success

You are worthy of the highest respect. You are noble leaders who are praised and protected by Nichiren Daishonin and the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions. Right now you may be unknown. You may have no money. You may be laughed at and ridiculed by people ignorant of the Daishonin's Buddhism. But when viewed from the perspective of the eternity of life you are all supreme victors, people who will achieve unsurpassed success in life. There is no doubt that in future existences each of you will enjoy an expansive life-condition far surpassing that of presidents, business tycoons or eminent scholars. Nichiren Daishonin assures us of this in his writings. If it were not true the Daishonin would be a liar. And that just isn't possible. The Daishonin never lies. (7/11/99) One kind of actual proof of victory in daily life is financial security. I hope, therefore, as you accumulate bountiful treasures of the heart and much good fortune, that you will also become secure financially. As long as we are living and working in society, having a certain amount of financial security is an important element for happiness. (9/26/93) The second Soka Gakkai president, Josei Toda, used to say, even though your wallet may be empty, there is an abundance of money floating about in the world—it just hasn't come your way, that's all! But, he would continue, if you accumulate good fortune, using it to "drill a hole" into that vast reservoir of money and tap some for yourself, you will never have to be wanting. (9/26/93) A tree doesn't grow strong and tall within one or two days. In the same way, successful people didn't get to where they are in only one or two years. This applies to everything. (DOY 1, ch. 8) In too many cases, acquiring fame, status or wealth alters a person's character. It is as though the person turns into a pup-pet of fame or wealth. How can human beings live in accordance with their unchanging innermost self and not be affected by these influences? Herein lies the battle of human life; such is the path believers in the Mystic Law must follow. (1/6/91) Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that; it is not measured in quantity. It means changing the quality of your life. Wealth, power, fame and knowledge alone can-not make you happy, no matter how much of these you ac-quire. Nor can you take them with you when you die. But by improving the quality of your life you will at last approach true happiness. (3/5/97) The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs—in our daily lives, our work and our families, as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu. (2/17/90) Buddhist scriptures describe secular millionaires as being of a good family, possessing wealth, having dignity; being pure in their actions, exhibiting proper manners and enjoying great prestige. In accordance with the teaching that "all laws are the Buddhist Law," it is worthwhile for us to strive to acquire the virtues of these millionaires. I hope that, basing yourselves on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. (2/18/90) What is success in life? Who are the truly successful? There are famous and powerful people who become pitiful figures in their old age. There are people who die alone, feeling empty and desolate inside. Just what is success? The English thinker Walter Pater (1839—94) wrote: "To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life." The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life. (3/5/97) Such things as money, fame and material possessions offer fleeting satisfactions that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. (DOY 2, ch. 20) A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life. (2/18/90) You who have embraced this great Law are millionaires rich in life force who possess good fortune surpassing the wealth of even the world's richest people. Material possessions can-not be enjoyed after death. But "millionaires rich in life force" can freely make use of the treasures of the universe in lifetime after lifetime and enjoy a journey of eternal happiness. (2/18/90) Worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. There is much truth to the words of Benjamin Franklin that "success has ruined many a man." (2/18/90) There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame. But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect. (DOY 1,ch.2) Daisaku Ikeda

Even one daimoku can permeate the entire universe. How much greater then is daimoku's capacity to move anything when it is chanted with sincerity and determination! Daimoku chanted with the profound conviction that "my life is the entity of the Mystic Law" or with the resolve that : "I will dedicate my life to spreading the Mystic Law as an emissary of the Buddha" cannot fail to draw a response from the Gohonzon. Such daimoku cannot fail to permeate the universe. (7/21/92) Invisible radio waves travel vast distances through space, reaching Mars and Venus. In the same way, our inner determination, which is unobservable to common mortals, activates the forces in the universe—the heavenly deities and the Buddhas throughout the ten directions—and appears as solid actual proof in accordance with the principle of 3,000 realms in a single moment of life. (4/11/92) Faith means making 100 percent effort—in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals, making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll be protected automatically. Deep determination and unshakable character are vital. Those with these qualities are second to none in faith. (11/25/96) When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to he victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure. (3/24/97) Anyone who has ever made a resolution discovers that the strength of that determination fades in time. The moment you feel that is when you should make a fresh determination. Tell yourselves: "OK! I will start again from now!" If you fall down seven times, get up the eighth. Don't give up when you feel discouraged just pick yourselves up and renew your determination each time. (DOY 1, ch. 6) Life is a struggle with ourselves. It is a tug-of-war between progress and regression, between happiness and unhappiness. Those short on willpower or self-motivation should chant daimoku with conviction to become people of strong will who can tackle any problem with seriousness and determination. (DOY 1, ch. 6) DAISAKU IKEDA

