Podcasts about nichiren daishonin

This letter was written to Shijō Kingo, a samurai and one of Nichiren Daishonin's most loyal followers, in the seventh month of the eighth year of Bun'ei (1271). Shijō Kingo had sent various offerings to the Daishonin as a donation for a memorial service to be held for his mother, who had passed away some years before on the twelfth day of the seventh month. The Daishonin wrote Kingo this letter in reply, explaining that, in the profoundest sense, only the act of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo benefits the deceased.Traditionally held in Japan on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the service for deceased ancestors is a Buddhist observance honoring the spirits of the ancestors. This tradition originated in China and is based on the story of Maudgalyāyana's saving his deceased mother that is related in the Service for the Deceased Sutra. Records indicate that the service for deceased ancestors was first held in China in 538, and in Japan in 657. Recent scholarship has established that the Service for the Deceased Sutra has its origins not in India, but in China, where filial piety was highly valued.According to popular belief in Kamakura-period Japan, those who were greedy or egotistic in life would inevitably suffer from hunger in death. In this letter, the Daishonin discusses the various kinds of hungry spirits mentioned in Buddhist texts and explains the causes, that is, the evil acts they committed in past existences, that led them to acquire these forms.The Daishonin also exposes the true motives of many of the priests of his day, referring to them as “Law-devouring hungry spirits” who use the Buddhist teachings as a means to gain personal fame and profit. Though they pretend to have a sincere desire to preach the Buddhist teachings, in their hearts they are greedy. They conceal the offerings they receive from others, keeping them to themselves. The Daishonin also censures those Buddhists, whether of the priesthood or of the laity, who neglect to pray for the repose of their deceased parents or teachers.https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/21

This month, we're doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today's episode is about the potential in your problems. Resources: Challenges Can Fortify Our Growth and Happiness“What It Means to Hear the Buddha Vehicle,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 743)July 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 56Interviews Included:Moeko Fukada TeterMarko BajkovicImmaculate MutebiReach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

As a child, Samirah Gnangbe, lived through a civil war. From that moment on, she became someone who paved the way for others as a second-language learner and Ph.D. student in engineering. Samirah shares how she challenged herself each step of the way through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.Resources:Discussions on Youth, new edition, pp. 8, 25The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 4

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

Radhika Rao, of San Francisco, tried Buddhism because she was jealous of a friend's happiness. Since then, she's living a life beyond anything she had dreamed. Today she shares her perspective on life as a theater teaching artist and Buddhist.Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel. Resource:The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 748The Flowering of Creative Life ForceThe Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 165–66

What do you do when you're told you're not cut out for something? Buddhism teaches that the only person who can determine that is you. Wayne Thomas Jr., of Los Angeles, always knew he was an artist but his environment told him otherwise. He shares the story of how he proved them wrong.Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.Resources:Learning From the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 75A New Humanism: The University Addresses of Daisaku Ikeda

Kaitlin Todd, of Gretna, Louisiana, was enjoying her early 20s and taking the scenic route to her dreams. Everything changed when she learned she was pregnant. That's when she used her Buddhist practice to go for her goals and create a stable life for her son. Watch today's episode o our YouTube ChannelResources:“Opening of the Eyes” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 242.

Joseph Aguilar, of Leavenworth, Kansas, set out on a personal journey to find a life philosophy that met three specific conditions. Through that process, they uncovered their true self and found the courage to undo years of repression. Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel References: “Reply to Kyo'o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412.

What do you do when a family emergency calls you away from your career and back to your hometown? Adam W. Sadberry, of Montgomery, Texas, shares the story of how he joyfully pursues his dreams all while caring for and supporting his parents. Watch this episode on our YouTube ChannelResources:“Wu-lung and I-lung” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1101.Living Buddhism, December 2018, p. 33.

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge, we've touched on in an interview. Today we're talking handling personal stress brought on by problems in society.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.orgResources:Three Keys On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land2012 Peace Proposal—Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity ofLife“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 6–30.Hope Is a Decision, p. 5.

There isn't an expiration date for our dreams. It's our own limiting beliefs that hold us back from pursuing them. Today's guest, Jee Hyo Kim, of the Bay Area, set a dream aside and didn't pick it back up until after she started a career. She shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her develop the self-worth and confidence needed to make the leap.Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel. Resources:You Were Born to Win, pp. 8–9.“On the Treasure Tower,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 299.

