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Jaffar Amir Wilkerson, Atlanta Living Buddhism: Amir, thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you tell us about your upbringing? Jaffar Amir Wilkerson: Thank you! I’m honored to share my experience with you. When I was younger, my mother had many struggles in her marriage, raising nine children and keeping us financially stable.

How my prayer to advance kosen-rufu “set the universe in motion” for my victory. by Moonjung Cho NORFOLK, VA. In fall 2016, when I first heard the announcement about the 50,000 Lions of Justice Festival,my husband, Ram, and I determined to go all out to support the youth of Virginia South Region, while achieving our

Deepti Kedare Jain Emeryville, California Living Buddhism: Thank you, Deepti, for sharing your experience with us. How did you encounter Nichiren Buddhism? Deepti Kedare Jain: I moved to Southern California from India in 2008 to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Living apart from my family in a new country proved to be difficult.

How I created a new beginning for my life based on the practice of theoneness of mentor and disciple. by Mark McOmber Salt Lake City In 1996, SGI President Ikeda came to Denver. I had the fortune of supporting his security movement and, later, attending the general meeting as a participant. At the conclusion of

by Melissa Miles Newark, N.J. Before practicing Buddhism, I blamed my parents for everything that was wrong with my life. I was angry because they had not provided me with the type of life that many of my friends enjoyed as a result of their parents’ wealth. I was resigned to what I thought was

by Yoshiko Ford Mobile, ALA. When I was 2, my mother was left to raise five children on her own after my parents divorced. Amid her struggles to provide for us, her doctor said she only had a few years to live, due to complications with severe high blood pressure. But with the promise of

by Eri Kameyama Torrance, Calif. On Dec. 21, 2016, my third daughter, Makoto, was born. Despite our efforts, she didn’t gain weight during her first year and remained developmentally like a 3-month-old. Because she could only take in small amounts of food, I had to feed her almost hourly, day and night. I was exhausted

by Bianca Jofre Miami Two years ago, I decided to pursue a career as a clinical social worker. This meant going back to school for a master’s. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, particularly because it was important for me to win as a mother, wife, full-time employee and newly appointed district women’s leader. The

by Tee Ponsukcharoen Palo Alto, Calif. In 2016, my high school friend Siraput visited me, and we shared our views on life. I explained that life was simply a chemical process governed by physical laws—there was nothing special about love, friendship and happiness. On the contrary, Siraput shared a cheerful philosophy: Life is full of

by Debbie Uehara Las Vegas Four years ago, I learned that my daughter, Britan, was struggling with a heroin addiction. My once high-achieving daughter became a college dropout, jobless and chose to live on the streets with her abusive boyfriend. Britan was assaulted and robbed many times, and was in and out of the emergency

by Maya Gunaseharan Laguna Hills, Calif. When my sister confronted me six years ago about how I wasn’t facing the turmoil that existed at home, I promised her that I would fight for the happiness of our family. In my heart, though, I didn’t know how it could be done. Our family environment was negative

Angelina SáenzLos Angeles Living Buddhism: Thank you, Angelina, for sharing your story with us. How did you start your Buddhist practice? Angelina Sáenz: I had a rough upbringing stained by gang violence, financial strain and family discord. In 1988, when I was 16, my family found a rundown place to live in Hollywood after being homeless

by Koda Jordet FARGO, N.D. I was 2 weeks old when I was adopted by the Jordet family. My life, likely similar to that of my biological parents, would become havocked with addiction and financial and relationship difficulties. At 16, I began struggling with alcoholism, which progressed to drugs. I didn’t know of healthy ways

by Victoria SmithNew Orleans Living Buddhism: Thank you, Victoria, for sharing your experience with us! As a mother, physician and women’s leader of South Central Zone, you have tremendous responsibilities. How do you manage everything? Victoria Smith: There is no such thing as balance; it’s about chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon and manifesting the wisdom to