SLANDER

"To speak ill of that person [who embraces the supreme Law] is to speak ill of the Law, just as to show contempt for the son is to show contempt for the parents who bore him" (MW-5, 32). The "person" here, in the specific sense, refers to Nichiren Daishonin. In a broad sense, however, it indicates his followers, we Soka Gakkai members who promote kosen-rufu. To speak ill of those who propagate the Law even at the cost of their lives is to speak ill of the Mystic Law. To show contempt for the children of the Buddha is to show contempt for the Buddha himself. (9/30/91) When people worship the Gohonzon, all Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the entire universe immediately respond to their prayers by lending their protection. If people slander the Gohonzon, the response will be exactly the opposite. For this reason, one's mind of faith is extremely important. The mind of faith has a subtle and far-reaching influence. (2/27/90) Shijo Kingo suffered on account of calumny. But the Daishonin told him, "Never let life's hardships disturb you." Those who resort to libelous accusations are defeated as human beings; no action is more lowly and base. We should not be swayed in the least by such despicable actions. Just as we do not put garbage into our mouths, we must not permit such rubbish to enter our hearts. The Daishonin encouraged Shijo Kingo to shut the cowardly behavior of his accusers out of his mind. The Roman philosopher Seneca says that the arrows of slander cannot pierce the heart of a person of wisdom. (LG, p. 242) Those who abuse the SGI, who exploit the members for their own selfish reasons and aims, are committing the gravest slander of the Law. (6/25/96) There are cases when we wonder why merit doesn't reveal it-self in spite of our earnest and high degree of faith. At such times, rather than suspecting that you may entertain doubt about the Gohonzon, it is better to ask yourself whether you are guilty of any slander. Because a person who is contemptuous, hating, jealous or holds grudges will realize no benefits. (2/20/90) Buddhism reveals the ultimate Law of the universe and the ultimate principle for achieving happiness. Taking faith in Buddhism plants the seed of true happiness in our lives. Therefore, we must not uproot and throw away, scorch or otherwise spoil this seed of happiness as a result of harboring hatred and jealousy toward fellow believers and eventually discarding our faith. (2/14/90) DAISAKU IKEDA

What Is Buddhahood ?

What it certainly isn't is some transcendental state of life that is seperate from daily reality. Buddhahood means enlighment : enlighment to the true nature and potential of life. As such, it is a state of life which each individual inherently possesses. The awakening of this state in our lives brings with it such characteristics as strengthened life-force, courage, determination, compassion and wisdom. There are no commandments whatsoever in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, since an awakening to our higher state of life, or Buddhahood, enables us to make our own moral and ethical judgments. These are based, above all, on respect for the dignity of all life and a growing awarness of the reality of a strict and inescapable, universal law of cause and effect. Buddhism does not believe in the concept of heaven or an afterlife but rather speaks of the eternity of life. Our physical body must at some point decline and need to be replaced, but the essence of our life will continue, to be reborn in a new body at some time in the future. Buddhism states that life is to be enjoyed and, whilst it recognises the basic suffering of life, directs its followers to challenge them. Through this, we grow as human beings and become strong, improving both the quality and circumstances of our own lives and that of society, with all the potential at our disposal. The Buddhist practice activates the power within us to do this.

MIND OF FAITH

There may be times when you feel reluctant to do gongyo or take part in activities for kosen-rufu. That state of mind is reflected in the entire universe, as if on the surface of a clear mirror. The heavenly deities will then also feel reluctant to play their pan, and they will naturally fail to exert their full powers of protection. (2/27/90) No matter how healthy, intelligent or affluent we may be, if our minds are weak, then our happiness will also be frail and brittle. Our minds of faith, moreover, enable us to bring out the full positive potential in all things and situations, so it is crucial that we strive to forge our minds of faith. (2/2/93) Mahatma Gandhi (1869—1948) once said that people become the people they expect themselves to be. Your mind, your ichinen, determines your future, your life. (3/9/93) Faith is the secret to happiness for all people. When you truly forge your mind of faith, you will become an eternal victor throughout the three existences of past, present and future. Strong faith enables you to display appropriate wisdom, so that you can take advantage of change and move forward in the direction of hope and victory. (1/31/93) It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our wish-es first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own minds. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we had hoped or planned. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed that you should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition. (8/27/97) As long as our mind of faith is connected to the Gohonzon, our benefits will never disappear. That's why it is vital to per-severe in our Buddhist practice throughout our lives, no matter what, even if on some days our physical condition or other circumstances prevent us from doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to our full satisfaction. Those who continue to challenge themselves to the end savor ultimate victory.(1/31/93) The mind of faith is invisible. Those who advance together with this organization dedicated to kosen-rufu will evolve the correct mind of faith that matches the time. With this mind of faith, you can fill the canvas of your lives with portraits of happiness in which all your wishes are fulfilled.(1/31/93) DAISAKU IKEDA

