As we kick off our 31-day chanting Journey on January 18, today we are discussing how and why to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a daily habit. 

Celize Christy, of Iowa, shares her own process of recommitting to her daily Buddhist practice over the last two years, as well as tips for chanting every day and what happens when you do.

Here’s the key point: In a world that can feel increasingly overwhelming and negative, it’s important to have ways we can refresh our spirit. That’s precisely what chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which Celiz calls the ultimate self-care, is for. It allows us to tap into the boundless reserves of courage, compassion and wisdom that we all have within us (in other words, Buddhability) to navigate life with confidence and self-belief. This, in turn, allows us to show up for other people as our best self. And in community, we can build a more hopeful world. 

Note: To join our 31-day chanting journey beginning January 18, 2022, sign up here.

CHEAT SHEET

1:50 Introduction to Celize

5:25 Why she decided to recommit to her Buddhist practice

10:49 What chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo does

14:15 Why she decided to make it a daily habit

24:25 What an average morning chanting routine looks like

30:05 What sustainable happiness looks like

33:36 The importance of feeling worthy and capable

41:03 What it takes to be the protagonist of your own life

44:39 Celize's favorite Buddhist quote

46:02 Practical tips for making chanting a habit

References

• Hope Is a Decision, pp. 3–5