Buddhability

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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 how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can help us maximize every moment and use our time wisely.

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

Episodes Mentioned:

How To Do It All, with Dr. Gitima Sharma

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections

References:

The Victorious Teen, p. 28.

“On Prolonging One’s Life Span,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 955.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, p. 109.

Jan. 1, 2016, World Tribune, p. 8.
The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, p. 26.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 4, revised edition, pp. 149–50.
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214.
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, p. 354.

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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 principle of the cherry, plum, peach and damson blossoms.

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

Episodes Mentioned:

Daniel: Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations

Megan: Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions

Joshua: Learning to Love Myself

References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 198.

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Keiko Brunson, of Denver, entered the world with a bang and continued to challenge every perceived limitation placed on her. Today she shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo gave her the confidence to live authentically and with deep gratitude for those who support her.

References:

 “Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.1027.

“The Difficult of Sustaining Faith” WND-1 p. 471.

Discussions on Youth, p. 74.

Cheat Sheet:

02:07 Keiko’s Memories Growing up in a Buddhist family

10:05 Getting accepted into college was the easy part

24:40 Learning to persist in her exams

33:38 Repaying her gratitude by supporting others

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It isn’t always easy to believe you can make a change. Immaculate Mutebi, of New York City, has challenged that disbelief many times. In today’s episode, we discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her use obstacles in her family, workplace and housing to deepen her conviction in the power of her life.

References:

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series, p. 38.

A Foundation for Your Life: Essentials of Nichiren's Writings for Young Women, p.198.

Discussions on Youth, pp. 298–99.

Cheat Sheet:

03:58 Immaculate joins her first Buddhist meeting

09:41 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for an impossible family goal

19:28 Feeling dis-empowered to change her work environment

27:45 A Buddhist friend reminds Immaculate of her potential

36:48 Finding her dream apartment

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Cam Morose, a Boston school psychologist, found Buddhism at a crucial time. He was struggling with anxiety that felt impossible to challenge. In today’s episode, Cam shares how Buddhism gave him the roadmap and energy to connect with others, challenge his inner critic and find deeper happiness.

References:
July, 2019, Living Buddhism, pp.56–57
“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 104

Cheat Sheet:
03:40 A friend’s life state inspires Cam to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
08:57 His anxiety reaches a breaking point
17:16 How connecting with others made him rethink self-care
29:00 Finding purpose in his career based on his struggles
40:58 A clear guide for living a happy and fulfilling life

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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 how Buddhist practice empowers us to move the world in a positive direction.

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

Episodes Referenced:

Abe: “How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye”

Dori: “How to turn your circumstances into your purpose”

References:

“King Rinda,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 989. 

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 98–99. 

Sept. 28, 2007, World Tribune, p. 2.

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Daylen Heidt, of Houston, grew up labeled as a “bad kid.” Everything changed when they started practicing Buddhism just over a year ago. Buddhism teaches that we’re the protagonists of our lives and have the power to write, perform and direct our dream script. Today, Daylen shares their journey from being directionless and hopeless to living with courage and purpose. 

Reference:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 165–66

Cheat Sheet:

06:40 Daylen finds Buddhism at a time of uncertainty

11:05 Connecting with their local Buddhist community

18:27 Finding the courage to repair relationships

24:25 Defying their “bad student” label

30:40 Seeing yourself as the protagonist of your life

36:30 How Buddhism has changed their life

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When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness. 

References:

Discussions on Youth

Aug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9.

Cheat Sheet:

03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 16

16:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections 

35:27 Buddhism is about winning

40:00 How she landed the perfect job

47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

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Buddhism teaches us that our lives are precious just as they are. This can be hard to believe if we struggle with self-criticism and strive for flawlessness. Fortunately, each time we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we tap into our limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion and challenge our inner critic head-on.

Today, Clark Harrell, of Seattle, Washington, shares how fighting perfectionism helped him enjoy his Buddhist practice, musical pursuits and everyday life. 

References: 

Discussions on Youth, p. 171

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition,  p. 102

Cheat Sheet:

10:10 Clark discovers Buddhism through jazz

15:45 First steps in Buddhist practice

25:21 Placing self-worth in achievements

29:43 Getting support from his Buddhist community

41:09 Chanting without self-criticism

54:18 Community is the key to never giving up

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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 navigating life after graduation and finding your unique path.

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

Episodes Referenced:
Josef: "Finding Your Purpose in College"
Louise: "Building a Career You Love"
Luca: "What you do isn't who you are"

References:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 71-73, 26