FAITH EQUALS DAILY LIFE

Faith manifests itself in daily life. Daily life, in turn, is the stage upon which we show proof of faith. True human victory and happiness are attained through the earnest and steady day-to-day efforts we make. The pattern of our lives, like that of the sun, may seem monotonous and routine, but there is nothing more profound than our daily endeavors. Achieving brilliant victory in our daily lives is what being victorious in faith is all about. (9/26/93) One who takes good care of his or her job, daily life and family is a person of deep and genuine faith. Activities are intended to be carried out in the spare time that you have from work and family. (2/25/90) Please steadily advance along the fundamental path of "faith manifests itself in daily life;' living in the way that best suits you. Just as the sun rises every day, if you persistently advance based on the Mystic Law, the absolute Law of the universe, you can definitely lead a life in which all desires are fulfilled, a life of which you cannot now even conceive. Please be convinced that you are now leading the most certain and valuable life. (2/26/90) We have been born, and life is made for living. It is important that we strive to live on tenaciously to the very end, no matter what happens. Faith in the Mystic Law supplies us with the immense life force we need to live strongly and confidently each day so that we can overcome the various sufferings and hardships we encounter. (6/19/96) Faith and daily life, faith and work—these are not separate things. They are one and the same. To think of them as separate—that faith is faith and work is work—is theoretical faith. Based on the recognition that work and faith are one and the same, we should put 100 percent of our energy into our jobs and 100 percent into our faith, too. When we resolve to do this, we enter the path of victory in life. Faith means to show irrefutable proof of victory amid the realities of society and in our own daily lives. (10/6/95) When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to keep in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere in the practice of "faith equals daily life" in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren Daishonin's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt. (6/9/96) DAISAKU IKEDA

ACTUAL PROOF

Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win. This is what the Daishonin teaches. A Buddhist must not be defeated. I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life, taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again. (3/8/96) In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others, some of you have been born into poverty so that you can show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives. Some of you have been born with ill health so that you can show proof by growing strong and healthy. Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine eternally with diamond-like brilliance. (6/22/96) Since we have taken the lead in embracing this great religion to which so much of humankind still remains oblivious, it is important that we demonstrate the value of this Buddhism by showing actual proof in our daily lives. Seeing such proof is what enables people to realize the greatness of this Buddhism, that it is something unique that they have not en-countered up until now. (2/26/90) When we speak of showing actual proof, it doesn't mean we have to try to put on a show of being any more knowledge-able or accomplished than we are. It is my hope that, in the manner that best suits your situation, you will prove the validity of this Buddhism by steadily improving in your daily life, your family, place of work and community and by polishing your character. (2/26/90) Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavor of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds _expression. (4/23/96) Science is based on tested proof or empirical evidence. You conduct a test or experiment and then observe the results. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, similarly, teaches that nothing beats actual proof. In this regard, it stands alone among world religions. I hope that each year you will strive to show clear proof of victory in Buddhism and your studies. Please always remember that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor. (4/2/98) Daisaku Ikeda

HOW TO CHANGE ONE’S KARMA ?

When something unexplainable happens in our life, which we cannot seem to figure out, we will usually say, "This is my karma." Therefore although karma can be positive or negative, many associate the word karma with something negative. Viewed from a negative, karma can leave a person with a sense of powerlessness whereby we accept our present sufferings as results of negative causes we have made in the past; with no hope of ever changing it. But this is a distortion of the original meaning of karma. Buddhism teaches that "if you want to know the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present." Therefore as indicated in the Gosho passage above, to accept the idea of karma does not mean to live under a clout of guilt and vague anxiety, not knowing what bad causes we may have made in the past. Rather, it means to be confident that our destiny is in our own hands and that we have the power to transform it for the better at any moment. We must realize that what we are experiencing in our lives at this moment is the result of causes we did in the past. It was not something handed down from above. Since karma is based on the principle of cause and effect, the causes we make now will decide the effects that will appear in the future, that gives our present lives and its accompanying sweet and bitter moments its true significance. Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning action. According to Buddhism, karma can be caused by our thoughts, words and action. Although words and action creating causes in our life is easy to understand (the scientific principle of "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,") the notion that our thoughts too can create karma in our life is beyond science. Yet, since our thought is what gives rise to our words and action, its impact on the causes we are making becomes crucial. For this reason, we are constantly reminded about the importance of having a correct positive thought or determination (ichinen) in our practice as this will impact the results we are looking for. As all these causes create a latent effect in our life that will be manifested, through an external cause, as a manifested effect in the future, we cannot in a sense, escape the effects of our karma. It will be manifested, if not in this lifetime then in future lifetimes. But as Nichiren Daishonin said in the Gosho Lessening One's Karmic Retribution, "If one's heavy karma from the past is not expiated within this lifetime, one must undergo the sufferings of hell in the future, but if one experiences extreme hardship in this life (because of the Lotus Sutra), the sufferings of hell will vanish instantly." We must realize that our present sufferings are an opportunity for us to expiate our past karma in this lifetime and change it for the better. Therefore the key to changing our present sufferings into good fortune, now and in the future, depends on whether we have the courage to squarely face our karma with the determination that, no matter what, I will fulfill my vow, my mission as a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. It is to link our karma to our mission. When we work for the sake of kosen-rufu, for other's happiness, we ourselves will be making the greatest causes that will secure our future now and into the eternal future. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

How To Change and strengthen The Inner Core of your Life ?

