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Last time we spoke about the Ishiwara Kanji. Born in 1889 in Japan, Kanji Ishiwara was the son of a policeman from a samurai lineage. He entered military training at 13, rising through the ranks to become a Major and a respected lecturer. His unconventional views on military strategy and history led him to predict a prolonged conflict with the United States. Deeply influenced by Nichiren Buddhism, he envisioned Japan as a moral leader destined to guide Asia, advocating for reform in China while grappling with his nation's imperial ambitions. In 1928, ishiwara fell ill with influenza, leading to a six-month hospitalization. During recovery, he joined an elite study group discussing war theories. His lectures on total war gained fame, culminating in a presentation to Kwantung officers. Amid rising tensions in Japan, he advocated for control over Manchuria, believing Japan had a moral duty to stabilize China. His theories on warfare, including the devastating potential of airpower, foreshadowed the horrors of future conflicts, influencing Japan's military strategies.   #137 Ishiwara Kanji Part 2: The Mukden Incident Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War.   For the next two and a half years, Ishiwara and Itagaki collaborated with other members of the Kwantung Army to address what they perceived as the Manchurian issue. By the mid-1930s, the belief that Manchuria needed to be forcibly seized had become the prevailing opinion among the Kwantung Army. Ishiwara was convinced that Japan could no longer remain passive in Manchuria, as each passing day meant Japan was gradually losing its rights and interests in the region to China, risking expulsion. Abandoning Manchuria would be a national catastrophe, resulting in the loss of a crucial buffer state, valuable resources, and land for Japan's growing population to settle. In essence, Manchuria was vital for Japan's survival and growth. Ishiwara would often say “manchuria provides Japan with breathing space” where have we heard that type of talk before?. To the military heads in Tokyo Ishikawa would often assert Manchuria had to be seized via force, because of the soviet threat of the USSR and communism as a whole “In view of the traditional russian policy in that area, once the soviets advanced into manchuria, it would become a base for the communization of asia. Not only would the internal stability of manchuria become impossible to maintain, but Japan would be unable to maintain its own national defense, and China's defenses, too, would become imperialized". The Army Headquarters in Tokyo also recognized that Manchuria was a crucial defensive line against the USSR. However, unlike the Kwantung Army, which aimed to control all of Manchuria, the leaders in Tokyo focused on incorporating southern Manchuria through the South Manchurian Railway and did not pursue any territory north of it. Ishiwara, on the other hand, believed that the only way for Japan to prevent the USSR from exerting pressure on southern Manchuria was to occupy northern Manchuria and extend even further north toward the Amur River. This would allow Japan to control the mountain ranges that bordered the western and eastern frontiers of northern Manchuria. Once Japan controlled northern Manchuria, Ishiwara stated in 1931 “With the solution of our defense problems in the north, we would then be free to plan an advance in any direction: to China proper, for example, or even to Southeast Asia”. Ishiwara advanced his ideas significantly after Japan's conquest of Manchuria, recognizing the necessity of effectively administering and pacifying its diverse populations. He posited that the stability of Manchuria could be achieved through the unique skills and contributions of the various ethnic groups residing there. For instance, he believed that the Chinese would excel in developing small businesses, while the Koreans would apply their expertise in paddy farming. These racial dynamics, according to Ishiwara, would play a crucial role in the development of Manchukuo and the broader vision of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. However, it was clear that, above all, Manchuria was intended to serve Japan's interests, many of which were exploitative and economically driven. By early 1930, Ishiwara and his colleague Itagaki devised a military strategy reminiscent of the tactics employed during the Russo-Japanese War, specifically a surprise night attack. Their plan involved the Kwantung Army launching an assault on the Liaoning region, targeting key Chinese garrisons. This operation required meticulous planning, as the Kwantung Army was significantly outnumbered by the forces commanded by Zhang Xueliang. In the vicinity of Mukden alone, Zhang commanded approximately 20,000 well-equipped troops, supported by aircraft and tanks. Across Manchuria, he could mobilize around 250,000 soldiers in the event of conflict. In stark contrast, the Kwantung Army could only field about 10,000 personnel, primarily composed of garrison units stationed along the railway. They lacked substantial air support and mechanized units, and their overall equipment was inadequate. To address this stark imbalance in military strength, Ishiwara emphasized the importance of intelligence and rigorous training. He aimed to refine specific assault techniques, enabling Japanese forces to execute rapid and concentrated attacks that would overwhelm their Chinese adversaries. The overarching strategy was notably straightforward: it hinged on delivering a decisive blow to the heart of Zhang Xueliang's military stronghold at the Peitaying barracks in Mukden. Ishiwara believed that if this critical target fell, it would shatter the enemy's morale, providing the Kwantung Army with the necessary military and psychological momentum to dominate the surrounding regions. However, he acknowledged that if the Soviet Union intervened, the entire plan could unravel catastrophically. One important variable Ishiwara highlighted was the necessity to pull off the operation before any attempt to restructure the domestic order in Japan occurred. Ishiwara knew his arguments and those of his colleagues would influence the heads in Tokyo, and they had to act before they did. However the heads at Tokyo and the Kwantung army held very different perspectives on when to act. In June of 1931 the Central army HQ stated in its General Outline of a solution to the Manchurian problem “we must defer the question of military action for a whole year. During this time the foreign ministry would attempt to dampen anti japanese activities in manchuria through negotiations with the government of Nanking. In the meantime the government would launch an information campaign to try and drive acquiescence at home and aboard for military action ” Ishiwara, as you can imagine, was deeply frustrated by the prospect of delaying action for another year. He argued passionately that the current international landscape necessitated an immediate strike. At that time, the Soviet Union was still in the midst of its ambitious five-year plan, which limited its capacity for intervention. Meanwhile, the United States, Britain, and France were grappling with their own financial crises, rendering them unable to mount significant resistance in the Far East. Most notably, the Nationalist regime in China was preoccupied with its unification efforts south of the Great Wall, but this situation was expected to shift soon. Ishiwara believed that if they postponed their plans for a year, the geopolitical environment would deteriorate further, making decisive action imperative. For Ishiwara, the moment to act was now or never. In July 1931, Ishiwara and Itagaki orchestrated a crucial reconnaissance mission aimed at familiarizing the newest Kwantung officers with the northern regions of Manchuria. To disguise their true intentions, they informed high command that the mission was a survey focused on the Soviet Union. However, the real objective was to assess the strength and influence of Chinese power in northern Manchuria. During their return journey, the team received alarming news about the disappearance of Captain Nakamura Shintaro, a Kwantung staff officer. Upon reaching Port Arthur, they learned that rumors were circulating that Captain Nakamura had been killed by Chinese soldiers under what were described as “mysterious circumstances.” In the preceding months, Manchuria had witnessed a surge in violent riots, murders, work strikes, and various other incidents, all contributing to a climate of unrest. The Nakamura affair intensified these existing tensions. In response, both the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministries attempted to negotiate a resolution to the crisis. However, figures at the central army headquarters, such as Nagata Tetsuzan, who sympathized with the urgency felt by their Kwantung counterparts, felt compelled to support them. The situation was rapidly escalating, and the stakes were growing ever higher. For Ishiwara the issue was clear as he wrote “the Nakamura incident adds just one more issue to the others. What the army should do now is to ignore the foreign ministry and solve the problem by taking matters into its own hands”. And that's exactly what he did. The Kwantung officers moved their troops beyond the railway zone, where they had been confined, and without waiting for Itagaki's approval—who was in Japan at the time—they began preparations to send an armored train along with a mixed regiment of infantry and artillery to Mukden. Their goal was to enlist the help of the Chinese military in investigating Nakamura's disappearance. Upon learning of this, Tokyo sent a telegram instructing them to halt their departure from the railway and to refrain from using the Nakamura incident as a pretext for employing force to address the Manchurian issue. For Ishiwara this was the last straw. On August 20th he sent a message to Nagata condemning the current diplomatic situation and that negotiations were an utter waste of time. “There is no way to settle the matter except by placing it in the hands of the army. If central hq finds it so difficult to trust its field personnel then it had better replace them with representatives more suitable to the conditions it imagines to exist in Manchuria”. Ishiwara doubled down and pushed for a plot to provoke military conflict outside of Mukden. As he wrote in almost a messianic Nichiren conviction ‘I will be the pillar of Japan; I will be the eyes of Japan; I will be the great vessel of Japan” . “Gekokujo / ruling from below” is a Japanese historical term referring to when subordinates defy or manipulate their superiors. Ishiwara and his like minded close colleagues were about to perform Gekokujo. Ishiwara ordered the dispatch of an armored train carrying a mixed regiment of infantry and artillery to compel the Chinese military authorities in Mukden to assist in the investigation of Nakamura's disappearance. However, central headquarters halted the train's departure at the last moment, sending a telegram from Tokyo that specifically instructed the Kwantung Army not to use the Nakamura incident to pressure a resolution to the Manchurian issue.  In addition to the Nakamura situation, another issue was brewing. Colonel Dohihara Kenji was involved in a plot to enlist Warlord Yan Xishan to attack Zhang Xueliang. This scheme was attracting unwanted attention and undermining the effectiveness of the Nakamura incident, prompting Ishiwara to swiftly suppress the plans. Rumors began to circulate in Tokyo that the Kwantung Army was preparing to retaliate against the Chinese due to the Nakamura situation. In response, War Minister General Minami dispatched Major General Yoshiji Tatekawa to Mukden to caution the Kwantung officers against any such actions. Ishiwara was informed of Tatekawa's arrival and sent urgent telegrams to his followers, warning, “Plot exposed. Act before Tatekawa's arrival.” Consequently, the launch date was moved from September 28th to the 18th. Itagaki personally intercepted Tatekawa's train, inviting him for tea and sake, and arranged for him to spend the night with a geisha on the evening of the 18th. On September 18th of 1931, 1st Lt Suemori Kawamoto of the independent Garrison Unit of the 29th infantry regiment planted bombs along the tracks near Liutiaokou. At 10:20pm they exploded doing only minor damage to 1.5 meters of track on one site. The damage was so minor a train actually passed over the tracks without difficulty 10 minutes later. Ishiwara, Itagaki and their followers quickly announced the explosion to be a Chinese atrocity and mobilized the Kwantung Army. Itagaki ordered the Independent Garrison Force and 29th infantry regiment to storm the Peitaying Barracks. Battalion commander Shimamoto was awakened by the orders via telephone and quickly dispatched the 1st (Ono) and 4th (Takahashi) companies from Mukden; the 2nd (kawakami) company at Fushun to advance to Liutiaokou. At 10:40pm the 29th regiment commander Hirata got a call from Shimamoto who ordered him to get his regiment into emergency formation and to storm the Peiyating barracks.  Two secretly hidden 24cm artillery pieces began to bombard the Peitaying barracks as 500 Japanese stormed the 7000 strong Chinese garrison. Despite being outnumbered 14 to 1, the Japanese destroyed Zhang Xueliangs small air force, routed the Chinese and occupied the Peiyating Barracks by 11pm, all at the cost of 500 Chinese lives and allegedly only 2 Japanese lives. A major reason the Japanese had ease was because Zhang Xueliang ordered his men to store away their weapons and not put up a fight if the Japanese invaded. Zhang Xueliang and Chiang Kai-shek both in Beijing at the time knew they could not initiate an offensive war against such a strong foreign country. They were hoping the League of Nations would intervene as pertaining to the Kellogg Briand Pact of 1928. But later on Chiang Kai-Shek would find America too wrapped up in its depression at home, Britain indifferent and other nations without enough reason to risk anything in the far east. An hour after the attack, Ishiwara began pressing General Shigeru Honjo, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Kwantung Army, to send reinforcements to capture all of Mukden. Initially, Honjo hesitated, but Ishiwara convinced him that there was significant provocation from the enemy, prompting Honjo to order additional units into combat to secure the entire city. Historians have since struggled to determine whether Honjo was aware of the invasion plan; it seems likely he had some knowledge, but not the full details, which made him cautious in his actions over the following weeks. In the days that followed, Honjo attempted to confine the incident, but Ishiwara and Itagaki continuously urged all forces to adhere to the secret plan they had trained for. The speed and decisiveness of their actions overwhelmed the Chinese forces and left Honjo unable to change the course of events. Famously when one colleague asked Itagaki what to do in response to cease and desist orders from Honjo, Itagaki responded “Never mind Honjo, it's Ishiwara's war”. Official orders from Tokyo came on the next day, specifically opposing the expansion of hostilities, but Ishiwara and Itagaki had come too far to stop now. They began persuading Honjo to telegram the General Staff to ask for reinforcements and freedom of action “to pursue actively the security and order of all of Manchuria”. Ishiwara and Itagaki clearly aimed to expand their offensive through official channels first, but they also circumvented these channels. One cunning tactic they used was to incite chaos among civilians in Manchurian cities, thereby heightening the demand for improved security for Japanese residents. This strategy would enable the Kwantung Army troops to move beyond their established boundaries. Shortly after what is now known as the "Mukden Incident," military agents were sent to Kirin to stir unrest in the city. Reports of disturbances from Kirin began flooding into the Kwantung Army headquarters, with Ishiwara urging Honjo to send forces to Kirin to safeguard Japanese residents. He also pushed for reinforcements from the Korean Army, but Honjo was reluctant to take that step. It seems Ishiwara feared missing a golden opportunity and chose another course of action. On the night of the 20th, he gathered together a bunch of younger Kwantung officers such as Itagaki's assistant, Captain Katakura Tadashi and told them “I can't do anything more to budge the commander and so i'm giving up my responsibilities for the direction of operations. Katakura, you take over”. Well it seems this little ploy had the intended effect as all the young officers immediately began pressuring Honjo to support Ishiwara's demands to advance to Kirin, many of them threatening to resign. After several hours of the officers nagging, Honjo related and authorized the despatch of troops.  