Buddhability

Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him overcome tremendous anxiety about his path forward after college. Until then, Shota’s identity had been entirely tied to his ice hockey career, but once he started chanting, he discovered so much more of himself.

Show Notes

Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him overcome tremendous anxiety about his path forward after college. Until then, Shota’s identity had been entirely tied to his ice hockey career, but once he started chanting, he discovered so much more of himself.

CHEAT SHEET

1:23 Why Shota started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
4:05 Letting go of his ice hockey career
10:02 What shifted once he began chanting about his situation
15:25 How he discovered a new career path
20:53 What it means to win where you are by transforming your life condition
24:17 Thinking about Buddhism as a sport
25:21 The power of having a community or team
29:06 What daily effort in Buddhist practice looks like
33:06 The Buddhist quote that kept Shota going 
40:57 How Shota defines his own Buddhability
43:41 Advice to anyone who feels stuck about their future

References:

What is Buddhability?

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it every day, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.