First of all, before you begin to chant - RELAX :CLEAR YOUR HEAD. CLEAR YOUR HEART! But especially your head - your mind. Relax emotionally, mentally, physically. It is important to be very natural. Second, when you chant, you really need to use your eyes. FOCUS ON THE GOHONZON. Then listen to your voice. Focus on the center part of the Gohonzon "myoho" - mystical. You have to use your eyes. This is extremely important. When you really use your eyes, your mind stops. Clear your mind by strongly focusing your eyes. Let your thoughts rest by using your eyes. When you're busy thinking all the time, your brain is sucking energy. This means your brain is getting stronger - (which isn't healthy), but your core isn't changing because the energy isn't being directed there. What you really have to do is look at the Gohonzon with power and let your mind relax. The Gohonzon in your life already knows your worries and desires. Keep everything in your heart - JUST CHANT WITH YOUR EYES LOCKED ON THE GOHONZON. Then when Nam Myoho Renge Kyo comes into tune with the core of your life, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo will melt away and dissolve karma. It will change into strength so you can become strong and clear minded enough to accomplish your desires. In this way, you should come to enjoy the act of chanting because you're feeling the core of your life. You're fusing with the highest potential in your life, represented by the Gohonzon. WHEN YOU'RE THINKING STRATEGIES, YOU'RE NOT CHANGING YOUR KARMA. Q : When I chant I often imagine what I want. I picture it in my mind. I see it happening in my mind. Is that okay ? A : Positive imaginations are a good thing, but not strategies. If you get to imagining how to make it happen, instead of the images of it, then you are strategizing. Prayer should come from your heart!The Gohonzon knows your worries and desires. Keep them in your heart, focus on the Gohonzon and SIMPLY CHANT. If you can do simple good daimoku and gongyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo goes stronger, deeper, to expand you, dissolve difficult karma and generate positive results. Daimoku should come from your core. If it comes from the brain, the brain becomes stronger and so does the confusion. When you close your eyes or avert them from the Gohonzon, the power to fuse the core of your life with the Gohonzon weakens and the mind plays around. Chant clearly, confidently, comfortably. We need to keep checking ourselves. It's easy to get carried away by force of old habits and chant while uptight or emotionally. DON'T READ WHILE YOU CHANT ! DON'T DO ANYTHING WHILE YOU CHANT! JUST CHANT. When you read, read. When you chant, chant. After good daimoku, you may read, or your schedule may require you to get right to work or do things you need to do. You may have a busy life, but don't have busy daimoku. Don't be busy while you chant - FOCUS ! Through focused daimoku, you can melt away negative karma. Karma is going to be dissolved. Chanting is a time to cultivate your life, not think about your strategies. Daimoku is the time to enrich your Buddha nature, not the time to have a planning meeting for your life or day. In my head : Positive imaginations In my heart : Deep prayer In my mouth : Clear chanting Thank you for reading.

On Daimoku

f you underestimate the power of daimoku, And use other strategies, you will lose in the end; You can accumulate good fortune only when you fight for kosen rufu, Without begrudging your life; Unless yours prayers are united, The fight for kosen rufu cannot gain momentum; No matter what anybody says, or does, Nothing can defeat the power of daimoku; But without action, you cannot call it faith; The Gohonzon can penetrate through everything; The world of faith is very mystic, and once you become serious, You can gain one thousand times or ten thousand times more benefits; When you chant abundant daimoku You have the power to open the heaviest iron door that stands in your way, You can overcome the most massive obstacles in your life, You can definitely change your negative karma; The world of faith is the place where many of us, Chant powerful daimoku in unity, Thus creating the power like the huge force of the wind. There is nothing but daimoku; Daimoku determines everything, Daimoku has more power than one million guidance, Or one million books on philosophy. Chant abundant daimoku and pray to the gohonzon; Ask the Gohonzon for whatever you need; Everything will come true as you wished, And the path of kosen rufu will open up in front of you. Everything depends on how much daimoku you chant; When you chant a lot of daimoku, You will naturally feel that you need to study more; When you chant abundant daimoku, Your work will become fulfilling. There may be many times when you experiences great suffering and deep sorrow, There may be many nights when tears will not stop flowing, At such times, my heart will be open to you, I am always here to listen to you; I, too will share your tears with you, You don't need to tell me anything, If you are happy, I can tell just by looking at your face, Just tell me about the problems and pain that you have, I will always carry half of your heavy burden, And walk together with you. Daisaku Ikeda

