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Can people really change who they are?

(Photo above by João Jesus / Pexels)

“Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” rings in your ear listening to Wicked: The Musical soundtrack. Or, while binging Killing Eve, the question of whether people can actually change is a constant thought.

Probably since the beginning of time, people have questioned whether their personality is predestined or if it’s influenced by their surroundings. Let’s get right to the point: it’s both.

Daisaku Ikeda, the Buddhist philosopher explains the Buddhist view of this question:

Generally speaking, many factors contribute to the formation of our personalities—genetics and inherited characteristics, as well as family environment and other experiences while we are growing up. But all of them are strongly linked to our karma; that is, the accumulation of our actions, words and thoughts over previous existences.

The New Human Revolution, vol. 16, pp.  9–12

Buddhism looks at personality through a karmic lens but this is very different from karma being fixed. Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is revolutionary in that it explains we can change our karma in our present form. And not simply change it, but we have the ability to bring out the best aspects of every part of ourselves.

Ikeda explains what this looks like in practice:

Fundamentally, it means to chant [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] diligently and to give your all to polishing your life. It’s important to look at yourself and become aware of your issues and innate tendencies. Each of us has shortcomings, like blaming our unhappiness on others, lacking perseverance or refusing to listen to others’ opinions. These are basic faults that obstruct our growth and happiness.

The New Human Revolution, vol. 16, pp.  9–12

While we each have our own personality, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be the cause of our suffering. Buddhism teaches that the true nature of life is that we are Buddhas. When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we are just being reminded of that fact.

So, there’s no need to reject any part of ourselves. It’s actually the exact opposite. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is about bringing out the positive qualities of every part of ourselves. Even the parts of ourselves we’d hope to get rid of can become our strengths.

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is about bringing out the positive qualities of every part of ourselves. Even the parts of ourselves we’d hope to get rid of can become our strengths.

For example, let’s say we’re a bit shy. If that goes unchecked, maybe we become withdrawn or isolated. When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can put our shyness to the most positive use, such as being thoughtful and prudent. Or we speak up at the crucial moment, when it’s needed most, and people take notice.  By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we can bring out the best parts of our innate personality.

So, if there’s something you don’t like about yourself, rather than beating yourself up, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to embrace yourself. Over time, you’ll come to appreciate every part of what makes you… you.

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