The journey of self-discovery can sometimes be long and winding. Ray Guida, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how he developed the compassion and courage to live as his authentic self. We discuss the ways chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps us face all hardships with hope and what it is like to practice SGI Nichiren Buddhism as an LGBTQIA+ person.
References:
Discussions on Youth, p. 8.
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Ray searches for LGBTQIA+ affirming philosophies
06:49 A coworker reintroduces Ray to Buddhism
12:29 Living authentically and affirming his gender identity
16:24 Not being accepted by loved ones
21:35 Changing our perspective on problems
27:15 What does true happiness look like?
30:27 Hitting rock bottom and picking himself back up
37:48 Being LGBTQIA+ in the SGI Buddhist community
42:40 Dialogue with those different from us
45:43 Advice on treasuring your life
Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/buddhability/UCLuAQckkNMUOR8JNoKawc3g?sub_confirmation=1
Learn more here:
Basics of Buddhism: https://buddhability.org/principles/the-basics/
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: https://buddhability.org/principles/buddhism-applied/
Buddhist Community: https://buddhability.org/principles/embracing-buddhism/
Follow Buddhability:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhability/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buddhability
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buddhability
Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to check out a local Buddhability community.
About Buddhability
Buddhability 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. 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.