Living Buddhism met with SGI-USA pioneer member Sumiko George, who celebrates her 63rd year of Buddhist practice this year. We asked her about her early years, her faith and her beautiful life with her husband, Robert George. Living Buddhism: Hello, Sumiko….

During my senior year of high school, I began to break down mentally and emotionally to the point where I couldn’t complete my homework or even do simple tasks.

My Buddhist practice awakened in me inner freedom and confidence that I want to share with others.

Living Buddhism: Thank you for meeting with us, Barbie. Can you tell us a little about your upbringing? Barbie Traynor: My parents divorced when I was very young, and my mother did everything she could to keep us afloat. It…

By putting Buddhism at the center of my life, I transformed the karma of addiction into the mission of helping others recover.