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Buddhability

Buddhability

SGI-USA

Health & Fitness, Self-help, Self-care, Religion & Spirituality, Mental Health, Buddhism

4.9603 Ratings

Overview

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 every day, 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.

216 Episodes

Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations [December 2023]

Believing that we each possess limitless wisdom, courage and compassion—what we call Buddhability—can be a daily battle. Many of us impose limitations on ourselves, believing that we’re not capable of accomplishing our dreams and becoming happy. Today’s guest, Daniel Sun, of Boston, shares how he used Buddhism to overcome his limiting beliefs and become an accomplished Harvard scientist and scholar. We discuss the key role chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhism played in his ability to shift his mindset. References mentioned:A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 39-43 The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 133 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4 The Light of Learning, p. 130

Published: 22 August 2025

4 Science and Aerospace Professionals Discuss Buddhism and Space

In this special Buddhability episode, we sit down with four science and aerospace professionals, speaking as private citizens, to discuss the relationship between Buddhism and space. They share perspectives on Buddhism humanism in space exploration, Buddhist theory and space science, and the eternity of life. You can watch today’s episode on your YouTube channel.Resources:Space and Eternal Life: A dialogue between Chandra Wickramasinghe and Daisaku Ikeda, p. 219The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 113-12

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

Seeing Myself Differently Helped Me Find Good Friends

Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop lasting friendship. In today’s episode, we discuss what real friendship looks like and how we can cultivate the kinds of friendship that help us grow and become happy.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel. Resources:“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 106.The Power of Friendship

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Buddhability Short: Why aren’t the things I chant for happening faster?

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked about why some things you chant about don’t happen on the timeline you want. Today we’re answering that question! To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 126–28.“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

How to Listen to Yourself and Create the Life You Want

It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path. Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Don’t Let Your Busy Schedule Crush You

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day.  Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism.  Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp 35–36.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Buddhability Short: How do I chant for ____?

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked how to chant about specific issues like relationships and career. Today we’re tackling that question. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]: How do I chant for ___?“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Can One Person Really Change the World?

Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward peace. We discuss the Buddhist view on sustainable change and the vital role one individual can play. You can watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.Resources:“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402. 

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

Announcement: Ask Buddhability!

This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.How to submit your question:1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763. 2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at [email protected] send your question by July 4th, 2025. We may select an assortment of voice messages to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit that way only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Buddhability Short: How to Not Get Caught in the Perfectionist Trap

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 the Buddhist perspective on perfectionism.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]: On the Perfectionist BentThe Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 25–29.Perfection Might be Hurting You

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Running Away From Things Doesn’t Make Them Go Away

Markell Holliday II, of Atlanta, had a habit of running away when he didn’t want to deal with something. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and applying Buddhist concepts, Markell felt empowered to take full responsibility for his life. He then could do what it took to transform his relationships—especially with his father.  Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

A Business Expert on The Approach That Changed His Career

Today we’re talking about how we can live the most abundant life based on what is in our hearts rather than the material things we own. Sherman Edmiston III, of Brooklyn, shares his incredible journey to becoming an accomplished business man and the transformative perspectives he gained along the way. Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources: “The Three Kinds of Treasure,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027. The Teachings for Victory, vol. 1, pp. 195-96.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Placing Limits on Your Life Without Realizing It

Yurika Watanabe grew up in Guam focused on her day-to-day and supporting her family. After a Buddhist family friend encouraged her to dream big, she started to envision a different future. Today, we discuss how setting goals and dreams help us accomplish things we hadn’t imagined possible.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

How to Keep Going When You Can't See The End

There is a Buddhist writing that says, “Winter always turns to spring.” But when your life is in the season of winter, sometimes if can feel unending. Today’s guest, Everton Carvalho, of Baton Rouge, tells the story of how his most challenging year was followed by his most joyful.Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel. Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 192.The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Buddhability Short: 3 Questions to Help You Find a Fulfilling Job

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 how to find a fulfilling career.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]   Episode Mentioned: The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business Seeing Beyond My Complaints and ProblemsResources: Discussions on Youth, pp. 76–78. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 21, 38–39. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 367–68.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Finding My Voice and Trusting It

Asking for the opinions of others can be helpful but what happens when you hear their voice louder than your own? Today’s guest, Moeko Fukada Teter, of Honolulu, says it took practice to find and trust her voice. From relationships to career hurdles, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to see her life clearly and gain self-confidence. 

