by Shruti Dwivedi and Sapna Batish
Reston District Women’s Leader and Vice Women’s Leader
In January 2025, the Reston District team in Virginia met to set goals for the year. Beneath every goal—be it shakubuku or discussion meeting attendance—was a shared focus: deep member care and genuine friendship.
Reston District has two thriving groups of about 20 members each. The district leaders set a goal to do 250 home visits for the year, which would amount to visiting each member at least once every two months. This determination wasn’t about numbers; it was a reflection of the leaders’ resolve to care for each member.
By the end of 2025, they completed 242 home visits—each one a step toward deeper connection. They reached this goal by each leader committing to a specific number of visits each month, while supporting one another and holding weekly chanting sessions because everything begins with prayer.
The Power of Building Friendships
Shruti Dwivedi: A key focus of the home visits was building friendships with youth. One young woman, a recent high school graduate, enjoyed lunch visits, openly talking about her life and goals. She is on the autism spectrum, and whatever she pursues, she pursues with deep passion—especially creating cartoon characters. We nurtured this by inviting her over to have dialogue and snacks.
Though she doesn’t chant yet, she has grown tremendously in confidence, serving as an emcee at discussion meetings and shining in skits. She’s also beginning to envision the future as an animation artist.
Through these visits, my faith has been renewed. I have been chanting with greater clarity, deepening my study and seeking Ikeda Sensei’s guidance more earnestly. Last year, I determined to show actual proof in my career as a ceramic artist. Despite doubts, I established my own small business, participated in multiple art shows and earned an income 10 times more than the previous year. This year, I am determined to expand my business by building a strong online presence.
From Fear to Joy
Sapna Batish: When I was first asked to do home visits about 20 years ago, I resisted, fearing I might impose on the members. At the time, I had little self-worth and strong emotional walls. But as I practiced Buddhism, something changed. I now find home visits relaxing and joyful, centered on helping members strengthen their personal Buddhist practice. I learned that members really enjoy being visited.
Home visits became my lifeline last year, when my beloved dog faced two life-threatening illnesses, and my husband suddenly lost his job amid major federal workforce changes. Knowing I had at least one member to visit weekly helped me reconnect to the profound benefit of an SGI practice.
My greatest breakthrough last year, which I know is connected to caring for the members, was a dramatic transformation with my father, shifting to a relationship based on trust, love and the ability to receive that love. As Nichiren Daishonin writes, “If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way” (“On the Three Virtues of Food,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 1060).
Being Victorious Through Strengthening Friendships
Sapna: During one home visit, Shruti and I met with a member who is unable to attend meetings due to caring for a teenage daughter with significant support needs.
Through repeated visits, we were able to help this member strengthen her Buddhist practice. At this year’s chapter kickoff, she shared that she now chants consistently and has improved her relationship with her parents, husband and children. These seemingly impossible victories encouraged everyone in the chapter. As a result of our united efforts, Reston District proudly became a Soka Victory District last year.
Shruti: In 2026, we are determined to welcome four new youth to our district and again aim for 250 meaningful visits! We will start with Women’s Month, by gathering 20 participants at each group discussion meeting and by doing 25 visits together as young women’s and women’s division members.
Basing every goal on strengthening trust and friendship, we are joyfully raising new group and unit leaders, especially among youth. Advancing together with Sensei’s heart, we will continue praying deeply for each member’s happiness and victory.
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