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
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…