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Infinite Hope for Everyone

COURTESY OF TAJAI TURNER

by Tajai Turner
30 years old
Milwaukee

When I became a licensed funeral director and CEO of a funeral home, I began longing for a strong spiritual foundation suited to my new lifestyle. Last year in June, I found the SGI online and attended an introductory meeting in Milwaukee. I was attracted to the modern-day application of the practice and the diversity of the community. I joined the SGI-USA in September 2019.

My Buddhist practice has taught me that life and death are part of a continuum, and that the most important thing is how I live right now—it’s about creating the greatest value today instead of waiting for another time or the afterlife. This understanding changed the way I interact with people and move through the world.

I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to have a strong life force at work to support surviving family members when they need it the most. When they say, “This has been difficult, but you made it easier for me,” I know it’s because of my Buddhist practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the funeral industry, changing the way families grieve and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. For example, there is a limit to how many people can be in one room at a time, and this can make the grieving process even more difficult for families. Keeping this in mind, I want to always act out of compassion and uplift those around me.

“One Youth. Infinite Hope.” means that one youth has the power to change an entire setting. It isn’t just infinite hope for more youth, it’s infinite hope for everyone.

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