Life Stories

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.

Staking my life on faith, I win over illness and perceive its deeper message.

Buddhist encounters lead to New York and the realization that I hold the key to the Buddha land.

Following a traumatic accident, I learn that victory lies within. I’m Brian Lindgren from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trading perfection for resilience, I become a person of strength.

Buddhism opens my life to a love transcending time.

Raising my son, I reveal my potential so he can reveal his own.

Reawakened to a childhood calling, I return to school to discover new ways to bring forth the strength and wisdom residing in all people.
I’m Stephanie Wilson from Altadena, California.

Striving in faith, I forge a winning heart and mind.

Fighting for the life of a hospital, I lay the foundation for my own unshakable happiness.

Seeing myself through my mentor’s eyes, I open my life to the love I deserve.

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