The operation against Kirin was executed with remarkable speed. Ishiwara ordered the majority of the 2nd Division, led by General Tamon Jiro, to swiftly travel to Kirin by train. They entered the city without firing a single shot and compelled the local Chinese commander to declare the province's independence from Zhang Xueliang's regime. Within hours, the Korean army responded to an aid request from the Kwantung Army staff sent on September 21st and began advancing into Manchuria. In just 48 hours, the Japanese military had taken control of Kirin, which was outside the Kwantung operational zone, and the Korean army was invading Manchuria without Tokyo's approval, effectively undermining military discipline. Chief of Staff Kanaya Hanzo had issued specific orders to restrict the Kwantung Army's operations and granted field commanders discretionary authority for certain emergency situations, typically of a local nature. However, the Kirin expedition did not fit within these parameters. Encouraged by their success, Ishiwara and Itagaki pushed for an advance on Harbin. As noted in the previous episode, the strategy for taking Manchuria relied on speed and precision. The Kwantung Army had limited forces compared to the immediate Chinese troops in Manchuria, yet they were constrained by directives from Tokyo HQ that prohibited the movement of Kwantung troops beyond the South Manchuria Railway, where they had previously confined their actions. Ishiwara attempted to frame the situation politically, arguing that Japan should support Manchurian independence and sent this proposal directly to Tokyo central HQ. However, on October 3rd, Tokyo HQ firmly rejected the idea of expanding hostilities. Faced with this outright refusal from Tokyo HQ, the Kwantung radicals believed their only option was to create further chaos to compel a response. Ishiwara took the lead once more, aiming to unsettle Tokyo HQ. On October 8th, he donned military pilot gear and infiltrated one of five Chinese aircraft seized at Mukden airfield. He personally led a raid, although later in life, during the Tokyo War Crimes Trials, he would claim that the flight was intended solely for reconnaissance of enemy activities at Chinchou. He argued that it was only at the last moment that intelligence revealed anti-aircraft guns had been installed at Chinchou, prompting the Kwantung Army Commander to authorize their neutralization if fired upon. Ishiwara maintained that he and the four accompanying aircraft were fired upon, leading them to drop approximately 75 bombs on Chinchou. This series of events was quite dramatic, and contemporary accounts suggest it was a premeditated effort to provoke Tokyo. The raid on Chinchou certainly alarmed Tokyo, leading the staff there to worry that the West would start condemning them. Tokyo's high command found themselves in a difficult position. They felt compelled to publicly support the Kwantung Army by retroactively approving the chaotic attacks, but internally, they were furious. Major Endo Saburo from the intelligence division was dispatched to Manchuria to investigate the situation. When he asked Ishiwara about the events, Ishiwara claimed he acted on the principle of field initiative, which was why he hadn't informed Tokyo beforehand. Saburo also noted that Ishiwara's tone suggested that he and the intelligence division should stay out of the matter. Additionally, Saburo learned that there were whispers in Manchuria indicating that if Tokyo's high command did not align with them, the Kwantung Army was ready to act independently. It appeared that the radical officers of the Kwantung Army were even willing to defy the Imperial Japanese Army command to achieve their goals. Ishiwara went as far as to send this telegram to Tokyo “For the sake of the nation we are doing our very best in Manchuria, but if the Japanese government constantly interferes we cannot complete our great work. Then the Kwantung army will have to come to the point where we will have to break the glorious history of the imperial army and separate ourselves from the empire” If you found this situation quite surprising, there was also a rumor that Ishiwara and Itagaki planned to use an independent Manchuria as a base for a coup d'état against the Japanese government. Their goal was to overthrow the capitalists oppressing the people and establish a national socialist regime centered around the emperor. For those familiar with the history of political assassinations in 1930s Japan, this rumor hints at events that would unfold in 1936. It remains unclear whether Ishiwara and Itagaki genuinely intended to pursue this plan, but they certainly spread the word. On October 18th, War Minister Minami Jiro sent a telegram to the Kwantung Army, instructing them to stop any discussions about making Manchuria independent or attempting to seize control of it. Additionally, they dispatched Colonel Imamura Hitoshi from the operations section to Manchuria to reason with Ishiwara and Itagaki. They all met at a restaurant in Mukden where Imamura began by explaining the purpose of his mission, but before he could even really begin, Ishiwara blurted out “whats the matter? Doesn't central headquarters have any backbone?” A great way to start a meeting to be sure. Imamura tried to explain the situation, but Ishiwara said “if we follow the spineless Tokyo approach we'll never settle the Manchurian problem”. Imamura replied “we can't accomplish anything by following the arbitrary decision of field elements, which may create a crisis that will shake the whole army. In such a problem it is essential for the whole nation to be unified”. To this Ishiwara apparently said really loudly in the restaurant that he was sleepy, rolled over on the tatami and closed his eyes. Imamura furious haha, get up quickly after denouncing his so called hosts for conducting official IJA business at a restaurant and left. The next day they all met again, where Ishiwara and Itagaki kept speaking about the necessity to create an independent state, since there was no hope of the Chinese reforming Manchuria. After Imamura left that meeting, Ishiwara said to Itagaki “Imamura is a fine fellow, but he doesn't understand China”. Despite the chaos and turmoil, the Kwantung Army had been held back from launching any sustained military operations throughout October. As expected, Ishiwara continued to argue for an advance into northern Manchuria. In early November, he found another opportunity when he claimed that more railways had been destroyed. Allegedly, hostile Chinese forces had blown up the rail bridges over the Nonni River, south of Tsitsihar. When Japanese engineering units arrived to repair the damaged tracks, they came under fire from Chinese troops. To the high-ranking officials in Tokyo, this appeared to be a legitimate reason to take defensive action. Additionally, Kwantung intelligence reports were reaching Tokyo, suggesting that Chinese forces in northern Manchuria were planning a southward offensive. Ishiwara had also provided exaggerated reports to the Japanese public, manipulating media narratives to pressure Tokyo into supporting an advance into northern Manchuria. Tokyo approved a defensive operation, restricted in time and scope, aimed at protecting Japanese positions at the Nonni River bridges. Kwantung Army forces began moving north and soon engaged in intense fighting around the railway area of Tahsing. Ishiwara personally led troops during this engagement, marking the only time in his military career that he did so. General Honjo, rightly concerned that the Kwantung forces were becoming uncontrollable, sent a cable on November 5th announcing that under the “rinsan inmei / provisional mandate,” the general staff would assume direct command authority in Manchuria. Unsurprisingly, Ishiwara and his like-minded colleagues in the Kwantung Army were furious. Honjo followed this up by stating he would resign if they did not comply, but Ishiwara brushed off the provisional mandate stating “that the directive from the chief of staff is just a personal, not an imperial order. No matter how many we get of those we shouldn't' care. We'll just go ahead with our plans”. On november 17, the Kwantung army began advancing upon the city of Tsitsihar seizing it 2 days later.  Confronted with yet another dire situation, the IJA high command permitted the Kwantung Army to advance toward Tsitsihar. However, international outcry soon erupted, compelling them to order the evacuation of the city. Ishiwara sparked a significant debate among the staff, arguing that the evacuation was unacceptable given the sacrifices already made by the troops. Nevertheless, Honjo remained resolute. A few days later, Chinese forces began to gather at Chinchou, and tensions escalated with skirmishes occurring between Japanese and Chinese troops in Tientsin. In response, Ishiwara urgently called for Honjo to initiate an offensive at Chinchou as a way to better position their forces closer to Tientsin in case they faced overwhelming opposition. To support this advance, they also requested assistance from the Korean army. Once again, the burden fell to Tokyo. The high command in Tokyo ordered an immediate halt to the offensive and a withdrawal east of the Liao River. The Kwantung Army hesitated, not solely due to the order but also because the Korean army refused to join the offensive against Chinchou, which was crucial for their success. Ishiwara found himself in a predicament; without reinforcements, the entire offensive could fail. Then, on December 11th, a significant change occurred when Premier Wakatsuki was ousted. War Minister Minami and Chief of Staff Kanaya, who had attempted to moderate the Kwantung Army's aggressiveness, were replaced by Araki Sadao, a leader of the Kodoha faction known for its aggressive stance. To provide some context, the Japanese military was divided into factions, similar to warlord cliques, vying to influence the future operations of the IJA and, to some extent, the IJN. Two primary factions shaped the military landscape in the 1930s: the Kodoha and the Toseiha (Control Faction). The Kodoha was not an organized political party nor did it hold an official position within the IJA, but it wielded considerable influence. Its members were typically younger officers, particularly from the Kwantung Army. General Sadao Araki was a founding member of the Kodoha, which was heavily influenced by Bushido, Fascism, and the Kokutai ideology. They aimed to restore Japan to its perceived former glory, viewing liberal democracy as a detrimental force. They blamed the capitalists, industrialists, and elites—politicians, bureaucrats, and Zaibatsu leaders—for the nation's decline. Their goal was to see the Emperor reclaim full power in what they termed a "Showa Restoration." The Kodoha's primary adversary, as perceived by much of the Japanese military at the time, was the USSR and communism in general. Consequently, they supported the Hokushin-ron (Northern Strike Policy), which was Japan's theoretical plan to invade the USSR. While I don't want to delve too deeply into the details, it's important to note that the Kodoha was counterbalanced by the more moderate Toseiha faction, led by Hideki Tojo. The Toseiha opposed the Kodoha on several fronts, notably their desire to avoid a violent revolution to restore imperial dominance. Although they shared many principles with the Kodoha, the Toseiha rejected the Hokushin-ron strategy in favor of the Nanshin-ron (Southern Strike) strategy, which aimed at expanding into Southeast Asia and the resource-rich Dutch East Indies. The Toseiha faction also maintained better relations with the IJN. To contextualize this narrative within the political landscape, these two factions began to fiercely compete for dominance starting in 1931. With the influence of Araki Sadao and support from Prince Kan'in, a Kodoha sympathizer, significant changes occurred in Tokyo's command. Suddenly, offensive operations against Chinese forces in Manchuria were rebranded as “bandit suppression” campaigns. The Kwantung Army, fully backed by Tokyo, swiftly pursued all military objectives established by Ishiwara and Itagaki since September. Chinchou and Shanhaikwan were captured in early January 1932, followed by Tsitsihar in February. By spring 1932, Ishiwara urged the staff to complete the full occupation of Manchuria, both north and south. In April of that year, he presented the “Manshu haiti heiryaku,” or the program for the pacification of Manchuria. This new plan called for the seizure of Hailar in the north because “it was pivotal to the defense against the USSR”. It also called for seizing Jehol province because “it was an important condition to the independence of Manchuria”. By the end of the year Hailar was taken and in 1933 the Kwantung army was marching upon Jehol. It is clear that Ishiwara played a crucial role in the conquest of Manchuria. The Kwantung Army and the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) had various strategies available to address the Manchurian issue, but Ishiwara focused primarily on achieving complete control over the region for its resources, strategic advantages, and to establish a continental base for a potential war against the United States. For Ishiwara, securing all of Manchuria was essential in preparation for the Final War. While it's likely that conflict between Japan and China would have occurred in Manchuria without Ishiwara's influence, it's uncertain whether Japan would have outright taken the province. Ishiwara dedicated years to planning and pushing boundaries, but when the operation commenced, it became evident that he and his associates lacked a definitive timeline for conquest and had several missing contingency plans. Despite the chaotic circumstances, the conquest of Manchuria proved to be a remarkable success. So much so, Ishiwara said to a friend of his, Satomi Kishio in 1932 “Even if Japan has to face the entire world, she can't be beaten”. Ironically as many of you know, Japan's actions in Manchuria cost her greatly. Japan was now hated by the Chinese, well much more so. The west condemned Japan's actions, alongside the USSR. As my professor first taught me in a class about the Pacific War when I was a wee lad in his early 20's “It all was about Manchuria, everything started with Manchuria, and it ended with Manchuria in 1945”. The Manchuria incident set Japan on an unavoidable path toward the China War, which ultimately led to conflict with the West. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy. This situation also raises questions about military discipline. Many cite the concept of Gekokujo as a reason why individuals like Ishiwara and Itagaki were able to act as they did. These militaristic junior officers seemingly ran rampant, engaging in rebellious actions that defied their superiors, which forced those higher up to become complicit. While Gekokujo certainly played a role, especially in Ishiwara's case, it does not negate the fact that there was a significant level of indiscipline within the Japanese army. Ishiwara was undoubtedly aware of the potential consequences of his actions. A prime example is Colonel Komoto Daisaku, who had previously seen his career ruined after being exiled due to the Huanggutun incident. However, Ishiwara's focus extended beyond Manchuria; he was closely monitoring the political landscape in Tokyo. He recognized that the 1931 cabinet was unstable and that certain high-ranking officials, like Araki Sadao, were rapidly advancing in their careers and sympathized with his agenda. Ishiwara was betting that supporters from factions like Kodoha would gain the necessary power to further his cause. His gamble paid off handsomely, as all the key players in the Manchurian affair were rewarded for their efforts. Ishiwara received the Order of the Golden Kite, 3rd class, and returned to Japan as a celebrated hero, captivating younger officers in the Imperial Japanese Army. Ironically, the indiscipline he had nurtured within the army would later come back to haunt him as he climbed the ranks and became part of the Tokyo staff. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Ron Burgundy once said “Boy, that escalated quickly... I mean, that really got out of hand fast.” While perhaps Ishiwara did not plan for an all out war to break out against China, he certainly was the culprit to it happening. There was no going back, 15 years of blood, sweat and tears would be shed.

