How do we know what our mission is? This month, we will study Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on our unique mission as the student division.
The end of the academic year is a time to celebrate your growth, your dedicated efforts to study and the close of one chapter in life! But as relieving as it is to be done with finals and school responsibilities, a feeling of uncertainty may linger; whether you’re finishing up the first year in college or approaching commencement, you might be wondering, What am I going to do with my life?
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Life is the most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than ten million ryo of gold” (“On Prolonging One’s Life Span,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 955). Our lives are precious beyond measure, so it’s only natural to be worried about which direction to take after college or whether the field we’ve chosen is meant for us.
Even if your path remains unclear, it is undoubtable that you were born with a mission only you can fulfill. Ikeda Sensei says:
All people have a unique mission that only they can fulfill. But that doesn’t mean you should simply wait for someone to tell you what yours is. It is important that you discover your mission on your own. (The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 214)
Sensei likens a mission as a jewel that each of us possess. This jewel remains buried underground if we shy away from the challenges confronting us now. And the jewel can be polished only through giving our all in our studies, work and any activities we take on (see The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 214–16). He writes:
The crucial thing is to never give up in that process. As you struggle and strive to find your way, please chant, think, study, talk with friends and tackle the things you need to do now. If you continue to challenge yourself without giving up, you will come to see the mission that is yours and yours alone to accomplish. (You Were Born to Win, p. 10)
The Japanese word for mission translates into English as “to use one’s life.” What do we use our lives for? What do we dedicate ourselves to?
The student division has a unique mission as being made up of people that have had the opportunity to pursue a college education. In a message to university students, Sensei wrote: “The proud mission of those who have been able to receive education must be to serve, in seen and unseen ways, the lives of those who have not had this opportunity” (The Light of Learning: Selected Writings on Education, p. 9).
With this awareness, we must chant with the determination that our daily efforts to study, expand our capacity and encourage those around us are in and of itself an enormous contribution to kosen-rufu.
A prayer must begin with a powerful determination to contribute to society. The wisdom to perceive the steps we need to take arises from that prayer. The courage to continue comes from advancing together with our friends in school and in our SGI community.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Student Division
Building Confidence Through Campus Clubs
Name: Amira Ambrossi
City: San Bernadino, California
School: University of Redlands
Living Buddhism: Hi Amira! Thank you for speaking with us. How did you begin your Buddhist practice?
Amira Ambrossi: I was born into a family that practices SGI Nichiren Buddhism and attended activities growing up. However, it wasn’t until I went to the Student Division Conference in June 2025 at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) that I understood what faith meant to me. Before that, I told others that my family practiced Buddhism, but I never shared that I practiced too.
What are some of the benefits you saw from practicing Buddhism?
Amira: I’ve noticed a positive shift in my outlook on life. I now see challenges as things to learn and grow from. This has given me the courage to start a campus club at the University of Redlands.
I also have a busy schedule to balance. Currently, I’m juggling school, SGI activities and two part-time jobs—as a high school track coach and a morning and after-school youth leader. I sometimes feel like there are not enough hours in the day, but Buddhism has helped me view everything as an opportunity. Encouragement I
received was to chant for a life where I’m able to do everything I want to do with 100% of my effort. Also, I have received so much support from my SGI family and friends.
That’s great! How have campus club activities at the University of Redlands been going?
Amira: They’ve been going well! We began holding meetings twice a month in January. It started out as just me, but now we have five students who come consistently, and they bring their friends. Students who have joined us share how the atmosphere of the meetings is welcoming, positive and a comfortable place to hang out.
Typically our meetings are very informal. We start with an icebreaker and then we have discussion topics or short presentations on different Buddhist topics, then we plan for upcoming events. At the end though, we always have food, which never fails to bring students out.
Why do you think campus clubs are important for students today?
Amira: I think students have many worries with pressure from school and everything going on in society. It can feel overwhelming. Having a place where they can come together and talk openly makes a big difference in how they view our problems. I believe campus clubs can offer students a Buddhist perspective on their challenges. Even if they don’t end up practicing Buddhism, it opens them to those ideas and they feel hopeful when they leave the meetings.
What’s your vision for the future of the campus club?
Amira: I would like our activities to be more impactful. I learned a lot about other campus clubs at the Student Division Conference at FNCC last year. Some of the ideas I received were having guest speakers, s’more nights or movie nights—fun activities that can make us feel more engaged and connected.
Right now, we are in the process of getting our club officially registered in the school. I’m determined that it will be official by fall semester this year. By accomplishing this, we will be able to participate in school events and share about Buddhism with more people. My wish is for the campus club to be a place where we can grow side by side and strengthen our relationships.
How have you been able to personally grow through campus club activities?
Amira: They’ve given me a lot more confidence. In the past, I felt nervous about sharing Buddhism, but the discussions we have at our meetings have made it easier for me to share my thoughts and experiences. Further, I’m learning to genuinely listen and break out of my shell to support others. A year ago, I couldn’t even imagine being able to stand in front of others and talk, but now I can communicate and connect with people heart-to-heart.
What is your determination?
Amira: My goal is to continue expanding the club while maintaining its supportive environment. It might be ambitious, but I’ve decided to have 15 club members by the end of this semester.
Personally, I’m determined to go to the Student Division Conference at FNCC again this June to reconnect with my SGI friends from across the country. I’m also focused on passing my driver’s test, which will give me the independence and confidence to make more causes in my Buddhist practice and in my life.
Save the Date
Calling All Student Division Members!
The SGI-USA Student Division conference will be held June 19-22 at the Florida Nature and Cultural Center in Weston, Florida. The conference is open to all SGI-USA student division members ages 18-25, who are enrolled in a postsecondary education program or school.
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