The World Tribune sat down with Santa Monica Chapter women’s and men’s leaders, Keiko Hirama and David Nakabayashi, to learn how they have joyfully introduced youth to Buddhism.
Hi Keiko and David! Thank you for speaking with us about how your chapter is sharing Buddhism with youth. What’s been the inspiration?
Keiko Hirama: Last December, I was appointed as a chapter leader. Then in January, we experienced the wildfires in Los Angeles. My experience as a chapter leader began with trying to locate, connect with and support the members, many of whom I had never met. I felt the importance of the SGI community because without it, many members would have lost hope during those crucial times.
Despite the uncertainty about whether we could hold our chapter kick-off meeting in January, we decided to go ahead. At that meeting, two families received the Gohonzon, amounting to five new members that included one young woman and one future division member. It was so wonderful to welcome them into our Soka family.
David Nakabayashi: Many changes happened in our chapter during that time. Each district truly transformed. The January wildfires were unexpected, but it made me realize that care comes down to how we are supporting each member in the district.
The Gohonzon conferrals in January set the rhythm and pace for the year. In terms of shakubuku, the members in each district are the catalysts.
Have you organized certain activities to bring youth out to the meetings?
Keiko: The key for us has been to empower each district to make their meetings exciting and refreshing. That’s where all of the guests are going! We have three districts and each has a new women’s leader. With this fresh leadership, there’s a new energy in Santa Monica Chapter. Every district is unique. For example, one holds a postmeeting party with lots of food and snacks so everyone can enjoy informal interactions and make friends. At one meeting, there was a performance that the future division guests truly enjoyed.
David: Right! That district is incredible. And shakubuku has been happening very naturally. We have a lot of future division members, and by watching them enjoy the activities, we feel that they are truly the next generation to lead kosen-rufu. Sometimes there are more kids than adults! There’s so much vibrant energy—a very family-friendly environment.
Another district has many members who have been practicing for a long time. When you attend meetings there, you are enveloped by 250, 300 years’ worth of practice in the room! There’s always a guest too. Recently, one of the leaders brought his friend, who was a young person looking for community, and that’s what he found. He enjoys coming to the meetings, because he feels a sense of belonging.
The third district became a Soka Victory District this month. They always fill their meetings with guests and have always focused on shakubuku. One of the young women received the Gohonzon last year, and her family and boyfriend started coming out. Later, her mother joined the district and received the Gohonzon! Recently, her boyfriend became a member too! This month, they are hosting a summer pool party and potluck to make new friends and cherish existing ones.
Keiko: The members invite guests to the district meetings because they are fun and inspiring. Guests are experiencing benefit too. One joked that after the meeting, she felt she could be nicer to her husband for two weeks!
Wow! All three of your districts are so unique! Do you have any advice for districts that are struggling to bring youth to meetings and share Buddhism?
Keiko: It begins with our prayer to ensure that each individual is connected to wonderful people supporting them. Cherishing one friend is key to spreading Buddhism. I want to focus on encouraging the person in front of me.
I moved to the U.S. about 15 years ago and have a very shy personality, so I had a hard time introducing this practice to anyone. But I chanted to become a magnet to introduce youth to Buddhism. And it worked! My daughter’s best friend came to a district meeting, then her mother did too. Now she wants to invite her own friends. She’s always asking, “When is the next meeting?” And in January, the family of my son’s best friend joined the SGI!
David: We don’t have any chapter youth leaders and have only one district young men’s leader. But there’s a lot of youthful energy with either the guests themselves or the way the meetings are run. Each part of the meeting feels fresh and youthful, whether it’s the discussions, the experiences or the introduction to the practice. It is each district’s power. It’s nothing the chapter is necessarily doing; the districts are the true engine behind it.
Do you have any determinations for the future?
Keiko: I’m chanting for more youth to emerge and fill all leadership roles so that they can accumulate fortune! When I was a young women’s leader, I accumulated so much fortune and that was my biggest benefit.
David: As a chapter, I believe we are close to becoming a Soka Victory chapter! I want our districts to continue growing as they are and for us to support them in whatever activities or ideas they come up with. I want to support each district in fulfilling their unique mission.
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