Buddhism, therapy and how people actually change

Buddhism, therapy and how people actually change

Author: SGI-USA October 15, 2020 Duration: 37:49

This week, we speak with psychotherapist Sean Grover about how therapy works, what its limits are, and what it takes to actually change yourself for the better. He also shares insights from his own Buddhist practice and what chanting can offer in the journey of self-transformation. 

 

Key takeaway: Human beings heal through relationships, so how you show up in relationships matters … a lot. If you want to be really, truly happy, you have to learn to care for yourself well, to be yourself around other people, and also learn to care for other people well. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and having a supportive community can help you do all of the above.

 

Cheatsheet:

 

1:14 Episode Intro

2:12 Introduction to Sean

2:36 Why he started practicing Buddhism

6:16 What brings people to therapy

8:14 The difference between temporary and sustainable happiness

11:05 The growth of self-awareness practices

16:15 The limits of therapy and mindfulness

18:23 How Buddhism can tackle the ego

20:27 Why changing yourself is so hard

22:19 What the Bodhisattva vow is, in plain English

25:42 Why mastering human relationships is the key to most problems

26:25 Creating a culture of caring for others

29:43 How not to get drained by giving to others

33:14 How therapy and Buddhism can work together

37:08 Next week’s show

 


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

Buddhability
Podcast Episodes
What it really takes to face your reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:05
Today, we're talking about what it really takes to face your reality, especially when that requires taking a hard look at yourself. Our guest is Miho Saito, of Long Beach, California who shares the ups and downs of a jou…
Tips & Insights: Buddhism and the real world [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s is: Buddhism and the real world.References:“The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings o…
I overcame my biggest setback, now anything is possible [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:39
Today, we're talking about how Buddhism sees obstacles in particular, those big challenges, life throws your way when you're least expecting it. Our guest is Brian Lindgren of Virginia who shares about how his buddhist p…
How I Learned to Never Give Up on Myself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:47
Our guest is James, of New York, who shares how a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps him navigate some of the toughest moments of his life from dealing with addiction to finding his place and purpo…
Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:59
Today we are talking about one of the most difficult but universal tendencies we experience—people-pleasing. Our guest is Megan Weinstein, of Chicago, who shares about her journey practicing Buddhism and how chanting Nam…
Tips & Insights: Bodhisattvas of the Earth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s is: Bodhisattvas of the Earth.References:Nichiren Buddhist Library: BodhisattvaThe…
How I Found (and then Re-Found) the One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:59
Today we are talking about relationships—especially the long and complicated kind, the ones that provide us with the greatest lessons about life and love. Our guest is Mónica Lladó-Ortega, of Puerto Rico, who shares the…
Changing My Relationship With My Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
Today, we’re talking about how to orient our lives onto a happy, healthy path, no matter what kind of circumstances we begin with.Our guest is Melanie Santiago, of Denver, who shares how she encountered Buddhism at the y…
Winning with friends vs. Winning alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:09
Today we're talking about what it takes to pursue a dream that forces you to battle your own ego or hopelessness. Key takeaway: Practice for self and others is the key to breaking through our own limitations. Our guest i…
Mastering your daily rhythm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Today we’re unpacking the question: what does it mean to win every day when sometimes things take time to resolve? Our guest is Yoko Ambulo, of Chicago, who shares her journey learning Buddhist lessons about what happine…