CategoryInterview

by Sachiko Thornton West Territory Many Treasures Group Women’s Leader World Tribune: Thank you, Sachiko, for speaking with us. You have practiced Nichiren Buddhism for several decades. How do you stay refreshed in faith? Sachiko Thornton: The morning is key. Every day starts with strong morning gongyo and daimoku. That’s what keeps me fresh. And

by Guy McCloskey SGI-USA Many Treasures Group Vice Men’s Leader World Tribune: Thank you, Guy, for sharing some words with us. Guy McCloskey: Thank you very much for the opportunity. I’ve been reflecting on the questions and challenges Many Treasures Group members have shared with me, and I think we all have the same basic

SGI-USA member Francisco Estrada-Belli, of New Orleans, is a research professor in the Middle American Research Institute at Tulane University. He is known for his expertise in Maya archaeology, remote sensing, geographic information systems and spatial analysis using digital technologies such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging). He is a National Geographic Explorer and has

by Doris Edwards East Territory Many Treasures Group leader World Tribune: Thank you, Doris, for sharing your experiences with us.  Doris Edwards: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. We Many Treasures Group members are, as I like to say, in our third stage of youth!  WT: One of the guidelines for the Many Treasures Group

SGI-USA member Jury Candelario, of Los Angeles, is a clinical social worker and AIDS advocate. He is the director of an organization that provides culturally affirming social services for vulnerable communities impacted by HIV/AIDS, behavioral health challenges and housing insecurity. He was named a local hero in 2010 by Los Angeles-based television station KCET and

SGI-USA member Kryssi Staikidis is a painter, professor and head of Art and Design Education at the Northern Illinois University School of Art and Design. In 2021, she was conferred the National Art Education Association’s June King McFee Award for her research and art, teaching practices that focus on community, inclusivity and social justice. World

The World Tribune spoke with Andrea Bartoli, Ph.D., an international conflict resolution expert, about his thoughts on the war between Russia and Ukraine, the use of violence in conflicts and his belief that peace is possible. He currently teaches at Seton Hall University, is a visiting fellow at the Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation,

The World Tribune spoke with Washington D.C. Region Many Treasures Group leaders Pat Henry, Blake Lange and Troy Roots about their ongoing efforts to hold Many Treasures Group Zoom meetings during the pandemic and care for their members. World Tribune: It is a pleasure to speak to you today about the Many Treasures Group activities

The World Tribune spoke with BJ Banks, of Memphis, Tennessee, about how he builds platforms of dialogue and friendship to introduce young people to Buddhism. World Tribune: Thank you, BJ, for speaking with us. We were encouraged to hear that you have a passion for sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others, especially young people. What motivates

Wayne Shorter, legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer, has earned worldwide recognition for his mastery of the saxophone, including six honorary doctorates and 11 Grammy Awards. The New York Times named him the foremost living composer in jazz. At age 88, together with four-time Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding, he has completed his first opera,

SGI-USA future division member Darren Yapi is a forward for the Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids—at 16 years old, making him the youngest signee in the club’s history. The World Tribune spoke with him about his career and how he uses his Buddhist practice in his daily life. World Tribune: Thank you for speaking

SGI-USA member Michele LaMontagne is the second woman to reach the rank of brigadier general in the New Mexico National Guard and its first female commander. The World Tribune spoke with her about her career and how she uses her Buddhist practice in her daily life. World Tribune: Thank you for speaking with us about

Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana on Aug. 29, 2021, 16 years to the day after the landfall of the devastating Hurricane Katrina. SGI-USA Central Territory Leader James Herrmann spoke with the World Tribune about the incredible strength of the local members and the SGI-USA’s disaster relief efforts in New Orleans. World Tribune: Thank you for speaking

The World Tribune spoke with Bernice Griffin, of Lakewood, Washington, about her nearly four decades of Buddhist practice and how she is passing on faith to the next generation. World Tribune: Thank you, Bernice, for speaking with us. We heard that you have a passion for sharing Nichiren Buddhism with young people and that all

SGI-USA member Janice Kinjo is a celebrity makeup artist and men’s groomer in both New York and Los Angeles. The World Tribune spoke with her about her career and how she applies her Buddhist practice to her work. World Tribune: Thank you for speaking with us! How did you become a makeup artist? Janice Kinjo:

SGI-USA member Aarti Jain, of Irvine, California, is a researcher who focuses on COVID-19 projects and training workshops for visiting scholars and medical students at the University of California, Irvine. The World Tribune spoke with her about her Buddhist practice and experience as a vaccine researcher during the coronavirus pandemic. World Tribune: Thank you, Aarti,

The 81st annual George Foster Peabody Awards was held in June 2021. Among the winners was June Cross, of New York, and her team for their documentary Whose Vote Counts. Ms. Cross, a longtime SGI-USA member, is a documentary producer and professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where she founded a program in

At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards Show held on March 14, 2021, SGI-USA men’s division member John Beasley, of Venice, California, received four nominations and won Best Arrangement, Instrumental Or A Cappella for his arrangement of the jazz standard “Donna Lee.” Mr. Beasley is a multi-Grammy and Emmy-nominated pianist, composer, arranger, producer and music director

World Tribune: We learned that you recently had a profound experience introducing young people to Buddhism. Does this come naturally? Meryl Shapiro (New York): Not at all. I’m 73, single and never had children. As a longtime SGI member, I’ve introduced a number of youth, but in the two years I fought all out for

Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and heartfelt dialogue, we ended gun violence in our community.