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. Cheat Sheet: 7:20 Daniel tries Buddhism to get through graduate school 11:05 Dreaming of a research career in the U.S. 21:03 What Buddhism says about self-doubt 33:56 Fresh confidence to apply for a large grant 43:46 How studying maximizes the effects of Buddhist chanting   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

Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations

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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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

Finding Purpose in My First Year of Buddhist Practice

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

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 


Winning Over Perfectionism

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 

Buddhability Short: Uncertainty after graduation

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.

Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations

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