(Photo above by Annie Spratt)
One source of anxiety is our sense of powerlessness. We think there is no way we’ll find a great job because there are thousands of people out there who more qualified than us competing for the same opportunities. Or we feel the issues affecting our world are so massive that they are beyond the ability of one person to change. If anxiety was a car, our feelings of powerlessness would be its fuel.
From a Buddhist perspective, this sense of powerlessness is based on a distorted view of our own lives. Buddhism is a practice we use to awaken to the abundant dignity, courage and capability we possess within. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day essentially opens our eyes to this true version of ourselves and gives us a deep sense of hope and agency.
Believe that the boundless life state of Buddhahood resides within you, earnestly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and polish your life—this, the Daishonin teaches, is the only way to free ourselves from suffering and delusion. You are all originally Buddhas. Believe in yourself. There’s no need to compare yourself to others and let that determine your happiness.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 50
As we chant, we spend less time catastrophizing and instead become confident in our ability to take actionable steps that will impact our situation.
Psychologist Yanet Vanegas describes this process: “For example, consider a student who feels anxious about an upcoming exam. Instead of fixating on the fear of failing, which is outside their immediate control, the student could focus on concrete steps, like creating a study schedule, reviewing notes and practicing past exam questions. By taking charge of the study process, the student channels anxiety into productive actions, reducing the sense of helplessness and improving their preparedness and confidence.”
It’s natural to feel powerless or incapable. Our Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo allows us to transform such feelings into optimism. There is nothing more empowering than knowing you have the Buddhability within to change the world and realize your dreams.