Buddhability

Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Oz,” “Lost,” “Euphoria”) shares how his difficult childhood shaped him into the actor, writer, and director he is today. He also opens up about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him cultivate deep happiness and create meaning from his challenging childhood.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel

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 about true individuality and how to bring it out.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, revised edition, pp. 283–96.

How can we strive to do our best without tying our self-worth to the outcome? Today’s guest, Sandeep Ramanthan, of Seattle, struggled with an emptiness any time he was alone and not working. Through diving into Buddhist practice, he found self-worth independent of his friendships and a career.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

Each of us is already enlightened but it can be difficult to believe when we hit problems. Dr. Victoria Smith, of New Orleans, had overcome so much through Buddhist practice but still struggled to see herself as a Buddha. Today she shares how she finally broke through.

Watch today's episode on YouTube.

Is it possible for someone who wasn’t always a top student to land a full-ride scholarship? Gabe Morris, of New York, shares how being himself and following his passions as a gifted tap dancer helped him open doors to college and more.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

When you feel stuck, it’s hard to see a path forward. Buddhability sat down with Kimberly Cadillo, Tom Hatton and Marco Giannavola for our first ever live taping to tell their stories of getting unstuck.

Watch the live taping on our YouTube channel.

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 about the role appreciation plays in our happiness.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

The Power of a Grateful Heart

The New Human Revolution, vol. 17, p. 72.

A Foundation for Your Life, pp. 52–53.

If you’re not on speaking terms with someone, can that relationship ever change? Today’s guest, Min Kim Sieling, reach many of her life goals like moving to the U.S. and getting married. But she realized she wanted to strive for something deeper: her relationship with her mom. Min shares the story of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her go from no-contact to best friends with her mom.

 
Watch today's episode on YouTube

Resources:

The Opening of the Eyes, p. 65

RSVP for Buddhability Live on Monday, April 27th

This month, we’re doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today’s episode is about the power of connection and mutually encouraging relationships.

Resources:
Want to Be Happy? Help Other People
Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life

Toward an Era of Human Rights: Building a People’s Movement
Cam’s Interview: How Connecting With People Enhanced My Self Care
Eddie’s Interview: Can One Person Really Change the World?

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

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. 56

Interviews Included:
Moeko Fukada Teter

Marko Bajkovic
Immaculate Mutebi

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

This month, we’re doing a short series about how to put the power back in your hands. Today’s episode is about the power of simply deciding.

Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 35.
Discussions on Youth, new addition, p. 411.
Each Constant Contains Incredible Possibilities
Christopher Robin’s Episode: What it Took to Make My Dreams a Reality

Reach 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, 25

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,vol 1, p. 4

Rhonda Windham, of Los Angeles, was already an NCAA basketball champion and trailblazing WNBA General Manager beforeencountering Buddhism. She shares what practicing Buddhism taught her that all her success did not—how to look inward with unflinching honesty and lead with her heart.

Watch today's episode on YouTube

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 Grassby 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.

Chip Grossman, of Santa Monica, always thought spirituality and business were opposing goals. It wasn’t until he encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism that he realized their deep ties. Today, Chip shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him develop the courage and strength to go after his goals and build unshakable happiness.

View today's episode on YouTube.

Resources:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, pp. 272–73
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, pp. 27­–28
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 185-87.

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. 748

The Flowering of Creative Life Force

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition,pp. 165–66

Daily life throws a lot at us. When our state of life is low, it can be easy to get wrapped up in complaint. Buddhism teaches that caring for others helps us see beyond our problems, having a more expansive view of our lives with deeper appreciation and happiness. 

Today’s guest, Daeseon Kim, of Queens, N.Y., shares how tying his dreams to a deeper purpose helped him move to the U.S. and advance in his career as a physical therapist.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Resources:

Discussions on Youth,p. 336.

How can we maintain hope for a peaceful world? Today we hear from three college students and recent graduates about how they create hope on a daily basis and practical steps we can take to create peace.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

Resources:

My Dear Friends in America,fourth edition, pp. 229–39.
Winter Turns to Spring quote

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 about how to build friendships that last.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resource:

The science of why friendships keep us healthy
Discussions on Youth, new edition, pp. 37–48.

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. 75
A 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 Channel

Resources:

“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.

Can we really feel happy when we’re facing health problems? Kimberly Rios-Niño, of San Diego, shares how she came to treasure life regardless of her circumstances. We talk about her journey into parenthood and taking care of children battling illness. 

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

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 about why goals and dreams are critical for our happiness.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part one, revised edition, pp. 170–71

Hope is a Decision, pp. 5–7.

