Elevating Your Life Condition Through Buddhism and Mindfulness
I remember when my mother first began chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, the powerful mantra central to Nichiren Buddhism. I must have been about seven, still mastering the fine art of being dragged to things I didn’t sign up for. Weekly SGI Buddhist discussion meetings became a staple of our lives. Imagine a little girl sitting cross-legged in someone’s living room, surrounded by animated adults discussing profound topics like karma, mindfulness, and kosen-rufu (world peace). My favorite part—then and now—was hearing experiences: stories of individuals transforming their lives through chanting. To a child, it was nothing short of magical. Adults with real problems, chanting to a scroll, and emerging victorious? It was like witnessing real-life superpowers.
Our community gatherings became even more inspiring as they grew larger, like Kosen-rufu Gongyo, held on the first Sunday of every month. These gatherings, especially in Las Vegas, were transformative moments. Packed into an area leader’s sprawling ranch home, sitting on the floor knee-to-knee, we shared the collective energy of hundreds chanting together. It was here I first encountered the Koteki-tai, SGI’s Fife and Drum Corps. Watching a group of girls play “Windy” on their fifes was, admittedly, less musically stunning than transformative for me. I knew I had to join. Thus began my journey of playing the fife, building deep friendships, and soaking up the life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism during Sunday practices. My Koteki-tai leader remains one of my closest friends—a testament to the connections forged through shared mindfulness and purpose.
As a biracial child growing up in the 1970s, neither fully white nor Black, I often felt like an outsider. But at SGI meetings, surrounded by people of diverse backgrounds, I felt truly seen. It was there I learned that chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo wasn’t just about fulfilling goals or seeking material benefits—it was about elevating your life condition, unleashing limitless potential, and living with courage. For a kid, the idea of “limitless potential” was exhilarating—it sounded much better than the chores waiting for me at home!
Daily chanting didn’t come naturally to me at first. But as life’s challenges grew during my teenage years, I turned to chanting with sincerity. This practice didn’t just help me make better choices—it raised my vibration, aligning me with clarity, resilience, and positivity. I began to see how elevating my life condition enabled me to transform ordinary decisions into extraordinary outcomes.
One significant moment came in 1985, when SGI planned a major meeting and parade in Hawaii. My leaders encouraged me to chant as though I were going, even though my single mom could barely afford groceries, let alone airfare. Then, the unexpected happened: she received a small financial payout—enough for one ticket. Senior leaders urged her to send me instead, believing it would plant seeds of happiness in my life. And it did. Hawaii was my first big benefit—a living testament to the power of faith and determination.
That experience set the stage for victories to come. During high school, my SGI activities gave me confidence that spilled over into everything I did. Whether launching a school newspaper, choreographing dances, or tackling speech and debate competitions, I pursued my passions despite financial and personal struggles. My relentless drive, fueled by chanting, shielded me from the dysfunction at home. It also kept me safe during late-night walks home from work—a protection I recognize as one of the subtle but profound benefits of raising my life condition.
When it came time for college, my focus was unwavering: the University of Nevada, Reno, with its journalism program. Despite doubts from others, I packed up my newly issued Gohonzon, $20, and a one-way bus ticket—every resource my mother could spare. And off I went. Reno became a crucible of growth. On the first day I found SGI Young Women’s Division members who supported me like family, eventually studied abroad in France, won scholarships, and found accommodating full-time work to fund my dreams. By graduation, I was the only broadcasting student in my class to land a job in TV.
Over the years, chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo has remained my compass. Even during phases when life pulled me away from SGI activities, my Gohonzon was always there—a quiet friend, patiently waiting. It has brought me countless benefits, from meeting my husband to raising three incredible children, each victory rooted in the elevated life condition this practice fosters. When faced with challenges, I turned to chanting to find clarity, transform obstacles, and create opportunities.
My mother, who introduced me to this profound life philosophy, carried a heavy karma that shaped both her life and mine. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 50s, her struggles often made my upbringing turbulent. But her love for me was unwavering, and her decision to share this practice remains the foundation of my resilience and optimism. Through chanting, I honor her spirit and work to transform our shared karma. Each prayer I chant is for her eternal happiness and for us to build an unshakable foundation of hope and victory.
As Daisaku Ikeda wisely says: “What matters is not whether we fail, but whether we do not try again.” This quote embodies the spirit of my journey. Chanting has allowed me to align with positivity, make empowered choices, and turn those choices into the best possible outcomes. Whether you’re seeking mindfulness, transformation, or happiness, I encourage you to explore chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Its power to elevate your life and connect you to your limitless potential is undeniable. Here’s to showing up, embracing life’s twists, and believing in your ability to triumph—one Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo at a time.
A really fun person!
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