Becoming “That One Disciple” Through Faith And Responsibility

I began practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism in 2017.

In these years, I experienced many visible benefits through faith.

But one period in particular completely transformed my understanding of prayer, courage, and responsibility.

The Beginning Of Our “Wonderful Story”

My wife and I had been praying for a child for almost a year.

Then came the May 3rd Campaign with the theme:

“I will write my own wonderful story.”

Almost immediately afterward, we received confirmation that my wife was pregnant.

It genuinely felt as though our own wonderful story had begun.

Around that same time, one guidance from Ikeda Sensei deeply touched me:

“All your virtuous acts will implant benefits and roots of goodness in your life. With this conviction, you should strive in faith.”

(‘On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime’, WND-1, 4)

I engraved those words deeply in my heart.

My wife and I began reading Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child and The Birth of Tsukimaro every single day.

Reviving The Fighting Spirit Of Sokahan

At the same time, my Sokahan comrades and I were determined to revive the behind-the-scenes spirit that had weakened after the pandemic.

Inspired by the July 2023 Campaign about becoming “that one true comrade,” I reached out sincerely to fellow YMD members across Bangalore.

Gradually, a strong core team emerged that began taking full responsibility for kaikan and BTS activities again.

That entire period felt filled with momentum and hope.

Then suddenly, our faith was tested.

The Pregnancy Scare

During an anomaly scan before the July YMD Friendship Meeting, doctors noticed that our baby’s nasal bone was missing — a strong marker associated with Down’s Syndrome.

The only way to confirm the diagnosis was through amniocentesis, an invasive procedure that itself carried miscarriage risks.

Initially, my wife and I felt overwhelmed.

Fear entered our minds immediately.

But we reminded ourselves to base everything on the “strategy of the Lotus Sutra.”

A senior leader encouraged us strongly and helped us regain calmness.

We proceeded with the test.

And finally, we received wonderful news:

There was absolutely no abnormality.

That experience deeply strengthened our faith.

Victories Appearing Simultaneously

Around the same time, despite a hectic work schedule and tremendous pressure, I challenged a professional certification examination.

I cleared it with the highest grade.

Then another major victory followed:

My mother, who had been battling cancer since 2018, was declared cancer-free.

It felt as though one protection after another was unfolding through our sincere efforts in faith.

Sensei’s Passing And A New Determination

Then on November 18th, the news of Ikeda Sensei’s passing reached us.

I was deeply shaken emotionally.

But at the same time, I felt a strong inner determination arise:

Now was the time to stand up as that one disciple.

I resolved to contribute wholeheartedly toward BSG’s goal of one million happy members.

I immersed myself even more deeply in Sokahan responsibilities and kosen-rufu activities.

Welcoming Our Daughter

On December 5th, our daughter Tenzin was born.

The delivery went smoothly.

Even though my wife’s hemoglobin levels were low, she thankfully did not require any blood transfusion.

Holding my daughter for the first time, I silently promised my mentor:

I will raise her as a proud Soka successor.

A Difficult Career Decision

Just one week after Tenzin’s birth, I unexpectedly received an interview opportunity for a new role.

I had not even been actively looking for a job change.

For 11 years, I had worked in a public sector organization.

The idea of changing jobs felt extremely intimidating.

Still, I decided to base my decision on faith rather than fear.

I appeared for the interview and successfully cleared it.

The new role aligned beautifully with Makiguchi Sensei’s values of:

Beauty

Benefit

Good

It felt like a deeply meaningful career transition.

Another Health Challenge

Shortly after birth, we noticed a bony ridge on Tenzin’s head.

Initially, doctors told us it was normal.

But during the March 16th Campaign the following year, another doctor suspected premature fusion of skull bones and recommended a CT scan.

As parents, we became extremely anxious.

We were especially hesitant because the scan required radiation exposure and sedation for such a small baby.

That day, the sedative was unavailable, and we returned home without doing the procedure.

Instead of panicking, we chanted deeply for wisdom and clarity.

We decided to wait for another review.

Then, through another senior specialist, we learned that a CT scan was unnecessary.

A simple X-ray confirmed that her skull bones were normal and had room for healthy growth.

Once again, fear transformed into relief through prayer and calm decision-making.

Growing Through Responsibility

During my three-month notice period at work, I challenged myself to do the work of an entire year.

When I finally left the organization, colleagues gave me the kind of farewell usually reserved for retiring employees.

In the very first month at my new company, I received appreciation and was selected to lead a global team on a critical organizational project.

Soon afterward, I was informed that I would participate in the SGI South Asia Youth Exchange Delegation.

I determined to carry forward the same ever-victorious spirit demonstrated by the Kansai members.

Living By The 3Ds

Meanwhile, I continued challenging myself based on the spirit of the 3Ds:

Daimoku

Dialogue

District

I regularly meet YMD members before and after office hours.

As a Sokahan leader in South India, I also travel between Bangalore and Chennai to support the training and development of Sokahan members.

Today, Tenzin is healthy, energetic, and growing beautifully.

The bony ridge gradually disappeared.

She now joins me during evening gongyo and joyfully dances to Gakkai songs.

Reflection

Looking back, I realize that faith did not remove uncertainty from life.

What it changed was:

How I responded to uncertainty

How I handled fear

How I took responsibility during challenges

Every major challenge — whether related to family, health, work, or leadership — became an opportunity to deepen my bond with my mentor and strengthen my own human revolution.

Key Takeaways

Fear becomes manageable when faced with prayer and wisdom.

Parenthood deepens one’s sense of responsibility and mission.

Challenges often become turning points for inner growth.

Consistent efforts in faith strengthen courage during uncertainty.

Encouraging others strengthens one’s own life condition.

Moving Forward

I now determine never to be defeated by circumstances.

I want to continue advancing with a brave and vigorous spirit while:

Supporting YMD members sincerely

Strengthening Sokahan activities

Raising my daughter as a Soka successor

Contributing toward kosen-rufu wholeheartedly

No matter what challenges arise, I will continue moving forward as that one disciple who refuses to lose.