You’re almost to the finish line of 2025! Today we’re talking about how you can end the year feeling victorious and hopeful rather than dragging your feet. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

The Courage to 'Go All In'
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,part 2, revised edition, p. 175.

There are as many unique relationships as there are people. Why is it that some of them are so difficult and how can we actually change them? Three mental health experts share their professional knowledge and personal experience with common relationship challenges and how to resolve them.

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Some things feel truly insurmountable. But what happens when someone truly believes in the value and power of your life? Jason Lions, of LA, experienced childhood trauma and struggled for years with the impacts. In today’s episode, he shares how he transformed his family and mental health through the care of others, professional support and awakening to the power of his life through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Content warning: We speak about childhood abuse in this episode. Please listen with care.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Quote From:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 35–46.

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 Channel

Resources:

“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 about quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

Which is more important for chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: quality or quantity?
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24, 130.

The gap between our dreams and reality can sometimes feel impossible to close. Especially when our dream means pursuing a field that’s less traditionally “easy” to make a career from like art. 

In today’s episode we sit down with two full-time artists to discuss how Buddhism helped them become full-time artists without compromising their vision. Our guests are sculptor Brian Enright, of Oakland, and animator and director Leo Matsuda, of LA. We dig into their journey and the many ways Buddhism informs their work.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

A strong routine can be crucial to getting through the day when you have a full plate. But that discipline doesn’t happen over night. Enoa Reid, of Oahu, shares how the reality of adulthood helped him develop the skills needed to win every day.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources:
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 361—62.

How can one of the most inevitable things in life still be so shocking and confusing? Oona Friedland, of Berkley, Michigan, shares the story of how she navigated the pain of illness and death, eventually creating new meaning for her life.

Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

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 about how to overcome division in our personal lives and beyond.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:

The Dragon Girl
The Two Admonitions of the ‘Devadatta’ Chapter
Transforming Evil Into the Highest Good

Compassion, Wisdom and Courage: Building a Global Society of Peace and Creative Coexistence

If someone asked you to identify something getting in the way of your happiness right now, could you? It can be challenging to see ourselves clearly but doing so helps us change our lives. Our guest, Zoie Young, of Phoenix, struggled with self-worth from a young age. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo she came to treasure her life, changing her self-image, relationships, and ability to dream.

Content warning: We speak about disordered eating in this episode. Please listen with care.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:
Discussions on Youth,p. 10
July 2025 Living Buddhism, p. 45
A Foundation For Your Life, pp. 60–61
Through Suffering to Joy

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.org

Resources:

Three Keys On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

2012 Peace Proposal—Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity of

Life

“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.

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 about how to start and navigate a new phase of your life.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,part 1, revised edition,pp. 165–66.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,part 2, revised edition,p. 224.

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.

Whether we like it or not, we don’t exist in isolation. The interconnection of life means that when we change, our environment changes as well. Today’s guest, Heidi Hayashi, of Stratford, Conn., shares how finding the courage to live true to herself improved and deepened her family relationships.

References:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition p. 270

Buddhism Day by Day: Wisdom for Modern Life, p. 315

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, p. 20

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition

Believing that we each possess limitless wisdom, courage and compassion—what we call Buddhability—can be a daily battle. Many of us impose limitations on ourselves, believing that we’re not capable of accomplishing our dreams and becoming happy.

Today’s guest, Daniel Sun, of Boston, shares how he used Buddhism to overcome his limiting beliefs and become an accomplished Harvard scientist and scholar. We discuss the key role chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhism played in his ability to shift his mindset.

References mentioned:

A Piece of Mirror and Other Essays, pp. 39-43
The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 133
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4
The Light of Learning, p. 130

In this special Buddhability episode, we sit down with four science and aerospace professionals, speaking as private citizens, to discuss the relationship between Buddhism and space. They share perspectives on Buddhist humanism in space exploration, Buddhist theory and space science, and the eternity of life.

You can watch today’s episode on your YouTube channel.

Resources:

Space and Eternal Life: A dialogue between Chandra Wickramasinghe and Daisaku Ikeda, p. 219

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 113-12

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.org

Resources:
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.

It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.

Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day. 

Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism.

 
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp 35–36.

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.org

Resources:
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.

This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.

How to submit your question:

1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763. 

2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at connect@buddhability.org.

Please send your question by July 4th, 2025.

We may select an assortment of voice messages to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit that way only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the Buddhist perspective on perfectionism.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Resources:
On the Perfectionist Bent

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 25–29.

