Meet the Youth Joining the SGI-USA in 2023

Eight years after Rosa Cruz learned about Buddhism in college, she began attending SGI-USA district meetings during what would become a pivotal time in her life. In February 2021, less than a year after she began chanting, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma,  a rare childhood bone cancer.

As she went through chemo and radiation therapy, her Buddhist practice and district family helped guide her through the difficult questions she faced about life and death, happiness and purpose. “Having faith in my Buddhist practice meant having faith in myself,” said Ms. Cruz, who was declared cancer-free after her fifth surgery. “And I now have the courage to take action toward my dreams and goals.”

SGI-USA members everywhere are endeavoring to introduce young people to Nichiren Buddhism this year based on the united focus: Each District, One Precious Youth. The ultimate aim is for each new youth to become a capable person, a protagonist who can transform their own sufferings and contribute to the positive transformation of their community and the world. 

Ikeda Sensei, in his New Year’s message, says: 

Nichiren Daishonin writes, “I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province” (“The Properties of Rice,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1117). The Daishonin is telling his disciples, who were challenging adversity with unwavering faith, that he is counting on them to spread the Mystic Law in their communities. We can read this as a message to all of you today who have been sowing the seeds of the Mystic Law in the lives of one person after another in your respective lands while overcoming many hardships. You are all courageous Bodhisattvas of the Earth sharing deep karmic bonds. (Jan. 1, 2023, World Tribune, p. 1)