Building Blocks of Happiness

We all have roles to play in our lives – whether parents or partners, workers or students. Faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings enables us to fulfill those roles and realize the human potential unique to each of us. The more we strive to apply the Buddhist practice, we uncover its validity and thus further deepen our faith. Nichiren Buddhism is rooted in reality and stresses the inseparability of faith and daily life. We are not Buddhist only when praying or attending meetings. As we utilize the inner strength, wisdom and compassion from our practice at home or work, we can truly experience the value of Buddhism. Therefore, if we neglect the responsibilities and challenges we find in our families, communities or society, we cannot be said to have a proper understanding of faith. Faith permeates daily activities, and our homes and offices are the very places to show the Daishonin’s teaching of humanism and compassion. We all have many challenges in life. Sometimes we use our faith as an excuse for inaction or as an escape from harsh realities. If we take the easy-going attitude, "The Gohonzon will take care of all my problems for me," we are being irresponsible and disguising it as faith. Or, if we use our practice as a license to cause suffering – whether to Buddhist or non-Buddhists, thinking, "I can do whatever I please because I chant," then such an attitude must be considered arrogant. As we pray to the Gohonzon we should take concrete action, challenging ourselves each step of the way. As we know more about the Daishonin's teachings, we should practice what we learn. Action without prayer is like a spinning wheel, but prayer without action is merely wishful thinking. When we pray to the Gohonzon "as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground," (WND, pg 444), we can definitely make possible what previously seemed impossible. Buddhism flourishes only when it takes deep root in the midst of reality. (From the March 200 issue of Living Buddhism, the SGI-USA's monthly publication)

感想和决议。。。

转眼间 已经在 创价幼儿园 五个月了。 时间过的 非常快。 在创幼的每一天 充满欢喜 充满挑战 与同志们 一起为了 孩子的 幸福， 成长， 彻底奋斗。 往后， 心已决 与师匠 其共战 至永远。

Saturday...meeting all the way...

Today... 3rd of September 2005... I've had the most fun having meeting from 9am until 10.30pm. This morning at 9.30am, I had Akademeia Training prep on Gosho section together with Yeng Cheng, Lai Yee and Lai Yee until 1pm. Then, we head for lunch at 1 pm at BK cafeteria. At 2pm, we had Akademeia Training Meeting together with other committee to update on the Akademeia Training Camp next week. We ended the meeting at 5pm. I rushed to Sg. Long to get my passport size photo and went back to Kajang for a bath. At 6.30pm, i reached BK again to prep with Chee Ran for the training meet in Seremban, I'm going to share my experience. So, we prep until 7.30pm. We had a small talk until 8pm. They head for State Representative Meet, I head for Music Festival Meet at State's Room. At last, I came back to TSS at about 10.30pm. This doesn't stop here, I have another meeting together with the Music Festival Event PIC from Recorder Band, Galaxy Chamber Orchestra, Martial Art, Brass Band, Kotekitai at 9am until 11am or 12pm. Then, I'm back to TSS to prepare to change a big room - activity room into a learning centre (A jungle) for the TSS Open Day on the 11th of September 2005. ....... I'm gratefull for all these. These are all the opportunity, Free opportunity from Gakkai, For me to grow up, For me to learn new things, For me to exceed my limits... I'm happy!!!!

Prof. Yammamoto Concert

There goes the first concert yesterday. Everything went on very smoothly. Got some feedbacks from the audience. Many of them didn't have any feeling. It's just a concert. That's it. Upon hearing this, I don't know what response to give. Perhaps, we ourselves - the players didn't feel anything too. Perhaps we just played the music for the sake of the music? Perhaps... too many perhaps. I think most of the players had difficulties playing at the very begining, but, we've did better and better after many practices. We did improve technically but not spiritually. I think this is what lacking in Galaxy Philharmonic Orchestra. The conductor said he was very touched when we play "Romance"and also the rest of the pieces. Why is this hapening? Aren't we suppose to bring hope, courage and happiness to the audience that come and support us? We failed to do so last night... Technically yes, but, spiritually no. Tonight is the last show. Hoing that we will be able to bring the sense of joy and the sense of mission to all the leaders and members. School is starting tomorrow. It's getting more and more exciting now a days. I'm going to further my studies really soon in Diploma in Early Childhood Education in UM, later, going to further on masters program in the field of education. Hoping to earn a PhD in the years to come. Soka Elementary school, Soka High School and Soka University in Malaysia... These dream will come true very soon. Take care!

Tadika Seri Soka

Recently I have had the most memorable, fun yet busiest month of all... It's never ending from July until now and will continue until the end of this year. Great benefit from Gohonzon as I am able to grow up with many comrades here in TSS. Teacher Carmen, has been the source of my smiles... She's energetic and always think very positively. No matter what, she'll always say that, "Don't worry, I can do it!". Teacher Debbie, my Supervisor... A cheerful lady. Full of hope and always know what to do when I need help in my English class also in Thematic activities... She's my savior! Hah! Other than that, she's very caring and considerate. Always reminding us what is there to be done and what we shouldn't do. I think without her, I will have a tough time making a lot of mistakes... Teacher Ti Ying. A lady full that is full of courage. She takes on every obstacle and challenge until the end of her last breath, achieving victory everytime without fail. Growing stronger and stronger evrytime after a battle. I learn a lot from her spirit of never giving up! Aunty Susan, my class teacher(lady boss) cum a mother to everyone in TSS. Her spirit is still the same as a youth although she's about 60 years old. Always smiling and always lending her helping hand when help is needed. Encouraging us never to give up in everything. Her creativity in arts really amazes me. This is what you call when the heart is young, age doesn't counts! Last but not least, Teacher Low. My source of encouragement. Seeing her workload has already given the boost to fight all the way in any battle. Wishing that we can share her workload. To my beloved Gohonzon. Thank you very much for everything you have gave me. I am impressed and joyful enough to accept whatever that is thrown to my face. Always telling myself to keep smilling and have a cheerful heart no matter what. Thank you all my beloved comrades! Let's advance together in the path of education for the sake of peace!

