Buddhism is a team sport

Buddhism is a team sport

Author: SGI-USA May 10, 2022 Duration: 46:38

Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him overcome tremendous anxiety about his path forward after college. Until then, Shota’s identity had been entirely tied to his ice hockey career, but once he started chanting, he discovered so much more of himself.


CHEAT SHEET


1:23 Why Shota started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

4:05 Letting go of his ice hockey career

10:02 What shifted once he began chanting about his situation

15:25 How he discovered a new career path

20:53 What it means to win where you are by transforming your life condition

24:17 Thinking about Buddhism as a sport

25:21 The power of having a community or team

29:06 What daily effort in Buddhist practice looks like

33:06 The Buddhist quote that kept Shota going 

40:57 How Shota defines his own Buddhability

43:41 Advice to anyone who feels stuck about their future


References:


It’s easy to lose sight of our own strength when life gets complicated, but what if that inherent clarity and capability never actually left? Buddhability explores that very idea through the lived experiences of everyday people. Host Cassidy Bradford guides genuine conversations with a community of practicing Buddhists from SGI-USA, who share how they navigate real-world challenges. You’ll hear personal stories that touch on everything from mental resilience and physical well-being to navigating career shifts and personal relationships. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s a practical look at applying Buddhist principles to uncover a more confident and compassionate way of living. Each episode of the podcast feels like a thoughtful dialogue, focusing on how to reconnect with that inner resourcefulness-your Buddhability-amidst the stress and clutter of modern life. The discussions are grounded in the belief that enlightenment isn’t a distant goal, but a potential we can all access right now to improve our own lives and positively impact the world around us. Tune in for honest reflections and discover how this perspective can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 244

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