How I Found My Purpose: Nuclear Abolition Edition

How I Found My Purpose: Nuclear Abolition Edition

Author: SGI-USA October 21, 2022 Duration: 1:00:05

Today we're talking about unlocking our own agency when it comes to peace-building efforts and protecting our planet. Our guest is Emma Pike, of Boston, who is an activist in the field of nuclear abolition, an issue that is key to SGI Nichiren Buddhists because nuclear war represents the exact opposite of what Buddhism strives to protect: the dignity of all life. 


Emma shares her own inspiring journey of unlocking the courage to pursue work in this field, which began from her practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The lessons she shares are applicable to any fight you might be currently engaged in, whether it's personal or global.


CHEAT SHEET


2:10 Why Emma started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

7:42: How she came to pursue a career path in nuclear abolition

17:14 A brief primer on the issues

27:03 How she found her place as an activist

33:54 A pivotal turning point in her own confidence and hope

50:23 Buddhism and nuclear abolition

54:57 Advice for anyone who wants to unlock their agency when it comes to big global issues


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

Buddhability
Podcast Episodes
A Business Expert on The Approach That Changed His Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:19
Today we’re talking about how we can live the most abundant life based on what is in our hearts rather than the material things we own. Sherman Edmiston III, of Brooklyn, shares his incredible journey to becoming an acco…
Placing Limits on Your Life Without Realizing It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:16
Yurika Watanabe grew up in Guam focused on her day-to-day and supporting her family. After a Buddhist family friend encouraged her to dream big, she started to envision a different future. Today, we discuss how setting g…
How to Keep Going When You Can't See The End [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:33
There is a Buddhist writing that says, “Winter always turns to spring.” But when your life is in the season of winter, sometimes if can feel unending. Today’s guest, Everton Carvalho, of Baton Rouge, tells the story of h…
Buddhability Short: 3 Questions to Help You Find a Fulfilling Job [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
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 how to find a fulfilling career.To ask a question about the bas…
Finding My Voice and Trusting It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
Asking for the opinions of others can be helpful but what happens when you hear their voice louder than your own? Today’s guest, Moeko Fukada Teter, of Honolulu, says it took practice to find and trust her voice. From re…
Opening Yourself Up to Perspectives and People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
Truly hearing and seeing someone else can be tough. Especially if we think we’re in the right or know best. Fortunately, Buddhist practice helps us to open our minds with wisdom and compassion. Today’s guest, Marko Bajko…
How a Trailblazing Coach Made History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:09
How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career. At the time of her reti…
Buddhability Short: How to Make Hard Decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:16
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 how to make difficult decisions and life without regret. To ask…
Heartbreak Made Me a Better Mathematician [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:01
Buddhism teaches that all our problems are opportunities for growth. But how could heartbreak possibly make someone better at math? Alex Scheffelin, of New York, shares how he used a moment of hopelessness to propel him…
Why I Appreciate My College Rejections [May 2024] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:36
With college decisions trickling in, we're airing a rerun of a May 2024 episode about college rejections.When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed s…