4 months old...

It's been a while since I have the chance to really sit down and type out something here in this blog. I'm sorry that I couldn't make it here in this blog. Everytime I want to type out something, it seems so impossible to blurt out my feelings. These few weeks have been the busiest moment of my life. I really doubt that I can continue to fight this battle. I know I have to fight this battle no matter what... It's been great working together with Pooi Yin - my assistant headmistress cum the person I look on to the most, here in TSS. She has been a great friend and really encourage me alot through her actions. Although we seldom talk about faith, I learn alot from her daily struggles and her cheerfulness in fighting each battle with a smilling face. The workload is so immense that sometimes I hardly can breathe, at that time, all I can think of is Sensei and also Pooi Yin. When I said to myself that Sensei's workload and also P.Y's workload is nothing, compare to mine. I shall strive on no matter what. I have been going out to work at around 7am, waking up in between 5.45am to 6.15am and also sleeping at 1-2am everyday. Every morning during Gongyo and Daimoku (about half and hour), I was frustrated with my sleepiness. I kept yawning and I don't want this to happen during my Gongyo and Daimoku session. This is because I wouldn't have to chance to chant anymore the whole day until I reach home at about 11pm-12am. By then, I would quickly bathe, wash clothes, dry up my hair, do whatever that has to be done and gone to sleep the earliest by 1am. I want to have the most brigthful, cheerful, lively gongyo to start off my day here in TSS. To tell the truth, once I step into TSS, I will immediately feel refresh. The children has been a great source of encouragement to me. Sometimes, they are annoying and they can make you really mad, nevertheless, they are very lovely and I am very proud to grow up with them. Seeing their growth is the best thing of all. Few weeks ago, a reporter from Seikyo Shimbun came to visit TSS. His comments on the children of TSS is that they are more active than the children in Soka Kindergarten in Sapporo. I am very proud of that. Recently, 4 top Kindergarten teachers from China came to TSS for 3 weeks exhange, their comment on the children is that the children are very,very active, 10 times more active than their children in China. I have to go off now... See you later, I hope. Take care!

Message from SGI-UK

It's very sad to hear/read bout the bombing in London, by yet again, the terrorists. Below are a message written by the General Director of SGI-UK. For the people in London, I hope all of u r absolutely fine. Let's us all pray for everyone's continued safety. Dear members of SGI-UK, Sensei sent us the following verbal message today: "I have heard many reports through the television news services about the London bombs and I am very concerned about everyone, including all the members of SGI-UK. I would like to express my profound sympathy to those who have passed away or have been hurt. Please express my very best regards to all the members in the UK." July 7th 2005 I hope that as members of SGI-UK we will summon up all our strength at this time so that we give confidence and support to all those people around us who are distressed and shaken by the horrible events that took place in central London today. Our only option is to summon up our faith, strengthen our conviction and increase our efforts for kosen-rufu, encouraged by Nichiren Daishonin's words that "When great evil occurs, great good follows." (WND p.1119) Sincerely, Robert Samuels SGIUK General Director