Perfection Might be Hurting You

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

 
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

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.

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

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

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.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how to find a fulfilling career.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
 
Episode Mentioned:
The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business
Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems

Resources:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 76–78.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 21, 38–39.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace,part 2, revised edition, pp. 367–68.

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

Truly hearing and seeing someone else can be tough. Especially if we think we’re in the right or know best. Fortunately, Buddhist practice helps us to open our minds with wisdom and compassion.

Today’s guest, Marko Bajkovic, of Costa Mesa, shares how seeing past his ego helped him embrace Buddhism and deepen his family relationships.

Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.

How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career. 

At the time of her retirement from Ohio State as the director of both Track and Field teams, she won the most Big Ten titles of any woman in Ohio State history. Prior, she coached teams at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michigan State and the National Women’s 2000 Olympic Team. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for three prestigious organizations and voted coach of the year by her peers 13 times. Today, we discuss what Buddhism has in common with mindset of winning athletes and coaches.

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

Resources

“The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 172

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how to make difficult decisions and life without regret.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org 

Episode Mentioned:

Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 26, 362.

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 128-29.

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

Watch this week's episode on our YouTube Channel.

With college decisions trickling in, we're airing a rerun of a May 2024 episode about college rejections.

When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness. 

References:

Discussions on Youth

Aug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9.

Cheat Sheet:

03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 16

16:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections 

35:27 Buddhism is about winning

40:00 How she landed the perfect job

47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy

Chip Grossman, of Santa Monica, always thought spirituality and business were opposing goals. It wasn’t until he encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism that he realized their deep ties. Today, Chip shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him develop the courage and strength to go after his goals and build unshakable happiness.

View today's episode on YouTube.

Resources:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, pp. 272–73
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, pp. 27­–28
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 185-87.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about life milestones and feeling left behind.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org 

Episode Mentioned:

How I Beat Burnout

Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems

Resources:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 6, 121.

Each Instant Contains Incredible Possibilities

Life can’t always go according to plan. So, what do we do when things change? Buddhist practice helps us to be flexible and turn everything into an opportunity for deeper happiness. 

Today’s guest, Camryn Snowden, of Oklahoma, navigated a big life change that helped her see that she could expand her capacity rather than compromising her dreams.

Resources:

The New Human Revolution,vol. 20, p. 89.

December 2, 2022,World Tribune,p. 7.

Daily life throws a lot at us. When our state of life is low, it can be easy to get wrapped up in complaint. Buddhism teaches that caring for others helps us see beyond our problems, having a more expansive view of our lives with deeper appreciation and happiness.

Today’s guest, Daeseon Kim, of Queens, N.Y., shares how tying his dreams to a deeper purpose helped him move to the U.S. and advance in his career as a physical therapist.

Watch this episode on Youtube.

Resources:

Discussions on Youth,p. 336.

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.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re learning how Buddhism can help us in relationships and love.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org 

Episode Mentioned:

On Self-Love and Relationships

References:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 60–67.

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.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking why SGI Nichiren Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org 

Episodes Mentioned:

How Connecting with People Enhanced by Self Care

Mastering Your Daily Rhythm

References:

Discussions on Youth pp. 215, 218, 220-21.

We might have a laundry list of regrets but we don’t have to let them determine our lives today or tomorrow. Today’s guest, Jesse Thompson of Columbus, Indiana, shares how he used his Buddhist practice to overcome shame and create the future he’d always dreamed of.

You can also watch the video version of today's episode on our YouTube Channel. 

Resources:
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 536, 832.
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107
July 11, 1997, World Tribune, p. 14

Discussions on Youth, pp. 5, 26

Buddhist practice empowers us to positively impact our environment. Amber Owens, of Anniston, Alabama, uncovered a deep sense of purpose in revitalizing her hometown’s art culture. Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps her continuously return to her “why” when the path to her dream gets rocky.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.
 

Resources

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition

Discussions on Youth, p. 172

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.

We all have narratives we tell ourselves about what is possible for our lives. Today’s guest, Jackie Alexander, of Chicago, shares how she overcame limiting beliefs about the kind of student and person she was. We discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo about everything from housing, to money, to graduate school led to Jackie’s newfound self-confidence.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

References

You Were Born to Win, p. 5

The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 46

Thank you for an incredible year! Today we’re reflecting back on Buddhability’s 2024 guests and some things we’ve learned from them. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned for 2025.

Reach out to us any time at connect@buddhability.org to get connected to a local Buddhist community or ask questions.

