Latest news with #NichirenBuddhism
Pink Villa
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
How chanting a powerful mantra helped Ravi Dubey deal with chaos and find solace in Nichiren Buddhism
Renowned television actor Ravi Dubey is a proud practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. He is one of the most popular faces of Indian television, who will be seen in the mega-budget film Ramayana and has a charming personality that is loved by many. He has starred in commercially hit movies and TV shows and has established himself as a versatile actor. However, it wasn't always the case. Born into an affluent Hindu family, Ravi, who was initially pursuing engineering, reportedly lost all hope after failing his exams. Frustrated with the rat race, he started following Nichiren Buddhism, a Japanese Buddhist tradition, which provided him with much-needed 'understanding of the chaos that was going on.' Buddhism saved Ravi actor Dubey from losing himself Buddhism is made up of different sects and subsects, and different traditions are practiced in different countries. Nichiren Buddhism, which comes from Japan, focuses on the Lotus sutra. It doesn't discriminate and believes that anyone can achieve enlightenment. It focuses on empowering an individual and asks them to look within to attain enlightenment. Finding Buddhism became a defining moment in Ravi's life. Its teachings helped him to calm his mind, take a leap of faith, and inspired him not to lose hope even when faced with adversities. During a chat with Telly Chakkar, Ravi Dubey stated, "I started following it when I was going through a very rough patch in my life and I wanted some understanding of the chaos that was going on in one's life. I wanted to align myself and feel better about myself. So, when things went out of control, I started chanting at that time." He practices chanting 'Nam Myoho Renge Kyo,' the primary mantra of Nichiren Buddhism. Ravi reveals that Buddhism taught him to believe in the power of manifestation and cosmic power. Buddhist philosophy has changed his perspective for the better and he cherishes his life and those around him.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
How Suzanne Vega Spends Her Day Off Tour
Longtime fans of the singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega may not know that her 1987 hit 'Luka' was inspired by the name of a child who used to play in front of the Upper West Side building where she once lived. Or that New York City started factoring into her songwriting well before then — her family moved to Manhattan when she was 2, and not much has uprooted her since then. Her 10th studio album, 'Flying with Angels,' came out in May, and this fall, she'll be on tour. Ms. Vega, 65, and her husband, Paul Mills, 73, a retired lawyer, live on the Upper East Side in an apartment outfitted with an altar, where she prays and chants twice daily. She is a Nichiren Buddhist. On a recent Sunday, Ms. Vega shared how she spends the day when she is not touring. This interview has been condensed and lightly edited. ROOF TAR? I wake up more or less at the same time every day, between 8 and 9, unless I need to get up at 5 or something to get an Uber to the airport. I like to have time to myself. I make a pot of tea and read the newspaper. In the winter I make a tea called lapsang souchong, which is smoky and smells the way you might imagine roof tar smelling. It's really comforting when it's cold. But I've recently switched over to regular English breakfast tea, PG Tips. Sometimes I'll eat a piece of toast with butter so I don't upset my stomach, but I don't get into breakfast until an hour or two later. We ease our way into the day. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
