Members across the country are striving to share their Buddhist practice with friends in their community. This month, we will hear from two junior high school division members who are leading the way in these efforts.
‘Because You’re My Friend’
Name: Halle Rose Markowitz // State: California
Living Buddhism: Hi Halle! Thank you for speaking with us. You grew up in a family that practices Buddhism, but when did you start on your own?
Halle Rose Markowitz: I started when I was around 8. As a family, we do gongyo every morning together. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps me see my feelings and thoughts clearly.
One of your friends recently joined the SGI. How do you share Buddhism with your friends?
Halle: Buddhism is such a normal part of my life. I didn’t even know it was a religion until the fourth grade. Whenever my friends would come over, I would show them the Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times together. From a young age, I started inviting my friends to meetings, and now we often emcee or share faith experiences together. Many of my close friends consider themselves Buddhist.
One of my best friends wanted to start her own Buddhist practice, so she got her parent’s support and received the Gohonzon recently. I was so happy and excited for her! I have three more friends who want to start practicing. They have asked me when they can receive the Gohonzon, so we are working on it!
Why do you share Buddhism with others?
Halle: My mom says that when I was little, I used to ask everyone to chant with me. Even in the line at the grocery store, I would ask people, “Do you know about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?” I would wonder why so many people didn’t know about it. I share the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo card with people who are nice to me. The card says, “For your happiness,” so why wouldn’t I?
What are some things you learned?
Halle: I learned that not every person I meet will want to practice Buddhism just because I share it with them. And that’s OK. Everyone has their own beliefs, and it’s important to respect them.
Recently, one of my friends came to a district meeting. She was not excited to be there, but she stayed until the end. When I asked her the reason why she stayed, she said: “I wanted to be there because you are my friend. I want to know what you believe in.” Her words got to me. I think friendship is the most important part of Buddhism. People will find Buddhism through friendship.
It’s important to be open and share honestly with the people around you. Whether its Buddhism or something else, don’t ever be scared to show your true self to others.
Deepening Friendships
Name: Jayden Frazier-Melvin // State: Maryland
Living Buddhism: Hi Jayden! You were born into a family that practices Buddhism. What encouraged you to start chanting on your own, and what benefits have you experienced?
Jayden Frazier-Melvin: I’ve always felt so embraced by my family and other SGI members growing up. Being surrounded by so many people who practice Buddhism, I felt encouraged to chant to make my life better and help others do the same.
This fall I will enter high school, and I was chanting to get into the Career Technological Program at school. The program helps prepare high school students for college and opens opportunities for them to learn about different career paths. I chanted to make it in and was accepted. It showed me that I can achieve anything when I chant for it.
What’s it been like sharing about your Buddhist practice with your friends?
Jayden: I feel very comfortable sharing Buddhism with my friends. When they learn that I’m Buddhist, they often ask questions about it. One of my friends told me that he went to a museum and saw different panels about Buddhism, which led him to asking me questions. I was so excited to share with him about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo allows us to look deeper into our lives.
Another friend came to a Soka Family Day meeting recently. We did many outdoor activities, and she even participated in face painting. After, she told me how much fun she had, which made me happy.
Why do you choose to share Buddhism?
Jayden: There are so many philosophies in the world, and I feel like it’s important that more people know about SGI Nichiren Buddhism. Even if they don’t choose to practice, at least they know there’s a philosophy and community they can always go back to. It also helps them learn more about me. This has led me to deepen the friendships I have. Going forward I hope to help my friends in beginning their own Buddhist practice.
What is your dream?
Jayden: After graduating high school, I want to attend Soka University of America, then pursue a career in film. My dream is to work on big productions both on screen and behind the scenes. Just like Ikeda Sensei, I will chase my dreams and embody the spirit to “Never Give Up!”
Anything else you want to share?
Jayden: As I enter high school, I’ll have to say bye to a lot of my friends. I know I will make more, but my grandmother said to me I should embrace the new and cherish the old. I take this to mean being open to making new friends while always treasuring the ones I already have.
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