Members across the country are striving to share their Buddhist practice with friends in their community. This month, we will hear from two high school division members who are leading the way in these efforts.
Sincere and Genuine Conversations
Name: Dylan Po // State: California
Living Buddhism: Hi Dylan! Thank you for speaking with us. How did you begin your Buddhist practice?
Dylan Po: I was born into a family that practices Buddhism. Both my parents are from Singapore and were introduced at a young age. For me, Buddhist practice has been a very important part of my life.
You have been making efforts to share Buddhism with your friends. What encouraged you to take that action?
Dylan: The biggest thing was that my friends were open to sharing with me some of their personal struggles and obstacles. I wanted to let them know about Buddhism because it’s a philosophy of empowerment with which anyone can overcome any challenge they are facing.
One of my friends is from Taiwan and moved here in the ninth grade. He didn’t know anyone when he came here and suffered from anxiety and panic attacks from schoolwork.
Through all this, I would be there for him. That is when I introduced him to Buddhism, and we started chanting together 15 minutes a day. He began building up his own Buddhist practice and started experiencing benefits. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and coming to SGI meetings became a source of encouragement for him and he could deal a lot better with his anxiety.
One day, he shared with me that a friend of his faced a similar struggle with anxiety. He was able to encourage them and share his experience about how Buddhism helped him overcome similar obstacles. This showed me how encouraging one person can lead to uplifting others in our community.
What have you learned from your efforts to engage in dialogue about Buddhism?
Dylan: I learned that it’s not just about sharing Buddhism but also learning from others. I’ve had such amazing dialogues with different friends, some who practice other religions. Regardless of any differences, our conversations remain sincere and genuine. We see how our values may align and where they differ. I’m still young and I have a lot to learn about Buddhism. But dialogue has enabled me to strengthen my conviction in my Buddhist practice.
What is your determination moving forward?
Dylan: I’m beginning college this fall, and I’m determined to start an SGI campus club when I get there. I want to continue sharing Buddhism and having dialogue with anyone willing to talk. Another determination is to try many new things, like baking and cooking.
Being That Good Friend
Name: Angie Tamarez // State: Florida
Living Buddhism: Hi Angie! You grew up with your parents who practice Buddhism, but when did you start practicing on your own?
Angie Tamarez: I used to never chant on my own and was embarrassed when my friends came to my house and asked about our big altar.
Last summer, I participated in the High School Conference at Soka University of America (SUA) for the first time. At that time, I was struggling a lot and was really upset with myself. Hearing experiences of other SGI members, I realized that I was beating myself up for no reason. This experience transformed my relationship with my Buddhist practice.
One day someone gave me a copy of Discussions on Youth. Once I got home, I finished reading it in two days. Ever since, with a determination to keep my life condition high, I started participating in every discussion meeting and SGI activity. This practice encouraged me to keep going forward, stop worrying about the past.
What encouraged you recently to share this Buddhist practice with your friends?
Angie: First, I had to develop my own faith and see actual proof in my life. One day, my friend was telling me about his struggles. While listening, I thought that I had the answer to his question. I shared what I have learned in Buddhism. He was curious and asked where I read it. Then, I told him that I practice Nichiren Buddhism. He has attended many meetings since then, and always asks me, “When is the next meeting? I want to go!” My friend used to be discouraged about his future. Now, he has hope and is making efforts for his future.
What are the things you learned through sharing Buddhism with your friend?
Angie: The biggest thing I learned is the importance of genuinely connecting with others. If we are showing actual proof in our lives and have a high life condition, others will naturally ask about it. It’s like you are wearing a cute shirt, and someone comes up to you and asks where you bought it. Thinking this way, I’m not hesitant about sharing Buddhism anymore.
Another thing is that people have unique struggles, and some people have different perspectives on Buddhism. However, I always remind myself that everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood. Through one-to-one dialogue I can be a good friend to others who are struggling, and share what I learned in Buddhism that might encourage them.
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