Last time we spoke about the reunification of Xinjiang. In Yarkland, chaos erupted as inflation soared, forcing Chinese officials to retreat to fortified New City. As insurgents advanced, Colonel Chin's forces looted and fled, igniting violence against Uyghurs and Hindu moneylenders. By April, rebels captured Kashgar, fracturing Chinese control. Amid shifting alliances, Abdullah revealed a conflict among Muslim troops, leading to a brief Uyghur-Kirghiz unity against the Chinese. After the execution of leader Temur, Abdullah seized Yarkland, while Tawfiq Bay rallied forces, leaving the Tungans besieged amidst chaos. In the tumultuous landscape of 1930s Xinjiang, Ma Chongying's Tungan forces, alongside young Uyghur conscripts, captured Kumul and advanced toward Urumqi. Despite fierce battles, including a significant clash at Kitai, Sheng Shihtsai struggled to maintain control amid shifting loyalties and external pressures. As the TIRET emerged under Khoja Niyas Hajji, internal conflicts and Soviet interventions escalated. Ultimately, Ma Chongying retreated to Russia, leaving Sheng in power, but the region remained fraught with tension and uncertainty.   #136 Ishiwara Kanji Part 1: The Man who Began WW2? Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. “The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.” Famously said by Gandalf the White. 1931 was the year the Japanese initiated a 15 year long war with China. For those of you who perhaps joined this podcast recently and don't know, I am Craig and I operate the Pacific War Channel on Youtube. I have been covering the 15 year long China War forever it seems, so when we finally reached this part in our larger story I sat down and thought about how to first tackle this. One thing I really believe needs to be said at the beginning, is a lot of what happened was put into motion by one man, Ishiwara Kanji. For those of you who joined my patreon or later listened to my Ishiwara Kanji series on my channel, this one might be a bit of a refresher. But for those of you who have never heard the name of this man, well let me tell you a story about how a single man caused WW2. Kanji Ishiwara was born on January 18, 1889, in Tsuruoka, located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. He was the second son of a policeman who hailed from a lineage of samurai that had historically served the Shonai Domain. This domain had a notable history, particularly during the Boshin War, where Ishiwara's clan supported the Tokugawa Shogunate. Following the defeat of the Shogunate, clans like Ishiwara's found themselves marginalized in the new political landscape of Meiji Era Japan. The power dynamics shifted significantly, with domains such as Choshu and Satsuma gaining the majority of influential governmental positions, while those that had aligned with the Shogunate were largely excluded from power. At the young age of 13, Ishiwara embarked on his military career by enrolling in a military preparatory school in Sendai. He continued his education for two years at the Central Military Preparatory School in Tokyo, where he honed his skills and knowledge in military affairs. In 1907, he entered the Imperial Japanese Military Academy as a member of its 21st class. After two years of rigorous training, he graduated in July 1909, receiving a commission as a Lieutenant and taking on the role of platoon commander in an infantry regiment stationed in the Tohoku region. In 1910, following Japan's annexation of Korea, Ishiwara's regiment was deployed to the Korean Peninsula, where he served in a small garrison in Ch'unch'on. His time there involved two years of occupation duty, during which he gained valuable experience in military operations and leadership. After returning to Tohoku in 1912, Ishiwara pursued further education and successfully passed the examinations required for entry into the Army Staff College in 1915. His dedication and exceptional performance were evident throughout his studies, culminating in his graduation at the top of his class in November 1918. This achievement earned him a prestigious place among the elite ranks of the Gunto Gumi, a distinguished group within the Japanese military, and he was honored with the imperial sword, a symbol of his status and accomplishments. In 1920, Ishiwara found himself facing a challenging assignment within the Department of Military Training. Eager for a change, he applied for service in China and was subsequently assigned to the Central China Garrison in Hankow. Over the course of a year, he traveled extensively through central China, immersing himself in the culture and landscape before returning to Tokyo in 1921. Upon his return, he took on the role of lecturer at the Army Staff College, where he shared his knowledge and experiences with aspiring military leaders. Despite his desire for another assignment in China, Ishiwara's superiors redirected him to Europe, a common practice for promising young officers at the time. He spent three years in Germany, where he dedicated himself to studying languages and military history. By 1925, at the age of 36 and having attained the rank of Major, he received a prestigious assignment to the faculty of the Army Staff College, where he lectured on the history of warfare. From the outset, Ishiwara distinguished himself as an unconventional officer. His eccentricities were well-known; he was often seen as argumentative and struggled with numerous health issues, including recurrent kidney infections, gastrointestinal problems, tympanitis, and other ailments that plagued him throughout his career. Additionally, his ancestry played a significant role in his military life, particularly in the context of the Japanese military's values during the 1930s. Officers from disgraced clans often felt compelled to demonstrate exceptional loyalty to the Emperor, striving to overcome the stigma associated with their lineage, a legacy of distrust that lingered from the early Meiji period. Ishiwara's character was marked by a certain oddity; he was a nonconformist with a fiercely independent spirit. Many biographers note that while he excelled academically, he often disregarded military decorum, particularly in terms of his dress and personal appearance. Early in his career, he voiced his concerns about perceived inequalities within the military, particularly the favoritism shown towards graduates of the staff college. Such outspoken criticism was considered reckless, yet it reflected his deep-seated beliefs. An avid reader, Ishiwara immersed himself in a wide range of subjects, including politics, religion, history, and philosophy, revealing a restless and inquisitive mind. His unconventional behavior and intellectual pursuits garnered attention from his peers, many of whom regarded him as a brilliant thinker. While military personnel are typically required to study military history, few pursue it with the same fervor as Ishiwara. He developed a profound obsession with understanding military history beyond the standard curriculum. His critical examination of the Russo-Japanese War led him to conclude that Japan's victory was largely a matter of luck. He believed that Japan had adopted the von Moltke strategy of annihilation, but the sheer size of Russia made it impossible to defeat them swiftly. Ishiwara posited that had Russia been better prepared, Japan would likely have faced defeat, and it was only through a unique set of circumstances that Japan avoided a protracted conflict. This realization prompted Ishiwara to advocate for a significant shift in Japan's defense planning, emphasizing the need to adapt to the realities of modern warfare. His studies extended to World War I, where he critically analyzed the distinctions between short and prolonged conflicts. He recognized that extended wars often evolved into total wars, where political, economic, and social factors became as crucial as military strategy. This line of thinking led him to categorize wars into two types: “kessenteki senso” (decisive war) and “jizokuteki senso” (continuous war). Ishiwara viewed these categories as part of a cyclical pattern throughout history, with each type influencing the other in a dynamic interplay. During his time in Germany, Ishiwara immersed himself in the study of prominent military theorists such as Carl von Clausewitz, Helmuth von Moltke, and Hans Delbrück. He found himself particularly captivated by Delbrück's concepts of Niederwerfungstrategie, or "strategy of annihilation," which emphasizes the importance of achieving victory through decisive battles, and Ermattungsstrategie, meaning "strategy of exhaustion," which focuses on wearing down the enemy over time. These theories resonated deeply with Ishiwara, as he recognized parallels between his own ideas and the insights presented in these influential works. This realization prompted him to analyze historical conflicts, viewing the Napoleonic Wars as the quintessential example of annihilation warfare, while interpreting the campaigns of Frederick the Great as emblematic of exhaustion warfare. As Ishiwara advanced in his studies, he became increasingly convinced, much like many of his contemporaries, that Japan and the United States were inevitably on a collision course toward war, driven by conflicting power dynamics and ideological differences. He anticipated that such a conflict would not be swift but rather a drawn-out struggle characterized by a strategy of exhaustion. However, this led him to grapple with a pressing dilemma: how could Japan effectively prepare for a prolonged war when its natural resources were evidently insufficient to sustain such an endeavor? This predicament prompted him to rethink the broader context of Asia. Ishiwara held a strong belief that Asia was a distinct entity, fundamentally different from the West, and he envisioned a future where Asian nations would liberate themselves and unite in solidarity. His enthusiasm was particularly ignited during the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, while he was a young cadet stationed in Korea. The prospect of China revitalizing itself filled him with hope. However, his later experiences in China led to a profound disillusionment. Throughout the 1920s, he encountered rampant banditry, conflicts during the warlord era, and pervasive chaos and disorder. The widespread poverty and instability he witnessed shattered his earlier optimistic vision of China's potential for progress and reform, leaving him with a more sobering understanding of the challenges facing the region. He wrote this during that time “Looking at the situation in China, I came to harbor grave doubts as to the political capacities of the chinese race and came to feel that, though they were a people of high cultural attainment, it was impossible for them to construct a modern state”. Despite his profound disappointment with the political issues plaguing China, he was equally appalled by the way his Japanese colleagues treated the Chinese people. He vividly recalled feelings of shame when he witnessed fellow colleagues in Hankow disembarking from rickshaws and carelessly tossing coins at the feet of the rickshaw pullers. This behavior struck him as not only disrespectful but also indicative of a broader attitude of racial superiority that he believed needed to be addressed. He frequently expressed in his writings that the Japanese needed to abandon their feelings of racial superiority. Ironically, he often juxtaposed this belief with his conviction that Japan had a duty to guide nations like China toward their rightful destiny. While he advocated for racial equality between Japan and China, he held a markedly different view regarding China's political landscape. Like many of his contemporaries, he believed that China required significant reform and modernization, which he felt Japan was uniquely positioned to facilitate. To Ishiwara, the pressing issue was that if Japan did not assist China in its development, Western powers would aggressively intervene, further subjugating the nation. He viewed Japan's role as one of liberation for China, rather than domination. Additionally, Ishiwara connected the impending conflict between Japan and the United States to the broader dynamics of Japan-China relations, suggesting that the outcome of this war would significantly impact the future interactions between the two nations. Ishiwara, like many Japanese military officers of his time, subscribed to the concept of Kokutai, a complex and multifaceted cultural phenomenon that served as a spiritual driving force within the Japanese military. The Kokutai can be understood as the essence of Japan's national character. Japan operated as a constitutional monarchy, embodying both the Kokutai (the national body or character) and Seitai (the governmental structure). This duality created a unique ideological framework: one aspect emphasized the traditional reverence for the emperor, while the other focused on the official government apparatus.   To simplify this intricate relationship, one might say, “Japan is governed simultaneously by the emperor and the government.” However, this characterization is inherently confusing, as it encapsulates a significant contradiction. Article 4 of the former Japanese constitution stated, “The emperor is the head of the empire, combining in himself the right of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the imperial diet.” This provision suggests the existence of an absolute monarch who is nonetheless expected to heed the advice of democratically elected representatives, creating a paradox that would contribute to the tensions leading to the Pacific War. A critical issue that arose from this constitutional framework was that the military was explicitly stated to be under the control of the emperor, rather than the political diet. Consequently, many military leaders perceived themselves as being beholden to the Kokutai, an ideology that evolved significantly from the Meiji era into the Showa era. For instance, consider a high-ranking military officer who views the political elite as corrupt individuals who have effectively taken the emperor hostage, acting against his will and, by extension, against the will of the Japanese people. Such a perspective could lead to radical actions, including attempts to overthrow the government to restore what they believed to be the rightful authority of the emperor. This ideological conflict presents a fascinating and complex rabbit hole that merits further exploration. Ishiwara had a unique view of the Kokutai. In his early education he wrote this about his doubt on understanding it as a principal. “Even though I, myself, because of my training…had come to have an unshakeable faith in the kokutai I began to lack confidence that I could imparts this belief to others –to the common soldier, to the civilian, to non-Japanese”. Ishiwara grappled with a profound question: how could the concept of Kokutai—the national essence of Japan—be relevant beyond the borders of Japan? He pondered how its significance could extend beyond the specific national interests of Japan. If a Japanese soldier were to lay down his life for the Kokutai, what meaning would that sacrifice hold for individuals of different races and nationalities? Furthermore, he sought to understand how the Kokutai's universal value could be connected to other ideologies outside Japan. In his quest for answers, Ishiwara turned to Nichiren Buddhism. This spiritual framework allowed him to weave together his thoughts on warfare, historical narratives, and the national purpose of Japan. Interestingly, Ishiwara did not come from a religious background; he had briefly explored Christianity but did not pursue it further. Similarly, Shintoism did not fully resonate with his beliefs. Nichiren Buddhism, however, presented a compelling alternative. It is characterized by a strong sense of patriotism and an apocalyptic vision, positioning itself as a holy mission intended for all of humanity, with Japan at its center. This belief system embodies a quasi-ideology of world regeneration, casting Japan as a moral leader destined to guide others. Given this context, it is easy to see how the Kokutai and Nichiren Buddhism complemented each other seamlessly. By leveraging the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, Ishiwara envisioned a way to elevate the Kokutai from a strictly nationalistic doctrine to a more universal ideology that could resonate globally. His introduction to these ideas came through Tanaka Chigaku, a prominent figure in the Kokuchukai, or "National Pillar Society," which was a nationalist organization rooted in Nichiren Buddhism and based in Tokyo. This connection provided Ishiwara with a framework to articulate a vision of Japan that transcended its geographical boundaries, linking the Kokutai to a broader, more inclusive mission. After attending a public meeting held by Tanaka, he quickly converted to Kokuchukai and he would write down in his journal “I was attracted to the Nichiren faith's view of the kokutai”. Nichiren buddhism. One element of Kokuchukai's Nichirenism that strongly attracted Ishiwara was its aggressive passages. He justified much of Japan's military actions on the Asian continent by drawing parallels to Nichiren's concept of wielding the sword to uphold righteousness. He frequently quoted Nichiren's assertion that “the significance of the art of war appears in the wonderful law.” Ishiwara became deeply immersed in Nichiren's teachings and came to believe in its prophecy of a “Zendai mimon no dai toso,” or a titanic world conflict unprecedented in human history, akin to a global Armageddon. Following this conflict, he envisioned a period of universal and eternal peace under the harmony of “the wonderful law.” While in Germany, Ishiwara became convinced that if Japan and the United States were destined for war and the U.S. emerged victorious, the kokutai would be obliterated. He traveled back to Japan via the Trans-Siberian Railway, stopping in Harbin, where he met with Nichiren followers. He shared his thoughts on a “final war,” asserting that it would arise from religious prophecy and his military analysis. He cautioned that Japan must prepare for this impending conflict, declaring that “the final war is fast approaching.” Upon returning to Japan in 1925, he was filled with determination to lecture at the Army Staff College about this final war. His audience consisted of the army's promising young officers, to whom he taught about Frederican and Napoleonic campaigns, Moltke, World War I, and, of course, his insights on the looming conflict. The Army Staff College repeatedly requested him to expand his lectures due to their popularity. In 1927, he drafted an essay titled “Genzai oyobi shorai Nihon no kokubo / Japan's Present and Future National Defense,” in which he discussed the inevitable war between the U.S. and Japan. This essay garnered significant attention from his colleagues. Later, in April 1931, he briefed his fellow Kwantung officers using this essay, advocating for decisive action on the Asian mainland. In 1928, he was scheduled to give another course on European warfare, but he contracted influenza and had to take a leave of absence. As he was recovering, he developed tympanitis in his ear, which required a six-month hospitalization. This was just one of many health issues that would affect him over time. Eventually, he became involved in an elite study group focused on war theories, led by Major Suzuki. This group included young reformist officers who discussed political and military matters. He continued his work on the concept of total war and ultimately wrote “Sensoshi taikan / General Outline of the History of War,” which he presented as a lecture to Kwantung officers in Changch'un, Manchuria, on July 4, 1929. The work underwent revisions in 1931 and 1938 and was published as a book of the same title after 1941. As he began lecturing using Sensoshi taiken he also circulated amongst an inner circle within the Kwantung army “kokuun tenkai no konpon kokusakutaru man-mo mondai kaiketsuan / Plan for the solution of the Manchuria and Mongolia problem as a basic national policy to revolutionize our country's destiny”, what a title. As you might guess the plan called for occupying Manchuria in preparation for the upcoming war with America. By the way, all of his lectures and works would gain so much fame, he was asked in 1936 to adapt the materials for a text on military history for Emperor Hirohito.  The 1930s were a particularly tense period for Japan. The Japanese leadership perceived Marxism as a pervasive threat, believing it was undermining the nation. Many liberal voices argued that the military budget was excessive and called for cuts. To Ishiwara, this was madness; he questioned how Japan could afford to disarm. While Marxists claimed that communism would rescue Japan, liberals argued that true democracy was the answer. In contrast, Ishiwara and many in the military believed that the Kokutai would be Japan's salvation. Ishiwara advocated his final theories of warfare, asserting that the impending apocalypse would not lead to an American synthesis, but rather a decisive victory for the Japanese Kokutai that would unify the world. “Japan must be victorious not for the sake of her own national interest, but for the salvation of the world. The last war in human history is approaching, Nichiren's titanic world conflict, unprecedented in human history”. From the outset of his initial theories, Ishiwara was convinced that the final war would be characterized by a strategy of exhaustion. However, World War I and the advancements of the 1920s introduced new technologies like tanks, poison gas, and airplanes. The airplane, in particular, led Ishiwara to believe that the defensive stalemate observed in World War I was nearing its end. He argued that airpower could deliver bomb loads beyond all known defenses, including naval surface units, fortifications, and armies equipped with automatic weapons. Ishiwara predicted that the final war would unleash unimaginable horrors on the world's greatest cities. Cities like London, Shanghai, Paris, and even Tokyo could be devastated within a single day of the outbreak of hostilities. Air bombardment would deliver victory and he would be quite right about that in regards to what would happen to Japan. He believed such a war would be waged only once and “we will enter an age where war will become impossible because of the ultimate development of war technology”. Ishiwara contended that Japan should exert direct or indirect control over Manchuria and, to a lesser extent, certain regions of China. He claimed that Japan had a moral responsibility to the Asian continent and a unique connection to Manchuria and China. He emphasized the need to stabilize China, as its people faced threats from chaos, corruption, and conflict. Ishiwara argued that Japan would ultimately need to take a more proactive role in stabilizing China, especially in Manchuria, for the sake of peace and the well-being of the Chinese population. He wrote in 1930 “To save China, which has known no peace, is the mission of Japan, a mission, which, at the same time, is the only means for the salvation of Japan itself. To accomplish this task it is an urgent matter that the interference of the United States be eliminated”. Ironically, he was advocating that in order to prepare for a conflict with the US, Japan must take a stronger hand in Manchuria and China…which would probably force the United States to confront her. He advocated against the strategy of a decisive battle at sea, instead emphasizing a continental strategy. “If the worst comes about and the war at sea turns against us, if proper measures have been taken, Japanese forces on the Asian mainland can be made self-sufficient and the war continued.” Above all else, Manchuria was the key, alongside parts of Mongolia and China.  In 1931, he started advocating for reforms in China, suggesting that it would be beneficial for the country to accept guidance from Japan. He viewed China as Japan's most important ally in the event of a conflict with the United States. He argued that Japan should make every effort to avoid getting involved in a war with China and should strive to prevent any actions that might provoke such a situation. Yet as he continued his writing he began to see the diplomatic issues play out between China and Japan and came to the conclusion, “every attempt should be made to avoid provoking China, but in the event that it is impossible to bring about China's understanding, then Nanking should be swiftly attacked and north and central China occupied” way to go 0-60. His attitudes to Britain and Russia were quite similar, every effort should be made to remain friendly, but in the case of war Hong Kong and Malaya should be quickly occupied or in the case of the USSR, predetermined objectives inside Siberia should be seized quickly. Let's delve into the historical landscape of Manchuria during the late 1920s, a period marked by intense geopolitical maneuvering among Russia, China, and Japan. The region found itself caught in a complex struggle for dominance, exacerbated by the fragmentation of Chinese authority due to rampant warlordism. This instability effectively severed Manchuria's ties to the rest of China, creating an opportunity for Japan to solidify and expand its influence. The situation in Manchuria, often referred to as the "Manchurian Problem," revolved around a pivotal question for Japanese policymakers: How could Japan consolidate its hold over Manchuria and further its interests in the face of an increasingly assertive China? Japan identified three primary strategies to address this challenge: Control of the South Manchuria Railway: Securing this vital transportation artery would grant Japan significant leverage over southern Manchuria. However, this strategy was fraught with complications, as it necessitated ongoing confrontations with Chinese political forces that opposed Japanese dominance. Utilization of the Kwantung Army: This military force stationed in Manchuria was crucial for projecting Japanese power. Members of the Kwantung Army were particularly concerned about the Northern Expedition led by Chiang Kai-shek, which threatened the stability of their ally, Zhang Zuolin, known as the "Tiger of Manchuria." While Zhang had been cooperative and acted in Japan's interests, his support could not be guaranteed indefinitely. Japanese Colonization: This approach involved encouraging Japanese settlers to move into Manchuria, thereby establishing a demographic presence that could help legitimize Japan's claims to the territory. This method, often likened to a “filibuster,” aimed to create a Japanese cultural and economic foothold in the region. Each of these strategies presented distinct pathways forward, each with its own implications for the future of Manchuria and its relationship with China. The Kwantung Army, in particular, was increasingly alarmed by the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment as the Northern Expedition advanced northward. The army viewed Manchuria not only as a territory of strategic interest but also as a crucial buffer against the Soviet Union. The growing instability posed by Chiang Kai-shek's forces and the potential loss of influence over Zhang Zuolin were significant threats that needed to be addressed. Ultimately, many within the Kwantung Army believed that the only viable solution to secure Japan's interests in Manchuria would be to formally detach the region from China, a move that would likely require military intervention. This belief underscored the precarious balance of power in Manchuria during this tumultuous period and foreshadowed the escalating conflicts that would shape the region's future. In June 1927, senior officers of the Kwantung Army were summoned to a crucial meeting convened by Premier Tanaka Giichi. The primary objective of this gathering was to establish Japan's strategic policy regarding China and Manchuria. Within the ranks of the Kwantung Army, a more radical faction led by Colonel Komoto Daisaku was determined to eliminate Zhang Zuolin, who had increasingly become perceived as a significant barrier to Japanese ambitions in Manchuria. This faction's resolve culminated in the assassination of Zhang Zuolin in 1928, an event infamously known as the Huanggutun Incident, where a bomb was placed on the train tracks to ensure his demise. However, the outcome of this assassination did not unfold as the Kwantung Army officers had anticipated. Instead of the anticipated rise of their chosen puppet leader, General Yang Yuting, control of Manchuria fell to Zhang Zuolin's son, Zhang Xueliang. Unsurprisingly, Zhang Xueliang was deeply angered by the murder of his father and was far from compliant with Japanese interests. Consequently, the Kwantung Army found itself in a precarious position, as their aggressive policies in Manchuria backfired, leading to a situation that was even more unfavorable than before. The investigation into the assassination was notably half-hearted, resulting in the dismissal of Colonel Komoto from his position. This political fallout also led to the collapse of Tanaka's cabinet, leaving the Kwantung Army feeling both embarrassed and enraged over their diminished influence in Manchuria. The Japanese colonists residing in Manchuria, feeling increasingly threatened, began to call upon the Kwantung Army for protection against Chinese nationalists who sought to expel them from the region. In this climate of uncertainty, the Kwantung Army was left scrambling for strategies to detach Manchuria from Chinese control. In 1928, Lieutenant Colonel Ishiwara was consulted extensively by Kwantung officers regarding his perspectives on the Manchurian situation. Although he had not yet fully developed his Final War theory at this time, he articulated the fundamental principles behind it, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to assert control over Manchuria. Over the following years, Kwantung officers made concerted efforts to shape policy in favor of their interests in Manchuria, with Ishiwara's ideas gaining traction and stimulating discussions among his high-ranking peers. By October 1928, Ishiwara successfully secured a position on the Kwantung Army staff as an operations officer, with Colonel Komoto Daisaku as his primary supporter. Komoto recognized Ishiwara as the dynamic force needed to advance the aggressive Manchurian policies that the Kwantung Army sought to implement. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in the Kwantung Army's approach to Manchuria, as they aimed to solidify their control and influence in the region amidst growing tensions. When Ishiwara arrived at Port Arthur, he encountered a chaotic and demoralized atmosphere at the headquarters of the Kwantung Army. This turmoil was largely a consequence of the disastrous bombing of Zhang Zuolin, which had resulted in significant operational failures. The investigation into this assassination triggered numerous changes within the Kwantung Army's leadership, many of which were quite restrictive and stifling. Despite the catastrophic impact of the Zhang Zuolin incident on Komoto's career, he continued to advocate for a forceful resolution to the escalating Manchurian crisis. Ishiwara appeared to share this perspective, and during the early months of 1929, he collaborated closely with Komoto to devise military operations aimed at countering Chinese forces in the Mukden region. However, by the spring of 1929, Komoto's position became increasingly precarious, leading to his official dismissal. By May, he had been reassigned to a relatively insignificant divisional post in Japan, and by June, he was completely removed from the army. Nevertheless, this did not signify the end of his influence over Manchurian affairs. His successor was Lieutenant Colonel Itagaki Seishiro, a longtime associate of Ishiwara from their days at the Sendai Military Preparatory School. This connection suggested that while Komoto may have been sidelined, the strategic direction in Manchuria would continue to be shaped by familiar faces and longstanding relationships. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. A young, brilliant but perhaps insane man named Ishiwara Kanji began a fruitful military career. After spending considerable time in China, Ishiwara came to a dramatic conclusion, China needed to be saved, and to do so Japan needed to invade Manchuria. He began lecturing like minded youth and built a cult following, directing Japan towards war with China.  

