Today, we’re talking about what winning over yourself really takes: an honest look at what is causing you to suffer and the courage to transform it deep within. 

Our guest is Jamie Bautista from Davis, California, who shares her journey using her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to battle her own anger, which manifested at a young age. In the process, she discovered a beautiful person within.

Today we’re talking about what inner transformation or human revolution looks like through a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

Our guest is Judy Juanita from Oakland, California. A writer and lecturer, she shares her incredible journey of many decades practicing Buddhism and how it helped her find the courage to change the things that held her back. 

SHOW NOTES: 

1:33 Judy discovers Buddhism 

9:05 Identifying the thing that was holding her back 

20:56 Transforming a part of behavior she didn’t like

25:50 Her writing career opens up 

37:51 Moving to Oakland to support her family 

43:13 Her Buddhist practice gets deeper and deeper over decades

Today, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a foundation for your life. It’s a theme we’ve explored before on the show but one that looks different for all of us. Our guest is George Wong, of San Francisco, California, who shares how his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has allowed him to turn his difficulties with school and self-worth into a career creating value from every experience.

SHOW NOTES: 

2:44 Getting rejected from college inspires George to start practicing Buddhism

10:44 Previous setback turns into a great breakthrough

16:55 Struggling with impostor syndrome 

25:48 Importance of never giving up, even if you’re not sure where you’re headed 

32:13 Seeing long-term growth despite daily ups and downs

35:43 Each experience has deep meaning 

The teachings of Buddhism are vast and profound, that's why Buddhist study is a crucial part of deepening our practice. We're excited to announce our first ever Buddhability Beginner Email Course.  So if you're new or just need a little refresher, you can go to https://buddhability.org/practice/emailcourse/ to sign up for seven short lessons, which will be delivered to your inbox over the course of four weeks. 

Today, we're talking about what it really takes to face your reality, especially when that requires taking a hard look at yourself. Our guest is Miho Saito, of Long Beach, California who shares the ups and downs of a journey in which she continually left home in search of herself in an effort to avoid things that felt too difficult to face.

Eventually, through her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Miho found the courage to come home to herself.

SHOW NOTES: 

1:37 How Miho started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:10 Miho lives on the road, looking to find herself

18:15 Decides to move back home

29:10 Miho finds her passion 

38:19 Finding the courage to face her problems and deeply respect her life. 

50:16 The biggest benefit of practicing Buddhism is the intangible stuff 

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: Buddhism and the real world.

References:

• “The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1121
• The Power to Win Each Day
• The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 88
• My Dear Friends in America, third edition, p. 83
• Discussions on Youth, p. 71

Today, we're talking about how Buddhism sees obstacles in particular, those big challenges, life throws your way when you're least expecting it. Our guest is Brian Lindgren of Virginia who shares about how his buddhist practice helped him challenge his circumstances with fresh energy, helped him find a life in music and understand the deeper meaning of his problems. 

SHOW NOTES: 

1:30 How Brian encountered Buddhism 

10:40 Trying to create a life as a musician in New York and facing financial setbacks

20:00 Re-imagining his dream and going back to school. 

30:30 The bike accident that changes everything. 

40:40 In recovery, Brian brings out his grit and determination like never before. 

58:50 Getting into his PhD program and solidifying a life in music. 

1:03:25 Now that he overcame his biggest setback, he fells like anything is possible. 

Our guest is James, of New York, who shares how a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps him navigate some of the toughest moments of his life from dealing with addiction to finding his place and purpose. 

Note: Buddhism does not contradict medical science. If anything, for Buddhists, seeking out professional advice and support is an important step toward caring for ourselves. If you or a friend is struggling with addiction, please seek out professional help. 

SHOW NOTES: 

3:11- James discovers Buddhism one day while working at a thrift shop. 

5:00- Changes he notices after chanting. 

11:11- Not showing up for others and himself the way he wanted to. 

15:50- Telling friends about his challenges and finding ways to be accountable 

19:17- Moving back home to upstate New York. 

23:42- How Buddhism changed his family. 

27:56- Realizing that coming back home was the best move he could have made. 

31:06- How Buddhism taught him to never give up. 

37:03- Advice to anyone that wants to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

Today we are talking about one of the most difficult but universal tendencies we experience—people-pleasing. Our guest is Megan Weinstein, of Chicago, who shares about her journey practicing Buddhism and how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her identify and tackle the feelings that, for too long, led her to live her life based on other people’s opinions.
 
For anyone who has ever felt like they are supposed to show up in a certain way, rather than as your true precious self, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES

3:43 Megan’s first breakthrough from practicing Buddhism 

8:36 The need to please everyone in her environment 

19:31 A Buddhist friend gives Megan advice

21:42 Rooting out the need for validation through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 

32:46 Caring for others while caring for herself 

35:00 Everything starts to change 

46:53 Advice for those just starting to give Buddhism a try 

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.

Today’s is: Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

References:

• Nichiren Buddhist Library: Bodhisattva
• The Bodhisattva Opens the Way to Happiness for All
• The Mission and Practice of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth
• Illuminate the World With the Sun of Your Youthful Vow