Restarting My Life Through Faith, Study, And Mission
I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism in 2009 by a close friend who later became my wife.
At that time, my life was at rock bottom.
I had failed in more than half my college papers and eventually dropped out completely.
I felt directionless, ashamed, and disconnected from my own potential.
One particular guidance from Ikeda Sensei deeply moved me:
Future division members should excel in studies as an expression of gratitude toward parents and teachers.
Reading this sparked something within me.
I decided to restart my education from scratch.
Turning Failure Into Determination
Slowly, through consistent chanting and Buddhist practice, my confidence started returning.
I challenged myself wholeheartedly in academics.
And in June 2012, something happened that once felt impossible:
I graduated as the university topper.
That victory completely transformed my self-belief.
I then enrolled for postgraduation.
Seeing such a dramatic transformation in my life, my parents — who had initially only observed my practice from a distance — developed deep respect for Ikeda Sensei and the Soka Gakkai.
My Father’s Cancer Changed Everything
During the second year of my postgraduation, life took an unexpected turn.
My father was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.
Suddenly, my days became consumed with:
Hospital visits
Medical emergencies
Studies
Household responsibilities
A difficult long-distance relationship
I felt emotionally crushed.
But one guidance from Ikeda Sensei changed my entire perspective:
“When we awaken to our mission from the remote past, we will gain a new sense of self.”
(VC, Feb 2014, 36)
Reading this, I made a vow:
I would live as a Bodhisattva of the Earth and fight together with my mentor.
Instantly, my suffering transformed into determination.
Around that time, I also received the Omamori Gohonzon as encouragement from Ikeda Sensei, which became an unforgettable turning point in my life.
Transforming Our Entire Family
My father had always rejected religion.
But after witnessing the strength emerging in our lives, he himself began chanting and participating in Gakkai activities.
My mother also started doing gongyo and daimoku sincerely.
I was able to introduce one of my cousins to the practice as well, and today he actively supports kosen-rufu.
During my father’s long hospitalization, I spent countless hours beside him:
Chanting daimoku
Encouraging caregivers
Studying for exams in hospital corridors
Supporting my mother emotionally
Encouraging YMD members regularly
Despite the seriousness of his condition, my father responded to treatment far better than expected.
Victory Amid Suffering
In the middle of all those challenges, I topped my university once again during postgraduation.
Soon afterward, I secured a job in a new city and started taking care of my father’s medical expenses.
Even though finances remained tight, I continued setting contribution goals for kosen-rufu and challenging myself to fulfill them.
My father eventually prolonged his life by nearly two years beyond medical expectations before peacefully passing away in December 2015.
His fighting spirit and faith deeply inspired everyone in his district.
Losing him became one of the most painful moments of my life.
But instead of collapsing emotionally, I strengthened my determination to fight even harder for kosen-rufu.
Choosing Faith Again And Again
In 2017, despite family resistance, my wife and I got married.
Over time, through persistent efforts and dialogue, our family relationships transformed harmoniously.
But life continued testing us.
In May 2019, I lost my mother to illness.
Then in February 2020, my mother-in-law also passed away due to cancer.
Every loss deepened my understanding of impermanence.
At the same time, I came to realize that sincere practice and contribution toward kosen-rufu are among the deepest expressions of gratitude toward our loved ones.
Today, I feel immense gratitude that my father-in-law continues advancing strongly in faith and good health.
Career Struggles And Growth
Professionally, my journey was never smooth.
Finding a stable, well-paying job remained difficult for years.
I experienced:
Salary cuts
Hostile management
Stagnant roles
Limited growth opportunities
Still, I never compromised on sincerity at work or my commitment toward kosen-rufu.
I decided that regardless of circumstances, I would always give my best.
Gradually, those efforts bore fruit.
Over the years:
My salary increased sevenfold
I became one of the most trusted employees in every workplace
In 2021, I joined a globally renowned healthcare organization
I fulfilled a decade-old contribution determination that once felt impossible
Renewing My Vow After Sensei’s Passing
In recent years, I slowly began slipping into comfort and complacency.
But when news of Sensei’s passing reached us, I felt shaken awake.
I realized that now was not the time to retreat — it was the time to stand up fully.
I renewed my vow to fight for kosen-rufu as Sensei’s disciple.
Toward the SGI Youth Division Training Course in June 2024, I:
Chanted abundant daimoku daily
Studied the Gosho and NHR every day
Traveled across South India
Met nearly 70 YMDs and Young Lion Boys
Conducted heartfelt dialogues with family and members
That training course helped me deeply grasp the meaning of my mission as a disciple of Ikeda Sensei.
Reflection
Looking back now, I realize that Buddhism did not simply help me “solve problems.”
It fundamentally changed:
How I viewed suffering
How I approached responsibility
How I understood my own life
Failure in studies, illness, grief, financial pressure, workplace struggles — all of them became opportunities for human revolution.
I learned that true happiness comes not from avoiding hardship, but from developing the strength to continue contributing despite hardship.
Key Takeaways
Academic failure does not define one’s future.
Mission-oriented living transforms suffering into strength.
Consistent effort eventually creates visible breakthroughs.
Faith deepens through responsibility and contribution.
Encouraging others strengthens one’s own life condition.
Moving Forward
I now determine to continue practicing with the Soka Gakkai for the rest of my life.
I want my human revolution to reflect clearly in my behavior as a human being.
Toward 2030, I pledge to:
Support the growth of South India Area
Raise capable youth
Protect the Soka Gakkai wholeheartedly
Advance tirelessly for kosen-rufu
As that one disciple, I will continue striving without begrudging my life.