My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

On this episode, we’re speaking with Nikolas Spayne, of Chicago, who started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo just last year, when he remembered having heard about Buddhism and decided to look it up. Like many of us, the stress of the pandemic, the constant stream of negative news and big questions about his own life and future had him seeking a fresh path forward. Today he walks us step-by-step through his first year of Buddhist practice. CHEAT SHEET00:54 How Nikolas encountered Buddhism8:02 Why he decided to start chanting on his own10:41 How his mornings transformed when he started chanting15:13 His approach to goal-setting17:37 When he decided to reach out to the Buddhist community21:18 What his first Buddhist meeting was like29:39 How bringing all three elements of Buddhist practice together impacted his life34:38 The biggest change he has experienced38:12 His favorite Buddhist concepts42:20 How he developed a sense of mission47:57 How he defines his Buddhability50:19 Advice for anyone new to chantingReferences:You Were Born to Win, pp. 10-12