Becoming the Sun of My Family

My schoolteacher introduced me to chanting in March 2016. At that point of time, we had lost our home and were on the streets for a week.

My parents were against the practice. But practicing Nichiren Buddhism roused a new sense of self-belief in me. I wanted to be the ‘sun’ of my family and began to pray for a house for our joint family. When I excelled in Grades 10 (in 2018) and 12 (in 2020), my parents had a change of heart about the practice, and I was able to introduce my sisters and cousins to the practice.

In December 2020, my father bought a piece of land and began construction of our house. When legal issues cropped up, my fervent daimoku helped overcome the roadblock. This victory bolstered my conviction. I took on the responsibility of a block. I chanted abundant daimoku consistently, studied Making the Impossible Possible daily with YWDs, and led the district discussion meetings.

Being the Cheerful Sun of Happiness

Meanwhile, I got admission in Azim Premji University (APU) in Bengaluru with full scholarship! It was a life-changing experience for my family and community as I was the first girl to pursue higher studies in such a prestigious institution.

I moved to my new place of mission in August 2021. Living away from my family during the COVID-19 pandemic was tough. But I did not let up on my efforts for kosen-rufu amidst my busy academic schedule. By next year, my block expanded to become a district and I became the YWD district chief. Taking the new role as an opportunity to expand my district and life, I focused on holding joyful discussion meetings. Keeping my faith in the Gohonzon as the compass, I chanted daimoku relentlessly to awaken inactive members, did home visits, and studied hard.

Ikeda Sensei says, “When a family has one person who acts as a strong pillar, all of its members can lead secure, tranquil lives.” While striving for the November Campaign in 2022, I received news that my uncle, who was keeping unwell, had passed away. My family was devastated. So, I came home and took on the responsibility of taking care of my family, while chanting for my uncle’s eternal happiness.

In June 2023, my father was framed in a financial scam. I was then at home, interning with a company and striving toward the July Campaign. Reminding myself of Ikeda Sensei’s courage during the Osaka Incident, I continued to chant with unwavering faith. I also made my first financial contribution for kosen-rufu with my stipend. I held dialogues and nurtured the people I had introduced. At home, I tried to lift the spirits of my family members.

As a result of these efforts, protective functions started to emerge. The husband of my company’s CEO came to my aid. An advocate, he took my father’s case without charging a single penny. My father’s business continued to run under the care of his employee. I was also invited to attend an education camp, where I was able to encourage students with my story of coming from the slums and reaching this far. Our ordeal ended when investigations found my father innocent.

Living Up to My Mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth

When 2024 began, I determined to understand my mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth. My younger sisters, who are Cubs, wanted to switch schools but had failed to gain admission. I took responsibility for their victory. I taught them gongyo, got them liturgy books and a diary to write down their prayers, studied Value Creation with them, and even took them to meet leaders.

Returning to Bengaluru, I strove like the youth chief of staff. Having been inducted as a Byakuren, I wholeheartedly did roster duties. In February, I traveled to Chennai to participate in YSF 2.0 and won the gold medal with my teammate in table tennis.

In my final year now, I was also fighting alongside five YWDs in APU. They were praying to pursue master’s in education with full scholarship. We chanted and studied for 30 minutes daily. When two of them received partial scholarship, we refused to be defeated and strove harder. Studying with them and visiting leaders for guidance gave us hope to continue. Meanwhile, we met a few WDs working in APU. They guided us to take the right action. I also held 15 dialogues and did 25 home visits in the March 16th Campaign.

Benefits flowed in my life. My sisters got admission in their desired school and my friends were selected for the MA program with 100 percent scholarship. Fulfilling my wish, my parents visited APU in April. I also graduated with flying colors in May.

Dashing toward 2030, I determine to study both volumes of the Gosho and all volumes of HR and the NHR. I will shakubuku 100 lives and vow to become absolutely happy. Sensei, you can count on me!