by Heather Angell
Salt Lake City
I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism in 2020 by a co-worker in New Orleans. Shortly after, the pandemic began, and I moved back home to Salt Lake City.
Growing up, I didn’t feel worthy or that there was a place I belonged. So I feared going back to my hometown and my former job at a bar there.
But after moving back, I ended up going back to my old job; I felt lost. SGI members encouraged me, and I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to understand my mission. I decided that I was exactly where I needed to be.
At an SGI meeting, I heard that propagating Buddhism was the fastest way to change your karma, so I determined to plant seeds of Buddhahood. I felt it was my mission to change the karma of my workplace and community.
I now talk to at least five people every week about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Since moving back to Utah, I have shared this Buddhism with over 100 people. These are all organic, heart-to-heart conversations, and people have started chanting. Our Salt Lake Buddhist Center just opened for the first time since the pandemic, and I was able to bring a friend to a meeting there.
Although I lacked confidence in sharing Buddhism as a new member, I chanted to have the opportunity to share Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with others. That same day, I ran into a neighbor while I was walking my dog. She told me all about her struggles, and we spent almost an hour talking about Buddhism and how she can start practicing, too. I opened up and shared my story with her and how I’m constantly working on changing my karma. I left feeling confident that she would accomplish her human revolution and that I was doing mine.
At work, too, people often talk to me about their problems. I tell them that I practice Buddhism, and it has changed my life. People really want to know more, so I started buying copies of The Winning Life and An Introduction to Buddhism in bulk, keeping at least eight of each in my car. Planting seeds has made a big difference for me at my job. Last year, I became the bar manager and have since been doing my best to create positive change there.
Every person I talk to, whether an old friend or family member, tells me that I seem much healthier, lighter and happier. This is the best entry way to tell them I am chanting! Planting seeds of Buddhahood reminds me of the reason why I chant. Each time I see someone struggling and I share about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with them, I remember that I have a mission and the power to change my life too.
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