Her Victory Began by Winning Over Herself
Ellen Soto
USA
In 1991, after living in New York City for six years, I left a good job with an ad agency to live in Italy. After vacationing there six months earlier, I felt compelled to chase a dream of living in Europe and learning another language. Instinctively, however, I felt a deeper significance. It was in Italy where I was first introduced to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
In fact, I met four different SGI women independently who encouraged me to practice. One who rented me a room in her apartment said: “Practice this Buddhism correctly, the way it is meant to be practiced. Then you can experience true benefits.” And so my journey began.
In February 1992, after a year in Italy and eight months of practice, I moved to South Florida to live with my parents. At 33, I was unemployed and broke. It was becoming clear to me that if I wanted to establish something solid in my life, it would require commitment. I dove into my practice with earnest resolve.
In 1993, SGI President Ikeda visited South Florida. I rented a car and volunteered to do whatever was needed during his visit. I wanted to experience President Ikeda and understand his life for myself. My mother asked why I was spending money instead of earning money to work. She was right, but I felt a deeper meaning behind my actions. When I complained to one of the leaders that my mother didn’t understand my actions, he replied: “It’s not her responsibility to understand. It’s your responsibility to show her through your example.”He caused me to reflect more deeply about what it really means to take responsibility.
Participating in President Ikeda’s visit was a turning point in my life. I was beginning to realize that I was a frustrated young woman who felt unempowered to accomplish my goals. At the same time, I held strong opinions about how I thought the world should be and how others should behave. I approached life with the attitude that I was “owed.”
I moved to Miami Beach and began establishing my career. I worked freelance in film and television production where most jobs required 14-to-16 hour days. In spite of an erratic schedule, I assumed leadership responsibility in the SGI-USA youth division. This forced me to push myself, and I often confronted my own arrogance.
Around that time, Miami Beach was a struggling SGI-USA district. I was unhappy practicing there, so I chanted for a change. I wanted to practice in a place where I genuinely looked forward to seeing fellow members and participating in meetings. I quickly realized that the change I needed wasn’t a new district, it was a new attitude. I chanted to transform my arrogance and reflected on my tendency to judge others. President Ikeda tells us, “Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. Pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy—Buddhism lives and breathes in such humanistic actions.” My understanding was limited, but I was willing to learn. I was hungry to give substance to my life.
Because of the split between the SGI and the priesthood, I practiced for two years before receiving the Gohonzon. Since my life was already growing, I learned the important principle to never seek the Gohonzon outside myself.
In 1998, the SGI-USA Florida Region sponsored an Earth Charter activity at the Florida Nature and Culture Center. I volunteered to be on the steering committee and was responsible for community outreach. I was able to help full-time at the Miami Community Center, contacting participants, inviting guests and helping to develop the program. I worked with Cliff Sawyer, the region leader at that time, and constantly asked him for guidance and feedback. Finally, he told me: “You have good instincts. Use your judgment and do what you need to do. I will support you, no matter what. Even if you make a mistake, I will support you.”
These were empowering and refreshing words. It was part of the soil from which I’ve grown. It also taught me the importance of developing trusting relationships with others. During this time I was reading the July 1998 issue of Living Buddhism, where SGI President Ikeda described the life-condition of Anger as dominated by arrogance. I felt he was talking directly to me. He said that to overcome this tendency, we must channel our energy from winning over others to winning over ourselves.
This article inspired me to write to President Ikeda and thank him. I was more determined than ever to use this activity for my growth and to give something back to my mentor. Ten days before the Earth Charter event I wrote, “It is my profound desire to introduce at least one representative, one friend of the SGI-USA, to you as a direct result from this event during your next visit to South Florida.” Although it had been a goal for the entire committee, I’d made it my personal vow.
After that, I contacted a variety of individuals and organizations with the intention of expanding the SGI-USA’s circle of friends. I have since tried to encourage others to do the same.
It wasn’t as easy as I expected.
