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

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it everyday, and changing the world along the way.  Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.

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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

My Problems Remind Me of My Potential

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

How Connecting with People Enhanced My Self-Care

Buddhability Short: How to Find Your Power in a Chaotic World 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.

Buddhability Short: How to find your power in a chaotic world

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

Why I Appreciate My College Rejections

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