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Opening Yourself Up to Perspectives and People

Truly hearing and seeing someone else can be tough. Especially if we think we’re in the right or know best. Fortunately, Buddhist practice helps us to open our minds with wisdom and compassion. Today’s guest, Marko Bajkovic, of Costa Mesa, shares how seeing past his ego helped him embrace Buddhism and deepen his family relationships.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

How a Trailblazing Coach Made History

How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career.  At the time of her retirement from Ohio State as the director of both Track and Field teams, she won the most Big Ten titles of any woman in Ohio State history. Prior, she coached teams at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michigan State and the National Women’s 2000 Olympic Team. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for three prestigious organizations and voted coach of the year by her peers 13 times. Today, we discuss what Buddhism has in common with mindset of winning athletes and coaches. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Resources“The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 172

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Buddhability Short: How to Make Hard Decisions

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 how to make difficult decisions and life without regret. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]  Episode Mentioned:Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future Resources:Discussions on Youth, pp. 26, 362.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 128-29.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Heartbreak Made Me a Better Mathematician

Buddhism teaches that all our problems are opportunities for growth. But how could heartbreak possibly make someone better at math? Alex Scheffelin, of New York, shares how he used a moment of hopelessness to propel him to becoming a Ph.D. student at Columbia University.Watch this week's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections [May 2024]

With college decisions trickling in, we're airing a rerun of a May 2024 episode about college rejections.When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, 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 YouthAug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9. Cheat Sheet:03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 1616:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections 35:27 Buddhism is about winning40:00 How she landed the perfect job47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business

Chip Grossman, of Santa Monica, always thought spirituality and business were opposing goals. It wasn’t until he encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism that he realized their deep ties. Today, Chip shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him develop the courage and strength to go after his goals and build unshakable happiness.View today's episode on YouTube.Resources: The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, pp. 272–73 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637. The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, pp. 27­–28 The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 185-87.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Buddhability Short: It's Never Too Late

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 life milestones and feeling left behind. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]  Episode Mentioned:How I Beat BurnoutSeeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems Resources:Discussions on Youth, pp. 6, 121.Each Instant Contains Incredible Possibilities

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

When Plans Unexpectedly Change

Life can’t always go according to plan. So, what do we do when things change? Buddhist practice helps us to be flexible and turn everything into an opportunity for deeper happiness.  Today’s guest, Camryn Snowden, of Oklahoma, navigated a big life change that helped her see that she could expand her capacity rather than compromising her dreams. Resources:The New Human Revolution, vol. 20, p. 89.December 2, 2022, World Tribune, p. 7.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems

Daily life throws a lot at us. When our state of life is low, it can be easy to get wrapped up in complaint. Buddhism teaches that caring for others helps us see beyond our problems, having a more expansive view of our lives with deeper appreciation and happiness. Today’s guest, Daeseon Kim, of Queens, N.Y., shares how tying his dreams to a deeper purpose helped him move to the U.S. and advance in his career as a physical therapist.Watch this episode on Youtube. Resources:Discussions on Youth, p. 336.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Perseverance is a Skill

What happens when you’ve failed at your goal… more than once? Today’s guest, Ayumi Sasaki, of Detroit, had a big career goal that took two years and many attempts to accomplish. We discuss how her Buddhist practice and community helped her develop the ability to pick herself back up and keep going until she reached the finish line. Resources:Discussions on Youth, p. 24. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 215.“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Buddhability Short: What Is Love?

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 learning how Buddhism can help us in relationships and love. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]  Episode Mentioned:On Self-Love and Relationships References:Discussions on Youth, pp. 60–67.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Believing in My Family Instead of Trying to Control Them

When we want others to change, we’re at the whim of our environment. One moment we’re happy with their actions and another we’re upset with something they said. Buddhism teaches us that when we work on our inner transformation our environment, including people, reflect that. Today’s guest, Emma Grover, of Oakland, shares how developing herself helped her believe in her family. Resources: Living Buddhism, January 2025, p. 12. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279. Living Buddhism, January 2021, p. 14.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Buddhability Short: Why Do We Have a Daily Practice?