A (relatively) in-depth analysis of singer, songwriter and musician Suzanne Vega. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1985. Having grown up in Spanish Harlem and the Upper West Side of New York City, in 2020 she released An Evening of New York Songs and Stories featuring songs that were inspired by the city. Vega practices Nichiren Buddhism. In this episode I am in conversation with Dr. Andrew Webber.I hope you enjoy this podcast.Mathew Woodall

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and soul-stirring world of Madam CJ in this latest episode of Real Chicks Rock!™ Presents Real Discussions. Join us as we uncover the multi-faceted life of this chart-topping singer-songwriter, entertainment movement artist, and women's wellness thought leader. From her magnetic presence on stage alongside Robbie to her entrepreneurial spirit with Divine Clementine Bath & Body, Madam CJ embodies the essence of transformation through music, movement, and nutrition. In this deep dive, Madam CJ opens up about her journey from the nostalgic streets of Memphis to the dynamic cultural hub of Atlanta. She shares her inspiring transition to full-time entrepreneurship, her dedication to women's wellness, and her strategic approach to social media. Discover how her spiritual practice, Nichiren Buddhism, has been a guiding force through life's ebbs and flows, and the profound impact of mentorship on her path to self-care advocacy. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of setting boundaries, and the beauty of living authentically. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will spark your quest for personal growth and fulfillment. Key Takeaways: - Embrace your journey and the lessons it teaches - The significance of wellness in personal and professional life - Navigating entrepreneurship with passion and purpose - The transformative impact of mentorship and community #RealChicksRock #Podcast #MadamCJ #Wellness #Entrepreneurship #Music #Movement #Nutrition #SpiritualPractice #SelfCare #Empowerment #CommunityImpact

If you've ever wondered what Buddhism is about, take a listen to a birds eye overview. From India to Japan, to countries all over the world, it is a philosophy filled with rich history and wisdom no matter your spiritual or religious beliefs. To learn more about Nichiren Buddhism, visit the SGI-USA Website Email the show:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockyourlife@thevignatis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Intro Song:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"GypsyRock'n'Roll" by The Vignatis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Outro Song: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Love You 'til It Hurts” by The Vignatis⁠ Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and should not be considered, including but not limited to, legal, health, psychological, or spiritual advice. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this podcast. The information contained in this podcast is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The “Rock Your Life” Show and its hosts or affiliates are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice.

Have you ever wondered how a detective in law enforcement finds harmony through spiritual practice? In Episode 9 of It's a Mindset, join us on a compelling journey into the life and mindset of Jermira Trapp - a dedicated detective Nichiren Buddhist, energy reader and published author. Discover how Jermira uniquely integrates her role in law enforcement in Chicago, USA with the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, creating an incredible tapestry of faith and daily life. As a fellow seeker of balance and purpose, Jermira's story deeply inspires me. Her ability to harmonise the demands of a challenging career with a profound spiritual practice is enlightening. I resonate with her journey of self-awareness, especially in navigating complex family dynamics and finding internal stillness. Key Episode Takeaways: Explore how Jermira intertwines her Buddhist faith with the everyday responsibilities of her law enforcement career, showcasing the harmony between spirituality and daily activities where faith equals daily life. Delve into Jermira's personal transformation - from toxic positivity to embracing presence. Learn about the rituals, practices, and experiences with healers that have shaped her journey. Gain insights into Jermira's unique perspective on wealth as a mindset, rooted in self-worth. Understand how this mindset contributes to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Learn how Jermira also incorporates energy readings into her life, offering a unique perspective on harnessing creativity and manifesting success. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Jermira Trapp. Be prepared to be inspired, amazed, and empowered on your own journey to mindset mastery. Show Resources: Follow Jermira on Instagram - HERE Schedule an Energy Reading with Mira - HERE Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE About the Guest: Jermira Trapp was born and raised on the north side of Chicago, IL. In 2006, she received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree with an emphasis in health promotion and a minor in psychology from Northern Illinois University. Jermira Trapp has been a sworn member of Law Enforcement since December 16, 2009. There is no coincidence that on December 15, 2012 Jermira became a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI-USA. Faith and daily life are not separate. Jermira's Buddhist practice has helped her become a more compassionate, humanistic officer. The Buddhist principle “Faith Equals Daily Life,” explains that our everyday activities at home, work and in our communities are where we demonstrate actual proof of our Buddhist practice. In 2021 Jermira Became a published author. If you loved this episode, share your takeaways on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @mirathinksrich. Your reflections might just inspire someone else's transformative journey. Thanks for tuning in! Emma. X.

This week: the advent of the medieval era brings with it new strands of Buddhism that will radically remake the image of the religion from an aristocratic faith to a distinctly Japanese one. So, how do the wildly different beliefs of Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren Buddhism all grow out of the same moment in religious history? Show notes here. 

Brought to you by Merge—A single API to add hundreds of integrations into your app | Coda—Meet the evolution of docs | Vanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security.—Camille Hearst is Head of Fan Monetization at Spotify, where she finds new ways for fans to connect and for artists to monetize. Previously she was Head of Product for Creators at Patreon, Product Marketing Manager at YouTube, the second Product Manager at iTunes, and VP of Product at Hailo. She also co-founded a company called Kit, which was acquired by Patreon in 2018. In today's podcast, we discuss:• Advice on building a successful career as a creator• Her take on the future of the creator economy• The best and worst parts of building products for music artists• What Apple product teams do differently• The story of meeting Steve Jobs• Advice for founders going through acquisitions—Find the full transcript at: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/monetizing-passions-scaling-marketplaces-and-stories-from-a-creator-economy-vet-camille-hearst/—Where to find Camille Hearst:• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/camillionz• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chearst/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Camille's background(04:24) Camille's role as Head of Fan Monetization at Spotify(07:40) The best and worst parts of working with artists(14:15) Trends in the content creation world(19:29) Advice on building a successful career as a creator(21:32) The importance of content curators(22:30) Camille's startup, Kit (24:49) Advice on selling your startup(28:28) The supply side of marketplaces(34:37) How Camille became the second PM at iTunes (35:43) The story of meeting Steve Jobs(43:01) Apple's style of product management(45:54) Opportunities on the platform side of content creation(48:34) Camille's early years growing up in a creative tech family(53:45) Favorite frameworks(52:32) Lightning round—Referenced:• Adam Fishman on Lenny's Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/how-to-build-a-high-performing-growth-team-adam-fishman-patreon-lyft-imperfect-foods/• The Federal Reserve says Taylor Swift's Eras Tour boosted the economy. One market research firm estimates she could add $5 billion: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-boosted-economy-tourism-federal-reserve-how-much-money-made/• Yelp coins the “Beyoncé bump” for the economic halo created by the pop star's Renaissance Tour: https://fortune.com/2023/07/19/beyonce-renaissance-tour-economic-impact/• Lenny Bot: https://www.lennybot.com/• YouTube streamer faces riot charge after Union Square Park erupts in chaos: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/04/nyregion/union-square-kai-cenat-twitch-giveaway.html• Michelle Phan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MICHELLEPHA• Rover: https://www.rover.com/• Airbnb's product management shift: the view from product leaders: https://www.mindtheproduct.com/airbnbs-product-management-shift-the-viewpoint-of-product-leaders/#• Hiroki Asai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroki-asai-a44137110/• The Really Good Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-really-good-podcast/id1697794816• Nichiren Buddhism: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/nichiren_1.shtml• What's Love Got to Do with It on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/movie/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-f996a307-ee91-4550-8829-3694f55e0189• Marty Cagan on Lenny's Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/the-nature-of-product-marty-cagan-silicon-valley-product-group/• Why you should eat the frog first: https://asana.com/resources/eat-the-frog• Draw the owl: https://review.firstround.com/draw-the-owl-and-other-company-values-you-didnt-know-you-should-have• The Three-Body Problem: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Body-Problem-Cixin-Liu/dp/0765382032• Kindred: https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Octavia-Butler/dp/0807083690• A Wrinkle in Time: https://www.amazon.com/Wrinkle-Time-Quintet/dp/0312367546/• Foundation on AppleTV+: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/foundation/umc.cmc.5983fipzqbicvrve6jdfep4x3• Battlestar Galactica on SyFy: https://www.syfy.com/battlestar-galactica• Hijack on AppleTV+: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/hijack/umc.cmc.1dg08zn0g3zx52hs8npoj5qe3• Shadow and Bone on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80236319• Afrobeats playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EQqFPe2ux3rbj• “Calm Down” by Rema on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/37iaWiKMa9YBbEDlw5c3Qh—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. Get full access to Lenny's Newsletter at www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

“Spirituality exists in daily life. In the bowl of oatmeal, in the cup of tea.”Today I'm joined by author, sommelier, and practicing Buddhist Keith Robinson. Since childhood, Crohn's disease has been his life-long nemesis, companion, and teacher. Over his lifetime, Crohn's brought him to the brink of death many times. Keith began to practice and study Nichiren Buddhist teachings at the age of 13.This conversation is inspired by Keith's recent memoir The Buddha in our Bellies, spanning continents and centuries in stories of identity and belonging — we ask ourselves where do we fit?An illuminating and inspiring read, join Keith, his partner Yoshiko and the Buddha himself, to search for joy and purpose through suffering and despair. I highly recommend finding the book!Amazon: https://a.co/d/7CNXnJ6FB: The Buddha in our BelliesEmail Keith: pilgrimsofjoy@gmail.comHere's a few highlights from our chat:➖06:10 Compassion is within every human being➖22:05 Importance of a mentor➖31:40 Making the practice your own➖34:00 At our core, we all believe ourselves to have a purpose➖37:05 Keith reads a chapter from the book (The Awakening)➖41:15 Defining a spiritual life with community, teacher, daily practice & purposeLearn more about Soka Gakkai and practicing Buddhism: www.sokaglobal.org/A wonderful introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, a beautifully shared life story and many nuggets of wisdom that we can all learn from - regardless of our unique circumstances.With love and oneness,BobbiThanks for listening, you beautiful soul!