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

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

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

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

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

In the tenth month of the second year of Kōan (1279), this letter was written in reply to a letter to Nichiren Daishonin from Shijō Kingo, informing him that Kingo had been ambushed by enemies among his fellow samurai, but had managed to escape unharmed.The Daishonin teaches Kingo that faith must always come first, before any other tactic or strategy, and that faith in the Mystic Law is the ultimate factor that determines victory or defeat.https://www.nichirenlibrary.org/en/wnd-1/Content/139

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

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

How does a mother in college become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career. We discuss how Buddhism aligns with the mindset of winning athletes and coaches.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Resources“The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 172

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we've touched on in an interview. Today, we're talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can help us maximize every moment and use our time wisely. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Episodes Mentioned:How To Do It All, with Dr. Gitima SharmaWhy I Appreciate My College Rejections References:The Victorious Teen, p. 28.“On Prolonging One's Life Span,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 955.Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, p. 109.Jan. 1, 2016, World Tribune, p. 8.The Heart of the Lotus Sutra, p. 26.The New Human Revolution, vol. 4, revised edition, pp. 149–50.The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214.My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, p. 354.

Keiko Brunson, of Denver, entered the world with a bang and continued to challenge every perceived limitation placed on her. Today she shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo gave her the confidence to live authentically and with deep gratitude for those who support her. References: “Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.1027.“The Difficult of Sustaining Faith” WND-1 p. 471.Discussions on Youth, p. 74. Cheat Sheet:02:07 Keiko's Memories Growing up in a Buddhist family10:05 Getting accepted into college was the easy part24:40 Learning to persist in her exams33:38 Repaying her gratitude by supporting others

Cam Morose, a Boston school psychologist, found Buddhism at a crucial time. He was struggling with anxiety that felt impossible to challenge. In today's episode, Cam shares how Buddhism gave him the roadmap and energy to connect with others, challenge his inner critic and find deeper happiness.References:July, 2019, Living Buddhism, pp.56–57“The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 104Cheat Sheet:03:40 A friend's life state inspires Cam to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo08:57 His anxiety reaches a breaking point17:16 How connecting with others made him rethink self-care29:00 Finding purpose in his career based on his struggles40:58 A clear guide for living a happy and fulfilling life

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Buddhability Short: How to Find Your Power in a Chaotic WorldBuddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we've touched on in an interview. Today, we're talking about how Buddhist practice empowers us to move the world in a positive direction. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Episodes Referenced:Abe: “How to make progress, even when you can't see eye to eye”Dori: “How to turn your circumstances into your purpose” References:“King Rinda,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 989. A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 98–99. Sept. 28, 2007, World Tribune, p. 2.

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Daily life can feel like a roller coaster where we're tossed around by the ups and downs of our health, school, family relationships and so on. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can strengthen our life force and become people unswayed by our circumstances. Today's guest, Koda Jordet, of Fargo, North Dakota, shares how prioritizing his Buddhist practice, mental health and addiction recovery, helped him develop indestructible happiness. References:“Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 5–6.

Experts say the U.S. is dealing with a serious “loneliness epidemic” as adults feel more isolated and alone than ever. How can Buddhism help us break out of our shell and find meaningful connection with others? Today's guest, Apoorvee Sawhney, of Denver, shares how studying Buddhism and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to overcome self-pity in order to graduate a Ph.D. program and start a career in academia. References:“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4https://www.worldtribune.org/2021/challenging-times-are-opportunities-for-human-revolution/

Buddhism helps us to build a solid inner life that isn't swayed by our circumstances. That strength is the key to having the confidence needed to take action toward our dreams. Today's guest, Christopher Robin Donaldson, of Denver, Colorado, shares how he went from passively waiting for his dreams to becoming a father, professional actor, husband, college graduate and homeowner. References:The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 794Faith Into Action, p. 140The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 165–66

This week we're talking about dreams. How do we dream? How do we find purpose in our dreams? And if we have a clear dream, how do we pursue it? We're speaking with two young Buddhists. One who learned how to open her life up to new possibilities and another who discovered deeper meaning in his dreams. Samantha Collins of St. Paul, Minnesota and Grady Tesch of New York City share how they discovered and followed their dreams. References: Writings of Nichiren Daishonin - 1, p. 835The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 173Discussions on Youth, pp. 76-77The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 112-113Writings of Nichiren Daishonin - 1, p. 279

Believing that we each possess limitless wisdom, courage and compassion—what we call Buddhability—can be a daily battle. Many of us impose limitations on ourselves, believing that we're not capable of accomplishing our dreams and becoming happy. Today's guest, Daniel Sun, of Boston, shares how he used Buddhism to overcome his limiting beliefs and become an accomplished Harvard scientist and scholar. We discuss the key role chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhism played in his ability to shift his mindset.Cheat Sheet:7:20 Daniel tries Buddhism to get through graduate school11:05 Dreaming of a research career in the U.S.21:03 What Buddhism says about self-doubt33:56 Fresh confidence to apply for a large grant43:46 How studying maximizes the effects of Buddhist chanting References mentioned:The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4The Light of Learning, pp. 130

