‪@BuddhismTalks‬ In this episode I talk to John Callahan, the former SGI Canada Men's Leader about the value of role models, challenges facing young men, and how Buddhist practice is like weight training for your humanity. His academic background in math, physics and industrial engineering opened a path to becoming a university business professor for 30 years, but it is his buddhist practice that is a large part of how happy he is as a person. Some of the topics we touch on are:

• Buddhism as "Intentional Optimism"
• How we can change the past with our shifts in the present
• Why Buddhist activities are never "retreats"
• Why leadership in SGI is more about lifting than it is about leading
• Why Buddhism is about "stupidity vs wisdom" rather than "good vs evil"

This podcast is a non-official, creative project.For more information about SGI visit the official website: https://www.sokaglobal.orgFor SGI-USA podcasts and information, presented with a youthful and contemporary spirit, visit: https://buddhability.orgFor more information on Buddhism Talks and to sign up for the bi-annual newsletter "Our Renaissance" visit: https://www.buddhismtalks.com#sokagakkai #nichirenbuddhism #nichiren #nichirendaishonin #buddhismandlife #buddhistphilosophy #buddhismforbeginners #motivation #motivational #mindset #inspiration