How a young female pilot found the courage to fly

How a young female pilot found the courage to fly

Author: SGI-USA March 16, 2022 Duration: 44:59

Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her incredible journey to pursue a career in aviation, an industry in which less than 5% of pilots are women. Her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate being a woman, being out, and overcoming every obstacle that came her way in order to open a path for other female pilots.


CHEAT SHEET


0:47 How Mardi starting practicing Buddhism

6:45 Discovering her dream to become a pilot

14:25 How chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her navigate fear

18:26 What it took for her to bring her authentic self to a male-dominated industry

21:22 How she dealt with discrimination

28:04 The Buddhist concept that helped her persevere

30:44 The ups and downs that almost made her give up

38:17 How lifting up others helped her keep going

40:19 Her vision for the future of aviation

41:46 Advice for anyone struggling to pursue their dream


References:

  • Discussions on Youth, p. 105

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.
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