Tips & Insights from the Youth Division

I chant a lot of daimoku for the happiness of my friends and to find ways to introduce them to Buddhism. Often, opportunities naturally arise for me to share about my Buddhist practice and its benefits. Sometimes, I send a quote from Ikeda Sensei on hope and courage, something everyone can relate to, which often opens the door to deeper conversations. My goal is to share Buddhism sincerely and naturally with everyone I interact with each day.

Mikendy Delima
Miami, Florida

Opening up a dialogue about Buddhism can be a little challenging when navigating cultural and individual perspectives; however, to open up a conversation about Buddhism with my friends, I start by asking them about their current struggles, personal goals and about their plans to overcome and achieve them. Then, I share how Buddhism has helped me win over life’s challenges and find absolute happiness. 

Sofia Vitale
New York, New York

I often open up to friends about how my Buddhist practice has transformed my life and helped both myself and those around me become genuinely happy. When a friend is struggling, I try to share Buddhist concepts or Ikeda Sensei’s guidance that might resonate with what they are going through. I have learned that it is most important to be sincere and true to who you are to introduce Buddhism from the heart and connect deeply with others.

Allan Robinson 
Columbus, Ohio

I openly speak with my friends about the SGI activities I’m involved in, especially my behind-the-scenes group shifts. When they ask more about my practice, I talk about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps me overcome challenges and deepen my faith.

Lauren Leebove
Detroit, Michigan

Opening up a conversation about Buddhism with my friends always starts with a sincere wish for them to be happy. I strive to respond to my mentor, Ikeda Sensei, by giving each interaction my all. When I become someone whom they can trust with both their struggles and victories, it naturally opens the door to share a quote from Sensei, a Buddhability episode or the date of an upcoming local meeting.

Krish Marwah 
Laguna Hills, California

Personally, I believe shakubuku to be the art of compassion, so therefore in approaching a friend, I sincerely go with the spirit of becoming a causal agent of happiness in their life, working to truly dialogue with them heart to heart. As a friend, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand their heart and struggles—what exactly is the core constraint holding them back from being happy? Having a dialogue and figuring out that answer serves as a great springboard for future discussions on chanting and working on developing their personal belief system. Even if they don’t start chanting, I believe that helping them develop a sense of self assurance, self-love and faith encapsulates total victory. 

Jasmine Yates
San Diego, California

It starts with me asking a friend if they’re OK, and if I’m being honest most of the time everyone is struggling with something, and I can sense it in their tone—whether it be a traffic ticket or having a nightmare the previous night. Opening my heart to engage in dialogue opens the door for me to speak on the Buddhist perspective. 

Enoa Reid 
Aiea, Hawaii 

I share Buddhism naturally and from the heart. I would like all my friends to become happy and experience the joy of practicing Buddhism.

Jamie Bautista
Oakland, California 

When someone shares a personal struggle with me, I ask how they plan to resolve the problem or take care of themselves. After listening to the response, I praise them for what they’re doing and suggest adding Buddhism to their self-care plan.

Kyle McGrath 
Los Angeles, California

I open up conversations with others about Buddhism to help them overcome their problems. This Buddhism is something I have staked my life on, and I have faith that it can help them as it has helped me, whether that means talking about Sensei’s guidance, a quote from Nichiren Daishonin or encouraging someone to chant.

July 11, 2025 World Tribune, p. 8