You're in for a treat in this episode. At least it was a treat for me to have a conversation with Clark Strand. Clark is a former Zen monk, author, Haiku teacher, and communicator of all things spiritual and religious. He has studied and actually practiced within many, many spiritual and religious traditions so he speaks from actual experience. The focus of today's conversation is on his book, Waking the Buddha: How The Most Dynamic and Empowering Buddhist Movement in History is Changing Our Concept of Religion, but Clark is also the author of Seeds From a Birch Tree: Writing Haiku and the Spiritual Journey, Now Is the Hour of Her Return: Poems In Praise of the Divine Mother Kali, co-author, with Perdita Finn, of The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary, and many other books on poetry, spirituality, and ecology. He is the co-founder of an international, non-sectarian rosary fellowship with members across the world. I invited him on the podcast to talk about Nichiren Buddhism, Soka Gakkai, and chanting, in general. It is a subject I haven't covered on this podcast and the timing was sparked by the recent passing of Tina Turner who was a very public Soka Gakkai practitioner. Although the focus of the conversation began with the Soka Gakkai, it became a fascinating journey to many other areas, due to Clark's wide reach and his spiritual depth. Among many other things, we talked about the folk traditions within all religions. Or, as Clark said, "there is always a religion within a religion." … About how the Soka Gakkai became virtually the only ethnically and  racially diverse Buddhist organization religion in the world… About why Clark states that spirituality needs to be about "ecology not theology" and that the reason the thread that runs through his spiritual experience IS ecology and the folk traditions… And, for fellow Pure Land and Shin practitioners, about how the Pure Land tradition is the only tradition deeply grounded in ecology… About Haiku… About the divine feminine, the Divine Mother, and the rosary as a spiritual and NOT a religious practice … and is, essentially, a tantric mantra practice… About the 12-Steps program… About chanting and how it gives voice to one's intentions, dreams, or hopes … and is the most ancient form of spiritual practice… Listen and enjoy the journey... Learn more about Clark: https://wayoftherose.org/   https://tricycle.org/author/clarkstrand/   Buy the books: Waking the Buddha: How the Most Dynamic and Empowering Buddhist Movement in History Is Changing Our Concept of Religion   Seeds from a Birch Tree: Writing Haiku and the Spiritual Journey: 25th Anniversary Edition: Revised & Expanded   The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkstrand/   https://www.instagram.com/way_of_the_rose/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkstrand/       Become a patron to support this podcast and get special member benefits, including a membership community and virtual sangha:https://www.patreon.com/EverydayBuddhism   If this podcast has helped you understand Buddhism or help in your everyday life, consider making a one-time donation here: https://donorbox.org/podcast-donations   Support the podcast through the affiliate link to buy the book, Everyday Buddhism: Real-Life Buddhist Teachings & Practices for Real Change: Buy the book, Everyday Buddhism

Many of us find it difficult to not dwell on the one thing, situation, or person that brings challenges to our lives. And when chanting, it's difficult to not bring that one thing into our head space. Chanting more broadly will help to bring a more roundabout success that isn't focused on the singular negatives.   To connect with SGI and learn more about Nichiren Buddhism: Soka Gakkai International USA -   www.sgi-usa.org Soka Gakkai Global -   www.sokaglobal.org This is not an official SGI podcast.   Email Me -   Seth@RKaneMediaLLC.com Visit our website and download the music here- https://www.rkanemediallc.com/inner-buddha

What is Kosen-rufu and why is it important? Now that I've been involved with the SGI for a while, I feel it's time to spread the word about this very important aspect of Nichiren Buddhism. Find out a little more about Kosen-rufu in this episode.   To connect with SGI and learn more about Nichiren Buddhism: Soka Gakkai International USA -   www.sgi-usa.org Soka Gakkai Global -   www.sokaglobal.org This is not an official SGI podcast.   Email Me -   Seth@RKaneMediaLLC.com Download the music here- https://www.rkanemediallc.com/inner-buddha

In this episode, we learn about the ritual of chanting in Nichiren Buddhism. We also hear about the items and terms used and their significance. A few of the terms included are:   -Nam myoho renge kyo: Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra -Gongyo: To exert one's self in practice -Kosen Rufu: The ceaseless effort to enhance the value of human dignity, to awaken all people to a sense of their limitless worth and potential.   To connect with SGI and learn more about Nichiren Buddhism: Soka Gakkai International USA -   www.sgi-usa.org Soka Gakkai Global -   www.sokaglobal.org This is not an official SGI podcast.   Email Me -   Seth@RKaneMediaLLC.com

In this episode, we'll take a closer look at Faith, Practice, and Study. This is not only the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism's practice, but also a foundation for life. Whether you're an athlete, an artist, in sales, religious, whatever. This trio is necessary to move forward in life. Listen on to find out why...   To connect with SGI and learn more about Nichiren Buddhism: Soka Gakkai International USA -   www.sgi-usa.org Soka Gakkai Global -   www.sokaglobal.org This is not an official SGI podcast.   Email Me -   Seth@RKaneMediaLLC.com

Welcome back to Saucy but Sweet with Ali McPherson! To celebrate the start of the new year and all that we have accomplished in the last year, we thought we could bring you more of what you love most about this podcast, a daring and unfiltered conversation on sex & love in 2022 and the kind of love we want and the kind we want no part of in the new year. All of our experiences shaped who we are, and although we are grateful for the lessons, many of us want a clean slate and to establish clear boundaries for how we want to go about our relationships and dating. And one of the more valuable lessons of this episode is the power of deep meaningful friendships and how it can get us through the toughest times. We will be joined by the host's incredible friends who have gotten the host through a lot over the past year, and whom she helped get through a lot as well. Tiye Sheppard is a consultant, designer and social media manager, and has a lot to say when it comes to self-love and romantic relationships. Destiny Oglesby is a recreational therapist who also has great gems in love. Later on, the host will give a review for Saucy but Sweet Review of the Week. Saucy but Sweet with Ali McPherson is a proud partner of Sundays non toxic nail care brand focused on wellness. Use the promo code ALIVENUE for 10% ALL ITEMS. Your nails will thank you later. During the episode the host and guests mentioned the philosophy and religious practice of Nichiren Buddhism. For more information check out podcast Buddhability and the SGI USA to learn more.. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/saucy-but-sweet-with-ali/support

In this episode, we have special guests Kelly Jean Badgley and Christopher Driscoll joining us. We talk about their spiritual journey, Kelly's website, Peace Room Love and how they combine Reiki and ASMR.  Kelly Jean Badgley is a voiceover artist, Reiki Practitioner, and online content creator. A second-generation Reiki Master, her Reiki training began in Boise, Idaho with her mother Jenny Stinson of The Peace Room where Kelly Jean received Reiki I & II training. After experiencing the profound, life-changing effects of Reiki for herself and others, Kelly Jean continued her training, which now include her receiving Holy Fire® III Reiki Master, Holy Fire® III Karuna® Master, Animal Reiki Master, Medical Reiki Master, and Reiki Drumming. Kelly Jean's reiki practice and classes are informed by a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for health and wellness, including hatha yoga training and certifications, spiritual practices such as Nichiren Buddhism and meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping, and more recently, remote viewing. Outside of Reiki, Kelly Jean's voiceover work includes animation, commercials, audiobooks, online corporate trainings, IVRs and voicemail greetings, podcasts, meditations, etc. Some of Kelly's clients include Netflix, Nickelodeon, Pandora/Sirius XM, etc.  She also voices and produces the podcast 5 mins of Peace. Most recently, Kelly Jean has blended her experience with Reiki and voiceover to produce  This ASMR Reiki Life, a YouTube based Reiki Channel that brings together Reiki healing experiences with the phenomenon known as ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). Combining the two modalities into a single experience is an obvious, albeit challenging and rewarding new avenue for Kelly Jean and she is enjoying learning more about the online format and how to leverage it for her Reiki practice.  Website:https: //www.thepeaceroom.love/about-kelly-jean Website:https: //www.kellyjeanbadgley.com/ YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@ThisASMRReikiLife  Christopher Driscoll is associate professor of religion studies at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. His books and teaching take place at the intersections of religion and spirituality, race and social identity, and the power of belief and disbelief. He is the author of numerous books on topics such as race and religion, hip hop culture, and mountaineering religions; and, he has lectured extensively across the U.S. and internationally in universities, religious and spiritual communities, and various corporate settings. Having spent the first half of his adult life believing himself a skeptic and an atheist, a single distance reiki session several years ago transformed his life. Driscoll had spent many years using the tools of scholarship to try and convince others that belief in God or forces we cannot see was dangerous and should be avoided. He is now in the process of unlearning and relearning how to use those tools in order to empower others both inside and outside of academia. His collaboration with Kelly Jean Badgley, This ASMR Reiki Life, is one example of this process unfolding, and he is exploring film and online video for the presentation of his work. His latest book, White Devils, Black Gods: Race, Masculinity, and Religious Codependency (Bloomsbury, 2022), chronicles much of his recent personal transformation that took place alongside his research into a little known black American spiritual community called the Nation of Gods and Earths. While the book began as a way to tell the peculiar story of how race and gender and history impact this community's belief that the white man is the devil, it evolved to include a deeply vulnerable account of Driscoll's own personal growth made possible by an unflinching confrontation with the devil within.  Website: https://www.christopherdriscollphd.com The Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast: The podcast where we talk about all things Reiki! The Reiki Lifestyle Podcast is for all members of the Reiki community, lineages, and levels of training! Reiki questions and topics can be about everything; personal development, spiritual growth, Reiki healing techniques, teaching Reiki, Reiki training, and other professional Reiki business practices. https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/ **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.   Colleen and Robyn can be reached at: ReikiLifestyle.com Contact Colleen: colleen@reikilifestyle.com Facebook: @reikilifestyle Instagram: @colleenbenelli Contact Robyn: robyn@reikilifestyle.com Facebook/Instagram: @robynbenellireiki

‘The education system should be an enabler of happiness' Laura' life mission is to put ‘heart' into the ‘heart' of the education system. As a child she was quite shy, Laura loved reading and even created her own imaginary world through this. Laura's mum was a teacher, so on occasion was able to go into her school and read stories to the children. This led to Laura's dream of being a teacher, although her own mother stopped working as a teacher due to the negativity on her mental health. Laura's journey takes us around the world and shows us what compassion is in the world of an educator. Laura sees her life in two parts; pre-chanting and practicing Nichiren Buddhism, and post-chanting and practicing Nichiren Buddhism. Laura now leads our support programme in schools and brings a refreshing and creative perspective on how we can each look after ourselves and others. Resources:

The Foundation for Greatness   In our last +1, I shared my Sacred Vow with you.   Then I encouraged YOU to consider creating your own Sacred Vow.   Today I want to continue that discussion.   We'll invite Daisaku Ikeda to the party. He is the leader of Nichiren Buddhism and one of the most respected Buddhist philosophers alive whose work has inspired millions around the world.   In Buddhism Day by Day he tells us about the importance of making a vow.   Here's how he puts it: “In any field of endeavor, making a vow is the foundation for achieving something great. If for whatever reason a person gives up halfway or backslides, his or her commitment hasn't been based on a vow. Halfhearted desire doesn't amount to a vow.”   Vow.   It means “a solemn promise.”   It's on the far right side of the spectrum of kinda sorta committed to ABSOLUTELY ALL IN (!) committed.        (Kinda sorta)                                                                 (VOW = ALL IN)    A vow.   A solemn promise to ourselves that we will give everything we have for however long it takes to the altruistic goal we have determined is worthy of us—whether that's actualizing our potential, raising healthy and happy kids, giving our gifts to the world or all of the above.   Let's do a quick inventory.    What's most important to you in your life?    Your actualization? Your family? Your creative expression?    (

This episode is the beginning of information on the lineage of the Enkoji Buddhist Network. We Begin of course with the founder of our tradition and some of the general history associated with him. I hope this allows us to understand the direction and energy of our particular style of Nichiren Buddhism. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/enkyoji-network/support

Welcome to the show, thank you for taking the time to download and listen to this podcast about Nichiren Buddhism. Tonight we have the fourth in a series of dialogues about the Gohonzon. I'm delighted to have as my guests, Peter Morris from the Philippines and Luigi Finocchiaro from Japan. Please send any questions you have for us to @jasonjarrett on twitter.com and we will do our best to answer them on the show.  Have a fabulous week You can find books by Luigi Finocchiaro at Lulu.com - Search for Nichiren Mandala Study Workshop. Some are also available in Italian.

Here It Is…   This morning a friend of mine (thank you, Jon!) sent me a link to an article on Ray Dalio's meditation practice.    As you know if you've been following along, I'm a big fan of Dalio and his wisdom.    We've featured Notes on his great book Principles and the kids and I enjoyed his kids book as well.    We've also chatted about his 5-step process for success (note: Step 2 is FAILURE!!) as part of our “win or learn” and “learning is winning” so “win or win!” philosophy.    But…   It wasn't until this morning that I learned about Dalio's meditation practice.    He says it's his secret weapon.    His approach?    Transcendental meditation. Otherwise known as TM.    The key features of that approach include two, twenty-minute meditation sessions. Dalio does his first session after waking up and his second before dinner.    Note: He reduces the variability of his behavior to increase the likelihood of making the habit stick which—as you know if you've gone through Basic Training and/or the Mastery Series and/or Habits 101–is a scientifically proven way to master yourself.   Another key feature of TM?    A mantra.    With Transcendental Meditation, you get your mantra from your TM teacher. You're not supposed to share it publicly. But it's something kinda like “om.”   You come back to that mantra again and again and again.    It's the anchor (see Meditation 101 and our collection of Notes and +1s on Meditation) that helps still your mind so you can connect to something bigger than yourself while experiencing all the other proven physiological and psychological benefits of meditation.    Now…   I've studied TM—and actually learned in the same room Maharishi Mahesh Yogi meditated in as I was blessed to be trained by one of his top students and teachers.    I've also studied Vipassana. We chat about my experience with Vipassana in our Notes in As a Man Thinketh. We also chat about Vipassana in our Notes on Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. Harari is one of my favorite writers. The lucidity of his writing is EXTRAORDINARY. Did you know he's been practicing Vipassana and meditating for TWO hours a day for DECADES? It's true.    I've also practiced something called “Passage Meditation” developed by Eknath Easwaran (see those Notes) and the style taught by Nichiren Buddhism (see these Notes), and, well, a bunch of other approaches.    I've also developed my own Heroic Meditation we'll talk more about soon.    But…   Today I want to share the new mantra meditation I'm going to start practicing as a little experiment.    A single word.    Can you guess what I'm choosing?   …   Hint: It's tattooed on my right forearm. The one-word summation of my life philosophy and ultimate target.   …   Areté.     That's the new mantra.    Areté. Areté. Areté.    On the Inhale…   Areté. Areté. Areté.    On the Exhale…   Areté. Areté. Areté.   Let's close the gap between who we're capable of being and who we're actually being.    Not someday.    Not even some moment.    Right now.    And…   Here's to soaking our consciousness in that ultimate target one breath at a time.    +1 Areté.  +1 Areté.  +1 Areté.    All day.    Every day.    Especially TODAY.

Spirituality for Badasses: yes, this Luxury Unplugged Podcast Episode should be part of any Self Help | Spirituality | Mindfulness Collection. Do you know Spiritual Luxury? Do you know it's possible to achieve your goals faster if you are open to receiving unconditional love, or in other words, spiritual luxury? Do you know it could be the single most effective way to manifest dreams and goals? Do you think knowing this can affect your life today or tomorrow ? Luxury Unplugged talks about spiritual yet luxurious lifestyle It is about a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaningful life Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Still others seek meaning through their connections to nature or art. Like your sense of purpose, your personal definition of spirituality may change throughout your life, adapting to your own experiences and relationships. So Luxury Unplugged tends to bring to you trending bites on spirituality based lifestyle based on studies of Nichiren Buddhism. In Modern world we come accross the word 'Buddha Nature' but what really is Buddhism and does it have practical step by step guidance to achieve goals faster? Luxury Unplugged Podcast is a self help Podcast that  peeks into what luxury could mean, where aspirations could lead. It is about luxury. It is about mindset It is about living a holistic life It is about living your dreams. It is a platform where luxury meets spirituality. Listen to Luxury Unplugged Podcast on https://geni.us/lupbsp Spotify: https://geni.us/luxupbtrailer Apple: https://geni.us/applepodcastslupb Most popular Most Read Plush-ink.com Blogs: How to be more Creative 10 popular Spiritual Books right now Best Holiday Gift guide| Ring in the New Year in style: Last-minute gift ideas ‘Luxury essence' Luxury goodies we recommend Latest Fashion trends  Read More   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/luxuryunpluggedpodcast/message

Welcome to the show, thank you for taking the time to download and listen to this podcast about Nichiren Buddhism. Tonight we have the third in a series of dialogues about the Gohonzon. I'm delighted to have as my guests, Peter Morris from the Philippines and Luigi Finocchiaro from Japan. Please send any questions you have for us to @jasonjarrett on twitter.com and we will do our best to answer them on the show.  Have a fabulous week You can find books by Luigi Finocchiaro at Lulu.com - Search for Nichiren Mandala Study Workshop. Some are also available in Italian.