Then, in May 2000, the arts division held a conference at the FNCC and organized a Victory Over Violence performance. I was again involved in the community outreach for this activity. I’d already been on the lookout for individuals or organizations that shared a common purpose toward youth. I came across an organization via the Internet called The Non-Violence Project—an international organization with U.S. headquarters in Miami. Its mission is to raise awareness and to teach principles of non-violence to youth. Incorporated into their message are the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I mailed an invitation to Diane Landsberg, the executive director, and then went spinning into the vortex of this activity.
Several months after the VOV concert, I finally connected with Diane. To my surprise, she told me that she’d attended the event at the FNCC although I hadn’t known that she was there. A natural friendship evolved, and we discovered many common interests. She shared her love for youth and told me of many workshops that she’d created to empower them. I shared my conviction in the SGI’s movement for individual happiness and introduced her to the tremendous leadership of Daisaku Ikeda. She told me that Dr. Michael Nobel, of the famed Nobel family (Dr. Nobel’s great-granduncle, Alfred Nobel, established the Nobel Prize, which was first awarded in 1901) is on the executive board of the Non-Violence Project. This was incredible! I insisted that we introduce Dr. Nobel to President Ikeda and asked if I could meet him during his next visit to the United States.
On May 3, 2001, The Non-Violence Project hosted a presentation at an urban middle school in Miami. Dr. Nobel was visiting, and I finally had the occasion to present him with several books featuring the SGI and President Ikeda. I also explained the significance of our meeting on May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, and the added importance of the opening of Soka University of America (in Aliso Viejo, Calif.) on that same day. I described how important education is to the foundation and history of our organization and expressed my hope that Dr. Nobel would meet and engage in a dialogue with President Ikeda. He expressed genuine interest.
Later in 2001, The Non-Violence Project participated in several SGI-USA youth division activities, including the Miami Suncoast Area Youth Culture Festival, which took place three days before Sept. 11.
Through my introduction, Cliff Sawyer, now our Southern Zone leader and an SGI-USA vice general director, was also developing a friendship with The Non-Violence Project. As wonderful as this was, in all honesty, there were times when I felt left out. When those feelings emerged, I chanted with President Ikeda’s words (from his poem, “The Sun of Jiyu Over a New Land”) in my heart: “First you must break the hard shell / of the lesser self. / This you must absolutely do.”
I strove to be confident in my actions without the need for recognition. I wasn’t doing this for me, it was to advance kosen-rufu and continue to introduce the global community to Daisaku Ikeda. Once I no longer focused on getting attention for myself, I could feel genuine joy in the advancement of this relationship.
Then, earlier this year, I learned that Dr. Nobel would receive the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Peace Builders Prize in a ceremony scheduled for April 7 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. I was thrilled when General Director Danny Nagashima invited me to join them in Atlanta. Instead of an attitude that I deserve to be there, I felt immense appreciation for the opportunity.
Along with the ceremony in Atlanta, I also had the privilege to attend a dialogue between Mr. Hiromasa Ikeda (on behalf of his father, Daisaku Ikeda) and Dr. Nobel during which he was informed that he would be awarded an honorary doctorate from Soka University. The two men discussed the importance of recognizing people’s efforts. Dr. Nobel talked about the difficulty of working for peace, and how frustrating this work can be because the results are not always immediately apparent. His words resonated with sensitivity and compassion. I was deeply moved by their exchange. How wonderful it was to share this memorable time with Diane Landsberg, knowing that it was our friendship that facilitated this meeting. At the end of the weekend, Dr. Nobel flew to Los Angeles to visit SUA and speak to the students.
I feel a deep sense of pride in our organization. My gratitude for the many wonderful members who worked so hard in Atlanta to support the events at Morehouse College. I was touched by the warmth and consideration of many people. I was walking around in a state of shock, mixed with joy and immense appreciation.
As a common citizen, without any position of power or influence—without a doctorate, a corporate title or any political status—I have been able to help make a difference through the power of my prayer. In 1998, when I first sent my determination to President Ikeda, I never imagined I could be part of building such a connection for SGI-USA. It is quite simply, but remarkably, the power of the Mystic Law, activated by faith and conviction, that has manifested these results.
Today, I work for a Miami Public Television station as an administrative assistant to the senior vice president of programming and production. Although I’m engaged in many aspects of production, programming and promotion for the station, I do not carry a prestigious title. I am a trusted and valued employee and hold great respect for my boss.
