CategoryExperience

How cherishing the life of each student led to the flourishing of my own life.

by Gabriel ZuneMIAMI I grew up in Venezuela surrounded by a loving family who inspired me to go after my dreams, but I had a tough time realizing them because of my own insecurities. To many, I was seen as quiet and creative. But to others, I was a person who could be bullied and

My human revolution opened the path for me to accomplish a decadeslong dream. by Rodney Mitchell Phoenix The benefits I’ve received through my 32 years of Buddhist practice have been nothing short of amazing. One of the most enduring experiences has been my career as a lawyer. Inspired by SGI President Ikeda’s humanistic behavior when

Bradley YeatesAUGUSTA, GEORGIA Living Buddhism: Thank you, Bradley, for sharing your experience with us. We understand that your story actually begins a generation before you. Bradley Yeates: Yes, my story begins with my father, John Yeates, an energy pioneer. In the summer of 1955, his groundbreaking work enabled Arco, Idaho, to become the first city

How taking action for the happiness of others helped me find meaning in my mother’s passing. by Kyler Nicholas Canton, Mich. The year after I graduated from high school, my maternal grandfather died tragically, leaving my grandmother alone on a large ranch in Arkansas. Out of sympathy for my grandmother, and as an excuse to

How my search for my mother led to genuine happiness. by Kwan Choi New York My parents divorced when I was just 1, and I had almost no contact with my mother after that. The last time I saw her was when I was 9. It was 1983, and she came to see me off

Linda Giovino-AlburyMarsh Harbour, Bahamas Living Buddhism: Thank you, Linda, for sharing your experience with us. We understand you and the other members in the Bahamas were affected by Hurricane Dorian. We’re happy to hear you are all safe and well! Linda Giovino-Albury: It’s all thanks to the Gohonzon and this wonderful practice. Also, having lived

How practicing based on a vow enabled me to surmount illness with a great sense of purpose. by Amy WatsonSouth Weber, Utah In July 2019, I found out I had cancer for the third time. I had first been diagnosed 12 years earlier with synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer that only occurs in one to

How I transformed my life and relationships through discovering my true value. by Joseph SchoendorfLOS ANGELES When I was 11 years old, my mother was handcuffed and escorted from our home for threatening to kill our family with a knife. She had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder four years earlier. But this was

Evelyn CarrOrange, California Living Buddhism: Thank you, Evelyn, for sharing your experience with us. How did you begin your Buddhist practice? Evelyn Carr: Thank you for the opportunity. In 1983, I moved to Southern California as a student, leaving behind the comfort of my home in Taiwan. This was a big change, and I struggled

Pursuing my mission means advancing myself, and ensuring those around me advance as well. by Ruchi Singh Central Territory Young Women’s Leader Chicago In January 2016, I moved from India to Chicago so my husband, Roop, could pursue his new job. I missed my family and friends back home and struggled to understand my mission

How my practice enabled me to speak up, value my life and treasure the person in front of me. by Susan Robins Chesterfield, S.C. When I was introduced to Buddhism in the 1980s, I had graduated from college but could not get a job. My life had no real direction, and my seniors in faith

How we have transformed our financial fortune and fostered youthful successors based on our bodhisattva vow. by Maia Guest and John Plummer Cold Spring, N.Y. World Tribune: Thank you, Maia and John, for sharing your family experience with us! We understand that your life significantly changed in 2011. What happened? John Plummer (husband): In late

Kimiko PriceWAIPAHU, HAWAII Living Buddhism: Thank you, Kimiko, for sharing your experience with us. Kimiko Price: Thank you for this opportunity. I also want to thank everyone in the SGI-USA for their tremendous support over the years. How did you begin your Buddhist practice? Kimiko: My childhood years were the darkest times of my life.

by Myeong, Alam and Jason Hasson Fresno, Calif. World Tribune: Thank you for sharing your family experience with us, Myeong and Alam. We understand you faced a major obstacle as a family when your second child was born in 2012. Can you share what happened? Myeong Hasson (wife): When Jason was born, he did not

How awakening to my mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth helped me find meaning and protection in the most trying times. by Mac ShiomiKALAMAZOO, MICH. When I was 17, I came out for the first time. After sharing with my mother, she innocently laughed thinking it was a joke. Since I knew it was

How the power of prayer and appreciation transformed my life state, inviting boundless protection and benefits into my life. by Yuko LittleCANTON, MICH. Five months after our family moved from North Dakota to Michigan in December 2015, my husband filed for divorce. For 14 years, I had been a full-time housewife, supporting his career and

Kaydence ReedBROOKLYN, NEW YORK Living Buddhism: Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Kaydence. What was your life like growing up? Kaydence Reed: I grew up in a strict religious household, where I struggled to reconcile my sexual identity with my upbringing. I wanted to fit the mold, but being gay made that hard

How I overcame debilitating health challenges and opened my careerpath through awakening to my bodhisattva vow. by JeanneMarie MandleyCHICAGO One night in January 2017, I woke up screaming because I couldn’t feel my legs. I found out I had mononucleosis, and the virus had attacked the nerves in my spinal cord. After being paralyzed for