CategoryLife Stories

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.

SGI-USA member Ken Lee, of Chateaugay, New York, is co-founder and co-CEO of Lotus Foods, a sustainable rice company that promotes human and environmental welfare. He and his wife, Caryl Levine, started the company in 1995 and have since been recognized for their efforts to mitigate climate change through regenerative rice production. Their company is

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

Reflecting on the Buddhist life journey of Tina Turner.

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.

Living Buddhism sat down with Ulyses Moran, of Brooklyn, New York, an guidance counselor at a transfer high school for kids who need extra support to graduate. Living Buddhism: Thank you, Ulyses, for discussing with us how you apply the concept of humanistic education to your work. What motivated you to go into education? Ulyses

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.