Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop lasting friendship. In today’s episode, we discuss what real friendship looks like and how we can cultivate the kinds of friendship that help us grow and become happy.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 106.

The Power of Friendship

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked about why some things you chant about don’t happen on the timeline you want. Today we’re answering that question!

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. 126–28.

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

It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.

Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day. 

Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism.

 
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp 35–36.

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked how to chant about specific issues like relationships and career. Today we’re tackling that question.

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

Resources:
How do I chant for ___?

“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3.

Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward peace. We discuss the Buddhist view on sustainable change and the vital role one individual can play.

You can watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources:

“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.

This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.

How to submit your question:

1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763. 

2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at [email protected].

Please send your question by July 4th, 2025.

We may select an assortment of voice messages to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit that way only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

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 perfectionism.

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

Resources:
On the Perfectionist Bent

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 25–29.

Perfection Might be Hurting You

Markell Holliday II, of Atlanta, had a habit of running away when he didn’t want to deal with something. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and applying Buddhist concepts, Markell felt empowered to take full responsibility for his life. He then could do what it took to transform his relationships—especially with his father.

 
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Today we’re talking about how we can live the most abundant life based on what is in our hearts rather than the material things we own. Sherman Edmiston III, of Brooklyn, shares his incredible journey to becoming an accomplished business man and the transformative perspectives he gained along the way.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:
“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027.
The Teachings for Victory, vol. 1, pp. 195-96.