Fear and anger can be overpowering. Especially when they're grounded in past and deeply personal experience. While our fears may feel justified they can also hold us back from accomplishing our goals and living a happy life. Today we're talking about how to uproot those tendencies in our lives and transform them for our happiness. Today's guest, Krithi Byadgi, of San Francisco, shares how she used her Buddhist practice to transform her deep anger and fear into the courage and joy needed to strive for a harmonious family and her dream career.References mentionedDiscussions on Youth, p. 410“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 4

Amid a painful reality that can't be changed, like a family member's terminal disease, how can we still create hope? Today we're discussing how tapping into our Buddhability—the limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion we each possess—can help us transform our attitude, create a beautiful life, and accomplish our dreams amid a difficult reality.Our guest is Jonathan Cheng, of New York City, who shares how he is courageously accomplishing his dreams as a filmmaker to honor his parents and fight for their eternal happiness. Cheat Sheet:7:52 Why Jonathan decided to start chanting10:26 Developing confidence in college and finding your place13:30 Starting your first post-college job25:28 Navigating grief at the height of COVID31:48 Finding meaning in our struggles39:31 Finding courage to fight for your dreamsReferences mentioned:Discussions on Youth, p. 26“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 499Hope is a Decision, p. 6

Here's today's question: Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work?This is a question nearly every person who starts to chant has in the back of their mind. Unless spirituality or a chanting-like practice has already been part of your life for a while, it can feel very new and hard to believe in.We want to approach this question from a few angles but first, to answer it directly: no, when you first start chanting, you do not have to believe in it or understand it for it to work. References: https://buddhability.org/practice/dont-know-much-about-buddhism/  https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/buddhism-is-the-clear-mirror-that-reflects-our-lives/ “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we'll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today's is: Buddhism and the real world.References: “The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1121 The Power to Win Each Day The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 88 My Dear Friends in America, third edition, p. 83 Discussions on Youth, p. 71

Today we're talking about navigating job challenges, an aspect of life that be universal difficult, whether you are facing job loss, trying to find a job, navigating a tough industry or having a hard time believing in yourself at work. Our guest is Mehul Anand, of Georgia, who shares the ups and downs of her career in tech, and the profound lessons her Buddhist practice helped her learn along the way.CHEAT SHEET2:39 Why Mehul started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo6:24 An overview of her career trajectory, which didn't go as planned10:55 How she learned to use her Buddhist practice to navigate finding work15:54 What protection means in Buddhism21:52 The inner transformation she experienced through a long period of unemployment28:29 Practical action to take when facing a difficult situation33:50 Mehul's turning point38:13 What mission means in Buddhism41:34 Mehul's favorite Buddhist quotes48:57 Advice for anyone who is currently facing a job-related struggleReferences: “Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 502 “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 17 How to Make Things Work

Today we're talking about what it takes to believe that you can be happy, even when you're facing the most difficult circumstances. Our guest is Christina Moran, of El Paso, Texas, who shares her own journey of pursuing happiness after experiencing a series of very challenging events that made her feel like she had hit rock bottom. CHEAT SHEET2:29 How Christina encountered Buddhism7:30 The grief and postpartum depression she was experiencing at the time10:13 The Buddhist book that turned things around for her14:38 What changed in her first month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo17:02 Her initial goals for herself22:35 Survival vs. Happiness29:48 What it took to reconnect to happiness39:54 The role of the Buddhist community41:46 Her favorite Buddhist quotes43:51 Advice for anyone who feels like happiness isn't an option for themReferences mentioned:  Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death  “The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 149 “To My Friends,” from the June 23, 2020, Seikyo Shimbun

Today we're talking with Bobby Eppsteiner, a surgeon in Massachusetts, who shares the story of how he used his Buddhist practice to beat the odds and become a doctor, even when he was told he wouldn't make it. Key takeaway: Never give up.CHEAT SHEET1:31 How Bobby started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo2:15 What inspired his dream of going into medicine3:53 The challenges he faced getting into medical school8:44 How he used his Buddhist practice to counter being discouraged 11:15 The day-to-day life of a surgeon17:48 How he developed the strength to deal with high-stress situations27:10 The role of the Buddhist community in his victory31:07 Bobby's favorite Buddhist quote33:50 Advice for anyone who feels they are pursuing something impossible References: “General Stone Tiger,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 953 The Never-Give-Up Queen

