Something beautiful happened recently. I’m at a point in my life where I’m truly rekindling my identity as a musician. And as always, the universe responds with the most perfect synchronicities. At my very first Buddhism meeting in my new district, I met a local leader who isn’t just a music producer—he’s also a coach for musicians. He supports artists in bringing their work out into the world, and even created a framework called the Metaphysics of Sound, which encourages producers to release music more frequently, even if it’s not “perfect.” It was exactly the message I needed to hear. Then, at our last monthly discussion meeting, where I happened to be the MC, this same leader brought in a rapper he works with—who turned out to be a deeply seeking spiritualist himself. Coincidentally, on my walk to the meeting, I had been listening to some of my old hip hop DJ mixes, completely immersed in a powerful current of rap energy—literally singing and dancing down the street. To top it off, two more musicians were present that day: a drummer in his 70s and his closest friend, who had played with him in their high school band. I’ve never been in a Buddhism meeting with so many musicians before. It felt like a clear, joyful sign to devote myself again to my artistry.
Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is a Japanese Buddhist practice where we chant “Nam myoho renge kyo” daily, which means “I believe in the power of cause and effect”. This practice’s purpose is to be hap...