Overcoming trauma and finding the will to live

Overcoming trauma and finding the will to live

Author: SGI-USA November 1, 2021 Duration: 46:38

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses trauma and attempted suicide.


Today’s episode is about mental health. Our guest is Tanushree Salvi of Boise, Idaho, who started her practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism when she came to the U.S. for school and was introduced to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo by a college roommate. 

Tanushree shares the story of how she was able to take the steps to take care of her own mental health through a combination of professional support and her Buddhist practice, as well as how she learned to value her own life and unique beauty.

CHEAT SHEET


1:02 Introduction to Tanushree

2:18 How she started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

6:18 The first changes she witnessed in herself

13:09 Tanushree’s struggle with her mental health

15:10 The steps she took after being hospitalized

17:28 How she found the right therapist

20:01 How her inner determination to heal impacted her environment 

21:54 What “kosen-rufu” means and how it helps us give meaning to our struggles

27:18 How she used Buddhism and therapy to heal

32:32 What it takes to have compassion for yourself

34:49 How she’s doing now

41:28 Her favorite Buddhist concept (see: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, pg. 125-6)

43:46 Advice for anyone currently struggling with their mental health

45:40 A closing quote from Ikeda 


References mentioned:


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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