‘If I Can Overcome It, You Definitely Can Too’

In short, our aim is to be joyful and get lots of incredible benefits!

Ethan Gelbaum: I believe our core mission is to remain true to the vow we made in our youth. Young people are watching us. Especially if we’ve been practicing for a long time, they are watching to see if we are still filled with determination and passion. Are we still determined to advance kosen-rufu and fulfill Ikeda Sensei’s dream? Seeing that spirit in the Many Treasures Group members is encouraging to the young people who are practicing today. 

Speaking of fostering youth, the Many Treasures members have an important role to play in this regard. What should their focus be?

Ethan: I think the greatest thing we can do is to help youth remain connected to Sensei’s guidance and encouragement forever. We’re sharing his videos at Soka 2030 meetings and at kosen-rufu gongyo meetings so future generations can hear Sensei’s voice and his guidance directly. I feel that is most impactful. With faith and the shared commitment of mentor and disciple, we can create an environment for future generations where they won’t stray from the main objective: kosen-rufu. This is so critical for the future.

Andrea: At the beginning of the year, I redetermined to do my human revolution and deepen my connection to Sensei’s heart and vision, especially his heart to support the youth.

I believe that our vision for kosen-rufu has to be navigated through our support of young people. This means treating them with respect and dignity and helping them build confidence in themselves—confidence that they have a unique, precious and brilliant mission.

When I look at my kids and my grandkids (I have five grandkids under the age of 6), I chant with that kind of mindset—the mindset of Yes, kosen-rufu is going to happen!

When both of you were youth division members, you were able to encounter Ikeda Sensei during his visits to America and receive faith encouragement and training. Can you share some of your moments with Sensei?

Andrea: I started practicing Buddhism in 1974. While I was able to encounter Sensei early in my Buddhist practice, I want to share a turning point from reading his encouragement.

Years into my practice, I read an episode from volume 1 of The New Human Revolution that moved me deeply. Sensei was in Chicago in October 1960. A group of kids were playing ball in Lincoln Park, and inviting others to join them as they approached. But when a Black kid arrived, he was not asked to join them. An elderly white man even yelled at the kid, prompting him to flee in painful humiliation. Sensei was unable to catch up with the boy, but he vowed to him in his heart: “I promise you that I will build a society truly worthy of your love and pride” (NHR-1, revised edition, 161). When I read this, I felt like I understood a little more what I felt from his life the first time I saw him. Sensei spent his life teaching others how to develop their boundless potential, unswayed by the ills of our society.

Ethan: That was my experience too. Sensei always showed deep respect and sincerity toward all the members. He expressed compassion and appreciation for everyone around him, on every visit to the United States that I participated in. And he always went out to greet the people supporting behind the scenes, whatever their function. He never left anyone out. His life exuded appreciation for everyone. 

The Many Treasures members have fought hard over many decades to advance our kosen-rufu movement together with Sensei. For those who may feel that their prime has passed, what would you say to them?

Andrea: Especially as we get older, it’s important not to become stagnant and put limitations on ourselves, out of fear and uncertainty. Buddhism teaches that there is profound meaning at each stage of our lives, and that applies to Many Treasures members as well. That’s Sensei’s example also. With faith, we can break through hopelessness or feelings of powerlessness and realize that the place where we are right now has great potential for advancement. As long as we don’t give up and we keep chanting with the attitude that happiness is not outside ourselves, we can bring out our innate potential. We simply have to make up our minds.

Ethan: I remember reading about Sensei’s visit with Kenneth Galbraith, the world-renowned Harvard economist. Dr. Galbraith was about to turn 82 and said to the effect: “I regard each birthday as a fresh start. I believe the older we get, the more there is to learn.” 

I really feel, regardless of our age, our spirit to advance is so important. There’s so much we can do and many more things we can accomplish. 

I hope that all our Many Treasures Group members have the same passion that Sensei maintained throughout his life. Naturally, we have to take care of our health and not push ourselves unreasonably, but at the same time we should continue fighting for kosen-rufu throughout our lives. I’m even more determined to keep that spirit in my heart.

In today’s society, many young people feel hopeless and have no clear direction. What role does the Many Treasures Group play in helping young people create hope for the future?

Andrea: It comes down to one-to-one, life-to-life connection. I teach girls from 11 to 18, and in my classes, my major goal is to empower them: I see you. I value you. I try to communicate to them that their lives have tremendous value and that they have a great mission in life, just as Sensei did with me.

At the same time, I must show actual proof through my life condition and behavior, not only to the young people in my class but to any youth I encounter. That’s why my own human revolution is so important.

I feel that as Many Treasures Group members, we should actively seek out and engage youth in our environment. When youth feel that they are valued, that they are heard, that they are seen—they begin to trust. And with prayer, we can break through any age difference and build trusting relationships with young people and encourage them to create value out of their lives. This is our great mission as Many Treasures Group members. This is what Sensei has taught us. 

Ethan: Though the times have changed, and the generations are different, the things that young people struggle with are very similar. Sensei has said that youth is a time to experience many challenges in life.

Sharing our experiences of practicing Buddhism to surmount and overcome our own challenges and difficulties is great encouragement for the youth.

Recently, I was talking to a young man who has very difficult family problems. I shared my own experience, about how I came from a very dysfunctional, combative and divisive family. I shared how we overcame our negative family karma through this practice. I told him: “If I can overcome it, you definitely can too.” I feel that type of ongoing dialogue with youth, sharing our own personal experiences in faith, will give them hope to challenge their difficulties.

May 16, 2025 World Tribune, pp. 6–7