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

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

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

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 

It can be hard to embrace ourselves when society often makes us feel otherwise. In this episode, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo empowers us to appreciate and treasure every part of who we are.

Today’s guest, Joshua Thomas, of Portland, Oregon, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him to live authentically, love his life and encourage others to do the same.

References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 207.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 335–36.
October 11, 2013, World Tribune, p. 9.

Daily life can feel like a roller coaster where we’re tossed around by the ups and downs of our health, school, family relationships and so on. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can strengthen our life force and become people unswayed by our circumstances.

Today’s guest, Koda Jordet, of Fargo, North Dakota, shares how prioritizing his Buddhist practice, mental health and addiction recovery, helped him develop indestructible happiness.

References:

“Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 5–6.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo brings out the characteristics needed to make authentic relationships that last.

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

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 106–07.

Discussions on Youth, pp. 39–40, 117–18, 283–84.

https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/overcoming-loneliness/ .

It’s natural to want to look away from the inevitable reality of death but Buddhism teaches that death is an alternate phase of life and makes up a larger universal cycle. To understand death is to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for life.

Today’s guest, John Plummer, of Cold Spring, NY, shares how facing his fear of loss improved his relationships and deepened his work as a film and TV writer. 

References:

The New Human Revolution, vol. 24, pp. 177–78

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 79, 83–84.

Leave of Grass by Walt Whitman.

“Like the Sun Rising,” Journey of Life: Selected Poems of Daisaku Ikeda

Unlocking the Mysteries of Unlocking Birth and Death, p. 104.

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

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. This month, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo elevates the inner state of life and brings forth the life force we need to accomplish our goals.

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

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 35.

Discussions on Youth, p. 411.

https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/each-instant-contains-incredible-possibilities/ 

Experts say the U.S. is dealing with a serious “loneliness epidemic” as adults feel more isolated and alone than ever. How can Buddhism help us break out of our shell and find meaningful connection with others?

Today’s guest, Apoorvee Sawhney, of Denver, shares how studying Buddhism and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to overcome self-pity in order to graduate a Ph.D. program and start a career in academia.

References:

“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4

https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/challenging-times-are-opportunities-for-human-revolution/