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While Tom Holland may claim he doesn’t have “rizz” we all know there’s no way he could be with Zendaya and not have it.
The Oxford English Dictionary named “rizz” its word of the year. Originating from the word charisma and made famous by Gen Z, “rizz” stands for “style, charm or attractiveness.” Basically, it refers to the ability to attract people, in most cases romantic partners.
So yeah, Tom has rizz. But the catch is, you have it too.
What makes a person really attractive? Maybe it’s their style, the way they talk or how they interact with others. But isn’t attractiveness something that can change? We all know about the realness of a “glow-up.”
So, what does Buddhist practice have to do with any of this? Well, the purpose of practicing Buddhism is to uncover the Buddha nature within your life and make a genuine effort to support others to experience the same. It’s only by supporting others to see their greatness that you can recognize your own.
Side note, if you want to hear more about that you can listen here.
From the Buddhist perspective, attractiveness comes from within. The Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda writes:
People who have splendidly developed their individuality are beautiful. Everyone finds them attractive. Theirs is not a fleeting, temporary beauty, but an enduring, lifelong one. Such people’s spirit is as bright and clear as the skies over the high plains in summer. They are never envious or jealous of others.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 210
This is the real rizz. So, how can someone develop their individuality? Often when people try to express their individuality, they copy others or follow the latest trends. But what if you took one small step toward challenging something? Ikeda continues:
Telling yourself, for instance, “I’m a poor speaker, so I’ll stay in the background,” is not living true to yourself. Instead, suppose you earnestly challenge yourself with the spirit to become a person who, though maybe not naturally a good talker, can bravely speak out and stop someone from bullying another, or can speak up for what’s right at a crucial moment. Then, by making that kind of effort, your own unique character will shine in a way that is different from those who are naturally good speakers. That will be your individuality.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 210
Individuality doesn’t mean staying as you are. Ikeda clarifies where your journey of discovering your individuality begins:
Your individuality starts to shine only when you strive with all your might, challenging yourself with every last ounce of your energy. It won’t if you don’t develop yourself. Only through making efforts to improve and grow will your individuality shine—just as a sword is forged in the flames. Your individuality is your own unique weapon for making the most of your life. It is your jeweled sword.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, p. 210
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is essential to this process, tapping into your Buddha nature to overcome any feelings of doubt or worthlessness. With chanting, you can bring out your innate Buddhahood that exists constantly in your life.
And if you encourage the people in your immediate environment to also live happy lives, believing in their Buddha nature, that strengthens your Buddha nature beyond your imagination. With this life force, you can shine just as you are while challenging your difficult realities without fear.
Buddhist practice makes it so that anyone can have rizz. So, if you’re worried about having more style or finding the right person, don’t. Just focus on developing your individuality and building a strong sense of self. Someone who sees their greatness and that of others has mastered the art of rizz.