The Power of the Human Spirit

by Bethany Davis
32 years old
Cave Springs, Ark.

One day in 2013, my brother was found unresponsive after overdosing. My dad and I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for him, as if our own lives depended on it. No one thought he was going to make it, so we were amazed when he woke up to the call of his name after being in a coma for 10 days. My brother learned how to walk and talk again, and lives a full, happy life now. This experience showed me the power of the human spirit and the power of prayer.

I’ve found that what’s most important is the spirit I have in my heart, the attitude with which I’m approaching challenges. I have become proactive instead of reactive, chanting to prepare my life for whatever comes my way.

I’ve always had morals, but I now have a strong commitment to work for the happiness of myself and others, and it influences everything in my life.

My Buddhist practice has helped me deeply believe that as one person, I matter. One individual with a cause can do so much good in the world and have a big impact. It may be overwhelming to think about all the problems in the world, but when we break it down to just one person, we really can feel hope.