Life Stories

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.

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

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.

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

Starting from ashes, we rebuild our lives, stronger than ever.

Repeatedly challenging my self-doubt, I embark on a mission to spread Buddhism through American Sign Language. I’m Phyllis Sapp from Minneapolis.

Finding a mentor, I step boldly into a role I wasn’t taught to play—that of a father.

In a world turned upside down, good friends guide me on the path of my mission.

Finding faith, I open the way to health and joy.

Through mutually inspiring relations, I awaken my greater self. I’m Lynn Frazier from Los Angeles.

Realizing that I am vital to the happiness of my family, I enter the frame.