by Angela Baden
Silver Spring, MD.
As a longtime SGI member, I have been chanting a lot of daimoku about how I can reach young people. This year, with the HOPE Campaign’s emphasis on planting seeds, I have been reaching out to so many capable young people in my neighborhood. I love it when some young person appears at the window when I pick up my prescriptions.
In three days last month, I shared Nichiren Buddhism with 17 people: 14 of them were at my doctor’s appointments.
After chanting to get the courage to tell them about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, some way or another I bring it up or share something that I’ve read in the SGI-USA publications. It’s just a joy for me to do that, and it keeps my own spirits up. Ikeda Sensei says you must have a youthful spirit, and I have always kept that in mind.
I have connected with five young people during the pandemic, and I am determined that at least one of them will join our organization. Another goal is for my great-grandson and great-grandniece who are now 6 years old to become SGI youth leaders in 2030.
This is the happiest time in my life. I’m going to keep planting seeds of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, continue chanting for opportunities and do the best that I can to follow Sensei’s guidance. I want the greatness of this organization and my mentor to be known, and I’m just going to do what I can until my last day.
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