What it means to value your life

What it means to value your life

Author: SGI-USA January 18, 2022 Duration: 42:55

Today we’re talking about the amazing difference that a month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can make in your life, told through the story of Alex McClintock, of Hawaii. 


Alex is currently a diver in the Coast Guard, one of the hardest careers to train for, but his story starts in his early 20s when he felt completely stagnant. After dropping out of college and feeling increasingly lost, Alex decided to try chanting for one month, just to see what happened. He quickly realized that he didn’t value his own life, and as he took the steps to build his confidence, he changed everything.


Note: To join our 31-day chanting journey beginning January 18, 2022, sign up here.


CHEAT SHEET


1:13 Introduction to Alex

1:24 Why Alex decided to try chanting for a month

5:08 Two things that changed right away

10:04 How he decided to join the Coast Guard

12:46 What the struggle to value his life looked like

17:00 Alex’s journey through dive school

23:25 How his Buddhist practice turned him into a person of action

29:23 The struggle to pass exams after dive school

34:37 The role of the Buddhist community in his transformation

38:27 His favorite Buddhist quote

40:34 Advice for anyone who wants to value their life more greatly



References:

  • “On Rebuking Slander of the Law,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 444
  • The New Human Revolution, vol. 16, p. 28

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
What it really takes to face your reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:05
Today, we're talking about what it really takes to face your reality, especially when that requires taking a hard look at yourself. Our guest is Miho Saito, of Long Beach, California who shares the ups and downs of a jou…
Tips & Insights: Buddhism and the real world [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s is: Buddhism and the real world.References:“The Kalpa of Decrease,” The Writings o…
I overcame my biggest setback, now anything is possible [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:39
Today, we're talking about how Buddhism sees obstacles in particular, those big challenges, life throws your way when you're least expecting it. Our guest is Brian Lindgren of Virginia who shares about how his buddhist p…
How I Learned to Never Give Up on Myself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:47
Our guest is James, of New York, who shares how a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps him navigate some of the toughest moments of his life from dealing with addiction to finding his place and purpo…
Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:59
Today we are talking about one of the most difficult but universal tendencies we experience—people-pleasing. Our guest is Megan Weinstein, of Chicago, who shares about her journey practicing Buddhism and how chanting Nam…
Tips & Insights: Bodhisattvas of the Earth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s is: Bodhisattvas of the Earth.References:Nichiren Buddhist Library: BodhisattvaThe…
How I Found (and then Re-Found) the One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:59
Today we are talking about relationships—especially the long and complicated kind, the ones that provide us with the greatest lessons about life and love. Our guest is Mónica Lladó-Ortega, of Puerto Rico, who shares the…
Changing My Relationship With My Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
Today, we’re talking about how to orient our lives onto a happy, healthy path, no matter what kind of circumstances we begin with.Our guest is Melanie Santiago, of Denver, who shares how she encountered Buddhism at the y…
Winning with friends vs. Winning alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:09
Today we're talking about what it takes to pursue a dream that forces you to battle your own ego or hopelessness. Key takeaway: Practice for self and others is the key to breaking through our own limitations. Our guest i…
Mastering your daily rhythm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Today we’re unpacking the question: what does it mean to win every day when sometimes things take time to resolve? Our guest is Yoko Ambulo, of Chicago, who shares her journey learning Buddhist lessons about what happine…