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 why SGI Nichiren Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected]  Episodes Mentioned:How Connecting with People Enhanced by Self CareMastering Your Daily Rhythm References:Discussions on Youth pp. 215, 218, 220-21.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future

We might have a laundry list of regrets but we don’t have to let them determine our lives today or tomorrow. Today’s guest, Jesse Thompson of Columbus, Indiana, shares how he used his Buddhist practice to overcome shame and create the future he’d always dreamed of. You can also watch the video version of today's episode on our YouTube Channel.  Resources: The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 536, 832. Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107 July 11, 1997, World Tribune, p. 14Discussions on Youth, pp. 5, 26

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

How a Tattoo Artist is Revitalizing Her Community

Buddhist practice empowers us to positively impact our environment. Amber Owens, of Anniston, Alabama, uncovered a deep sense of purpose in revitalizing her hometown’s art culture. Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps her continuously return to her “why” when the path to her dream gets rocky.Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.  ResourcesThe Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised editionDiscussions on Youth, p. 172 

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

Buddhability Short: How to face the thing you've been avoiding

In today’s Short, we talk about how to do the thing we’ve said we would do for days, months or years. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Resources: Discussions on Youth, pp. 98, 262, 395.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 5, 103.The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279. Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Rewriting The Story I Tell Myself About Who I Am and Who I Can Be

We all have narratives we tell ourselves about what is possible for our lives. Today’s guest, Jackie Alexander, of Chicago, shares how she overcame limiting beliefs about the kind of student and person she was. We discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo about everything from housing, to money, to graduate school led to Jackie’s newfound self-confidence.Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.ReferencesYou Were Born to Win, p. 5The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 46

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

3 Things I Learned This Year and 2 Things I’m Bringing into Next Year

Thank you for an incredible year! Today we’re reflecting back on Buddhability’s 2024 guests and some things we’ve learned from them. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned for 2025. Reach out to us any time at [email protected] to get connected to a local Buddhist community or ask questions.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

The Courage to Live Authentically and Embrace Others

The journey of self-discovery can sometimes be long and winding. Ray Guida, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how he developed the compassion and courage to live as his authentic self. We discuss the ways chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps us face all hardships with hope and what it is like to practice SGI Nichiren Buddhism as an LGBTIQA+ person. Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Buddhist History Pt.3: Buddhism Today

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode is about how the Lotus Sutra and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are practiced today. Online Articles: About Our CommunityLiving The Lotus Sutra Engaged Buddhism Books: Waking The BuddhaThe Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Buddhist History Pt.2: Nichiren Daishonin and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode focuses on the origins of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhist philosophy and the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Online Articles: Buddhism Reaches the Shores of JapanThe Teachings of Nichiren DaishoninDaishonin’s Life and Legacy Books: The Records of the Orally Transmitted Teachings IntroductionThe Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1 and vol. 2 Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Buddhist History Pt.1: Shakyamuni and The Lotus Sutra

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode covers the early history of SGI Nichiren Buddhism.Online Articles: The Humanism of The Lotus Sutra Buddhist LineageBooks: The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras The Living Buddha The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series The Heart of The Lotus SutraReach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

A Psychiatrist’s Experience with Buddhism and Mental Health

Today’s guest, Bora Colak, is a psychiatrist in Brooklyn who struggled with depression for years after graduating from Harvard. When he started to practice Buddhism, something changed deep in his life. Bora shares the story of how he navigated depression, became a psychiatrist, and now uses Buddhism as the foundation for everything in his life. Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel. Resources:Basics of BuddhismBuddhism Applied (Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)Embracing Buddhism

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

How I Stopped Tying My Self-Worth to Relationships

Self-worth is tough to cultivate when we look to others for validation. One moment we’re flying high, then one harsh word sends us spiraling. Today’s guest, Nikki Gonzalez, of Oakland, shares how her Buddhist practice helped her shift from a life consumed by the opinions of others to one based on a deeply held belief in her infinite worth. We talk about how Buddhist concepts helped her change the way she looks at love and relationships and determine to become the kind of person she would be proud to be with.Watch the video version of today's episode here. References:Discussions on Youth, pp. 65, 69–70, 229.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

Buddhability Short: Refreshing Your Life

Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? In today’s Short, we talk about how to refresh yourself when you feel pulled in too many directions. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Resources: Sept. 13, 2024, World Tribune, p. 10. May 21, 2021, World Tribune, p. 3. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 446-48.Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

Finding My Path as an Art Therapist

What does it look like to have a fulfilling career? While no one can tell us the best life path for us, Buddhism offers a clear framework for understanding how to live with meaning and purpose. Today’s guest,  Paige Asawa of Los Angeles, shares her story of becoming an art therapist and how Buddhism helped her understand how to find a fulfilling career. oday’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel. If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at [email protected] Instagram: @buddhability

