Buddhability

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 [email protected] Resources:The Power of a Grateful HeartThe 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 YouTubeResources: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 PeopleAwakening to the Interconnectedness of LifeToward an Era of Human Rights: Building a People’s MovementCam’s Interview: How Connecting With People Enhanced My Self CareEddie’s Interview: Can One Person Really Change the World? Reach out to us at [email protected] 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. 56Interviews Included:Moeko Fukada TeterMarko BajkovicImmaculate MutebiReach out to us at [email protected] 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 PossibilitiesChristopher Robin’s Episode: What it Took to Make My Dreams a RealityReach out to us at [email protected] 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

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. 177–78A 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 IkedaUnlocking 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. 272–73The 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

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 [email protected] Resource:The science of why friendships keep us healthyDiscussions 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. 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.

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 [email protected] Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part one, revised edition, pp. 170–71Hope 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 [email protected] 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.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel

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 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 about quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at [email protected] 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 [email protected]:The Dragon GirlThe Two Admonitions of the ‘Devadatta’ ChapterTransforming Evil Into the Highest GoodCompassion, 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. 45A Foundation For Your Life, pp. 60–61Through 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 [email protected]: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.

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 [email protected]: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. 270Buddhism Day by Day: Wisdom for Modern Life, p. 315The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, p. 20Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & DeathThe 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. 39-43The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 133 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 3–4The 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. 219The 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 [email protected]: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 [email protected]: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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]:On the Perfectionist BentThe 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 [email protected]  Episode Mentioned:The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in BusinessSeeing Beyond My Complaints and ProblemsResources: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.