From SGI USA, I'm Cassidy Bradford and this is bootability.

The weekly series where I talk with Buddhists from all walks of life about the power we each have to change our lives and the world around us.

You wake up to the sound of your alarm and instinctually grab your phone.

Rubbing your eyes, you look through a slew of notifications,

some cute pictures of your baby's cousin,

the latest update on a war across the ocean, a work email asking you to

redo your presentation, and a reminder for your upcoming dentist appointment. All these, but not a

single text from your crush. The problems in our life come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the global ones knock us down so hard,

we barely have the energy to move on a small one. The Buddhist philosopher, Dysakowakata, said,

Some people say that the prevailing mood in the world today is one of powerlessness.

Decisions about political, economic, and environmental issues all seem to be made somewhere beyond our reach.

What can the individual accomplish in the face of the huge institutions that run our world?

This feeling of powerlessness fuels a vicious cycle that only worsens the situation

and people sense of futility. At the opposite extreme of this sense of powerlessness lies the

Lotus Sutra's philosophy that the inner determination of one individual can transform everything.

It is a teaching that gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent

in the life of each human being.

This month, we're doing a three-part series on how to put the power back in your hands.

Each week, we'll talk about an empowering Buddhist concept, and then hear about someone who's put it into practice.

Because Buddhism isn't just a nice philosophy.

It's something we can take action on every single day.

When everything can seem so inconsequential, what's the point in making any determined efforts, right?

...