CategoryLife Stories

Losing my hearing to cancer, I open my life to heed a new calling.

Basing my life on the mentor-disciple relationship, I transform generations of family karma.

In honoring my sister’s life, I begin, for the first time, to honor my own.

A ferocious prayer for my life and my son’s brings forth new strength and joy.

Planting seeds of Buddhahood, my inner joy transforms my environment.

Seeking the mentor, I master my anger to win at my work.

Healing through art, I discover my mission and bring joy to all around me.

SGI-USA member Jury Candelario, of Los Angeles, is a clinical social worker and AIDS advocate. He is the director of an organization that provides culturally affirming social services for vulnerable communities impacted by HIV/AIDS, behavioral health challenges and housing insecurity. He was named a local hero in 2010 by Los Angeles-based television station KCET and

Uniting with me in prayer, my son takes responsibility for the happiness of his family.

How the humanity of SGI members upended my worldview and remade me as a revolutionary.

Summoning courage, I discover my passion for discussing Buddhism with young people.

Striving alongside my mentor, I confront my fear of self-expression to become a bold disciple and actor.

My Buddhist practice has enabled me to transform my perceived weaknesses into my greatest strengths. I’m Matt Thompson from Denver.

By practicing Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI, I have gained a deeper sense of my mission as a “lawyer for life.”

SGI-USA member Kryssi Staikidis is a painter, professor and head of Art and Design Education at the Northern Illinois University School of Art and Design. In 2021, she was conferred the National Art Education Association’s June King McFee Award for her research and art, teaching practices that focus on community, inclusivity and social justice. World

Inspired by my best friend’s brilliant life, I battle alongside my mentor and summon the courage to open my heart.

My Buddhist wisdom has driven me to connect with my students, my music and my mission for kosen-rufu. I’m Suzanne Pittson from Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Practicing for myself and others, I kindle a fierce flame to light the path to victory.

The World Tribune spoke with Andrea Bartoli, Ph.D., an international conflict resolution expert, about his thoughts on the war between Russia and Ukraine, the use of violence in conflicts and his belief that peace is possible. He currently teaches at Seton Hall University, is a visiting fellow at the Columbia University’s Advanced Consortium on Cooperation,

Embracing Buddhism at 73, I move beyond mere obligation, drawing on a deeper reason to serve—for the sake of joy of self and others.