Buddhability5 Jan 2022

Overcoming the need to control things

Today we’re exploring what the power of a daily practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can really do for you, specifically if you struggle with feelings of helplessness, anxiety or a need to control things.

Will Moody, of New Orleans, shares his story of what Buddhism calls “human revolution,” or inner transformation, the process of tapping into your Buddhability on a daily basis to change your life and environment. After struggling with anxiety and a tendency to micromanage everyone in his environment, including himself, Will learned to replace his fear with belief in himself. Step by step, he saw his environment change profoundly.

CHEAT SHEET

1:31 Introduction to Will

1:56 How he was introduced to chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and why he started

3:56 The early experiences that contributed to his anxiety

9:28 What changed when he started chanting

13:32 How he feels now

16:25 What his anxiety and need for control used to look like

22:57 How Buddhist study helped him transform his tendency

32:52 What change looked like for him

38:56 On setting intentions for relationships

45:02 What an average day looks like when you chant

50:46 Advice for anyone who is struggling with anxiety or feeling out of control

References Will mentioned:

“Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1000
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 141
A Foundation for Your Life, p. 65

To hear about this month's chanting journey, sign up for our newsletter here.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(257)

A Skeptic's Approach to Buddhism [Feb 2024]

It’s natural to have doubt. The key, however, is whether we use our questions as fuel to seek out answers. Confidence in the power of Buddhist practices grows with time as you see actual proof of chan...

24 Jul 40min

You Don’t Need to Hide Your Struggles

Buddhism isn’t about being perfect. Even so, it can be difficult to share that you’re struggling with something. Kenichi Hackman, of Los Angeles, used to think he could only share the good parts of hi...

17 Jul 50min

Buddhability Short: A Life of Ease

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about feeling constrained by things like o...

10 Jul 9min

Euphoria’s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje: The Life Experience No Acting School Could Teach

Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“Oz,” “Lost,” “Euphoria”) shares how his difficult childhood shaped him into the actor, writer, and director he is today. He also opens up about how chanting Nam-myoho-...

26 Jun 1h 8min

Buddhability Short: Make Your True Self Shine

Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about true individuality and how to bring ...

12 Jun 9min

Finding Self-Worth Outside of My Job

How can we strive to do our best without tying our self-worth to the outcome? Today’s guest, Sandeep Ramanthan, of Seattle, struggled with an emptiness any time he was alone and not working. Through d...

5 Jun 55min

What it Took to Finally Believe in Myself

Each of us is already enlightened but it can be difficult to believe when we hit problems. Dr. Victoria Smith, of New Orleans, had overcome so much through Buddhist practice but still struggled to see...

29 Mai 54min

A Tap Dancer on the Power of Being Yourself

Is it possible for someone who wasn’t always a top student to land a full-ride scholarship? Gabe Morris, of New York, shares how being himself and following his passions as a gifted tap dancer helped ...

22 Mai 45min