Changing our ichinen to change our lives

MR KAWAI’S GUIDANCE IN FAITH [7 Feb 1999, New York] [Conveyed by Mr Noro based on President Ikeda’s guidance] We practise this faith not for mere exertion, that is, not for the sake of practice, but for change and progress and as quickly as possible. Members may say, “I’m doing many SGI activities,” but so what? The real question is how much have I changed my life, my environment, my livelihood? How much benefit have I received? There are many members, who are doing lots of Daimoku, but there is no change in their lives. Something is wrong. Buddhism is not the Law of Cause and Effect in Action. It is the Law of Cause and Effect in Ichinen. For example, faith is not feeling refreshed after prayers and activities. Faith exists for us to change our lives. When we wish to travel somewhere, first we decide on the destination, then we plan on the action [route/mode of transport/ and then we travel and reach that destination. Faith is the same. IN FAITH, WE MUST FIRST HAVE CLEAR TARGET CLEAR PRAYER CLEAR ACTION It is important to pray strongly and then take action and we will see the results without fail. It is important to determine to change. That is to pray “I want to change.” And then take necessary action. There is absolutely no use to ask the Gohonzon, “What should I do?” There will be no answer. You must decide what you want to accomplish. Once we decide/determine on some goal, there may seem to be no solution. But that is precisely why we pray. If it was possible, we would not need the Gohonzon. If there was a way out, then there is really no need to chant. But we pray to make the impossible change to possible. Do not engage in “What should I do…?” daimoku - that is, while chanting to think of strategies/look for options in your mind. There is absolutely not need to think of methodology, because there is no way out! We should simply pray like this – “I want to accomplish this. I will accomplish this.” IF, WHILE CHANTING, WE THINK THAT OUR DESIRES ARE UNATTAINABLE/IMPOSSIBLE, THEN THAT IS THE PRAYER THAT WILL BE REFLECTED ONTO THE UNIVERSE. AND THAT IS EXACTLY THE ANSWER WE WILL GET BACK FROM THE GOHONZON! IMPOSSIBLE/ NO SOLUTION. We must pray with 100% confidence in the Gohonzon. I believe in the Gohonzon, my prayer will definitely be answered, just as the Gosho states, “No prayer to the Gohonzon will go unanswered!” This is the Buddhist formula, which is 100% correct. IT IS OUR DOUBTS THAT GET IN THE WAY. While chanting, we always try to find ways out of our problem. Therefore, our ichinen is not directed towards the Gohonzon, but directed elsewhere. Thus it follows, that there is no real joy in daimoku and activities. We just keep doing what we are told to do. There was a young lady [student division] who wanted to go to USA from Japan to study. It was impossible, as she had no money, etc. So SHE PRAYED, NOT CHANTED, but deeply prayed, “I want to go to USA to study, I will go.” One year later, she reported positive results. There had seemed no solution, but a ‘bridge’ was formed through her sincere daimoku. This is the Mystic Law. It is beyond our understanding. That is why it is called mystic. So there is no need to think. Just pray… There was a WD who came for guidance. Her husband had terminal cancer and doctors said he would not live longer than 3 months. She was asked “Can he be cured?” The answer was “I don’t know.” The leader went on to say that President Toda’s guidance was that “WHEN WE DETERMINE THAT THE ONLY ONE THING WE CAN TRUST IS THE GOHONZON, THEN THE BODY BEGINS TO RECOVER FROM SICKNESS.” This means to cure one’s own illness by oneself, through faith. The human body is capable of producing 700 types of medicines. But when our life force is weak, nothing is produced. When our life philosophy is polluted by slander and impurities, our life cannot produce its healing power. Buddhism is great. Our life is great! It is supreme! It is Divine. It is the life of the Buddha. So through faith we can always manifest this state of the Buddha, this power of the Gohonzon. People call Buddhism, great, but actually it teaches us that our own lives are great. With determination, great life force and wisdom can be manifested from our lives and bodies to overcome sickness which is one’s negative karma, the source of which is slander. SO THE REAL QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER THE ILLNESS IS CURABLE. RATHER, THE QUESTION IS WHETHER WE DETERMINE THAT IT IS CURABLE. The woman told her husband about this guidance and together they both corrected their ichinen and prayed and he was cured. A deputy zone WD leader in Japan could not walk due to pain in her legs caused by rheumatism. She was asked “Do you think that your disease can be cured?” She replied, “No!” “So then, that is your desire, your state of mind and that is why the answer from the Gohonzon is ‘no cure’” replied the leader. The leader continued by saying that if the medical doctor has given up, if he says there is no cure for your condition, then that is the time to summon up your determination to change the impossible into possible. The very next day, the woman called the leader to report that when she made a determination, the pain disappeared from her legs. And 2 weeks later, she was completely cured. Her sufferings had been caused by her thinking that it was impossible to be cured, that she would have to live with this life condition. But THE MOMENT SHE DETERMINED [ICHINEN] TO OVERCOME THROUGH FAITH IN THE GOHONZON, THE POWER OF THE MYSTIC LAW WAS MANIFESTED THROUGH HER LIFE. There are 3 kinds of faith. forward gear faith neutral gear faith and reverse gear faith Forward gear faith and practice consists of: Having a clear and specified target and determination to accomplish it through prayer and action. For example: “I want a white cat. She must be of Persian species, 3 years old, with blue eyes and female. And I want her in 2 weeks. I will get it.” In other words, doing a lot of activities and daimoku with no targets and clear goals is of no use, as it will not produce any changes in your life. Neutral gear faith and practice is: Chanting out of duty, with no joy. A habitual practice. E.g. I am a leader, I have responsibilities, so I am doing activities. But there is no effect. It is like the analogy of a car. The engine is full and ready to go, but nothing happens. Reverse gear faith and practice is: The more activities and daimoku one is doing, one is still going backwards, rather than forward in one’s life. In other words, one may be making a lot of seemingly good causes, but one is also complaining. There is slander and grudges against others. Or one might be complaining about one’s own situation on not seeing immediate results. This is dangerous practice. Just like in automatic transmission cars, there is very little difference between forward and reverse gears. Likewise from outward appearance it is difficult to tell where/what one’s ichinen is. But one’s life will ultimately clearly manifest it. Slander - Even if you commit slander without realizing it, it is still slander. One should never criticize leaders. Right or wrong, one should not complain at all. Instead, one can chant for them to grow and one will benefit from that too. Similarly, never do ‘onshitsu’ in your family. That is do not complain, criticize or carry a negative feeling towards your husband/wife, children or parents. THIS IS YOUR KARMA. ; YOU CHOSE YOUR SPOUSE/PARTNER. Chant for their growth. Further, do not depend/rely on others. Do not complain that they don’t do this or that. Criticism will bring no benefit. But it will certainly bring punishment. In conclusion: We must eradicate the following types of prayer: out of habit or ritual [that is without any target or determination] out of delusion [that is while chanting, trying to find solutions to your problems] out of disbelief [that is thinking that this is impossible and will not happen/change] Instead, pray with your entire heart, your entire being that I am going to build a bridge towards my happiness and those of others by myself, by using the Supreme Wisdom of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. One needs to have the experience of benefits/breakthroughs, so as to encourage others. “I have so many benefits through this practice! What about you?” Especially, senior members must receive many benefits. Buddhism is reason. Otherwise what is the use of practising this faith? If they don’t witness changes/benefits, then, their faith has become habitual. Experiences: There was a MD Chapter Chief in Japan who had a small trading company, which was almost bankrupt. The sales had dropped by half. At that time he prayed deeply that the sales could climb to $3 million. And it became so. The next year, his target was $5 million and the year after $7 million. So it is important to determine first, then chant. An owner of a barber shop reported drop of sales due to lack of customers. He was advised to determine and pray concretely and in specific detail e.g. exact number of customers for haircuts, for blow-dry, etc., that is, detailed prayer, with a deadline. One member prayed to sell his car. He did. But with no profit at all. Because he did not pray for it. One woman had severe economic/financial problems. She prayed 3 hours daily in the morning saying “I want this amount of benefit today. I need it.” And she received it. We need to experience benefits through faith and prayer to show the power of the Gohonzon and encourage others. President Toda and President Ikeda said that there are 10 reasons why no change or benefits occur in senior leaders’ lives, even though they have been practising for a long time. Unclear determination No concrete targets in faith Doing regular gongyo but no concrete prayer Passive gongyo and activities from a sense of obligation A complaining and begrudging attitude about faith Seeking spirit for senior leaders/guidance has become weaker Not working hard in office or at home Depressed because of various sufferings in life Weak sense of mission for kosen-rufu Sense of responsibility as a leader is weaker Even if we have one of the above, then it indicates that our faith has become habitual and there will be no benefit. We must have big dreams which lead to hope and finally become reality when we chant! Therefore, we must have big dreams! Experience: The president of a fisheries company was very concerned about the drop in the catch of fish as it was affecting his sales, so he went for guidance. The leader asked him “You say that you can’t get lots of salmon fish. Does this mean that there is no salmon or that you are unable to catch them?” “I can’t get any,” he replied. “Why can’t you call them to your net? Did you pray like that?” the leader encouraged. “No, I didn’t” “There is no natural boundary in the ocean. So why don’t you pray like that?” the leader encouraged. So he did. His catch went up from 20 fish to 300 in one day. His company went from deficit to surplus. This is no miracle. This is the Law. This is reason. WHAT IS AMAZING IS WHEN YOU DON’T GET BENEFITS EVEN THOUGH YOU DO CHANT! REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Drop by to say Hi!

