Building a Career Through Human Revolution

I began practicing Nichiren Buddhism during my school years after a close friend introduced me to this philosophy. From the very beginning, my seniors in faith patiently encouraged me to ask questions, study Nichiren Daishonin's writings, and challenge myself to become a person who could contribute to society. Their warmth and encouragement shaped the foundation of my life.

As I deepened my study of the Gosho and Ikeda Sensei's writings, I began experiencing one breakthrough after another. I secured admission into one of the country's leading law schools, transformed difficult personal relationships, and witnessed my entire family embrace this practice. More importantly, I gradually changed from an arrogant and self-centered young man into someone who genuinely wished to encourage others.

Yet, despite these victories, I often wondered whether one individual could truly make a meaningful difference in society. The world's problems appeared overwhelming, and my own efforts seemed insignificant.

Everything changed when I began studying Ikeda Sensei's peace proposals and The New Human Revolution . Through these writings, I realized that lasting change always begins with one's own human revolution. Instead of waiting for society to transform, I resolved to transform myself first by developing greater patience, courage, wisdom, and compassion.

This determination completely changed how I approached both my studies and my mission for kosen-rufu.

As I grew within the organization, I was entrusted with supporting a district where very few young men's division members were active. Rather than becoming discouraged, I prayed for each individual and reached out consistently through dialogues, encouragement, and study sessions. Some members required repeated conversations before they opened up, but I learned that genuine friendship is built through patience and sincerity.

Gradually, remarkable changes began appearing. Members started returning to meetings, discussion meeting attendance increased, and many reported victories in education, health, careers, and relationships. Watching others grow became one of the greatest sources of joy in my own life.

Meanwhile, unexpected professional opportunities also emerged. While still a law student, I was invited to assist an international legal scholar with research exploring legal frameworks supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Working on projects related to human rights, sustainable development, and responsible business practices strengthened my conviction that my profession could become an expression of my Buddhist ideals.

As graduation approached, however, the legal industry was facing one of its most difficult periods. Many believed that securing employment without family connections would be nearly impossible. Rather than allowing circumstances to define my future, I determined to demonstrate the actual proof of Buddhist practice.

Around the same time, I accepted greater leadership responsibilities within the organization. Instead of viewing these responsibilities as competing with my career, I prayed to create victory in both areas of my life.

Soon afterward, I received an offer from one of the country's leading law firms with a salary far beyond what I had imagined as a fresh graduate. When my joining date conflicted with my final examinations, I chose to communicate honestly with the firm's senior leadership instead of allowing fear to control me. The outcome exceeded all expectations. Not only was my joining date adjusted, but I also received complete support throughout the transition.

Another memorable breakthrough came when one of my research papers on legal reforms and sustainable economic development was accepted for publication. It reinforced my determination to use law not merely as a profession but as a means to contribute to society.

After beginning full-time work, I encountered perhaps my greatest practical challenge. The demands of corporate law often required eighteen to twenty-hour workdays, leaving very little personal time. Initially, I struggled to balance my professional responsibilities with my Buddhist practice and organizational commitments.

During this period, I studied Ikeda Sensei's guidance on the principle of "faith equals daily life." One passage deeply transformed my perspective:

"In our daily Buddhist practice, when we find ourselves busy with work and other obligations, we may fall into thinking that we'll focus on Soka Gakkai activities once we have more time. 'Putting faith into practice in daily life,' however, means taking every challenge in life as part of our Buddhist practice."

Those words completely changed my prayer. Instead of asking for a perfect balance, I determined to view my work itself as part of my Buddhist practice. From that moment, everything began changing.

I started waking up earlier for gongyo, daimoku, exercise, and study. During my commute, I encouraged members, conducted dialogues, and studied Sensei's guidance. Weekends became opportunities to support meetings, visit members, and strengthen friendships. Rather than feeling exhausted, I discovered greater energy, focus, and productivity.

The same transformation also began appearing within the organization. New young men's division leaders emerged, districts became more active, and many members started taking ownership of meetings and campaigns with renewed confidence.

Professionally, I was entrusted with increasingly significant responsibilities. I had the opportunity to contribute to major legal transactions involving leading corporations, international financial institutions, and global investment organizations. Despite being one of the youngest professionals on several teams, I earned the trust of senior colleagues through consistent effort, responsibility, and sincerity.

Within my first year, I received outstanding performance reviews and earned an accelerated promotion with a substantial salary increase. Looking back, I realized that these external victories were simply reflections of the inner transformation taking place through faith, practice, and study.

Today, my determination extends far beyond personal success. I aspire to become a humanistic lawyer who contributes to justice, protects the dignity of life, and creates lasting value through my profession. At the same time, I remain committed to encouraging young people, fostering capable leaders, and advancing kosen-rufu with the same spirit of gratitude that transformed my own life.

I know that the greatest victories are still ahead. With unwavering faith, continuous human revolution, and the heart of a disciple, I will continue striving to create hope wherever I go and help others discover the limitless potential that already exists within their own lives.