One tenet of Nichiren Buddhism known as “faith in action” is used consistently in the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of the tradition. The use of the word “faith,” though seldom associated with Buddhism, has helped a number of practitioners in the West make connections between their Christian heritage and their Buddhist practice. Ben Harris, is one such practitioner who has made the connections between seemingly very different religious traditions.

Ben Harris is a former student of Rima Vesely-Flad, and a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary's Inaugural Master of Social Justice Program. He is former military officer living in the DC Metro area, and has practiced Nichiren Buddhism for nine years.

Buddha-nature refers to the innate potential for every living being to attain enlightenment, and one of the most compelling aspects of Nichiren Buddhism is the teaching that this is already present in every being. The realization of this inherent truth is called “Buddhahood.” In this episode, Rima Vesely-Flad speaks with Dr. Kamilah Majied about using hardship as fuel for reaching the state of mind called Buddhahood.

Dr. Kamilah Majied is a longtime member of the Soka Gakkai International lineage, a mental health therapist, researcher, professor of social work, and a consultant for contemplative justice and sustainability. She is the author of Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living.

The distinctive teachings of Nichiren Buddhism are deeply compelling for Black practitioners throughout the United States. To start this exploration of the significance of this practice for Black Americans, Rima Vesely-Flad speaks with Dr. Ralph Craig about the famous Black Buddhist singer Tina Turner, and her relationship to Nichiren practices such as chanting the Lotus Sutra.

Dr. Ralph Craig is the author of Dancing In My Dreams: A Spiritual Biography of Tina Turner. He is an interdisciplinary scholar of religion, whose research focuses on South Asian Buddhism and American Buddhism.

Buddhist teachings have always been adapted to the environments in which they're transmitted. This is true of Buddhism as it is embraced by Black people in the United States, as Black Buddhists bring distinctive interpretations of the dharma to our communities. One of the Buddhist lineages that has garnered exceptional attention is a Japanese based lineage, Nichiren. The chanting practices of Nichiren Buddhists interviewed in these episodes carry Black practitioners  forward. In their own words, these practitioners tell us what freedom means to them.