Yup, It's after office hour now. I'm still here in TSS. Surfing net... July is a very X10000 busy month. Next week, new juniors are coming in to Academy K, then in TSS will have 6 years old graduation camp. Then, 4 kindergarten teachers from China will be coming to TSS to work for a month and basically we, the teachers are going to be tour guides. I'll be having Women Peace Conference Exhibition to do (I'm the so called "writer" for the exhibition). After that in the mid the August, we'll be having Akademeia Training camp together with Galactic Future Group (I'm in the Gosho group). Later in the end of August, there will be Professor Yamamoto's concert. So, basically, I'm fully booked for the month of July and August. A chat with ex-YWD Malaysia chief has enlightened me about all this. It is a previleged for me to have this opportunity to work 10 times harder than anyone else. This is my mission. This is what I can do to contribute to society and the growth of myself. It has been 3 months since I have been here in TSS. I'm now praying that I will have the fortune to go to Taiwan and Hong Kong end of this year and also to grow up in faith every day. Every day I feel that I have done things that I don't think I can do and I have succeeded in finishing what ever that has been given to me... Also I'm praying every day that every problem that I encounter are in fact opportunities to happily show the greatness of Gohonzon in every fortune that I collect in all overcoming all the difficulties. Please keep this blog update... See you guys...

Odd... Weird... You nAmE iT!!

Such is my feeling now... Weird... Odd... Baffled... I just don't know what is in my mind now. There are many things to be done Yet... I'm still struggling... Kept telling myself I have no time to loose, I must finish all the work...