Transforming Illness Into Hope
My sister-in-law introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism in April 2019.
At that time, I was in an extremely low life condition because of my health.
For fourteen years, I had been battling ulcerative colitis — a painful autoimmune disorder.
Over the years, I had tried:
Alternative therapies
Different medications
Multiple treatments
But nothing brought lasting relief.
My condition kept worsening.
I faced repeated hospitalizations, aggressive treatments, and constant uncertainty.
Doctors even raised concerns about possible malignancy.
Long-term steroid use had started weakening my bones.
A surgery for hemorrhoids eventually resulted in a fistula.
Physically and emotionally, I felt exhausted.
Somewhere deep inside, I had started believing that suffering was simply my destiny.
Then I attended my first Gakkai meeting.
And for the first time in years, I encountered a completely different atmosphere — one filled with hope, warmth, and smiling faces.
From Self-Pity To Responsibility
Listening to members share their life-transforming experiences moved me deeply.
Their joy felt genuine.
Their courage felt real.
Most importantly, I realized that people could actually change their lives fundamentally.
Constant encouragement from leaders and studying Sensei’s guidance gradually began lifting my life condition.
Slowly, something inside me changed.
Instead of constantly blaming destiny or circumstances, I started taking responsibility for my life in prayer.
But almost immediately, fresh challenges emerged to test my newfound faith.
My son had always dreamed of studying in the United States.
He had:
An excellent GPA
Near-perfect GRE scores
Outstanding TOEFL results
And yet, university after university rejected him.
The repeated rejection deeply affected his confidence and self-esteem.
Because he had focused entirely on studying abroad, he had also not used campus placement opportunities.
Now he was unemployed and emotionally disheartened.
At the same time, my daughter’s anxiety issues worsened significantly during the pandemic.
After her grandmother’s sudden passing, her emotional struggles intensified further.
Her anxiety began affecting:
Her physical health
Her confidence
Her emotional stability
As a mother, watching both my children suffer felt unbearable.
There were days when I felt completely helpless.
During those moments, one guidance from Sensei became my lifeline:
“Morning always follows night. Having faith that a new day will arrive is a spirit of Nichiren Buddhism. The important thing is not to quit, not to give up. Always keep taking some positive action. As long as you keep trying, you will be able to move forward.”
(VC, Jul 2015, 50)
Those words slowly helped me replace helplessness with determination.
Finding Strength Through The Cubs Division
I began chanting abundant daimoku.
I participated actively in meetings.
And I challenged myself to continue taking positive action no matter how difficult things felt.
Gradually, visible changes started appearing.
My daughter began focusing sincerely on improving her health.
My son secured a job.
Then, in 2021, I received responsibility as:
Block Chief
District Cubs Coordinator
Initially, I felt nervous.
My health was still fragile.
But I decided not to let illness limit my contribution.
I poured my heart into every Cubs Division activity.
I prepared:
Creative props
Interactive activities
Virtual storytelling sessions
At first, I was terrified of virtual storytelling.
But determined not to be defeated, I practiced continuously.
I reached out personally to both active and inactive Cubs and chanted for each child’s happiness.
I ensured that every Cub received a copy of:
Soar Into the Skies of Hope .
I also subscribed to and studied Future Division Times sincerely.
Slowly, wonderful changes began appearing among the Cubs too.
Children started reporting victories such as:
Improved grades
Greater responsibility
Better participation in activities
Improvement in mental health struggles
One particular Cubs Division theme became the foundation of my own life:
“I will joyfully face the challenges.”
I began applying those words to my own struggles every single day.
Victories That Once Felt Impossible
Meanwhile, my son gradually overcame his fear of rejection.
He reapplied to universities in the United States.
This time, the outcome was completely different.
He was accepted into ten universities, including four Ivy League institutions.
Watching his confidence return felt like witnessing a miracle unfold before my eyes.
Then came another difficult year.
The year 2023 brought multiple severe health challenges for me:
Severe bronchitis
A major ear issue
A bad fall
Shingles
But unlike earlier years, I no longer felt defeated internally.
Instead, I continued:
Chanting earnestly
Studying Value Creation cover to cover
Encouraging members
Supporting Future Division activities
Offering my home for meetings
Sensei’s guidance helped me understand something profound:
My health challenges themselves could become my mission.
I realized that suffering could either break me — or deepen my compassion and courage.
When Protection Became Visible
Then came one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.
On May 3rd this year, I underwent another colonoscopy.
I waited anxiously for the results.
And then the doctor told me something unbelievable:
My colon had completely healed.
There were no biopsy spots remaining.
My doctor reduced my medication significantly and planned treatment for the fistula.
Interestingly, he specifically attributed my recovery to my positive attitude.
At that moment, tears of gratitude filled my eyes.
The benefits flowing into my children’s lives also continued beautifully.
Today:
My son has completed his master’s degree
He works as a data scientist in California
My daughter is now:
Pursuing her master’s in psychology from TISS Mumbai
Living independently
Excelling academically
Managing multiple responsibilities joyfully
Seeing both my children thriving confidently fills me with immense gratitude.
Repaying My Debt Of Gratitude
Recently, I was appointed:
Deputy District Chief
Chapter Cubs Coordinator
I viewed these responsibilities as precious opportunities to repay my debt of gratitude to Sensei.
Toward the July 3rd WD Campaign, I challenged myself wholeheartedly.
I:
Conducted dialogues with friends and relatives
Reached out to active and inactive members
Home visited members
Studied Sensei’s guidance with them
Chanted in alliance with members
I also shared my own experience as actual proof of this practice.
As chapter Cubs coordinator, I worked joyfully toward creating a memorable Cubs Division General Meeting.
The more I encouraged others, the stronger and healthier my own life became.
A Line That Stayed With Me
“Morning always follows night.”
Reflection
Long-term illness often slowly weakens not just the body, but also hope.
After years of suffering, people can unconsciously begin believing:
“Nothing will ever change.”
But Buddhism teaches that changing one’s inner life condition changes everything gradually.
My journey taught me that courage does not always appear dramatically.
Sometimes courage simply means:
Showing up again
Continuing to pray
Encouraging someone else despite one’s own pain
Refusing to give up internally
And often, when we focus sincerely on others’ happiness, our own healing begins naturally.
Key Takeaways
Faith can transform chronic illness into a source of hope and mission.
Encouraging children and youth strengthens the entire environment.
Positive action creates gradual but powerful inner transformation.
Consistent prayer and encouragement awaken courage.
Human revolution transforms the destiny of the whole family.
Forward With Determination
This November 18th, I am determined to:
Nurture at least five new Cubs
Strengthen my faith, practice, and study
Introduce more family members to the practice
Create joyful Future Division activities
Continue transforming my karma into mission
Above all, I determine to keep moving forward with gratitude, courage, and the conviction that no suffering is greater than the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Inspired by a published Buddhist experience and retold with commentary, reflection, and adapted storytelling.