How I stopped letting my environment control me
Episode description
Today we’re talking about the impact our environment has on us. In Buddhism, a crucial concept called “the oneness of life and environment” teaches that our environment is simply a reflection of our own life. Because they are interconnected, when we change internally, it’s reflected in our environment. For an explainer on the topic, check out this video.
To unpack this idea, we’re speaking with Nile Ross, of Santa Monica, California, about how his practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has enabled him to become someone whose internal sense of confidence and self-love outweighs any negativity he experiences from his environment. Based on this shift, he has created a life and career he truly loves.
CHEAT SHEET
1:24 Nile’s early experiences with chanting Nam-myoho-reng-kyo
15:51 The turning point he experienced in 2018
25:28 How he came to redefine happiness for himself
30:51 The impact of making chanting a priority
37:08 How he transformed early experiences with bullying and racism into a sense of purpose
44:08 Becoming a better person by overcoming struggles
49:04 Nile’s favorite Buddhist quotes about revolution
52:29 Advice for anyone new to Buddhism
References:
- Video: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained
- The New Human Revolution, vol. 2, p. 39
- The New Human Revolution, vol. 26, p. 110
Correction: It was mentioned that the 50k Lions of Justice Festival took place in 3 cities, but it actually took place in 9.