LEADING A SUCCESSFUL AND CONTRIBUTIVE LIFE
BY RICHARD C. BROWN, ATLANTA
Living Buddhism, 07/01/2004, p. 18.
In 1976, as a senior in college majoring in criminal justice, I began working for the Atlanta Police Department. It was there that I was first introduced to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism by a coworker. It was suggested that I go to law school after graduation. I did not feel I was smart enough, but I received faith encouragement to challenge myself. I applied to a local, non–ABA approved law school. To my surprise, I was accepted and did quite well.
After graduating from law school, I failed the Georgia bar exam three times in a row. I regretted not challenging myself to make better grades in order to have gone to a better law school. I decided to give up on my dream of becoming a successful criminal trial attorney. Seven years later, a senior in faith told me that, “to give up on your dreams is to give up on your faith.” I renewed my determination to apply myself in both prayer and study toward passing the bar exam, which I did in 1987.
Even though I was now a licensed attorney, I still had doubts about my legal ability and skills. Instead of confronting my insecurities, I ran and hid from them. After all, I was a college and law school graduate, a member of the Georgia Bar and already gainfully employed in my chosen field. In addition, I was too busy in the 1980s being a leader and doing world peace activities in the SGI organization, where I was already respected as a courageous and capable person.
In 1996, I came to realize that it takes more than positions, titles, and appearances to qualify as a person of genuine faith. As the city of Atlanta was preparing to host the Olympics, I was offered a position as legal director for the Task Force of the Homeless. I knew that the city had passed unconstitutional laws targeting the homeless community.
I felt no particular need to do anything about this situation until I read the following passage from SGI President Ikeda’s The New Human Revolution: “It is easy to speak of loving one’s fellow human beings. But it is difficult to lend assistance to a stranger who is in trouble. All too often people shun involvement by pretending not to see what’s going on. It may seem like a small thing, but coming to the aid of a total stranger in difficulty is an act that requires human compassion and courage. The realization of ideals such as world peace and love for all humanity starts from the way in which each individual deals with situations and problems in his or her immediate environment” (Vol. I, p. 182).
I took early retirement from the city in December 1996 and started my new job as the task force legal director. My specific responsibility was to develop and maintain relationships with seven homeless men who were plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against the city of Atlanta. I was also required to make myself available to receive and respond to complaints of illegal arrests and harassment.
I mistakenly assumed that, because of my education, titles, and position, I would be welcomed by all. Early on, however, it was made very clear to me that no one cared how much I knew; instead, they were more concerned with how much I cared about their individual lives. This harsh reality caused me to question my decision to leave my safe and secure city employment. But I had come too far; I could not again give in to my doubts and fears. I made a strong determination based on faith to win, no matter what.
For the next year and a half, I sincerely chanted every day so that I could establish heart-to-heart dialogue with every person I met, regardless of appearances and circumstances. Over time, I earned the trust and respect of individuals, organizations, churches, and government officials. Our united efforts resulted in the development of new programs, employment opportunities, the repeal of unconstitutional city ordinances, and the out-of-court settlement of a federal lawsuit.
From this experience, I came to realize just how easy it is for people to lose confidence in themselves based on others’ perceptions. Many people are homeless resulting from alcohol or drug usage in an attempt to escape the memory of past difficulties or failures. Similarly, I had, for many years, avoided directly confronting my own very personal issues. I had neglected both my family and my career in order to maintain my “image” as an SGI leader.
In 1998, after fulfilling my mission at the Task Force for the Homeless, I renewed my determination to become a criminal trial attorney. I took a job close to my home, as an associate with a law firm owned by a person with many years of criminal trial experience. At the same time, I made a strong commitment to spend more time with my family. This proved to be quite a challenge since, right after that, I was appointed SGI-USA Southeastern Region leader.
I prayed for the courage and wisdom to show actual proof in both my faith and daily life. I again used heart-to-heart dialogues as the key to breaking through the fears and doubts I had suffered in the past. I opened up my life and shared the reality of my personal circumstances with my seniors in faith.
I was totally overwhelmed with the understanding and encouragement I received from all levels of the organization. This support allowed me to, without feeling guilty, break my reliance on the titles, control, and attention by which I had come to define myself and my happiness. I could also remain true to my commitment to be a real husband and father.
In January 2003, the county where I live was in need of a new assistant district attorney. Many who applied for the position had graduated from nationally recognized law schools and had many years of criminal trial experience. In spite of this, the head district attorney for the county offered the job to me. Having observed me in and out of the courtroom for the past several years, the people in the district attorney’s office felt that my integrity, character, and work ethic were second to none.
This affirmation reminded me of SGI President Ikeda’s guidance: “The real benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous. Just as trees grow taller and stronger year after year, adding growth rings that are imperceptible to the human eye,we too will grow toward a victorious existence. For this reason it is important that we lead tenacious and balanced lives based on faith” (For Today and Tomorrow, p. 11).
With the love and support of my wife and the local SGI-USA organization, I became assistant district attorney on March 17, 2003. On June 23, 2004, I celebrated twenty-five years of practicing Nichiren Buddhism. Just like twenty-five years ago,my heart burns today with passion and a lion-like spirit to fight for the happiness of the people and for the sake of the Law.