What does Buddhism say about happiness? Better yet, how do we access it and sustain it, especially when faced with difficulties? In today's episode, Rachel Salomonsen and Jim Krampf talk us through two of the biggest challenges to our happiness—our relationships with loved ones and situations in which we are faced with impossibly difficult circumstances. Here's the key takeaway: By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking full responsibility for our happiness, we can become people of conviction and tolerance—key qualities of a life of sustainable happiness. Note: Buddhist Solutions for Life's Problems is supported by subscriptions to SGI-USA publications. It will be published every other month. For access to past podcasts, the print and online editions of World Tribune and Living Buddhism and the new World Tribune app, visit worldtribune.org.References:This episode is based on the feature article from the March 2022 issue of Living Buddhism titled “Sustainable Happiness.”7:25: October 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 15.28:18: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, revised edition, p. 230.28:54: “On the Buddha's Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.45:34: “Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681.48:03: “Reply to Kyo'o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412.49:14: The New Human Revolution, vol. 2, revised edition, pp. 86–87.51:48: The Five Eternal Guidelines of the Soka Gakkai, p. 20.

Today's episode is a conversation with psychologist Elizabeth Merrick about anxiety, therapy, Buddhism, and how they all connect. Sometimes it helps to examine what Buddhability looks like from different perspectives, identifying  parallels between the work of experts in different fields and how Buddhism views the potential of human beings.  Elizabeth's insights are unique because she has experience counseling young adults, training mental health professionals and being in therapy herself, all while practicing Buddhism.CHEAT SHEET1:27 How Elizabeth started practicing Buddhism5:23 Context about her professional background as a psychologist8:34 The most common mental health challenges she sees young adults struggle with today11:22 Natural questions during different developmental stages14:21 When you think something is wrong with you21:16 Connections between Buddhism and psychology on our potential for change27:58 What anxiety is and why we experience it32:47 Overcoming anxiety38:52 Why the core elements of Buddhist practice are effective44:16 Chanting vs. mindfulness47:00 The biggest change she's experienced through chanting54:49 The value of having a community1:00 A favorite Buddhist quote1:03:20 The difference between human revolution and self-improvement1:08:01 Advice for anyone who is struggling with anxietyReferences Discussions on Youth, p. 5 “Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027

This week's conversation is the perfect refresher for anyone who might be feeling like they could use a little fire or motivation right now.Our guest is Shawn Lewis, of New Orleans, who tells us the story of a period in his life when he found himself coasting, and after losing a job, also financially struggling with no sense of direction. By solidifying his Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, he dug deep to rediscover a childhood dream to work in the video game industry that opened up a most unexpected journey, and ultimately led to him building and selling a social media channel to create his dream career.CHEAT SHEET1:07 Introduction to Shawn1:39 When and how he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo5:24 The circumstances that led him back to his childhood dream 9:11 How he began to build his channel11:16 What the internal battle felt like as he balanced three jobs12:44 How he developed a habit of winning15:18 An unexpected opportunity19:38 The impact of striving to encourage other people25:27 His favorite Buddhist quote30:48 The biggest internal change he experienced32:34 Advice for anyone who feels like they are coasting or unhappy with their circumstancesReferences “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 1000–01 Discussions on Youth, p. 22

Today we're talking about identity and relationships. Briana Boche, of Seattle, shares her story of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and how she developed confidence in the practice of human revolution, that is, the process of continually chanting to reveal our Buddhability—courage, wisdom and compassion for ourselves and others.One aspect of Briana's life where her Buddhist practice carried her through was exploring her own relationship with sexuality and eventually realizing that she is ace, short for asexual. CHEAT SHEET1:40 How Briana started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo7:06 How a setback after college helped her find a new path11:19 Getting connected to the Buddhist community in Seattle20:20 Briana's journey of exploring her sexuality and identity27:53 What happened when she started chanting to find a partner31:44 Coming to terms with a big realization40:21 What it took to challenge her own insecurities44:06 How she's chanting about the future47:45 Her favorite Buddhist quote50:37 Advice for anyone new to BuddhismReferences mentioned: “On the Buddha's Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402. Discussions on Youth, p. 27. Discussions on Youth, p. 8.

Today we're speaking with Asia Harvey-Wright, who goes by Harvey, about their first steps practicing Buddhism after encountering the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in 2020, during one of the darkest periods of their life.This episode is all about the courage it takes to be open to one's Buddhability. Harvey shares how, in the face of  addiction and mental health challenges, they unearthed their own hope, creativity and desire to move forward.CHEAT SHEET1:35 How Harvey encountered Buddhism4:45 What their initial experience of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was like7:10 The struggles they were facing at the time12:58 Initial steps they took to begin their practice15:58 The difference they saw through chanting22:30 A Buddhist concept that stuck with them25:39 Their experience with the Buddhist community27:55 How chanting is helping them navigate mental health challenges34:21 Their goals for the future36:58 Advice for anyone who is new to chantingReferences: Discussions on Youth, p. x Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107