Today, we’re talking about how to orient our lives onto a happy, healthy path, no matter what kind of circumstances we begin with. Our guest is Melanie Santiago, of Denver, who shares how she encountered Buddhism at the young age of 13 when she was going through a tumultuous time and how learning to apply Buddhist philosophy to her life helped her shift her life state from one of suffering and victimhood to one of agency and happiness. Trigger Warning: This episode mentions attempted suicide. CHEAT SHEET 5:30 Why Melanie started practicing Buddhism  
 22:30 How Melanie shifted the relationship with her mom  
 24:50 Caring for others help us to care for ourselves  
 28:27 Having the courage to establish a relationship with her dad  
 35:16 Meeting her dad 
 41:40 Where we start from doesn’t determine how far we can go Reference:  What can I do to improve my complicated relationship with my parentsWhat can I do to improve my complicated relationship with my parents? 


Changing My Relationship With My Parents

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it everyday, and changing the world along the way.  Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.

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When Ashley Park didn’t get into the colleges she applied to, 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

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections

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 


Winning Over Perfectionism

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 connect@buddhability.org 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 

Buddhability Short: Uncertainty after graduation

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.

Learning to Love Myself

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.

Changing My Relationship With My Parents

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