13 episodes
buddhistchats Jo and Melissa
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- Religion & Spirituality
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4.9 • 10 Ratings
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Jo and Melissa practice Nichiren Buddhism, a practical way of turning whatever life throws at you into a source of strength, connection with others and deep joy. They chat with some of the awesome human beings they've met through the practice.
Nichiren Daishonin found the great truth at the heart of the Lotus Sutra (one of Siddhattha Gautama / Buddha Shakyamuni's later teachings) - everyone, equally, has the potential to attain Buddhahood, just as they are. This was revolutionary for 13th century Japan, and, let's face it still contentious for some now.
Over 800 years later the practice he founded has spread around the world. It's an energising, hands-on approach to transforming your life and the world around you by connecting to the life force at the heart of the universe and everyone else on the planet.
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episode 7: you can't always get what you want, but you'll get what you need
Claire Perriam decided to start exploring Buddhism when she had a sudden encounter with death and began to question the meaning of life more deeply. We talk about the concept of 'winning' in Nichiren Buddhism and how chanting Nam myoho renge kyo will definitely lead to a feeling of victory but maybe not in the way you'd imagined. We also touch on Brownies, autism, and finding meaning in work and end up mangling a wonderful quote about fruit. Suffice to say, the gist of it is
..cherry, plum, peach, and damson, each have their own unique characteristics and this relates to the principle of “illuminating and manifesting one’s true nature” (cf. Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Volume 1, p.746).
To quote Daisaku Ikeda on this: 'Cherry blossoms are cherry blossoms, and peach blossoms are peach blossoms. A cherry blossom can never become a peach blossom. Nor is there any need for it to try to do so. It would be perfectly miserable if it did. Similarly, you are none other than yourself. You can never be someone else, however much you might wish it. What matters is that you become the kind of person who can cherish, praise, and feel content with your own precious, irreplaceable life.'
(from https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/study-materials/buddhist-study/the-wisdom-for-creating-happiness-and-peace/chapter-6-4.html) -
buddhist chats episode 7 teaser
Finally! Spring is here and after a long hiatus we'll be posting a wonderful chat with Claire Perriam, a dance therapist who has finds buddhism provides a solid framework for approaching life - and death.
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episode 6: tackling obstacles and using humour as a force for good
We explore the tension between striving to develop more courage, wisdom and compassion, and being funny. And he shares how he’s been able to transform his approach to obstacles - so they don't ‘fill the screen’ of his life.
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buddhistchats episode 6 teaser
Coming soon! A chat with writer, actor and all round good egg Paul Bassett Davies...
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episode 5: taking responsibility for your life and making dreams come true
Finally a new episode - and it’s worth the wait. Fatima Sessay is a powerhouse of confidence and determination.
She shares how a central tenet in buddhism of being responsible for your own life resonated with her from the get go and led her to a life full of meeting challenges head on.
We talk about finding the sweet spot between pushing yourself to dream big dreams and setting compassionate limits for yourself, which she sums up beautifully by saying ‘Please don’t worry. Just chant, it will all be ok!’ -
buddhistchats episode 5 teaser
Coming soon. Fatima Sessay shares how the Buddhist principle of taking full responsibility for your life resonated deeply with her and has led to a life full of amazing victories.