My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Author: SGI-USA February 15, 2022 Duration: 52:43

On this episode, we’re speaking with Nikolas Spayne, of Chicago, who started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo just last year, when he remembered having heard about Buddhism and decided to look it up. Like many of us, the stress of the pandemic, the constant stream of negative news and big questions about his own life and future had him seeking a fresh path forward. 

Today he walks us step-by-step through his first year of Buddhist practice. 

CHEAT SHEET

00:54 How Nikolas encountered Buddhism
8:02 Why he decided to start chanting on his own
10:41 How his mornings transformed when he started chanting
15:13 His approach to goal-setting
17:37 When he decided to reach out to the Buddhist community
21:18 What his first Buddhist meeting was like
29:39 How bringing all three elements of Buddhist practice together impacted his life
34:38 The biggest change he has experienced
38:12 His favorite Buddhist concepts
42:20 How he developed a sense of mission
47:57 How he defines his Buddhability
50:19 Advice for anyone new to chanting


References:

  • You Were Born to Win, pp. 10-12

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
4 Science and Aerospace Professionals Discuss Buddhism and Space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:32
In this special Buddhability episode, we sit down with four science and aerospace professionals, speaking as private citizens, to discuss the relationship between Buddhism and space. They share perspectives on Buddhist h…
Seeing Myself Differently Helped Me Find Good Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop las…
How to Listen to Yourself and Create the Life You Want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.Watch this episode on our YouT…
Don’t Let Your Busy Schedule Crush You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:26
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state…
Buddhability Short: How do I chant for ____? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:23
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked how to chant…
Can One Person Really Change the World? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward…
Announcement: Ask Buddhability! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46
This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover i…
Buddhability Short: How to Not Get Caught in the Perfectionist Trap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:39
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 the Buddhist perspective on perfectionism.To ask a question abo…
Running Away From Things Doesn’t Make Them Go Away [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:13
Markell Holliday II, of Atlanta, had a habit of running away when he didn’t want to deal with something. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and applying Buddhist concepts, Markell felt empowered to take full responsibi…