SGI Buddhism - One Woman's Personal Revolution

Janet Schwartz , of Hollywood Pennsylvania has been practicing Nichiren Buddhism with SGI for nearly 26 years, having attended her first meeting on 7/25/81. She has a formidable but gentle presence. Janet has sparkling eyes, and a strong sense of humor.She also has a no nonsense bearing and a touch of cynicism, that lets you know she is a straight shooter, someone who will tell it like it is. All in all, one feels a sense of peace and levity in her presence. Having known her for quite some time, and been taken by her sense of calm and balance, I expressed interest in her personal philosophies. We had many engrossing conversations, which hinged on the spiritual and metaphysical. Intrigued, I decided to question her about her Buddhist practice.

Janet was brought up in a traditional large catholic family that was rife with domestic conflict. Even as a child she found herself questioning her belief in God. She tells me she would "try to think about infinity as opposed to Heaven" Intense pondering for a child!
By the time she had reached High School, Janet began to not believe in God, feeling many of her prayers were left unanswered. After a her first serious relationship of 8 years, came to a bitter end, she found herself depressed and alienated. Her friends and family were very concerned due to her increasing negativity. She was nearing complete despondence.

It was at this point she encountered Buddhism via a friend, attended her first meeting, and began to chant. After doing so, and taking on the practice regularly, she found her depression lifted. She chanted for money, and received it. Janet had long had a turbulent relationship with her father. She credits the practice with turning that around. This process engenders what Nichiren Buddhists refer to as "The Human Revolution" This unfolding of balance and grace allowed her, with the help of her father to open a very successful pretzel bakery that she ran for 15 years.

Janet cites Nichiren as a mentor, and as an organization SGI (Soka Gakkai Int.) regards their three founding presidents as their current day mentors. SGI is an organization that lends support and helps encourage the lay believers of Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren was a revolutionary 13th century monk, revered as Nichiren Daishonin "the great sage" The fundamental practice of this Buddhism is centered on the chanting of NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO. This embodies the fundamental law of the universe, as well as the highest teaching in Buddhism. Based on the Lotus Sutra, which states that all people men and women are equal. It affirms the Buddha nature in all of us. (Buddha nature is essentially the highest life condition) This philosophy runs contrary to traditional Buddhist philosophies, in that the older schools taught that true happiness resides outside of us, that we must give up our earthly desires in order to be happy.

Nichiren Buddhism teaches that "Earthly desires equal enlightenment" This affirming principle got Janet interested, and empowered. She credits this practice with life affirming change and catharsis. This is much evidenced by her inspiring presence, and can do attitude.