Honoring My Parents by Fighting for My Dreams

Honoring My Parents by Fighting for My Dreams

Author: SGI-USA November 10, 2023 Duration: 48:43

Amid a painful reality that can’t be changed, like a family member’s terminal disease, how can we still create hope? Today we’re discussing how tapping into our Buddhability—the limitless wisdom, courage, and compassion we each possess—can help us transform our attitude, create a beautiful life, and accomplish our dreams amid a difficult reality.

Our guest is Jonathan Cheng, of New York City, who shares how he is courageously accomplishing his dreams as a filmmaker to honor his parents and fight for their eternal happiness.

Cheat Sheet:
7:52 Why Jonathan decided to start chanting
10:26 Developing confidence in college and finding your place
13:30 Starting your first post-college job
25:28 Navigating grief at the height of COVID
31:48 Finding meaning in our struggles
39:31 Finding courage to fight for your dreams

References mentioned:
Discussions on Youth, p. 26
“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 499
Hope is a Decision, p. 6


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
I Gotta Get it Together. Like… Yesterday. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
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 goa…
Questioning Life’s Meaning, I Find My True Self [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:51
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…
Feeling Joy Regardless of My Circumstances [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:30
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 car…
Buddhability Short: Are goals for the new year really that important? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:51
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…
Buddhability Short: How to End 2025 on a High Note [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:29
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…
Finding Happiness in My Family After Childhood Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
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…
How I Embrace Life as a Touring Musician and Caregiver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:44
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 su…
Buddhability Short: How long should I chant for? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:59
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…