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
A Change in My Heart Changed My Family Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:38
Sometimes we may wish the people around us were different. Today’s guest, Brigid Perry of Boston, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo honestly about her feelings toward her family helped her make a fundamental shift…
How I Feel Hope While Living with Anxiety and Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:10
Ariana Jaramillo, of Santa Cruz, started experiencing panic attacks in high school. Right around that time, she started to regularly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Today, she shares how practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism has h…
Buddhability Short: How to Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:59
In today’s Short, we’re breaking down the Buddhist mantra Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and explaining how to chant it step-by-step. By the end of the episode, you should feel confident trying it out yourself! Helpful Resources fo…
Rejection Helped Me Become a Published Researcher at 18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
Nikita Agrawal, a recent high school graduate from Chicago, was determined to use her research to contribute to the world. Being the first author of an academic journal article is difficult but submitting it while you’re…
Why You Started Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:25
There are limitless reasons why someone might try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! For some, it’s an easy leap. For others, it might feel a bit intimidating. That’s why we’re bringing you the voices of several Buddhability…
Changing My Perspective on Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:56
Vishvak Prakkruth encountered Buddhism in Mumbai when he was an aspiring filmmaker. As he moved to New York and Los Angeles to further his career, he found deeper meaning in his art and shifted his perspective on success…
How Loss Deepened My Appreciation for Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
Alexandria Jones, of San Diego, grew up with many examples of the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It wasn’t until becoming a young adult that she decided to test it for herself. In today’s episode, Alexandria shar…
Announcement: Tell us why you started chanting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06
We’re making a listener episode with your stories about starting your Buddhist practice! You can submit a voice message telling us, in a minute or less, why you started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Ways to submit your v…
Valuing My Life: Making My Childhood Self Proud [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
An 8-year-old Kimberly Cadillo struggled to find her place in a new culture, language and country. Moving from Peru to New Jersey brought many challenges, especially with self-esteem. Today we’re talking about how chanti…