Today we're talking about how to stop seeking the approval of other people, which, on the one hand, is a normal human desire, and on the other, can cause us the deepest suffering when we don't receive it. It can be especially worse when the approval or praise we seek is from our loved ones. 

Our guest is Dave Drake, who practices Buddhism in New York City, and shares his journey with this very struggle, both in his personal life and as a musician, The episode is filled with practical insights about how to apply the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to transform the desire for approval into of a life state of humility, appreciation, forward momentum and true confidence.

Overcoming the need for approval

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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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.

Happiness That Can’t Be Destroyed

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 connect@buddhability.org   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/ .  

Buddhability Short: Making meaningful friendships

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.

Facing the Fear of Death

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 connect@buddhability.org   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/ 

Overcoming the need for approval

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