CategoryProfiles

Highlighting SGI-USA members from New York applying Buddhism to daily life.

by Lulani Tomaszewski Seattle I share Buddhism with others for three reasons: first, out of gratitude for the benefits I’ve received; second, to provide hope to others; and third, so that the wave of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will touch the hearts of my family members who don’t practice, especially my children. In 2002, I was homeless and

Highlighting SGI-USA members from Washington applying Buddhism to daily life.

by Karen Kaplan Miami A friend of mine sat in my car’s passenger seat, crying, desperate for answers. An auto company had just called to remind her of an overdue payment. Her partner didn’t think it was a big deal, but she scrambled to resolve it immediately. She felt the burden of solving every problem

by Brian HammerLa Quinta, Calif.  Two years ago, I struggled with a lot of stress. I was going through a divorce, and the pandemic made many things feel uncertain. During one session, my therapist mentioned that, despite the challenges, my mindset was very Buddhist. Intrigued, I ended up talking to my mother, who has a

Highlighting SGI-USA members from Colorado applying Buddhism to daily life.

When SGI-USA Buddhist Centers began reopening last fall, it presented the first opportunity since early 2020 for guests to receive the Gohonzon and start a new chapter of their Buddhist practice. By then, many guests throughout the country had been practicing for a year or more in a district, attending virtual meetings, chanting consistently and

by Robert E. Lee Hanover, Penn. Back in ’82, I was told that propagating Buddhism is the quickest way to change your karma. I’ve found that to be absolutely true.  Before Buddhism, I depended on drugs to feel good. But chanting and sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo got those monsters off my back. I’ve since been as clean

by Rajani Falcone Cambridge, Mass.  For many years, I suffered from anxiety and depression. I was locked into a narrow view of myself and had lost sight of my potential and what I could accomplish. Even though I wanted to be a positive person and had many dreams, I was in such a dark place mentally

Highlighting SGI-USA members from Georgia applying Buddhism to daily life.

by Heather AngellSalt Lake City I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism in 2020 by a co-worker in New Orleans. Shortly after, the pandemic began, and I moved back home to Salt Lake City. Growing up, I didn’t feel worthy or that there was a place I belonged. So I feared going back to my hometown

Highlighting SGI-USA members from Northern California applying Buddhism to daily life.

Featuring SGI-USA members from Chicago.

by Masami Kelly Cambridge, Mass.  At the start of 2022, I asked myself what I needed most for my happiness. My negative self-talk often says that other people don’t like me or won’t listen to what I have to say. But I realized that I needed to live not based on anxiety but on the

The power of relentless Buddhist practice amid difficulties.

If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way. (“On the Three Virtues of Food,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 1060) by Nadia UllahHouston The greatest benefit of my Buddhist practice has been the awareness of choice. I can break patterns of behavior that cause me suffering and grow into

Featuring members from New England.

by Marion FeldmanManhattan I’ve worked as a cello professor at New York University since 1999 and the prestigious conservatory the Manhattan School of Music since 1974, which was one of my first big benefits. This May, I will be awarded the President’s Distinguished Service Medal there. And next year will be my 50th year of

Featuring members from Hawaii.

by Daniela RyanPalm Desert, Calif.   In June 2021, between the stress of the pandemic, the end of a bad relationship and what seemed like the start of another, I was feeling emotionally dysregulated.  Why couldn’t I get a handle on myself? This was my exasperated contribution to one memorable phone call with a friend