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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 244

Buddhability
Podcast Episodes
Have a question for Buddhability? Send us a voice memo! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:23
We’re taking a short break for the holidays but our year-end episode will feature answers to a few listener-submitted questions about anything you want to ask about your own Buddhability. All you have to do is email a vo…
How to find your place within your family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
As we enter into a most unusual holiday season, we’re thinking a lot about what family means and how tapping into your Buddhability can impact your loved ones. If you’ve ever felt unsure of your place in your family, or…
How small goals add up to big dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:50
This week’s episode is about how to build the confidence to pursue a big dream. Seon Yeop Jung shares how he using chanting and goal-setting to rebuild the confidence he lost due to bullying. By pursuing one small goal a…
What It Takes, A Love Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
This week, we’re talking about love. Well, specifically what it takes to be in a committed relationship for the long haul. Ian and Audrey McIlraith, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year, tell us t…
Winning Morning, Winning Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
This week, we speak with Rory Arnaud about what a daily Buddhist practice in the morning can do for you. The fact is, most of us haven’t even scratched the surface of what we are capable of accomplishing, learning and gi…
How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:46
This week, we speak with Abe Uccello about working for change in Florida’s prison system, even when he couldn’t see any forward movement. He explains how chanting can help you build trust and respect with anyone, and wha…
Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding on what it takes to be authentic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
Great artists are authentic. It’s how they are able to connect to enormous audiences, yet each person experiencing the music, or art, feels directly spoken to. What would you do if you could go through life with this kin…
Dream Job, How I Fight Climate Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:14
Deciding on your career is hard. If you’ve ever felt like what you’re passionate about and what you do for work don’t align, this episode is for you. Climate activist Roberta Giordano shares how she found the courage to…
Buddhism, therapy and how people actually change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:49
This week, we speak with psychotherapist Sean Grover about how therapy works, what its limits are, and what it takes to actually change yourself for the better. He also shares insights from his own Buddhist practice and…