In this Century of Women, I will continue to develop myself. I hope that by sharing this experience with other women they will feel empowered to live with self-confidence, without being defined by society’s limitations. It is through this practice that I have awakened a dormant life force and confidence that anything can be accomplished.With President Ikeda’s example as my guide, I want to express greater wisdom to reveal my potential. I still have many things I want to change—need to change—and I must fight constantly to transform my arrogant tendencies. But I am determined to never give up.
In retrospect, working for the sake of others has been the training ground to overcome my arrogance as well as provide the fortune and confidence to overcome many personal issues. There have been many times that I’ve held judgment and criticism of others, with tears shed before the Gohonzon. But I keep coming back to this: my willingness to work things through and to make a difference for the sake of others.
Remember Miami Beach District? Today, Miami Beach is a chapter with three districts, one ready to divide, and over a hundred capable and enthusiastic members. Miami Suncoast, a new area, was formed in May 2001, due to the growth of Miami Beach Chapter. On June 14 of this year I was appointed the South Florida women’s region leader. I am grateful for every phone call from someone seeking encouragement, every home visit I am permitted to make and every negative, difficult situation that has promoted my further growth. I feel tremendous appreciation for my co-leaders and all those who have been there along the way.
My best friend and partner for kosen-rufu, is my husband, Ingmar, whom I met during SGI-USA youth activities. He has exhibited great dedication to the SGI movement. We have a beautiful boy named Asher, who turned 7 on July 3. My relationship with my parents has become strong and united and they hold great respect for the SGI and President Ikeda. My sister Fern and I share an understanding as never before—she received her Gohonzon in December 1998.
I’d like to close by sharing a section of President Ikeda’s 2001 New Year’s poem:
“From one individual to another,
Starting in our immediate environment,
From small, modest efforts,
Let us steadily carry on our movement.
A commitment to treasure each person –
In that daily, unceasing practice
Lies the dynamism
To transform the entire planet.
And there, too, shines a life
Of unparalleled value-creation.”
[World Tribune August 2001]
Ellen Soto
USA
In 1991, after living in New York City for six years, I left a good job with an ad agency to live in Italy. After vacationing there six months earlier, I felt compelled to chase a dream of living in Europe and learning another language. Instinctively, however, I felt a deeper significance. It was in Italy where I was first introduced to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
In fact, I met four different SGI women independently who encouraged me to practice. One who rented me a room in her apartment said: “Practice this Buddhism correctly, the way it is meant to be practiced. Then you can experience true benefits.” And so my journey began.
In February 1992, after a year in Italy and eight months of practice, I moved to South Florida to live with my parents. At 33, I was unemployed and broke. It was becoming clear to me that if I wanted to establish something solid in my life, it would require commitment. I dove into my practice with earnest resolve.
In 1993, SGI President Ikeda visited South Florida. I rented a car and volunteered to do whatever was needed during his visit. I wanted to experience President Ikeda and understand his life for myself. My mother asked why I was spending money instead of earning money to work. She was right, but I felt a deeper meaning behind my actions. When I complained to one of the leaders that my mother didn’t understand my actions, he replied: “It’s not her responsibility to understand. It’s your responsibility to show her through your example.”He caused me to reflect more deeply about what it really means to take responsibility.
Participating in President Ikeda’s visit was a turning point in my life. I was beginning to realize that I was a frustrated young woman who felt unempowered to accomplish my goals. At the same time, I held strong opinions about how I thought the world should be and how others should behave. I approached life with the attitude that I was “owed.”
I moved to Miami Beach and began establishing my career. I worked freelance in film and television production where most jobs required 14-to-16 hour days. In spite of an erratic schedule, I assumed leadership responsibility in the SGI-USA youth division. This forced me to push myself, and I often confronted my own arrogance.
Around that time, Miami Beach was a struggling SGI-USA district. I was unhappy practicing there, so I chanted for a change. I wanted to practice in a place where I genuinely looked forward to seeing fellow members and participating in meetings. I quickly realized that the change I needed wasn’t a new district, it was a new attitude. I chanted to transform my arrogance and reflected on my tendency to judge others. President Ikeda tells us, “Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. Pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy—Buddhism lives and breathes in such humanistic actions.” My understanding was limited, but I was willing to learn. I was hungry to give substance to my life.
Because of the split between the SGI and the priesthood, I practiced for two years before receiving the Gohonzon. Since my life was already growing, I learned the important principle to never seek the Gohonzon outside myself.
In 1998, the SGI-USA Florida Region sponsored an Earth Charter activity at the Florida Nature and Culture Center. I volunteered to be on the steering committee and was responsible for community outreach. I was able to help full-time at the Miami Community Center, contacting participants, inviting guests and helping to develop the program. I worked with Cliff Sawyer, the region leader at that time, and constantly asked him for guidance and feedback. Finally, he told me: “You have good instincts. Use your judgment and do what you need to do. I will support you, no matter what. Even if you make a mistake, I will support you.”
These were empowering and refreshing words. It was part of the soil from which I’ve grown. It also taught me the importance of developing trusting relationships with others. During this time I was reading the July 1998 issue of Living Buddhism, where SGI President Ikeda described the life-condition of Anger as dominated by arrogance. I felt he was talking directly to me. He said that to overcome this tendency, we must channel our energy from winning over others to winning over ourselves.
This article inspired me to write to President Ikeda and thank him. I was more determined than ever to use this activity for my growth and to give something back to my mentor. Ten days before the Earth Charter event I wrote, “It is my profound desire to introduce at least one representative, one friend of the SGI-USA, to you as a direct result from this event during your next visit to South Florida.” Although it had been a goal for the entire committee, I’d made it my personal vow.
After that, I contacted a variety of individuals and organizations with the intention of expanding the SGI-USA’s circle of friends. I have since tried to encourage others to do the same.
It wasn’t as easy as I expected.
Then, in May 2000, the arts division held a conference at the FNCC and organized a Victory Over Violence performance. I was again involved in the community outreach for this activity. I’d already been on the lookout for individuals or organizations that shared a common purpose toward youth. I came across an organization via the Internet called The Non-Violence Project—an international organization with U.S. headquarters in Miami. Its mission is to raise awareness and to teach principles of non-violence to youth. Incorporated into their message are the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I mailed an invitation to Diane Landsberg, the executive director, and then went spinning into the vortex of this activity.
Several months after the VOV concert, I finally connected with Diane. To my surprise, she told me that she’d attended the event at the FNCC although I hadn’t known that she was there. A natural friendship evolved, and we discovered many common interests. She shared her love for youth and told me of many workshops that she’d created to empower them. I shared my conviction in the SGI’s movement for individual happiness and introduced her to the tremendous leadership of Daisaku Ikeda. She told me that Dr. Michael Nobel, of the famed Nobel family (Dr. Nobel’s great-granduncle, Alfred Nobel, established the Nobel Prize, which was first awarded in 1901) is on the executive board of the Non-Violence Project. This was incredible! I insisted that we introduce Dr. Nobel to President Ikeda and asked if I could meet him during his next visit to the United States.
On May 3, 2001, The Non-Violence Project hosted a presentation at an urban middle school in Miami. Dr. Nobel was visiting, and I finally had the occasion to present him with several books featuring the SGI and President Ikeda. I also explained the significance of our meeting on May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, and the added importance of the opening of Soka University of America (in Aliso Viejo, Calif.) on that same day. I described how important education is to the foundation and history of our organization and expressed my hope that Dr. Nobel would meet and engage in a dialogue with President Ikeda. He expressed genuine interest.
Later in 2001, The Non-Violence Project participated in several SGI-USA youth division activities, including the Miami Suncoast Area Youth Culture Festival, which took place three days before Sept. 11.
Through my introduction, Cliff Sawyer, now our Southern Zone leader and an SGI-USA vice general director, was also developing a friendship with The Non-Violence Project. As wonderful as this was, in all honesty, there were times when I felt left out. When those feelings emerged, I chanted with President Ikeda’s words (from his poem, “The Sun of Jiyu Over a New Land”) in my heart: “First you must break the hard shell / of the lesser self. / This you must absolutely do.”
I strove to be confident in my actions without the need for recognition. I wasn’t doing this for me, it was to advance kosen-rufu and continue to introduce the global community to Daisaku Ikeda. Once I no longer focused on getting attention for myself, I could feel genuine joy in the advancement of this relationship.
Then, earlier this year, I learned that Dr. Nobel would receive the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Peace Builders Prize in a ceremony scheduled for April 7 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. I was thrilled when General Director Danny Nagashima invited me to join them in Atlanta. Instead of an attitude that I deserve to be there, I felt immense appreciation for the opportunity.
Along with the ceremony in Atlanta, I also had the privilege to attend a dialogue between Mr. Hiromasa Ikeda (on behalf of his father, Daisaku Ikeda) and Dr. Nobel during which he was informed that he would be awarded an honorary doctorate from Soka University. The two men discussed the importance of recognizing people’s efforts. Dr. Nobel talked about the difficulty of working for peace, and how frustrating this work can be because the results are not always immediately apparent. His words resonated with sensitivity and compassion. I was deeply moved by their exchange. How wonderful it was to share this memorable time with Diane Landsberg, knowing that it was our friendship that facilitated this meeting. At the end of the weekend, Dr. Nobel flew to Los Angeles to visit SUA and speak to the students.
I feel a deep sense of pride in our organization. My gratitude for the many wonderful members who worked so hard in Atlanta to support the events at Morehouse College. I was touched by the warmth and consideration of many people. I was walking around in a state of shock, mixed with joy and immense appreciation.
As a common citizen, without any position of power or influence—without a doctorate, a corporate title or any political status—I have been able to help make a difference through the power of my prayer. In 1998, when I first sent my determination to President Ikeda, I never imagined I could be part of building such a connection for SGI-USA. It is quite simply, but remarkably, the power of the Mystic Law, activated by faith and conviction, that has manifested these results.
Today, I work for a Miami Public Television station as an administrative assistant to the senior vice president of programming and production. Although I’m engaged in many aspects of production, programming and promotion for the station, I do not carry a prestigious title. I am a trusted and valued employee and hold great respect for my boss.
In this Century of Women, I will continue to develop myself. I hope that by sharing this experience with other women they will feel empowered to live with self-confidence, without being defined by society’s limitations. It is through this practice that I have awakened a dormant life force and confidence that anything can be accomplished.With President Ikeda’s example as my guide, I want to express greater wisdom to reveal my potential. I still have many things I want to change—need to change—and I must fight constantly to transform my arrogant tendencies. But I am determined to never give up.
In retrospect, working for the sake of others has been the training ground to overcome my arrogance as well as provide the fortune and confidence to overcome many personal issues. There have been many times that I’ve held judgment and criticism of others, with tears shed before the Gohonzon. But I keep coming back to this: my willingness to work things through and to make a difference for the sake of others.
Remember Miami Beach District? Today, Miami Beach is a chapter with three districts, one ready to divide, and over a hundred capable and enthusiastic members. Miami Suncoast, a new area, was formed in May 2001, due to the growth of Miami Beach Chapter. On June 14 of this year I was appointed the South Florida women’s region leader. I am grateful for every phone call from someone seeking encouragement, every home visit I am permitted to make and every negative, difficult situation that has promoted my further growth. I feel tremendous appreciation for my co-leaders and all those who have been there along the way.
My best friend and partner for kosen-rufu, is my husband, Ingmar, whom I met during SGI-USA youth activities. He has exhibited great dedication to the SGI movement. We have a beautiful boy named Asher, who turned 7 on July 3. My relationship with my parents has become strong and united and they hold great respect for the SGI and President Ikeda. My sister Fern and I share an understanding as never before—she received her Gohonzon in December 1998.
I’d like to close by sharing a section of President Ikeda’s 2001 New Year’s poem:
“From one individual to another,
Starting in our immediate environment,
From small, modest efforts,
Let us steadily carry on our movement.
A commitment to treasure each person –
In that daily, unceasing practice
Lies the dynamism
To transform the entire planet.
And there, too, shines a life
Of unparalleled value-creation.”
[World Tribune August 2001]