The Rowdy Buddhist Podcast

Are we practicing Buddhism to transform ourselves, or simply using its teachings to prove that we are right? In this thought-provoking Dharma lecture, we explore the danger of turning Buddhist teachings into rigid beliefs, moral slogans, and ideological arguments. Drawing upon the Lotus Sutra, the teachings of Tendai Daishi's Maka Shikan (Great Calming and Contemplation), and the practice of the Odaimoku, we examine how the Buddhist precepts are not merely rules to follow but spiritual disciplines that cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner transformation. True peace cannot be achieved through laws, religious declarations, or moral principles alone; it must begin with the transformation of the human mind. Discover why Buddhism is not simply something we believe or defend, but something we must experience, practice, and embody in everyday life.

Sacred Fire, Sacred Herb: The Hidden Meaning of Hōroku MyōgōWhy does a Nichiren Shū Buddhist priest place a clay plate on a person's head and burn fragrant mugwort during prayer? In this episode, we explore the rich history and symbolism of Hōroku Myōgō (Hōroku-kyū), a unique summer purification ceremony that combines the Lotus Sutra, traditional Japanese moxibustion, and centuries of Buddhist prayer. Discover how an ordinary herb becomes a symbol of spiritual refinement, how sacred fire represents transformation and compassion, and why this remarkable ritual continues to inspire faith and healing today. Join us as we uncover the deeper Dharma behind one of Nichiren Shū's most distinctive ceremonial traditions. Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō.

Most people think of birthdays as a time for cake, gifts, and growing older—but Buddhism invites us to see them as something much deeper. In this inspiring talk, Rev. Kanjin Cederman explores how birthdays can become powerful moments of gratitude, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Drawing from the teachings of the Buddha, the Lotus Sutra, and Nichiren Buddhism, this lecture reveals why a human birth is considered extraordinarily precious, how impermanence gives life meaning, and how each birthday offers an opportunity to renew our Bodhisattva vow. Rather than simply celebrating another year of age, discover how to celebrate another year of awakening, compassion, and purpose on the path to Buddhahood.

In this episode of The Rowdy Buddhist Podcast, we explore the true meaning of making offerings in Buddhism. Discover why flowers, incense, light, water, and food are not gifts to a deity, but practices that cultivate gratitude, generosity, mindfulness, and compassion within ourselves. Learn how honoring the Buddha differs from worship and how every offering becomes an opportunity to awaken and embody the Dharma in daily life.

The Hands of Compassion: Self-Reiki Through the Lens of Maka Shikan explores how the modern practice of self-Reiki can be understood through the Buddhist meditation teachings of Maka Shikan (Great Calming and Contemplation) by Grand Master Zhiyi. Rather than presenting Reiki as a separate religious tradition, this lecture examines how mindful touch, chanting Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, and awareness of the body can be integrated with the principles of calming (śamatha) and insight (vipaśyanā). Participants will learn how self-Reiki may serve as a contemplative practice that supports relaxation, mindfulness, compassion, and spiritual growth while remaining firmly rooted in the Dharma and the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Ideal for both Reiki practitioners and Buddhist meditators, this lecture offers a thoughtful and historically grounded approach to cultivating wisdom and compassionate presence through the hands.

Here is a short explanation you can use to promote or introduce the lecture:Why do Nichiren Shū Buddhists chant the Lotus Sutra? This lecture explores the meaning and purpose of one of the central practices of Nichiren Buddhism: reciting the Lotus Sutra and chanting Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō (Odaimoku). Together we will examine how Nichiren Shōnin understood the Lotus Sutra as a direct path for ordinary people to awaken their inherent Buddha nature in everyday life. Through discussion of Buddhist teachings, tradition, and practical application, participants will discover how chanting is not merely repetition, but a discipline that unites body, breath, voice, and mind while cultivating wisdom, compassion, resilience, and inner transformation. Whether new to Buddhist practice or a long-time practitioner, this lecture offers an accessible introduction to the spiritual meaning and benefits of Lotus Sutra practice in Nichiren Shū.

SHINDOKU – The Sacred Sound of the Dharma examines how Buddhist teachings moved from the oral recitation traditions of India into the scriptural and chanting culture of Tang Dynasty China, and how these traditions were preserved and transmitted into Japan.Together we will explore the meaning of Shindoku—the traditional Japanese reading of Buddhist scriptures—and Shōmyō, the sacred art of Buddhist chant. The lecture will also clarify the historical role of Grand Master Dengyō Daishi (Saichō), who did not introduce Shindoku itself to Japan but transmitted Tang Dynasty liturgical and recitation traditions that deeply shaped Japanese Tendai Buddhism.From there, we will examine how Nichiren Shōnin inherited this world of scripture, chant, and devotion and revealed the heart of the Lotus Sutra through the practice of Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō.This lecture invites participants to see chanting not simply as reading words, but as entering a living lineage of sacred sound—a tradition carried through generations and still embodied in practice today.

This lecture explores the many different versions of “self” that arise within our minds through memory, emotion, relationships, expectations, and spiritual identity. Through Buddhist meditation, chanting, and mindfulness practice, we will examine how these shifting “me’s” influence suffering, attachment, and inner peace. Participants will learn how Buddhist practice helps cultivate awareness, compassion, and harmony beyond the fragmented ego-self, revealing a deeper understanding of Buddha-nature and interconnected life. Open to all experience levels.

Lecture from Sept. 17th, 2023Itai Dōshin (異体同心) is a Buddhist principle often translated as “many in body, one in mind.” It teaches that although individuals may differ in personality, background, abilities, and circumstances, they can work together harmoniously when united by a shared purpose, spirit, or aspiration. In Nichiren Buddhist thought, Itai Dōshin emphasizes unity based on mutual respect, compassion, and dedication to the Dharma, encouraging practitioners to overcome ego and division in order to support one another and create peace within the community and society.

🌿 Fasting Is Meditation 🌿A Dharma Talk by Rev. Kanjin CedermanWhat if hunger isn’t a problem…but a doorway to awareness?Drawing from Yoga, Ayurveda, and Buddhism, this talk explores:• Why we feel the need to constantly eat• The difference between hunger and craving• How fasting can become a form of meditation• Returning to balance in a world of excess🧘‍♂️ Discover stillness in the body🔥 Restore balance in the mind🌱 Reconnect with true nourishment