CategoryExperience

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.

Seeking meaning at a time of crisis, I discover in jazz a fighting spirit, and follow it to its source. I’m Grady Tesch from New York.

Supported by my parents and embraced by friends in faith, I take a stand for my life and help others do the same.

Making our home a bastion of kosen-rufu, I wage a battle to bring hope to the members of New Mexico.

Fighting for his freedom behind bars, my father prompts me to seek out indestructible happiness.

Opening my heart to appreciation, I become a person who can uplift her family.

Confronting life’s workaday struggles, I learn to live—and write—deeply. I’m Judy Juanita from Oakland.

Practicing for self and others, I learn to believe in my victory. 

Discovering Buddhism in my golden years, I chart a course for happiness.

Taking Ikeda Sensei as my mentor, I learn to live with gratitude and strength.

Confronting a deep-rooted fear, I pave the way to shine as a bright light for my family. I’m Oona Friedland from Detroit.

Facing my father’s illness, I learn how to hold my ground and triumph in faith.

by John Tedtaotao and Chris Alvarez Sinajana, Guam Travel inland from the Philippine Sea, past wetlands and betel nut and monkeypod trees, past two gas stations, a tire shop and a modest bridge—blink and you’ll miss the landmark: a power pole painted blue. The Tedtaotao farm doesn’t show up on Google maps, save for the