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode is about how the Lotus Sutra and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are practiced today.

Online Articles:
About Our Community

Living The Lotus Sutra
Engaged Buddhism

Books:
Waking The Buddha

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

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 Japan

The Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin

Daishonin’s Life and Legacy

Books:
The Records of the Orally Transmitted Teachings Introduction

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1 and vol. 2

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode covers the early history of SGI Nichiren Buddhism.

Online Articles:
The Humanism of The Lotus Sutra
Buddhist Lineage

Books:
The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras
The Living Buddha
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra Series
The Heart of The Lotus Sutra

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Today’s guest, Bora Colak, is a psychiatrist in Brooklyn who struggled with depression for years after graduating from Harvard. When he started to practice Buddhism, something changed deep in his life. Bora shares the story of how he navigated depression, became a psychiatrist, and now uses Buddhism as the foundation for everything in his life.

Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

Resources:

Basics of Buddhism

Buddhism Applied (Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)

Embracing Buddhism

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

Watch the video version of today's episode here.

References:

Discussions on Youth, pp. 65, 69–70, 229.

Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? In today’s Short, we talk about how to refresh yourself when you feel pulled in too many directions. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview.

Resources:
Sept. 13, 2024, World Tribune, p. 10.
May 21, 2021, World Tribune, p. 3.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 446-48.

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

What does it look like to have a fulfilling career? While no one can tell us the best life path for us, Buddhism offers a clear framework for understanding how to live with meaning and purpose. Today’s guest,  Paige Asawa of Los Angeles, shares her story of becoming an art therapist and how Buddhism helped her understand how to find a fulfilling career.

oday’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

Sometimes we may wish the people around us were different. Today’s guest, Brigid Perry of Boston, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo honestly about her feelings toward her family helped her make a fundamental shift in the way she views them. 

Today’s episode is also available in video format here.

References:

The New Human Revolution,vol 1, pp. 173-4.

Living Buddhism, June 2024, p. 5.

The New Human Revolution,vol 30, Ch. 4.

Cheat Sheet: 

02:05 Brigid joins her sister at a Buddhist meeting

07:45 Her brother comes home due to illness

13:00 Wishing her family would change so life would be easier

21:30 How Buddhist study helped her shift her perspective

26:20 Seeing her brother in a new light

33:15 Chanting to cherish her family just as they are

39:10 A once unimaginable family moment

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

We have a very special episode of Buddhability! You can listen as usual orwatch the video on YouTube.

Today’s guest, Orlando Bloom, sits down to discuss how his Buddhist practice has informed everything from his breakout role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings to how he confronts his limitations in his new show To The Edge.

Orlando shares insights he’s gathered throughout his life since encountering SGI Nichiren Buddhism at age 16. He opens up about staying grounded with his sudden rise to fame, following a Buddhist example of a fulfilling life, and how he shows up to his relationships and the challenges of daily life.

In this interview, we discuss:

02:35 Orlando’s rambunctious childhood
08:46 Seeking a meaningful way of life

22:15 Practicing Buddhism when he hit sudden fame

29:27 Community is crucial for our growth
38:20 Having a mentor in life

51:00 Breaking free from self-isolation
54:45 Deciding to incorporate his practice into his new TV Show
1:00:15 Confronting fears

1:11:00 Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

1:19:12 Orlando’s advice for curious listeners

Learn more here:

Basics of Buddhism

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Buddhist Community

Buddhist Philosopher Daisaku Ikeda

Connect with us

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to check out a local Buddhability community.

www.buddhability.org 

Instagram: @buddhability

TikTok @buddhability

Facebook @buddhability

Ariana Jaramillo, of Santa Cruz, started experiencing panic attacks in high school. Right around that time, she started to regularly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Today, she shares how practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism has helped her remain undefeated by anxiety and depression. We talk about what it looks like to chant daily, study Buddhism and apply it to your life. 

References:

The New Human Revolution,vol 2, revised edition, p. 190.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death.

Discussions on Youth, p. 5.

If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.org

Instagram: @buddhability

In today’s Short, we’re breaking down the Buddhist mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and explaining how to chant it step-by-step. By the end of the episode, you should feel confident trying it out yourself!

Helpful Resources for Chanting:

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re applying for colleges and finishing your senior year is even harder.

In today’s episode, Nikita shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her handle painful rejections and utilize feedback to help her become a better academic. Through the process, she learned how to overcome the thoughts that told her to give up.

Resources:

Twenty Life-Changing Buddhist Concepts, p. 39.

March 2017 Living Buddhism, p. 49.

