Life Lessons
Faith
April Reflections, 2026
This month’s Zadankai study is the The five eternal guidelines of the Soka Gakkai. The Faith for Harmonious Family, Happiness, Overcoming Obstacles, Health, and Absolute Victory.
Nichiren Daishonin says, “A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith.”
From March this year, my life suddenly took a very challenging turn. I had to leave my home and work and suddenly return to my hometown as a caregiver for my parents. My father had fractured his spine after an accident just outside our house, and needed immediate medical attention. My mother also had to undergo cataract surgery as her cataract had advanced. Being alone and without immediate family support (since my brother lives outside India) the responsibility felt overwhelming.
There were moments when the pressure felt too heavy to carry. Managing hospital visits, household responsibilities, and caregiving all at once tested me deeply. At times, I broke down and wept, feeling the weight of it all. Yet, even in those moments, I held on to my faith. And this study came to me in mystic ways.
As Nichiren Daishonin said,
“Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”
I chanted whenever I could. Even in short, scattered moments throughout the day. Those brief instances of chanting became my anchor, helping me remain calm and centered amid the chaos. My district members stood firmly with me, praying for my parents’ recovery and encouraging me constantly. Their support gave me immense strength and reminded me that I was not alone in this struggle.
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During this period, I also had a reunion with my school friends after several years. As we shared our experiences, I realized that many of us are going through a similar phase in life; where our parents are aging and facing health challenges. Talking openly about it helped normalize my feelings and brought a sense of relief. I felt supported and deeply grateful for the kindness and help that was offered to me.
Through this experience, I truly felt the power of faith in action. This is when the words we read in the VC come to life and we begin to experience the practice. The teachings in Value Creation became my guiding light, helping me reframe my challenges. I began to see that having faith in a harmonious family, faith in each person’s happiness, faith in overcoming obstacles, and faith in health and long life are not just ideals, they are practical forces that transform our reality.
This journey strengthened my belief that obstacles are not permanent. They are temporary paths that lead us toward growth and victory. My parents are on their way to steady recovery and I feel very blessed. I can understand the power of small steps and a stable mindset. By continuing to believe with faith in my family, in good health, and in my own inner strength, I was able to move forward each day without falling apart.
Today, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. This experience has shown me that with faith, no challenge is insurmountable. It has reinforced my conviction that faith leads to absolute victory, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem.
To quote Daishonin,
“Victory is not determined by how you begin, but by how you end.”
As I close this month with so many new learnings, opportunities and experiences, I am determined to rise above the challenges and have faith in the workings of the Universe with the mystic law. I will keep joining the little pieces everyday with faith and continue to manifest a victorious future.
Thank you for being a part of my journey.
You can read more of my BSG life experiences here:
