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Happiness for Myself and Others
By Janaína Cristina Bandettini, Brazil
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My parents divorced when I was 14 years old and, when my
mother remarried, I went to live with my grandparents. It
was during this time, in 1985, that my grandmother's
neighbor introduced my mother and me to Nichiren Buddhism,
assuring us that we could transform our situation and
conquer our hopelessness and unhappiness.
Chanting infused me with enthusiasm and energy. I had always
had lots of dreams and learned that it was up to me to make
them happen.
From an early age I had to learn what it means to be
responsible for others. I started my first job when I was
14. Just before I turned 16, I was hired by one of the
largest insurance companies in Brazil with an excellent
salary and benefits. Now, as the only provider for my
family, I was able to offer my grandparents the comfort that
they deserved. I also took on various responsibilities
within SGI-Brazil (BSGI), particularly taking care of
younger members.
In 2000, I ended a turbulent romantic relationship that I
had been suffering in for over 10 years. I determined that I
would become truly happy.
The following year, I participated in an SGI youth training
course in Japan. This was one of the most remarkable
experiences of my life. I was deeply moved by the care and
warmth I experienced from everyone there, particularly from
SGI President Ikeda. From his words and his actions, I felt
his deep concern for each of us to lead happy lives, his
desire for us to develop the strength and wisdom to be able
to confront whatever difficulties we might encounter in our
lives.
Nevertheless, back in Brazil, the accumulating stress of my
various responsibilities and the ending of my long-term
relationship was beginning to cause me emotional
instability, which spiraled into serious depression. My
responsible attitude had always made me appear strong,
always with a smile on my face, but now I felt and looked
fatigued and hopeless. I lost weight and my health worsened.
I felt I had lost my grip on life.
On top of this I felt ashamed to be in such despair; I
thought that as a leader within BSGI I should not be
experiencing this. Not long thereafter, I endured three
major crises and needed to be taken to a psychiatric
first-aid clinic. I could no longer do my work as an
independent insurance broker and began accumulating debt.
I was still trying to maintain my responsibilities in BSGI's
young women's division. Around that time we determined that
we would each exert ourselves in talking to others about
Buddhist philosophy. I, however, felt at the end of my
tether and was even questioning my faith.
Through the encouragement of a fellow member, I decided not
to give up and to pursue this goal. The purpose, she
reminded me, was to help other people who were suffering.
As I began to talk with others about my Buddhist practice
and the innate potential we each possess to transform our
lives, a change started to occur. By encouraging others and
giving them hope, I began to feel hopeful and energetic
myself. The more effort I made for other people's happiness,
the happier I felt.
In a very natural way, my depression became a thing of the
past. I was able to return to work and began to relate to
people as I had in the past. I completed a postgraduate
business degree and, in 2006, opened my own company.
I feel now that the suffering that I endured has given me a
deeper understanding of life. Because of these difficulties,
I can more effectively help young people to overcome their
own problems. I want to help raise young people who radiate
the splendor of life, able to transform adversities into
happiness. Because of my sufferings, I can appreciate that
much more the sweet taste of victory in my life.
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