Some Many Treasures members may feel that their age is a barrier to connecting and introducing young people to Buddhism. The World Tribune sat down with four Many Treasures Group territory leaders from across the country who challenge the notion that one’s age sets limits on who they can encourage to practice Buddhism.
Winning Over Our Lesser Selves to Engage Youth
by Doris Edwards
East Territory Many Treasures Group Women’s Leader
Some Many Treasures members may feel they are too old to play a role in introducing youth to Buddhism. But I believe that kind of thinking can become a “devilish function” if we let it limit us. If we decide that young people won’t relate to us, that becomes our reality. Instead, I made a determination not to let my age decide whether I could introduce youth to this Buddhist practice.
Before setting out to speak with young people, I read this encouragement from Ikeda Sensei that said the key to helping others begin practicing is to pray based on the determination to share Buddhism with them. Sensei continues: “When you do so, people who are seeking Buddhism will appear in your environment” (April 11, 2025, World Tribune, p. 7).
With that spirit, I once took a ride-share and had a wonderful conversation with the young driver. During the ride he told me, “You feel very spiritual—what church do you go to?” That became the opening for dialogue. I explained that I practice Buddhism and invited him to a meeting. He attended the next day, continued coming and eventually received the Gohonzon.
I’ve had similar experiences simply by talking naturally with young people in everyday places, like restaurants. Rather than starting with doctrine, I try to understand their lives and encourage them.
For Many Treasures members, our role is vital. With our years of faith and experience, we can lead this effort with courage and prayer. Every morning, I chant with the determination to help raise youth who will transform society and bring hope to the future.
Building Connections, One Conversation at a Time
by Gary Murie
SoCal-Pacific Territory Many Treasures Group Men’s Leader
At times, it can feel as though we may be well beyond the age to introduce youth to Buddhism—especially when there are few young people in our immediate environment. I can certainly relate to that feeling. In my district, we currently don’t have active youth members, and most of the people around me are my age.
At first, it was easy to think that there simply weren’t opportunities. But this campaign inspired me to start chanting seriously about it.
I began practicing Buddhism in 1968 and was involved in many shakubuku efforts as a young member. Remembering that spirit encouraged me to take action again, even now at 77. Rather than thinking there were no young people around me, I began chanting with the determination to meet someone naturally and build genuine connections in my daily life.
One day while walking in my neighborhood, I started a conversation with a young man walking his dog. It began simply—with a comment about his dog—but we ended up having a great conversation. Later I ran into him again, and eventually I also met his wife. Each time we talked a little more and built a connection.
Eventually we exchanged numbers and made plans to get together. My goal isn’t just to talk about Buddhism right away—it’s to build friendship and trust first.
Through this experience, I’ve realized that our role as Many Treasures members is incredibly important. Even if we don’t immediately see results, our daimoku and sincere efforts are creating causes. With decades of faith and experience, our prayers are powerful. When we chant with determination and take action, the doors for dialogue and friendship naturally begin to open.
The Spirit of Respect and Equality
by Dianne Jackson McLean
West Territory Many Treasures Group Women’s Leader
In Buddhism there is no retirement. And I believe the first step in reviving our determination for kosen-rufu when we feel like we can’t make a difference is prayer—chanting sincerely about how we can connect with young people in our environment and support them.
Often, youth are already around us. When I chant about it, I start to notice opportunities for dialogue. One simple way to begin is by making a list of young people we know—family members, neighbors or people we encounter in daily life—and praying for the chance to encourage them.
Another important way Many Treasures members can support youth is by actively participating in discussion meetings. Our experiences in faith are valuable to both youth members and guests. When we share openly, it creates meaningful intergenerational dialogue. Being around young people also energizes us—it helps us feel younger ourselves.
At the same time, we should approach youth with respect and openness. They are not our children, and they have their own perspectives and strengths. When we treat them as equals and listen sincerely, they naturally begin to trust us. Often, they will come forward with their own questions and struggles.
Sometimes our role is simply to offer encouragement and support.
When we approach youth with this spirit of respect and unity, we break down the idea of “them and us.” Instead, we become one SGI family working together to raise the next generation.
Finding Opportunities to Encourage Youth
by Steve Jaekle
Central Territory Many Treasures Group Men’s Leader
For me, everything begins with prayer. Sometimes I’ve wondered myself how I could relate to young people as a Many Treasures member. But Ikeda Sensei teaches that everything begins with prayer, so I started chanting sincerely about meeting youth and supporting them in becoming happy.
As I challenged my prayer, I began to see changes right in my own environment. In our district, there was a young men’s division member who had been busy working and helping his family, so we hadn’t seen him for a while. After chanting seriously about supporting youth, he reached out and even shared an idea for our chapter kickoff meeting. It reminded me how powerful our prayers can be.
My wife and I also joined a senior center that offers a program called Sages and Seekers, where seniors are paired with high school students for weekly dialogue. Through that program we’ve met several young people and built friendships. One evening we even joined them for trivia night at a restaurant, and now they want to get together again for a game night.
Experiences like this remind me that opportunities to connect with youth are everywhere—in our communities, workplaces and daily interactions.
As Many Treasures members, our role is to share our conviction in faith and show actual proof of a joyful life. When youth see that after many decades of practice we are living with happiness and confidence, it encourages them.
By chanting with determination and staying engaged in our communities, we can always find ways to connect with and support the next generation.
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