Buddhability SGI-USA

Buddhism teaches us that our lives are precious just as they are. This can be hard to believe if we struggle with self-criticism and strive for flawlessness. Fortunately, each time we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we tap into our limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion and challenge our inner critic head-on.
 
Today, Clark Harrell, of Seattle, Washington, shares how fighting perfectionism helped him enjoy his Buddhist practice, musical pursuits and everyday life. 
 
References: 
Discussions on Youth, p. 171
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition,  p. 102
 
Cheat Sheet:
10:10 Clark discovers Buddhism through jazz
15:45 First steps in Buddhist practice
25:21 Placing self-worth in achievements
29:43 Getting support from his Buddhist community
41:09 Chanting without self-criticism
54:18 Community is the key to never giving up

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 navigating life after graduation and finding your unique path.
 
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Episodes Referenced:Josef: "Finding Your Purpose in College"Louise: "Building a Career You Love"Luca: "What you do isn't who you are"
References:Discussions on Youth, pp. 71-73, 26 

It can be hard to embrace ourselves when society often makes us feel otherwise. In this episode, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo empowers us to appreciate and treasure every part of who we are.
Today’s guest, Joshua Thomas, of Portland, Oregon, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him to live authentically, love his life and encourage others to do the same.
References:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 207.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 335–36.October 11, 2013, World Tribune, p. 9.

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.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept that we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo brings out the characteristics needed to make authentic relationships that last.
 
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
 
References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 106–07.
Discussions on Youth, pp. 39–40, 117–18, 283–84.
https://www.worldtribune.org/2023/overcoming-loneliness/ .
 

It’s natural to want to look away from the inevitable reality of death but Buddhism teaches that death is an alternate phase of life and makes up a larger universal cycle. To understand death is to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for life.
 
Today’s guest, John Plummer, of Cold Spring, NY, shares how facing his fear of loss improved his relationships and deepened his work as a film and TV writer. 
 
References:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 24, pp. 177–78
A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 79, 83–84.
Leave of Grass by Walt Whitman.
“Like the Sun Rising,” Journey of Life: Selected Poems of Daisaku Ikeda
Unlocking the Mysteries of Unlocking Birth and Death, p. 104.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition.