New Beginnings
Discovering a friend in a childhood rival, I grasp in the depths of my soul that people can change for the better.
Life Stories
Real people applying Buddhism to transform their lives.
Sign Me Up
Living based on a vow, we transform the karma of our families and lay the foundations of a happy home.
A Bridge to My True Self
Through film and Buddhism, I build a bridge to my true self and cross it with my family.
The Conditions for Victory
Handed the key to happiness, I was able to open educational and athletic opportunities for myself and hundreds of young athletes. I’m Karen Dennis from Columbus, Ohio.
Healing Action
Practicing for self and others, I transform my family from the inside out.
The Bigger the Dream
An encounter with my mentor awakens me to my mission to teach in New York.
Learning to Trust Myself and Others
Over my 56 years of Buddhist practice, I’ve overcome family discord, troubles at work and illness, based on my vow to strive for kosen-rufu in America with my mentor, Ikeda Sensei. I’m Rod Burke from San Luis Obispo, California.
Every Iota
I arrived in New York with a dream. The city forged my faith and showed me what I’m made of.
Together, Forever
Basing ourselves on a vow for the happiness of the people, my wife and
I forge a bond transcending time and space, and even death.
Based On a Vow
Gaining and losing all, I discover the foundations of a winning life. I’m Sherman Hom from Prescott, Arizona.
Parting the Clouds
Taking home the Soka Gakkai spirit,
my kids show me the power of prayer.
My Life Has Just Begun
Finding Buddhism in my 60s, I awaken to my mission to demonstrate what’s possible in life’s golden years.
The Power to Shape My Destiny
In Buddhism, I discover a long-sought path to empowerment.
Something Great to Come
From a state of confidence, endings appear as the means for fresh growth. I’m Sylvia Dare from Galloway, New Jersey.
Your Life Is Your Life
Chanting to see my mother’s humanity, I unlock my own.
Water for Parched Earth
Returning to a forgotten lake, I find more than memories—love and a sense of mission.
Everything Begins With Hope
Praying for my daughter’s life, I grasp my mentor’s heart and vow to impart hope to youth.
Full Expression
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.
Vincerò!
Determined to turn the grief of untimely death into the joy of renewed life, I affirm that victory in Buddhism is guaranteed.
Finding My Unique Path Forward
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