CategoryExperience

Over my 56 years of Buddhist practice, I’ve overcome family discord, troubles at work and illness, based on my vow to strive for kosen-rufu in America with my mentor, Ikeda Sensei. I’m Rod Burke from San Luis Obispo, California.

I arrived in New York with a dream. The city forged my faith and showed me what I’m made of.

Basing ourselves on a vow for the happiness of the people, my wife and I forge a bond transcending time and space, and even death.

From The New Human Revolution, I learn that nothing is impossible.

Gaining and losing all, I discover the foundations of a winning life. I’m Sherman Hom from Prescott, Arizona.

Taking home the Soka Gakkai spirit, my kids show me the power of prayer.

Finding Buddhism in my 60s, I awaken to my mission to demonstrate what’s possible in life’s golden years.

In Buddhism, I discover a long-sought path to empowerment.

From a state of confidence, endings appear as the means for fresh growth. I’m Sylvia Dare from Galloway, New Jersey.

Chanting to see my mother’s humanity, I unlock my own.

Returning to a forgotten lake, I find more than memories—love and a sense of mission.

Praying for my daughter’s life, I grasp my mentor’s heart and vow to impart hope to youth.

Though illness stirs up long-held doubts, it prompts the courage to align my life and career with my mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth. I’m Harold Rubinfeld from Lancaster, California.

Determined to turn the grief of untimely death into the joy of renewed life, I affirm that victory in Buddhism is guaranteed.

Living with an incurable neurological disease, I show up as a positive force.

To lead with integrity, I summon the courage to seek my mentor’s heart.

As an educator, I transformed a chaotic classroom, as a son, I learned to love my mother, and as an individual, I learned to believe in myself. I’m Lance Powell from Atlanta.

Fighting toward my dream of becoming an educator, I come to understand my mother as a great teacher.

Basing everything on prayer, family reveals to me that my life itself is the treasure tower.

Visiting my mother near the end of her life, I reveal the mother I want to be for my children.