Rising Again And Again For Kosen-rufu

I grew up amidst hardship and uncertainty.

From a young age, I was searching for a meaningful way to live.

I found that direction in 2011, when my mother introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism.

Through this practice, I also encountered my mentor in Ikeda Sensei.

At the time, I was still a student.

Soon afterward, I graduated from a naval academy and secured my first job in Singapore in the shipbuilding industry.

To me, this felt like an early benefit of faith.

In Singapore, I immersed myself deeply in Gakkai activities and was inducted as a Gajokai member in 2013.

Later, I pursued post-graduation in international hospitality in Spain, specializing in sales and marketing for the cruise industry.

Even while studying abroad, I continued striving for kosen-rufu.

Looking back, I realize that every country I traveled to gradually became part of my larger mission.

A Turning Point Filled With Loss

The year 2018 changed my life profoundly.

I lost several loved ones during that period.

At the same time, I returned to India and met my kosen-rufu partner.

Eventually, I moved to Bengaluru.

But professionally, the transition was difficult.

Since opportunities in the cruise shipping industry were limited in India, I took up a role in hospitality sales and marketing.

Meanwhile, I continued striving in Gakkai activities.

I was inducted as a Sokahan and actively supported meetings behind the scenes while engaging sincerely in district activities.

Even amidst uncertainty, I felt determined not to lose my connection with kosen-rufu.

Facing Severe Health Challenges

In 2023, my wife and I moved to Goa for a work opportunity.

I felt hopeful about beginning a new phase of life.

Then unexpectedly, in July 2024, my health collapsed completely.

I required immediate emergency surgery.

Later, the doctor explained that the condition could have turned fatal.

As if that was not enough, just three months later, I had to undergo another surgery.

Together, the two procedures left me with 25 stitches.

My body became extremely weak.

Eventually, I made the painful decision to resign from my job and focus entirely on rebuilding my health.

During that difficult phase, however, I strongly felt the protection of the Gohonzon.

Instead of becoming bitter or hopeless, I made a fresh determination:

I would dedicate my life to kosen-rufu in Goa and repay my debt of gratitude through sincere efforts for others.

Building Bonds Through Sincere Dialogue

When I first arrived in Goa, there were only around 10–15 Young Men’s Division members and only a handful were active.

I particularly struggled to connect with Future Division boys.

I realized that simply conducting meetings would not be enough.

I needed to genuinely understand their lives.

So I began chanting deeply for them.

I also studied Sensei’s guidance on fostering the Future Division.

Then I started finding creative ways to connect.

Sometimes, we simply played football together.

Through sports, conversation, and genuine care, trust slowly developed.

I realized that youth do not open their hearts because of authority — they respond to sincerity.

Standing Up Again After Repeated Setbacks

Meanwhile, I resumed job hunting in February last year.

Repeatedly, I would reach the final round of interviews and then face rejection.

Each rejection hurt deeply.

At the same time:

My mother underwent critical surgery

My wife also underwent surgery

For nearly 7–8 months, our lives revolved around hospitals and recovery.

Still, through:

Daimoku

Sensei’s guidance

Members’ encouragement

we overcame each challenge one step at a time.

Then unexpectedly, a Norway-based company approached me for a role I had not even applied for.

In fact, they created an entirely new position based on my experience.

Initially, I felt hopeful.

But soon, I was assigned 28 projects — many outside my expertise — without any proper training.

The pressure became overwhelming.

Yet every morning, I woke up at 4 a.m. to chant daimoku.

I continued:

Doing home visits

Supporting members

Learning new skills at work

Eventually, however, the company asked me to leave.

Surprisingly, we parted amicably.

Although disappointed, I did not feel defeated internally.

I had learned that setbacks do not define one’s future.

Creating Momentum In Goa

One challenge in Goa is distance.

Members are spread across locations requiring 10–40 kilometers of travel for home visits.

Instead of allowing geography to weaken unity, we adapted creatively.

We:

Created smaller meeting pockets

Conducted supplementary gatherings

Held dawn chanting and study sessions before work

In just nine months, I:

Completed over 250 home visits

Fostered five YMD leaders

Reconnected with 52 YMD members during the July Campaign

Built close bonds with 15 Future Division boys

Today, the Future Division in Goa continues growing steadily.

Watching young people develop hope and purpose gives me tremendous joy.

The Job That Felt “Written For Me”

While striving toward the Future Division General Meeting in November, an old dream resurfaced inside me.

I began praying for a role that combined:

Shipping

Hospitality

Sales

Marketing

Then something remarkable happened.

I discovered that one of India’s leading ship-design firms was based in Panjim.

Interestingly, they had posted a vacancy just two days earlier.

I immediately reached out.

Within hours, I received an interview call.

During the interview, the CEO explained that they specifically needed someone with expertise in:

Shipbuilding

Marketing

Sales

He said I was the exact fit they had been searching for.

Instead of the junior position initially posted, I was offered a senior leadership role working directly with the CEO.

Honestly, the job description felt as though it had been written specifically for me.

At that moment, I felt deep gratitude for every struggle that had prepared me for this opportunity.

A Line That Stayed With Me

“Even if you should manage to overcome the first six… if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.”

(‘Letter to Misawa’, WND-1, 894)

Reflection

Many times in life, obstacles appear precisely when we are trying to advance sincerely.

Repeated setbacks can easily make us question our direction and worth.

But Buddhism taught me that true victory lies in:

Standing up repeatedly

Continuing to encourage others

Refusing to lose hope

Turning every challenge into mission

My journey also taught me that leadership is not built merely through titles.

It is built through consistent care for people — one home visit, one dialogue, one encouragement at a time.

And often, the opportunities truly meant for us appear only after we have fully developed the life condition capable of handling them.

Key Takeaways

Setbacks can become preparation for greater opportunities.

Sincere dialogue builds lasting trust with youth.

Human revolution strengthens resilience during uncertainty.

Prayer combined with action creates unexpected openings.

Kosen-rufu efforts deepen courage and purpose.

Forward With Determination

Today, with deep gratitude to Ikeda Sensei, my family, and my fellow members, I determine to:

Create a Young Men’s Division of 100 members in Goa by July 2026

Build a private kaikan in Kalimpong by 2027

Accomplish 100 shakubuku by 2030

Contribute toward India becoming a leading shipbuilding nation by 2047

Above all, I determine to protect every member’s life condition with the spirit of Shin’ichi Yamamoto and continue spreading hope through courageous action.

Inspired by a published Buddhist experience and retold with commentary, reflection, and adapted storytelling.