Buddhist Solutions for Life's Problems

Sustainable Happiness

What does Buddhism say about happiness? Better yet, how do we access it and sustain it, especially when faced with difficulties? In today’s episode, Rachel Salomonsen and Jim Krampf talk us through two of the biggest challenges to our happiness—our relationships with loved ones and situations in which we are faced with impossibly difficult circumstances. Here’s the key takeaway: By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and taking full responsibility for our happiness, we can become people of conviction and tolerance—key qualities of a life of sustainable happiness.  Note: Buddhist Solutions for Life’s Problems is supported by subscriptions to SGI-USA publications. It will be published every other month. For access to past podcasts, the print and online editions of World Tribune and Living Buddhism and the new World Tribune app, visit worldtribune.org [http://worldtribune.org/]. References: This episode is based on the feature article from the March 2022 issue of Living Buddhism titled “Sustainable Happiness [https://www.worldtribune.org/2022/sustainable-happiness/].” 7:25: October 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 15. 28:18: The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, revised edition, p. 230. 28:54: “On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402. 45:34: “Happiness in This World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 681. 48:03: “Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412. 49:14: The New Human Revolution, vol. 2, revised edition, pp. 86–87. 51:48: The Five Eternal Guidelines of the Soka Gakkai, p. 20.

Love and Relationships

Love is complicated, whether it’s finding a partner, making a relationship work or healing from heartbreak. Today we’re discussing what we can learn from Buddhism about how to navigate its highs and lows. The episode features the unique relationship journeys of three individuals, Tanisha Coleman, Rafael Valentin and Sara Luther, and how each used their Buddhist practice to find happiness. Here’s the key takeaway: In order To find lasting, value-creative love, we have to first develop self-love based on our own human revolution. Note: Buddhist Solutions for Life’s Problems is supported by subscriptions to SGI-USA publications. It will be published every other month. For access to past podcasts, the print and online editions of World Tribune and Living Buddhism and the new World Tribune app, visit www.worldtribune.org [http://www.worldtribune.org/]. References: This episode is based on the feature article from the October 2021 issue of Living Buddhism titled “A Buddhist View of Love [https://www.worldtribune.org/issue/october-2021-living-buddhism/].”  2:53 Discussions on Youth, p. 65. 6:09 Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Airman’s Odyssey (Orland: Harcourt, 1984), p. 195. 7:19 Discussions on Youth, p. 65. 9:50 Discussions on Youth, p. 70. 16:18 Soar Into the Skies of Hope, pp. 68–69. 16:58 Discussions on Youth, p. 310. 18:15 The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 110. 24:49 Discussions on Youth, p. 69. 40:16 The New Human Revolution, vol. 25, p. 283. 41:34 The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, p. 78. 48:12 The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, revised part 1, p. 230.

Part 3: “Defying the Odds” (Buddhism and Business)

The third and final story in our miniseries on Buddhism and business features the story of Toki Masubuchi, a restauranteur in Kentucky who defied the odds to build successful, community-driven Japanese-Mexican restaurants. Key point: Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo allows you to tap into unlimited reserves of energy and fortitude to keep working toward even the most impossible goals. Note: This will be the final set of episodes of Buddhist Solutions of Life’s Problems. Going forward, the show will be accessible for subscribers of the SGI-USA publication, World Tribune. [https://www.worldtribune.org/]

Part 2: “Never Giving Up” (Buddhism and Business)

The second story in our miniseries on Buddhism and business features the story of Mitika Khera and how she used her Buddhist practice to find her voice working in a competitive corporate environment. Key point: Never giving up is the key to victory. Note: This will be the final set of episodes of Buddhist Solutions of Life’s Problems. Going forward, the show will be accessible for subscribers of the SGI-USA publication, World Tribune. [https://www.worldtribune.org/]

Part 1: “A Clear Sense of Purpose” (Buddhism and Business)

The first story in our miniseries on Buddhism and business features the story of Luis Nieves, an entrepreneur with an epic story of building one of the most successful auto insurance businesses in the country, based on a desire to change his karma. Key point: A clear sense of purpose and responsibility allows you to defy the greatest odds. Note: This will be the final set of episodes of Buddhist Solutions of Life’s Problems. Going forward, the show will be accessible for subscribers of the SGI-USA publication, World Tribune. [https://www.worldtribune.org/]