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Starting this year, Living Buddhism is highlighting representative SGI-USA members applying Buddhist ideals to their workplaces in different regions of the country. This issue highlights members from Texas.
Photo by Michelle Blair
David McClure
Pickton, Texas
Profession: Goat Rancher and Farmer
Each morning, I walk around the farm to make sure none of the goat’s horns are caught in the fences. Then, I free them to graze. I’m vigilant to make sure no coyotes mess with my goats.
I chant every morning at the same time as my district members. After that, I feel as if my spiritual armor is on, and I’m ready for anything. Some people see their livestock as commodities, but I treat each one as if they were a Buddha. I’m known to have the best-looking goats!
My wife, Audrey, and I are committed to doing kosen-rufu in East Texas. Every time we run errands or go to a restaurant, we tell people about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Photo by Glenn Moreland
Roger Steels
Houston
Profession: Specialized Transportation Senior Driver and CEO
My Buddhist practice gives me the clarity and relentless spirit to achieve my goals. I’m now the CEO of my own company that transports materials for industries that require government clearance among other classifications.
On a given drive across the country, I’m carrying airplane engines, robotics technology, electric vehicle batteries and so forth. When I joined the SGI 12 years ago, I never imagined how successful my company would be today!
Ikeda Sensei’s guidance to take care of our health and get rest has been an anchor for me. I’ve seen that accidents can often be traced back to a lack of rest. On each trip, I make sure to apply Buddhist wisdom to do my job safely and with pride.
Photo by Michelle Blair
Yukari Kojima
Grand Prairie, Texas
Profession: High School Cafeteria Manager
I began working in a school cafeteria in 2008, when my younger daughter was entering kindergarten. She was scared to go to school, so I chanted to be at school with her. I applied to be a cafeteria worker, and not only did I get the job, I was assigned to my daughter’s school!
Work begins at 6 a.m., but I’m there by 5 a.m. each day, so I can make sure the kitchen is clean, the ovens are heating up and by the time the other staff arrive, we are ready to cook. I wake up at 3:30 a.m. each morning and do gongyo to prepare for the day. In October 2021, I received an award for my service from the Grand Prairie Independent School District!
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