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

A Change in My Heart Changed My Family Relationships

Sometimes we may wish the people around us were different. Today’s guest, Brigid Perry of Boston, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo honestly about her feelings toward her family helped her make a fundamental shift in the way she views them.  Today’s episode is also available in video format here. References:The New Human Revolution, vol 1, pp. 173-4.Living Buddhism, June 2024, p. 5.The New Human Revolution, vol 30, Ch. 4. Cheat Sheet: 02:05 Brigid joins her sister at a Buddhist meeting07:45 Her brother comes home due to illness13:00 Wishing her family would change so life would be easier21:30 How Buddhist study helped her shift her perspective26:20 Seeing her brother in a new light33:15 Chanting to cherish her family just as they are39:10 A once unimaginable family moment If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at [email protected] Instagram: @buddhability

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

Orlando Bloom Opens Up About His Buddhist Practice: Staying Grounded, Facing Fears and Living Fully

We have a very special episode of Buddhability! You can listen as usual or watch the video on YouTube. Today’s guest, Orlando Bloom, sits down to discuss how his Buddhist practice has informed everything from his breakout role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings to how he confronts his limitations in his new show To The Edge. Orlando shares insights he’s gathered throughout his life since encountering SGI Nichiren Buddhism at age 16. He opens up about staying grounded with his sudden rise to fame, following a Buddhist example of a fulfilling life, and how he shows up to his relationships and the challenges of daily life.In this interview, we discuss:02:35 Orlando’s rambunctious childhood 08:46 Seeking a meaningful way of life22:15 Practicing Buddhism when he hit sudden fame29:27 Community is crucial for our growth 38:20 Having a mentor in life51:00 Breaking free from self-isolation 54:45 Deciding to incorporate his practice into his new TV Show 1:00:15 Confronting fears1:11:00 Don’t be afraid to make mistakes1:19:12 Orlando’s advice for curious listeners Learn more here:Basics of BuddhismChanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyoBuddhist CommunityBuddhist Philosopher Daisaku Ikeda Connect with usReach out to us at [email protected] to check out a local Buddhability community. www.buddhability.org Instagram: @buddhabilityTikTok @buddhabilityFacebook @buddhability

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

How I Feel Hope While Living with Anxiety and Depression

Ariana Jaramillo, of Santa Cruz, started experiencing panic attacks in high school. Right around that time, she started to regularly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Today, she shares how practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism has helped her remain undefeated by anxiety and depression. We talk about what it looks like to chant daily, study Buddhism and apply it to your life.  References:The New Human Revolution, vol 2, revised edition, p. 190.Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death.Discussions on Youth, p. 5. If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at [email protected] Instagram: @buddhability

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

Buddhability Short: How to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

In today’s Short, we’re breaking down the Buddhist mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and explaining how to chant it step-by-step. By the end of the episode, you should feel confident trying it out yourself! Helpful Resources for Chanting:How to Start Your Buddhist PracticeLearn How to Chant (Video)Ways to Enhance Your ChantingReach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

Rejection Helped Me Become a Published Researcher at 18

Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re applying for colleges and finishing your senior year is even harder. In today’s episode, Nikita shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her handle painful rejections and utilize feedback to help her become a better academic. Through the process, she learned how to overcome the thoughts that told her to give up. Resources:Twenty Life-Changing Buddhist Concepts, p. 39.March 2017 Living Buddhism, p. 49. Cheat Sheet:03:35 What Nikita liked about growing up Buddhist10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth25:23 How to overcome your own negativity33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

Why You Started Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

There are limitless reasons why someone might try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! For some, it’s an easy leap. For others, it might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you the voices of several Buddhability listeners sharing why they started to chant.  Helpful Resources for Chanting: How to Start Your Buddhist PracticeLearn How to Chant (Video) Ways to Enhance Your Chanting Reach out to us at [email protected] to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

Changing My Perspective on Success

Vishvak Prakkruth encountered Buddhism in Mumbai when he was an aspiring filmmaker. As he moved to New York and Los Angeles to further his career, he found deeper meaning in his art and shifted his perspective on success.In today’s episode, we talk about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhist philosophy have helped him find meaning and purpose in his work. Reference: The New Human Revolution, revised edition, vol. 5. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 335-35.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

How Loss Deepened My Appreciation for Life

Alexandria Jones, of San Diego, grew up with many examples of the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It wasn’t until becoming a young adult that she decided to test it for herself.  In today’s episode, Alexandria shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to develop limitless strength and courage. Two things she would need when faced with the painful loss of a loved one. She shares how the Buddhist view of death deepened her appreciation of life. References:Unlocking the Mysteries of Life and Death

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

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