Cheat Sheet:

03:35 What Nikita liked about growing up Buddhist

10:28 The ambition to publish her research as a high schooler

17:15 Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth

25:23 How to overcome your own negativity

33:03 Advice for teenagers interested in Buddhism

There are limitless reasons why someone might try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! For some, it’s an easy leap. For others, it might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you the voices of several Buddhability listeners sharing why they started to chant. 

Helpful Resources for Chanting:
How to Start Your Buddhist Practice

Learn How to Chant (Video)
Ways to Enhance Your Chanting

Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.

Vishvak Prakkruth encountered Buddhism in Mumbai when he was an aspiring filmmaker. As he moved to New York and Los Angeles to further his career, he found deeper meaning in his art and shifted his perspective on success.

In today’s episode, we talk about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhist philosophy have helped him find meaning and purpose in his work.

Reference:
The New Human Revolution, revised edition, vol. 5.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 335-35.

Alexandria Jones, of San Diego, grew up with many examples of the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It wasn’t until becoming a young adult that she decided to test it for herself. 

In today’s episode, Alexandria shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to develop limitless strength and courage. Two things she would need when faced with the painful loss of a loved one. She shares how the Buddhist view of death deepened her appreciation of life.

References:

Unlocking the Mysteries of Life and Death

We’re making a listener episode with your stories about starting your Buddhist practice! You can submit a voice message telling us, in a minute or less, why you started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Ways to submit your voice message:

1. Instagram: Send a voice message to our DMs @Buddhability

2. Voicemail: Call us at (646) 883-6381 and leave a message after the tone.

Please send us your story by Friday, August 2nd.

We’ll select a small assortment to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.

An 8-year-old Kimberly Cadillo struggled to find her place in a new culture, language and country. Moving from Peru to New Jersey brought many challenges, especially with self-esteem. 

Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped Kimberly develop unshakable self-worth no longer tied to external validation. As she says, though the journey might be challenging, appreciating your life is a treasure no one can take away.

References:

Discussions on Youth, p. 77.

December 3, 2004, World Tribune,p. 8.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the Buddhist perspective on wisdom and what it means to use knowledge with wisdom.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

References:

My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 369-71.

The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra,vol. 2,p. 33.

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 Sharma

Why 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.

Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the principle of the cherry, plum, peach and damson blossoms.

To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org

Episodes Mentioned:

Daniel: Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations

Megan: Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions

Joshua: Learning to Love Myself

References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 198.

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 family

10:05 Getting accepted into college was the easy part

24:40 Learning to persist in her exams

33:38 Repaying her gratitude by supporting others

It isn’t always easy to believe you can make a change. Immaculate Mutebi, of New York City, has challenged that disbelief many times. In today’s episode, we discuss how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her use obstacles in her family, workplace and housing to deepen her conviction in the power of her life.

References:

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series, p. 38.

A Foundation for Your Life: Essentials of Nichiren's Writings for Young Women, p.198.

Discussions on Youth,pp. 298–99.

Cheat Sheet:

03:58 Immaculate joins her first Buddhist meeting

09:41 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for an impossible family goal

19:28 Feeling dis-empowered to change her work environment

27:45 A Buddhist friend reminds Immaculate of her potential

36:48 Finding her dream apartment

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. 104

Cheat Sheet:
03:40 A friend’s life state inspires Cam to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
08:57 His anxiety reaches a breaking point
17:16 How connecting with others made him rethink self-care
29:00 Finding purpose in his career based on his struggles
40:58 A clear guide for living a happy and fulfilling life

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 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.

Daylen Heidt, of Houston, grew up labeled as a “bad kid.” Everything changed when they started practicing Buddhism just over a year ago. Buddhism teaches that we’re the protagonists of our lives and have the power to write, perform and direct our dream script. Today, Daylen shares their journey from being directionless and hopeless to living with courage and purpose. 

Reference:

The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 165–66

Cheat Sheet:

06:40 Daylen finds Buddhism at a time of uncertainty

11:05 Connecting with their local Buddhist community

18:27 Finding the courage to repair relationships

24:25 Defying their “bad student” label

30:40 Seeing yourself as the protagonist of your life

36:30 How Buddhism has changed their life

When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness. 

References:

Discussions on Youth

Aug. 14, 1998, World Tribune, p. 9.

Cheat Sheet:

03:55 Why Ashley started practicing Buddhism at age 16

16:29 Tackling doubt after college rejections 

35:27 Buddhism is about winning

40:00 How she landed the perfect job

47:37 Why her path was exactly what she needed to become happy