Welcome to the show, thank you for taking the time to download and listen to this podcast about Nichiren Buddhism. Tonight we have the second in a series of dialogues about the Gohonzon. I'm delighted to have as my guests, Peter Morris from the Philippines and Luigi Finocchiaro from Japan. Please send any questions you have for us to @jasonjarrett on twitter.com and we will do our best to answer them on the show.  Have a fabulous week You can find books by Luigi Finocchiaro at Lulu.com - Search for Nichiren Mandala Study Workshop. Some are also available in Italian.

Welcome to the show, thank you for taking the time to download and listen to this podcast about Nichiren Buddhism. Tonight we have the first in a series of dialogues about the Gohonzon. I'm delighted to have as my guests, Peter Morris from the Philippines and Luigi Finocchiaro from Japan. Please send any questions you have for us to @jasonjarrett on twitter.com and we will do our best to answer them on the show.  Have a fabulous week You can find books by Luigi Finocchiaro at Lulu.com - Search for Nichiren Mandala Study Workshop. Some are also available in Italian.

WELCOME TO NICHIREN BUDDHISM CH 1 Today kicks off the start of a book I have read many times and still find new things to think about when practicing Nichiren Buddhism! Thank you for being here and Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo! If you would like to support this channel get early access and join a fantastic community, then join me here: https://www.patreon.com/NichirenBuddhismDayByDay Through the universe we are one! DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE #nichiren #nichirenbuddhism #nichirendaishonin #nichirenshoshu #buddhism #buddhismquotes #buddhismisalifestyle #buddhismteachings #buddhismdaybyday #buddhismart #buddhismlifetp #buddhismphilosophy #buddhismfamily #buddhismwithoutbeliefs #buddhisminspired #buddhismquote #GongyoDaimoku #SokaGakkai #nammyohorengekyo --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/valerie-scott7/message

This section is a response to a typical question received by those who begin practicing Nichiren Buddhism. I wanted to just share some insight as to my own experience and what I have shared with others. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/enkyoji-network/support

The Industrial Revolution, The French Revolution, and the ongoing Technological Revolution all have the common element of change. Life is constantly in motion gradually developing into something different than it was just moments before. So, can the same concept be applied to the human being? The answer is YES. It is called Human Revolution. Human Revolution is a term used by Josei Toda, a businessman and practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism, who lived through the vast devastation of WWII in Japan. He describes Human Revolution as the transformation of oneself at the very core; a transformation in the way one lives, in order to develop clear awareness of one's purpose or mission in life. It is not something that is unusual or special. It is simply a matter of opening one's eyes, looking beyond ordinary concerns, and strive to commit actions for a higher reason and purpose. Join us in our discussion as we briefly examine famous revolutions in society, then offer an explanation of Human Revolution and how you may work toward achieving the life-time task of inner transformation for yourselves, in order for you to become your best you. Email the show: rockyourlife@thevignatis.com Intro Song: "Gypsy Rock'n'Roll by The Vignatis Outro Song: "For You I'd Go to the Moon" by The Vignatis

Kemisheta is a spiritual seeker who has been searching for identity and connection. Her spiritual journey began in Haiti with westernized religion. At an early age, she moved to Montreal but didn't find the connection within the Catholic church. Her quest led her to the eastern philosophies such as yoga, Buddhism, and also to the new age movement. Kemisheta's definition of spirituality is tapping into the origins that leads us back to nature. Her spiritual journey has led her to walk into the Earth Center in 2019. Quote: Spirituality is about the origins, and it leads us back to nature.   ·      Resources / Link Mentioned:  ·      The Earth Center- https://www.theearthcenter.org ·      Nichiren Buddhism is a Japanese Buddhist movement in the Mahayana tradition. ·      Hatha Yoga which follows the traditions of Swami Satyananda and Swami Sivananda ·      Book: The Power of The Subconscious Mind, Dr Joseph Murphy ·      Book: The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle ·      Book: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra ·      Episode's bubbly - Laurent Perrier- La Cuvée ·      Follow Bubbles of Wisdom on - Instagram Facebook Twitter    If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe for your bi-weekly dose of meaningful and entertaining conversations. Take a screenshot of this episode and tag #bubblesofwisdom on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and tell us your biggest takeaway!

Sailor Noob is the podcast where a Sailor Moon superfan and a total noob go episode by episode through the original Sailor Moon series!This week, Mako pushes herself to the limit in search of power and spiritual balance! Makoto retreats to a mountain temple to train as a terrifying new daemon stalks her mentor and Usagi and friends get caught in the crossfire!In this episode, we discuss Buddhist priests and monks, the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Nihon Shoki, zasu or "head priest", zazen or "meditation", Nichiren Buddhism, the Sōhei warrior monks, yamabushi or "one who prostrates themselves on the mountain", Shugendō or the "path of training", Shinbutsu-shūgō, "temple families", shojin ryori or "devotion cooking", daruma dolls, and daruma otoshi. We also talk about mountain ninjas, a newsflashback, saying "forte" wrong, travel eating, making temples accessible, Buddhists loving American mid-century poets, Saban Moon BS, socially conscious hecklers, Eatapalooza, The Usagi Diaries, five against one, joining a tradition for the sects, ReiKoto, a Four Rooms scenario, and a little Buddha worship for a treat!Promise?We're on iTunes and your listening platform of choice! Please subscribe and give us a rating and a review! Arigato gozaimasu!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sailor-noob/id1486204787Become a patron of the show and get access to our Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon live-action show and our Animedification podcast!http://www.patreon.com/sailornoobSailor Noob is a part of the Just Enough Trope podcast network. Check out our other shows about your favorite pop culture topics and join our Discord!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorhttp://www.justenoughtrope.comhttp://www.instagram.com/noob_sailorhttps://discord.gg/49bzqdpBpxBuy us a Kōhī on Ko-Fi!https://ko-fi.com/E1E01M2UA

A mother by occupation and an actor by profession, Shweta Kawaatra says she is a work in progress. With a keen interest in the human mind, Shweta has educated herself in the study of psychology and the art of being a conscious parent. A depression survivor and a student of Nichiren Buddhism, Shweta is convinced of the dignity of human life and that adversity can be humankind's best friend.

Buddhism has become more visible in society whether a statue in a garden, an image on a t-shirt, jewelry, a coffee mug, weaving its way into pop culture. People associate the image of the Buddha with peace and tranquility however, the assumption is that the Buddha was only one person. So what is or who is a Buddha? The answer is......YOU! Every living being possesses the potential to become enlightened by revealing the innate Buddha nature that lies in every living being. Buddhahood is not a final, static destination reached and you magically become an enlightened Buddha. It simply means to tirelessly continue to strive along the path of absolute happiness for oneself and others. In past episodes we have briefly mentioned that we both practice Buddhism. There are so many different sects so we've decided to discuss and share with you our knowledge and experiences of this philosophy we both have implemented in our lives, Nichiren Buddhism. We briefly discuss the history, tenets and concepts as well as the community, lay educational organization, Soka Gakkai International. Awaken your dormant Buddha nature. You deserve it so go and "grab" your happy! Soka Gakkai International: https://www.sgi-usa.org/ Email the show: rockyourlife@thevignatis.com Intro Song: "Gypsy Rock'n'Roll by The Vignatis Outro Song: "Un jour de bonheur" by The Vignatis

The second part of the Tenka Goken mini-series. In this episode, we talk about how a sword became an important relic for Nichiren Buddhism and how it got lost in time and rediscovered. --- Support the Podcast: https://ko-fi.com/storiesofsaniwa Follow my social media: https://twitter.com/storiesofsaniwa

Join Jillian and Rosalie (together in person at last!) on a real sight-seeing tour of mediation practices that exist in the world (and sometimes just in Jillian's brain). Spoiler: it's not just sitting and trying to make your brain shut up. Journey with them as they discuss techniques on how to get high for free, what they think meditation is really doing, why you shouldn't meditate with cult leaders, and how some meditations can make your life richer. Literally. Plus, Rosalie tells you about how she may have stumbled upon the Gates of Hell, and will clue you in on how many stars she rates it. And while it was a DELIGHT to record in person for the First Time Ever, a bit of a head's up that the sound is a bit wonky in parts. Bear with them. Rosalie did her very best to make it not-too-bad, but it's not up to their normal standard. And that's the shit that her soul has to say about that. SHOW NOTES https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-whirling-dervish/ (Whirling Dervishes) and the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mevlevi_Order (Mevlevi Order) (Jillian butchered that a bit): A Sufi meditation started by the mystic and poet Rumi, which is a spinning dance that helps connect the practitioner to the divine https://amzn.to/3d2xKsV (Jumpstart Your Metabolism: How to Lose Weight by Changing the Way You Breathe), by Pam Grout: the book Jillian discovered that's all about breathing to lose weight book https://www.sgi-usa.org/ (Nichiren Buddhism): this is the Buddhist religion that Jillian's friends are into, that has a chant focus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namu_My%C5%8Dh%C5%8D_Renge_Ky%C5%8D (nam myoho renge kyo) - literally translates to “Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra”, but generally is about calling forth your own Buddha nature and is a declaration of power within every person) https://www.headspace.com/ (Headspace app): An app lots of people like to do meditation. It's fun and the guy speaks in a delightful accent https://www.calm.com/ (Calm app): Another app lots of people like to do meditation. It has pretty pictures https://insighttimer.com/ (Insights Timer app): the one Rosalie and Jillian love, and it is a lot more free than the other apps https://www.healthline.com/health/binaural-beats (Binaural meditation) - not diurnal like Rosalie said. Recordings using different frequencies tuned to each ear to make lots of amazing stuff happen, like sleeping better https://eckharttolle.com/ (Eckhart Tolle): the guy Jillian is always talking about, and who doesn't think meditation is that necessary - if you are able to live in the present moment https://pemachodronfoundation.org/about/pema-chodron/ (Pema Chodron): A badass Buddhist that STILL struggles with meditation https://amzn.to/3j14g2A (Cat Tarot): Deck Jillian used for tarot time, that really took a bit out of her https://amzn.to/3zIFAS9 (Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Deck): Deck Rosalie used for tarot time, and seemed to like her more OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT GET A KICK OUT OF https://www.shitmysoulsayspodcast.com/episodes/episode/2b2ff813/community-shit-finding-your-woo-crew-without-having-to-get-naked-with-strangers (community shit: finding your woo crew without having to get naked with strangers) https://www.shitmysoulsayspodcast.com/episodes/episode/20a73b8f/chakra-shit-is-that-an-energy-wheel-or-are-you-just-happy-to-see-me (chakra shit: is that an energy wheel, or are you just happy to see me?) https://www.shitmysoulsayspodcast.com/episodes/episode/1cb9061c/dream-shit-its-all-in-your-mind-or-is-it (dream shit: it's all in your mind… or is it?) CONNECT UP! Be https://ko-fi.com/shitmysoulsays (one of our magical supporters,) and get special goodies like workshops and hangout and supporter-only content Sign up for our newsletter for more good shit (including how-to blog posts): https://www.shitmysoulsayspodcast.com/subscribe...

Nick Hail and actor/artist Richard Chiu talk about Asian Hate in the US, the difference between racism in South Africa and America, the significance of Bruce Lee on Asian-Americans, the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, and how Richard overcame maladaptive daydreaming.

Hosted by filmmaker Yujiro Seki, Carving the Divine TV is a series of Q&A sessions with Buddhist scholars and practitioners. These Q&A sessions explore the basic concepts of Buddhism, the history of Buddhism and of course Buddhist sculptures/sculptors (bustuzo/busshi) so that when viewers finally watch the documentary Carving the Divine - Buddhist sculptors of Japan, they will get the maximum value of the documentary.I've heard from many of you how much you enjoyed the interview with Nichiren Shu priest Rev. Kanjin Cederman:https://youtu.be/9F5LXLc9nfI. I am grateful that he provided us with a really nice overview of Nichiren Shu in a short period of time.  Today, we will delve a little bit deeper into one of the most important practices of Nichiren Shu, Odaimoku.  We have invited one of the most important accomplished Nichiren Shu priests, Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick.  We are going to talk about The Four Aims (Siddhantas) and how Nichiren Shu practitioners utilize odaimoku to achieve each of the aims.   It sounds like a big idea, doesn’t it?  But, don’t worry - we’re going to break it down!  Whether you are a Nichiren Shu practitioner, a different kind of Buddhist or non-Buddhist, learning about all aims (siddhantas) can really help us reorient and reexamine how we approach our lives. We will be asking important questions such as:Who is Nichiren? What is Odaimoku?What are the four siddantas/the four aims? How can we utilize Odaimoku to achieve these four aims? Ryuei Michael McCormick has been practicing Nichiren Buddhism since he was introduced to the chanting of the “Sacred Title” (Odaimoku) of the Lotus Sutra when he was in high school over thirty years ago. In the spring of 2001, he completed Shingyo Dojo at Kuonji Temple on Mt. Minobu and was fully ordained as a Nichiren Shu priest. He is currently serving as minister to the San Francisco Bay Area Nichiren Sangha. He is the author of: Lotus in a Sea of Flames, Lotus Seeds: The Essence of Nichiren Shu Buddhism, Lotus World: An Illustrated Guide to the Gohonzon, and Open Your Eyes: A Nichiren Buddhist View of Awakening. These books, other writings, and information about his Sangha can all be found at https://www.nichirenbayarea.org.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/carvingthedivine)

Hosted by filmmaker Yujiro Seki, Carving the Divine TV is a series of Q&A sessions with Buddhist scholars and practitioners. These Q&A sessions explore the basic concepts of Buddhism and the history of Buddhism so that when viewers finally watch Carving the Divine they will get the maximum value of the documentary. In this special episode, we have a rare opportunity to dive into the heart of Nichiren Shu. Nichiren Buddhism has many variations and because of its diversity, it can be a difficult tradition to understand. Out of all the variations, we are talking about Nichren Shu today as we believe it’s the best way to open up a discussion for this amazingly profound tradition. We have a seriously incredible Nichiren Shu practitioner who will take us up on this challenge. Please let me introduce you to Kanjin Lederman Shonin! Together, let’s learn Nichiren Shu, one of the most important Buddhist sects of Japan! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/carvingthedivine)

Hosted by filmmaker Yujiro Seki, Carving the Divine TV Podcast is a series of Q&A sessions with Buddhist scholars and practitioners. These Q&A sessions explore the basic concepts of Buddhism and the history of Buddhism so that when listeners finally watch the documentary film "Carving the Divine - Buddhist Sculptors of Japan" they will get the maximum value of the documentary.  In this episode, we will have a brief introductory course in Nichiren Buddhism. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/carvingthedivine)

In this powerful and compelling conversation ex-footballer Krish Patel shares how making a childhood dream an actual lived reality stopped short when racism, identity and belonging highlighted a stark and difficult truth pushing him to question his purpose in the world.  Krish's story shows the dark side of racism and is a heart-felt exploration into his personal battles with his own identity, being of mixed Indian and White heritage, finding his calling and seeking wisdom to answer his purpose in life. It was through a chance discovery of a new perspective on life through Nichiren Buddhism where Krish's questions were given space to evolve.  This is a truly global story. One minute you will be in the North of England, then transported to Susanville California, Montgomery Alabama, Uganda, Iceland and back to England. Ultimately, this is a story of an inspirational being who lives his life sharing the power and potential that we all have within us.   Krish is a published author, podcaster and a speaker Krish set up Tales to Inspire to share stories of human potential and overcoming challenges in the face of difficulties and adversity. Find our more about Tales to Inspire and learn how to get involved. Connect with Krish and learn more about Tales to Inspire on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Guest: Krish Patel  Interviewer and host: Urmi RavalSound Editor: Maja Pronko   Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/eternalparadigm)

Today Spencer Chaplin talks to Robert Harrap, General Director of SGI-UK, a Buddhist organisation based on the empowering philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, a humanistic network for peace existing in 192 countries and territories.Robert tells us about the empowering philosophy of SGI Buddhism, as well as his role within the group. We will also be talking about how Charlie Chaplin Words can be used to inspire us to achieve our inner potential. 

