being perfect. Even so, it can be difficult to share that you’re struggling with something. Kenichi Hackman, of Los Angeles, used to think he could only share the good parts of his life. Through opening up, he was able to overcome serious financial and family challenges.

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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 feeling constrained by things like our income, relationships and obligations.

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

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, revised edition, pp. 269–82.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, pp. 16–19.

Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Oz,” “Lost,” “Euphoria”) shares how his difficult childhood shaped him into the actor, writer, and director he is today. He also opens up about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him cultivate deep happiness and create meaning from his challenging childhood.

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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 true individuality and how to bring it out.

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

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, revised edition, pp. 283–96.

How can we strive to do our best without tying our self-worth to the outcome? Today’s guest, Sandeep Ramanthan, of Seattle, struggled with an emptiness any time he was alone and not working. Through diving into Buddhist practice, he found self-worth independent of his friendships and a career.

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Each of us is already enlightened but it can be difficult to believe when we hit problems. Dr. Victoria Smith, of New Orleans, had overcome so much through Buddhist practice but still struggled to see herself as a Buddha. Today she shares how she finally broke through.

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Is it possible for someone who wasn’t always a top student to land a full-ride scholarship? Gabe Morris, of New York, shares how being himself and following his passions as a gifted tap dancer helped him open doors to college and more.

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When you feel stuck, it’s hard to see a path forward. Buddhability sat down with Kimberly Cadillo, Tom Hatton and Marco Giannavola for our first ever live taping to tell their stories of getting unstuck.

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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 the role appreciation plays in our happiness.

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

Resources:

The Power of a Grateful Heart

The New Human Revolution, vol. 17, p. 72.

A Foundation for Your Life, pp. 52–53.

If you’re not on speaking terms with someone, can that relationship ever change? Today’s guest, Min Kim Sieling, reach many of her life goals like moving to the U.S. and getting married. But she realized she wanted to strive for something deeper: her relationship with her mom. Min shares the story of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her go from no-contact to best friends with her mom.

 
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Resources:

The Opening of the Eyes, p. 65