CategoryLife Stories

SGI-USA member Francisco Estrada-Belli, of New Orleans, is a research professor in the Middle American Research Institute at Tulane University. He is known for his expertise in Maya archaeology, remote sensing, geographic information systems and spatial analysis using digital technologies such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging). He is a National Geographic Explorer and has

Buddhism opens my life to a love transcending time.

Raising my son, I reveal my potential so he can reveal his own.

Reawakened to a childhood calling, I return to school to discover new ways to bring forth the strength and wisdom residing in all people. I’m Stephanie Wilson from Altadena, California.

Striving in faith, I forge a winning heart and mind.

Fighting for the life of a hospital, I lay the foundation for my own unshakable happiness.

Seeing myself through my mentor’s eyes, I open my life to the love I deserve.

Losing my hearing to cancer, I open my life to heed a new calling.

Basing my life on the mentor-disciple relationship, I transform generations of family karma.

In honoring my sister’s life, I begin, for the first time, to honor my own.

A ferocious prayer for my life and my son’s brings forth new strength and joy.

Planting seeds of Buddhahood, my inner joy transforms my environment.

Seeking the mentor, I master my anger to win at my work.

Healing through art, I discover my mission and bring joy to all around me.

Uniting with me in prayer, my son takes responsibility for the happiness of his family.

How the humanity of SGI members upended my worldview and remade me as a revolutionary.

Summoning courage, I discover my passion for discussing Buddhism with young people.

Striving alongside my mentor, I confront my fear of self-expression to become a bold disciple and actor.

My Buddhist practice has enabled me to transform my perceived weaknesses into my greatest strengths. I’m Matt Thompson from Denver.

By practicing Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI, I have gained a deeper sense of my mission as a “lawyer for life.”