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We have a very special episode of Buddhability! You can listen as usual or watch the video on YouTube.

Today’s guest, Orlando Bloom, sits down to discuss how his Buddhist practice has informed everything from his breakout role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings to how he confronts his limitations in his new show To The Edge.

Orlando shares insights he’s gathered throughout his life since encountering SGI Nichiren Buddhism at age 16. He opens up about staying grounded with his sudden rise to fame, following a Buddhist example of a fulfilling life, and how he shows up to his relationships and the challenges of daily life.

In this interview, we discuss:

02:35 Orlando’s rambunctious childhood
08:46 Seeking a meaningful way of life

22:15 Practicing Buddhism when he hit sudden fame

29:27 Community is crucial for our growth
38:20 Having a mentor in life

51:00 Breaking free from self-isolation
54:45 Deciding to incorporate his practice into his new TV Show
1:00:15 Confronting fears

1:11:00 Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

1:19:12 Orlando’s advice for curious listeners

Learn more here:

Basics of Buddhism

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Buddhist Community

Buddhist Philosopher Daisaku Ikeda

Connect with us

Reach out to us at [email protected] to check out a local Buddhability community.

www.buddhability.org 

Instagram: @buddhability

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Ariana Jaramillo, of Santa Cruz, started experiencing panic attacks in high school. Right around that time, she started to regularly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Today, she shares how practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism has helped her remain undefeated by anxiety and depression. We talk about what it looks like to chant daily, study Buddhism and apply it to your life. 

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol 2, revised edition, p. 190.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death.

Discussions on Youth, p. 5.

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at [email protected]

Instagram: @buddhability

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In today’s Short, we’re breaking down the Buddhist mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and explaining how to chant it step-by-step. By the end of the episode, you should feel confident trying it out yourself!

Helpful Resources for Chanting:

• How to Start Your Buddhist Practice
• Learn How to Chant (Video)
• Ways to Enhance Your Chanting

Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

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Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re applying for colleges and finishing your senior year is even harder.

In today’s episode, Nikita shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her handle painful rejections and utilize feedback to help her become a better academic. Through the process, she learned how to overcome the thoughts that told her to give up.

Resources:

Twenty Life-Changing Buddhist Concepts, p. 39.

March 2017 Living Buddhism, p. 49.

Cheat Sheet:

03:35 What Nikita liked about growing up Buddhist

10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler

17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth

25:23 How to overcome your own negativity

33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism

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There are limitless reasons why someone might try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! For some, it’s an easy leap. For others, it might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you the voices of several Buddhability listeners sharing why they started to chant. 

Helpful Resources for Chanting:
How to Start Your Buddhist Practice

Learn How to Chant (Video)
Ways to Enhance Your Chanting

Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

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Android

Vishvak Prakkruth encountered Buddhism in Mumbai when he was an aspiring filmmaker. As he moved to New York and Los Angeles to further his career, he found deeper meaning in his art and shifted his perspective on success.

In today’s episode, we talk about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhist philosophy have helped him find meaning and purpose in his work.

Reference:
The New Human Revolution, revised edition, vol. 5.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 335-35.

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Alexandria Jones, of San Diego, grew up with many examples of the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It wasn’t until becoming a young adult that she decided to test it for herself. 

In today’s episode, Alexandria shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to develop limitless strength and courage. Two things she would need when faced with the painful loss of a loved one. She shares how the Buddhist view of death deepened her appreciation of life.

References:

Unlocking the Mysteries of Life and Death

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We’re making a listener episode with your stories about starting your Buddhist practice! You can submit a voice message telling us, in a minute or less, why you started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Ways to submit your voice message:

1. Instagram: Send a voice message to our DMs @Buddhability

2. Voicemail: Call us at (646) 883-6381 and leave a message after the tone.

Please send us your story by Friday, August 2nd.

We’ll select a small assortment to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

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An 8-year-old Kimberly Cadillo struggled to find her place in a new culture, language and country. Moving from Peru to New Jersey brought many challenges, especially with self-esteem. 

Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped Kimberly develop unshakable self-worth no longer tied to external validation. As she says, though the journey might be challenging, appreciating your life is a treasure no one can take away.

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 77.

December 3, 2004, World Tribune, p. 8.

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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 the Buddhist perspective on wisdom and what it means to use knowledge with wisdom.

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

References:

My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 369-71.

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 2, p. 33.