You may have heard me speak of Grandmaster tentai many times during my lectures. But you may also be asking, what did he create, what did he teach, why does he have such a great connection with Nichiren Buddhism? I hope through this recording that we are able to explain some of that information and give you the background of Grand Master Tien-Tai. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/enkyoji-network/support

Welcome to the fifth episode of Humanity ki chain, Mental Health Awareness Series (audio version). The importance of being aware and being able to understand the need for mental health awareness is all we need to stress upon. It is important that we talk about Mental Illness and how we as a society can join together to fight against the stigmas attached to it. Do you want to know how to de-stress yourself? The fifth guest joining us today is Sonam Chamaria. Sonam is a Tarot reader, doodle artist, and investment banker. Having studied at SRCC, Delhi & Warwick University, UK, Sonam is a deeply spiritual person and she practices Nichiren Buddhism. She has launched her debut ebook 'From Stressed to Sorted' in December 2019, which is available on Amazon in eBook format: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0826W77WLHer social media handles FB book page: https://www.facebook.com/StressedtoSo...FB Tarot page: https://www.facebook.com/soulspeaktarot/Blog: https://soulspeakwithsonam.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonamchamaria/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonamchamariaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sonamchamaria This Mental health awareness series is a small attempt from my side to spread some mental health awareness and enable people to talk. The more we talk about it, the more we will be able to break the stigmas attached to it. Be a part (kadi) of this Humanity ki chain. Contact me - priyanka@sanitydaily.com Thanks. Priyanka Nair Founder www.sanitydaily.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/priyankanair/message

In the grip of her husband's illicit fantasies, a young woman fights to find her voice.   Lorrine is a good wife. She's devoted to her kids, works tirelessly, and after two failed marriages, is determined to make this one work.    But at what cost?   Her husband, Leon, is part of a once hidden practice now sweeping America: Cuckolds are voyeurs who watch their wives make love to strangers. He calls it sexual liberation, but as Lorrine slips on her new pink patent stilettos and stands before the hotel mirror, she barely recognizes the hollow-eyed woman staring back at her.   Caught between her husband's controlling behavior and a legacy of adolescent abuse, Lorrine stands on a dangerous precipice. She's survived so much: suicidal depression, becoming a teen mom, and single parenthood. Now she must either destroy the family she's created, or risk sinking into a void she might never emerge from. But the greatest challenge will be finding the courage to do the unthinkable, and truly love herself.    Freeing Your Heart for Love is a raw, unflinching, memoir about one woman's journey from abuse to actualization and the art of finding lasting love and happiness. It's a testament to the power of positive thinking, spirituality, and the healing practice of Nichiren Buddhism.   Links: https://www.freeingyourheartforlove.com/ https://www.facebook.com/writingismykismet https://www.instagram.com/writingismykismet/  

The result of slander and also benefit of unity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander--lowe/message

Born and raised in Memphis,Tennessee, Curtisha LaShundra’ Johnson is professionally known as Madam CJ. Chart topping singer/songwriter, dancer, Certified Strategic Self Care Ambassador, Licensed Certified Liquid Motion Instructor and Nichiren Buddhism practitioner. In this gathering, Madam CJ shares her wisdom about:   How + why she transitioned from Christianity to Buddhism The healing gift of daily chanting 'nam myoho renge kyo' Infusing love, generosity, kindness and spirit into her bath + body products   Spiritually sustaining herself while living, singing and performing in a 11-piece nightclub band in Beruit, Lebannon   And soooo much more! Find Madam CJ online: MadamCJ.com Divine Clementine Bath + Body Instagram If you loved this episode, send me a DM on Instagram at @lerinalta with your favorite parts of the conversation because I’d love to hear from you! Contribute to Black Girl Mystic Podcast Portal:​ Patreon — Become a monthly patron + join the Black Girl Mystic Inner Circle starting at just $1/month! patreon.com/blackgirlmystic. PayPal — Make a one-time donation paypal.me/blackgirlmystic Venmo: lerin-alta Connect on the socials:​ YouTube — Black Girl Mystic IG — Black Girl Mystic #blackgirlmystic FB — Black Girl Mystic Twitter — lerin Please subscribe, rate + leave a 5-star review

SHOW NOTES: Kimberly Mhoon is deeply invested in doing whatever it takes to restore and maintain a positive relationship with herself and the energetic forces of the universe. After dancing in NY for the past 11 years with various contemporary dance companies and in musical theater she is now blending her experience in dance and movement with various tools such as breath work and meditation to heal and inspire joy. Her self restoration practice continues to evolve as she explores sexual wellness. Nichiren Buddhism is focus on the chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to connect with the force of the universe and transform our lives and our karma. It is a life philosophy and it is not focus in any kind of god. It is connect with the law of attraction, the law of the universe. We chant to bring those manifestation in our lives as Kim did with her relationship with money and time. Nichiren Buddhism is about immediate transformation Support the show: If you find value in this Podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast. It would help me reach more people and I would be forever grateful! You can make a donation to the show here Would you like to get me a coffee? You can do it Here CONNECT WITH KIM: Instagram : @Mhoonshine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SGIVideosOnline Podcast: Buddhability Podcast CONNECT WITH ME : Instagram : @sat.svara YouTube Channel : http://www.youtube.com/puntosuspensivo Website: http:/www.satsvara.squarespace.com OTHER: This Podcast was distributed by Anchor: anchor.fm/app Cover art: Natalie Osorio --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/satsvarapodcast/support

Kelly and Camille discuss how they were introduced to Nichiren Buddhism

Pichhle episode mein aapne suna Supriya (India) ko Nichiren Buddhism ke baare mein bataate huye. Agar aapne nahi suna hai toh pehle Part I sunein, aur phir vaapis aakar iss episode ko suniye. Iss episode mein Supriya aadhyaatm ke maayane bata rahin hain aur unke jeevan mein kya prabhav huye hain aur unke vishwas se uske baare baatein hain. Prakrati ka bhi bahut he gehra rishta hai spirituality ke saath, iske baare mein bhi bahut saari interesting baatein aur charcha hai. Aap ka kya maan na hai aadhyaatm ko lekar? Socho! Aap mujhse jud sakte hain Instagram pe - instagram.com/par.cha ya fir voice note bhej sakte hain facebook pe - facebook.com/chauhan.parth. Agar aap apni dhvani ko ek anukool manch dena chaahte hain ya fir mere saath kaam karna chahengey, toh email likhiye info.dhvani@co.in pe aur log on kariye www.dhvani.co.in/podcast, aur jaan ne ke liye. Google bhi kar sakte hain ‘Dhvani Podcast'. Supriya ka Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/supsmyozen Nichiren Buddhism ke baare mein aur jaankari - https://www.sokaglobal.org Discord par Dhvani ka Server - https://discord.gg/74AZRaB Aap mere liye chai ya coffee khareed kar mujhe support kar sakte hain - www.buymeacoffee.com/parthchauhan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/parth-chauhan/support

Iss episode ke part I mein, Supriya Pathak jo ki Bharat ki hain, baat kar rahi hain aadhyaatm, aaj ke samay mein uski zaroorat aur Nichiren Buddhism ke baare mein, aur apne anubhavon ko baant rahin hain humaare saath. Humaara desh aur samaaj aaj kahin na kahin bhool chuka hai humaari sadiyon purani iss dharovar ko jisne aadhyaatm ke kai roopon ko janam diya hai. Agle hafte iss dilchasp episode ka part II zaroor suniye. Aap ka kya maan na hai aadhyaatm ke baare mein? Socho! Aap mujhse jud sakte hain Instagram pe - instagram.com/par.cha ya fir voice note bhej sakte hain facebook pe - facebook.com/chauhan.parth. Agar aap apni dhvani ko ek anukool manch dena chaahte hain ya fir mere saath kaam karna chahengey, toh email likhiye info.dhvani@co.in pe aur log on kariye www.dhvani.co.in/podcast, aur jaan ne ke liye. Google bhi kar sakte hain ‘Dhvani Podcast'. Supriya ka Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/supsmyozen Nichiren Buddhism ke baare mein aur jaankari - https://www.sokaglobal.org Discord par Dhvani ka Server - https://discord.gg/74AZRaB Aap mere liye chai ya coffee khareed kar mujhe support kar sakte hain - www.buymeacoffee.com/parthchauhan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/parth-chauhan/support

Happiness Becomes You is the book Tina Turner has been wanting to write for decades. A book about her 50 year Buddhist practice, specifically Nichiren Buddhism. Her dream is finally a reality and was made possible with one of its co-authors, Taro Gold (along with Regula Curti). However, Happiness Becomes You isn’t just for Buddhists; it’s for anyone who’d like to have more joy in their life. It’s also a wonderful insight into the spiritual life of the Queen of Rock and how her practice has impacted her career. Taro is a New York Times bestselling author whose titles include Open Your Mind, Open Your Life and one of Tina’s favorites, Living Wabi Sabi. Visit Taro Gold online:                                           https://tarogold.com                                      https://mobile.twitter.com/TaroGold           https://www.instagram.com/TaroGold Visit Tina Turner online:                                      https://m.facebook.com/TinaTurner               https://mobile.twitter.com/LoveTinaTurner https://www.instagram.com/tinaturner boice is also the host/producer of a brand new podcast. The StrandCast, The Official Podcast of Strand Bookstore in NYC at 12th and Broadway. Every other week listen to longform conversations with authors from different genres. For more information and to stream, visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OAjmWiwBFIRJwNTwGmkXr STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY:                               http://bit.ly/TMTspotify SUBSCRIBE ON SOUNDCLOUD:                 https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice TMT APP FOR iPHONE: http://bit.ly/TMTappiOS TMT APP FOR ANDROID: http://bit.ly/TMTappANDROID SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES: http://bit.ly/TalkMusicTalk SUBSCRIBE ON GOOGLE PLAY: http://bit.ly/TMTgoogleplay Please take a moment to leave a rating and/or review in the store. It helps increase the ranking of the podcast and exposes TMT to a new audience. Thanks! Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)-FULL VERSION Written and Composed on an iPad by boice. https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-themeTMT

Tom talks to the icon that is Sandie Shaw about Eurovision, The Smiths and how she literally moved a river in lockdown.About Sandie Shaw:Multi million record selling, multi award winning: Sandie Shaw was the most successful International British female recording artist and fashion icon of the Sixties. Unusually Sandie independently produced and owned all her own work and styled her famous look. She delighted and surprised everyone with her re-emergence in in the Eighties with her musical collaboration with The Smiths, an album entitled Hello Angel, and a self penned book,The World At My Feet. For this she received an MBE from the Queen.During the Nineties Sandie trained as a psychotherapist founding the first ever mental health clinic exclusively for those in the creative industries: - The Arts Clinic, offering clinical, mentoring and training services and in particular writing papers on the effects of fame. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Essex University and was invited to be a professor of music in the Royal Society of Musicians.Post millennium she became a director of the ground breaking pioneering recording artists' organisation, The Featured Artist Coalition, the first of its kind to represent the rights and interests of recording artists in the world, becoming its Chair in 2012. Having established the FAC as the voice of recording artists in the music industry and in government she is now the FAC's Honorary President.Sandie remains true to her roots and is proud to continue being the Patron of Alumni of her old school, the award winning Robert Clack in Dagenham. Among many guest speakers over the years Michelle Obama made a recent inspirational visit. Of late as well as her duties at FAC and as UK Director of the International Artist Organisation, Sandie has fulfilled a life long desire to design and build an eco conscious grand design home that harmonises with and enhances the beauty of its environment - even moving a river to accomplish her dream.Throughout her life and career she has fought injustices, pushed at closed doors, challenged established unfair practices, and overcome much personal adversity.Sandie attributes her inner strength, creativity, courage, zest for life, and happiness to Nichiren Buddhism, which she has practiced since her late twenties, and her mentor, Daisaku Ikeda.Currently she is not sure what to do next... Maybe a film script or just put her feet up with a glass of chilled Meursault. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a masterclass in how to get the world to see you the way you see yourself. We speak with trans rights activist, actress (you might recognize her as Candy from FX's Pose) and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, Angelica Ross. She constantly shares about Buddhism in interviews, but today we’re talking about a deeply personal part of her life that chanting helped her transform: her relationship with her mom. For more from Angelica, also see our recent IGTV video. Cheatsheet: 0:00 Welcome to Buddhability 0:34 Intro to Angelica Ross 1:20 How Angelica transformed her relationship with her mom 7:06 What chanting allowed her to bring out of her own life despite the hurt 15:19 How chanting helps her navigate so many projects and relationships 19:46 Angelica explains Nichiren Buddhism for new listeners 21:26 What Angelica’s chanting (and daily) routine looks like 24:03 Angelica’s dream for the rest of the 21st century You can also subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotifyor wherever you get podcasts.

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Don Bell and Gail Jacobson, two pioneer members of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a world peace organization that is based on Nichiren Buddhism. Gail and Don discuss conflict resolution, culture, and education. Don and Gail share how they discovered Buddhism and how the SGI has contributed to a more peaceful world through direct dialogue, religious tolerance, and political change. To learn more about Nichiren Buddhism and how you can be a part of advancing world peace, click here: https://www.sgi-usa.org/

Angie's philosophy is that “everything is working in your favor” and her life truly reflects that deep knowing. Angie shares her early passion to Spirit and all things flow and love. Angie came to Santeria at a young age and became a Priestess of Oshun and left with many lessons, awareness and self-love.  One of my questions I came to this interview was, “ how do we reclaim our inner healing abilities and show up in life to create a business? When did you realize you were a healer and how did you start sharing your work?" Angie then experienced a disappointing experience with a church that made her realize, “ I can't ignore what I know.” As she explored and became a practitioner of Quantum Healing Hypnosis.  How putting a price on your services can change the energy in a way that serves you.  Developing a loving relationship with money in order to thrive in life and business. Angie Rojo is a Certified Past Life Regression Hypnotist & Self-Love Mentor. She is trained in Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) developed by the late Dolores Cannon. Angie has been an active leader and facilitator in the spiritual space since 2002. Her experience and insights ranging from the Catholic Church, Nichiren Buddhism, being anointed a Priestess in the Yoruba religion in 2006. Angie studied Transcendental Meditation with Emily Flecther of Ziva Meditation & Mindvalley in 2013. Angie is an Intentional Living & Self-Love Mentor, a Speaker, facilitating live workshops and group meditations. Her mission in life is to guide people to live intentionally, joyfully, and with purpose... Follow Angie on instagram: InspiredbyAngie Read more about Angie: Angie Rojo 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Psycle Master Instructor, Nike Ambassador, DJ & Life Coach, Kaya Cansfield! We chat about the direction we feel the fitness industry is heading, the after effects of the racial movements permeating the globe, and how spinning helped Kaya during her recovery period with anorexia. She is an incredible figure within the health and fitness field and her tenacity and spirit to live life to the fullest is truly admirable.We also dive into the health and wellness industries’ position and involvement within the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and support of figureheads who are fighting to ignite social change. Many businesses, including those outside of fitness, have had to examine their own actions towards members of marginalised groups and be honest about where they want their industries to move going forward. I share my own experiences on this, as well as my perspective on how my thinking has shifted after the events that have taken place in the US in recent weeks. If you’re interested to hear more and would like a deeper insight into Kaya’s story, then tune in to Episode 27 of Fitness Unfiltered!Some Questions I Ask:What are the differences you’ve noticed in your mindset from when you started pursuing this career path to now? (12:39)When did your job as a DJ come into the mix of things you do? (15:03)Could you talk about the recovery period after your major surgery? (19:25)How have gyms being in lockdown affected you & What changes have you seen within the health and fitness industry post Coronavirus? (27:25)What’s been your experience with the ‘boutique’ fitness industry? (42:00)What do you do in your daily practice that helps you through low points? (49:48)How long have you been practicing Nichiren Buddhism? (53:38)In This Episode You Will Learn:Some background on Kaya Cansfield and her introduction to the fitness industry (3:02)How cycling and fitness helped Kaya recover from her battle with anorexia (8:25)Kaya’s experience with physical burnout and how it forced her to reflect on what she wanted out of life (16:20)The challenges of balancing your mental wellbeing with prioritising clients’ needs & A deeper look into what self care means (22:42)My children’s experiences in lockdown and how they have shifted my ways of thinking whilst we’re all quarantined (31:14)What I think the health and wellness industry will look like after the pandemic (35:44)How the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement has forced every industry to examine how they’re contributing to social change and inclusion (38:48)My personal experience within the health and wellness field & How I have recognised my own privilege (44:03)The realities behind the aftermath of Coronavirus (47:51)The philosophy behind ‘Nichiren Buddhism’ (50:20)My experience with silent meditation and sound therapy (1:00:11) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today and tonight's Intro to Nichiren Buddhism, coming from possibly multiple viewpoints, to which you are are cordially invited. Following is the link to the Facebook event on our FB page which has the Zoom videoconferencing meeting join info: https://facebook.com/events/s/introduction-to-nichiren-buddh/2670330613214368/?ti=cl. PLEASE JOIN US! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/secular-lotus-buddhists/support

Angie Rojo is a Certified Past Life Regression Hypnotist & Self-Love Mentor. She is trained in Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) developed by the late Dolores Cannon. Angie has been an active leader and facilitator in the spiritual space since 2002. Her experience and insights ranging from the Catholic Church, Nichiren Buddhism, being anointed a Priestess in the Yoruba religion in 2006. Angie studied Transcendental Meditation with Emily Flecther of Ziva Meditation & Mindvalley in 2013. Angie is an Intentional Living & Self-Love Mentor, a Speaker, facilitating live workshops and group meditations. Her mission in life is to guide people to live intentionally, joyfully, and with purpose.

Y’all! This is my favorite episode ever!!!!Terra Kenzie (Aquarius sun & moon, Virgo Rising) is my Canadian astro twin *AND* (gasp!) guess what? We are both intuitive healers who moved out of our homes at 15 & discovered the divine thru extended family - though we both knew we were intuitive from childhood! . . Terra Kenzie is an Akashic Reader and channel from Calgary, Alberta. This week Terra & I chat our parallel lives, the complexities of being a Virgo Rising when your ego refuses to ride shotgun, being connected to spirit at a young age, our Bikini Kill connection, why we need to be careful with our words & thoughts, (hint: they have impact!), what impact is and of course her work as an Akashic Records reader. P.S. Terra learned about the Akashic Records from a woman named Amor Luz from San Francisco-which led to her life path. At 10, I found my Nichiren Buddhist life path through Courtney Love. (You can chant for things you want!) C Love was also born in San Francisco and (of course) “Amor” translates to Love. Terra is also a huge Hole fan! “Love you like a sister always/soul sister/I really wanna be yr best friend rebel girl” ✨ This week I also talk the 12 laws of karma according to Nichiren Buddhism! ✨Self Care tip of the week by the Pasta Elf herself: Carrie Sterling✨ Burn Black Book Club continues with my review of “Constant Chaos” by Lauren Frances (Bean) Noll✨ 5 Minute Diagnoses this week we talk the Borderline Personality Disorder FP relationship w/ @thebrooklynbruja ✨ Every pop culture thing referenced on this episode: Netflix’s Love, Life Harvester by Colin Hagendorf, Bikini Kill, The Heavenly Body ft the always magical Hedy Lamaar! ✨ New Theme Try the Pie (written by Bean Tupou) from the Bay Area because of course that would fit the theme of massive synchronicities this week. Pick your favorite bean and nosh and hang out with us for an hour and a half! ✨ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What is Nichiren Buddhism, what is SGI, and why are so many people part of it? In this episode, Tay gives her birthday + life updates, gets into Nichiren Buddhist and SGI history, argues against the misuses of “everything happens for a reason” while still acknowledging spiritual roots being everywhere, and offers a Conjure storytelling of the Wadastick Man, as written by Michele E. Lee, author of Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African-American Healing. **the music featured does not belong to this podcast.

Intro: Schumann Resonance News for 7 places on Earth. Ascension Symptom Scale today is 99. A Course in Miracles Lesson 111. Discussion on forgiveness of self and others. Massive solar flares and energies. Tonight's Topic: What exactly is Nichiren Buddhism? Is chanting for money really Spiritual? Is it spiritual materialism? Is this a cult? Is it real? What century did this start? What is a Gohonzen? What exactly does "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" mean in English? Learn all this and more!! All about Nichiren Buddhism tonight.

My guest this week is Kelly Jean Badgley. Kelly is a professional multimedia storyteller and voice-over artist. She's also a Nichiren Buddhism practitioner. You may recognize the name because Kelly recently joined me for a video interview to talk about how voice-overs can help us content creators create more engaging and entertaining videos and podcasts. In this episode Kelly shares the benefits of practicing Nichiren Buddhism, including some examples from her own life. Nichiren Buddhism was developed by a 13th century Buddhist monk, Nichiren Daishonin, to help all people bring forth their inherent Buddha nature. This practice is based on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. In this episode, you'll discover: Kelly's personal experience with this practiceWhat Kelly means when she says that, "No matter what happens, I have to take action for the happiness of others."How Nichiren Buddism can help you transform your experiences in every area of your lifeThat everything you experience in life is a reflection of yourselfWhy it's okay to manifest material thingsWhy Herbie Hancock says, "It's a philosophy that I practice religiously." when explaining this practice to others Resources mentioned in this episode: Soka Gakkai International - USA Buddhist Solutions for Life's Problems: The podcast Kelly mentioned in the interview. Buddhism and Creativity: The Herbie Hancock talk Kelly referenced in the interview Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, share it with a friend and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. You can also listen to every episode of Enhancing The Human Experience on YouTube. All the best! Mark P.S. – Have you visited the Focus & Flow store yet? If not, what are you waiting for? You’ll find all sorts of products and apparel you’ll enjoy using and wearing that will also help you consciously create and live the life you want. While you’re there be sure to subscribe to the mailing list so you can stay in the loop with all of the new things coming down the line!

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being Japan’s largest and most influential new religious organization, Soka Gakkai (Society for the Creation of Value) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) claims to have 12 million members in 192 countries around the world. Founded in the 1930s by a group of teachers focused on educational reform, Soka Gakkai has since evolved from its grassroot origins as a movement inspired by Nichiren Buddhism to a highly significant source of influence in contemporary Japanese education and politics. In Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution: The Rise of A Mimetic Nation in Modern Japan (University of Hawaii Press, 2018), Levi McLaughlin argues that Soka Gakkai comprises a great deal more than Buddhism and is instead best conceived as the product of “twin legacies” – lay Nichiren Buddhism and modern Euro-American humanist imports. Drawing on nearly two decades of archival and non-member fieldwork in the Soka Gakkai communities in Japan, McLaughlin offers a comprehensive study of the new religious movement and suggests a new framework which understands Soka Gakkai as mimetic of the nation-state in which it took place. To demonstrate this argument, McLaughlin traces in his book Soka Gakkai’s Human Revolution the history of the movement from intellectual collective to religion and examines their creation of new religious canon, such as Ikeda Daisaku’s The Human Revolution, as well as pedagogy in the movement through standardized education and the Soka Gakkai idea of women as Good Wives, Wise Mothers. Daigengna Duoer is a PhD student at the Religious Studies Department, University of California, Santa Barbara. She mainly researches on Buddhism in twentieth-century Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Her research interests also include the role Buddhism plays in modernity, colonialism, and transnational/transregional networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I popped into the office of Uzuri Holder, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist working in emergency medicine. She’s been practicing Nichiren Buddhism since birth with the SGI-USA, chanting nam-myoho-renge-kyo Just like Tina Turner. Basically she runs with fortune y’all. When I moved back to New York in 2007, she was One of the first people I met. She keeps it 100 always in all ways and you are about to get a taste. Hair tips, natural beauty products, cultural appropriation, Jack Daniels, When They See Us, vicarious trauma, the importance of mindfulness, and big ass titties... Yup, you heard right and you are about to hear much more.  | |***DOPE STUFF MENTIONED:  shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie *  Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker *  Eco Style Argan Oil Styling Gel *  @body_scrubs_by_rebeca *  TENDER organics *  | |***CORRECTION - TENDER organics, based out of Queens, New York not Brooklyn. My bad! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingsammee/message

From her beginnings in Ghana to coming of age in south London, Linda Devo’s life has been one of encountering, exploring and constantly creating who she is. Alongside being a mother, artist and an out and proud dyke (her word), she’s also the founder of Kiki, a club night and conversation for QTIPOC in Bristol. We explore the positive results of owning your intentions and desires, expressing her identity through her art practice and the assertiveness that comes in middle-life. We also discuss her affinity with Nichiren Buddhism, her decision to take herself out of London, and what she thinks we need to do as a community to move forward together towards a future we deserve.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-bristol-44783745/bristol-pride-lgbt-group-kiki-helps-us-feel-safe— — Linda Devo is an artist, mentor, mother and teacher who founded Kiki, a club night and conversation for LGBTQ people of colour in Bristol. — — @_busybeingblack is the podcast exploring how we live in the fullness of our queer Black lives. Supporting this podcast doesn't cost any money; your retweets, ratings, reviews, shares and feedback all help, so please keep it all coming #busybeingblackOf course, if you want to and have the means, you can support Busy Being Black financially and help make it all happen: paypal.me/busybeingblack— — Thank you to our partners, UK Black Pride and BlackOut UK.

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing: Bishop Fred Bower, also known as Tau Taliesin, is the bishop of New Hampshire for the Liberal Catholic Union and pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.  He was ordained a priest and then a bishop in the Liberal Catholic Rite in 1994. He is a professionally certified Achologist focusing on transformational Life Coaching and Neuro-linguistic Programming.   He is currently studying Transformation Storytelling and working on his certification as an end of life doula. He has a diverse spiritual background. Having explored esoteric and Gnostic Christianity, Zen and Nichiren Buddhism, as well as Theosophy and Revival Druidry.  Fred is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, also known as OBOD, where he finds a connection to the sacred through the power of myth and story.  He is an organizer of Silent Heron Seed Group, an OBOD affiliated contemplative Druidry group exploring the connection to the natural world through meditation and ritual. In the episode, we talked about several things, including:  His elevator speech? How he integrates the spirituality found in the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids into his understanding of Christianity. And he talks about what is the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. He talks about his acceptance within Druidry while also being a Christian. His greatest challenge as a bishop within the Independent Sacramental Movement. And finally, we talk about his greatest blessing within ministry. Convergent Streams: The Premier ISM Magazine.  This episode is sponsored in part by Convergent Streams, why?  Because I read it, and I love it and think you will love it too.  If you haven’t checked out Convergent Streams, I encourage you to do so.  Check it out at convergentstreams.org.  I like the print copy, but you can also get it in ebook format. This Podcast is produced by the Community of Saint George (The Young Rite).

The World of Buddhahood is the 10th and highest of the 10 Worlds of Nichiren Buddhism. Enlightenment. We practice in order to reside in this world, but what does it mean? What does it look and feel like on a daily basis? Maria and Indigo talk about it.

The World of Bodhisattva is the 9th of the 10 Worlds of Nichiren Buddhism. Indigo and Maria talk about that and compassion fatigue.

A Buddhists Guide for Happiness with David Hare For a second time, I bring you an inspiring chat, with David Hare. One of the most listened to interviews to date. David is the author of “The Buddha In Me, The Buddha In You” which becomes the centre point for our conversation. He has integrated his fondness, passion and the wisdom of Nichiren Buddhism with his coaching business to help others live larger lives. He supports this with personal development learnings and techniques, and popular psychology. If we can begin to understand how life works and then use the proven methodology to guide us then will we start to live meaningful lives? You will enjoy this joyful interview. Please be sure to leave your comments below or reach out directly via email or social media. Peace, Passion and Purpose. Guest Bio David Hare is a personal development trainer and Life Coach from Leicestershire, UK. Before setting up his own business in 2004, he was a global public relations director for a leading multinational logistics company. In his youth, he worked as a strawberry picker, dishwasher, barman, golf course caddy, Italian fast-food chef and Indian takeaway driver.

SOS Mentality Today's featured guest is David Hare. The topic is "SOS Mentality." Let the show begin. Guest Bio David is a UK author and coach who inspires individuals to achieve breakthroughs in their lives and helps teams and companies communicate with more confidence and passion. David is a practising Nichiren Buddhist since 1985, his first book, The Buddha in Me, the Buddha in You – a Handbook for Happiness, published in 2016 and has gone on to sell thousands of copies worldwide. Themes of the book include Nichiren Buddhism, life coaching, spiritual development, human revolution, inspirational leadership and world peace.

Chasing dreams in LA is one strange trip and Kyle McAuley has some stories to share! Currently working on the television program ‘Extra' with Mario Lopez, this week's guest of The Unimaginary Friendcast got his start under the pseudonym Lunakye where he developed a significant following on social media with comedic and hip hop videos. Kyle shares some advice, a few salacious tales and at least one inappropriate proposition that he's received since his start. There are plenty of funny stories along the way, and we hit up some deeper topics including Kyle's passion for bringing awareness to helping those with Mental Health issues.   Topics Include: What are 30,000 Vine Followers Worth Now? How The Secret and Nichiren Buddhism are like, alike. Scientology Acting Classes! Cupcake the Foster Cat! Episode 2 of Total Trip Domination! And so much more! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the most downloaded podcast in the world! The Unimaginary Friendcast! The Unimaginary Friendcast is hosted by David Monster, Erin Marie Bette Davis Jr. and Nathan Edmondson. https://unimaginaryfriend.com/podcast/ And find us on Facebook!  

This week we are talking with Sonali Nagrani. Sonali is a TV presenter, a former Miss India International, and a dedicated practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism amongst other many aspiring things. Over the next hour we dive into a range of topics; from the mystic law cause and effect, the principles of Buddhism, how chanting transforms her life on a daily basis, and her encounter with Prince Charles! A Journey Down Discovery Lane is all about diving deep into the realm of personal development and discovery to help you unlock your potential. We are all works-in-progress, and in this podcast I talk with a range of imperfect-individuals who are putting in the work to create meaningful change. As a wise man once said: "to change the world, first you must change yourself". But here is the catch - to change yourself, first you must truly discover who you are. For more goodies visit www.discoverylane.org. You can also subscribe on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2o9WN3j

Duncan Sheik first made a name for himself in the mid-90s with the hit song, "Barely Breathing," and has since reinvented himself as a Broadway composer. He won two Tonys and a Grammy Award for music he composed for the smash Broadway hit, "Spring Awakening," and he also composed music for Broadway's "American Psycho." But when Sheik first started out, performing on stage made him very nervous and it wasn't until he was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism, which involves the practice of a form of mantra meditation, that he got over his fears.

Environmental Awareness: Plastic Pollution in Australia with Elizabeth Beaumont  Elizabeth has worked as a Liver Intensive Care Nurse and has returned to her studies, this time in the area of Sustainability at University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia. During a merging of two assignments that concerned water extraction for the bottled water industry and the ingestment of plastics by sea mammals and birds she decided to approach the senior management of the university and make formal presentations to phase out and subsequently ban the sale of water housed in Polyethylene terephthalate at the University. She was successful making her uni the 1st in Queensland and only the 2nd in Australia to ban the sale of water in P.E .T. This will result in a massive reduction of carbon emissions. The university has installed 3 ProAcqua machines the greatest innovation of water vends that ever have been invented. In 2014 she travelled to Cambodia with the University and was asked by the Minister of Tourism to advise on plastic pollution there.  Her work to communicate the dangers of this issue has been enhanced by her steady efforts to connect with other interested people including, experts in the broad field of plastic pollution.  She actively picks up plastic pollution and volunteers for the Two Hand Project and applauds anyone who picks up plastics. She has for 30 years actively practiced Nichiren Buddhism. Together with her family, Elizabeth enjoys life on a Land for Wildlife property where marsupials, birds and aquatic life live freely in the Hinterland of South East Queensland. To contact Elizabeth email her at e_b043@student.usc.edu.au

This week, we're going to be talking about one of Japan's most famous religious movements: Nichiren Buddhism, devoted to the veneration of the text know as the Lotus Sutra. We'll discuss the life and education of Nichiren, as well as the legacy his teachings have for Japan and the world.