Let Us Renew Our Resolve to Win Today and Again Tomorrow!
May 2020 SSA Times Complementary Booklet No. 2 Content Page
1. SSA General Director’s Message to SSA Members - p3
2. Voices of Lionhearted Disciples - p5 i) Shannen Ho - p5 ii) Andrew Goh - p7 iii) Liaw Wee Liang - p9 iv) Tan Tong Hong - p10 v) Lai Sim Hua - p12 vi) Peng Mui Sung, Mei - p14 vii) Lena Teo Swee Ling - p16
3. Stay at Home, Do the Right Thing - p18
4. Winter Always Turn to Spring - p19
5. There’s No Hardship We Cannot Surmount — Excerpts of SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance from The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, Part 2: Human Revolution, Chapter 14: “Faith for Overcoming Obstacles” - p24
6. Coping with Stress - p28 SSA General Director’s Message to SSA Members Advancing with Gratitude, Renewing Our Vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth
t has been my daily prayer that all SSA the challenges we face because we are Imembers will stay in high spirits and good surrounded by good friends in the Soka health at your homes during this extended family. Circuit Breaker period. I believe that the In the recent May editorial, SGI past few months have been challenging President Ikeda called upon SGI members with dynamic changes in various aspects around the world to rise up with courage to of our lives. Yet, I am heartened to see transform all challenges and shine like an many members putting tremendous efforts invincible treasure tower amid the Covid-19 by participating in our online meetings and pandemic. These encouraging words from staying connected with each other during our mentor is like a warm breeze, cheering these trying times. Thank you all very much! us on in the current crisis. I am sure many of us are responding to A Source of Support in Trying Times our mentor’s call, shining like “an invincible treasure” amid the Covid-19 pandemic. As At such time, I am sure we are all truly such, we are pleased to publish a second grateful to be practising faith in this big complimentary booklet this month “Let family of the Soka Gakkai where we have Us Renew Our Resolve to Win Today and a network of comrades in faith we can find Again Tomorrow!”. In it, there are voices strength and comfort in, through mutually of these “invincible treasures” who are supporting one another with warm words of persevering and striving hard amidst this encouragement. crisis in their respective missions, each As the Gosho states, “When a tree has enacting their own brilliant drama of been transplanted, though fierce winds Bodhisattvas of the Earth. may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has Waging a Splendid Struggle for grown up in place may fall over if its roots Kosen-rufu with Our Mentor are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, Sixty years ago on May 3, 1960, but a person of considerable strength, where the young President Ikeda was when alone, may fall down on an uneven inaugurated as the third president of the path.” (WND-1, p. 598) We are able to Soka Gakkai, he pledged with the strong persevere on with courage no matter what resolve, “Though I am young, from this day
3 I will take leadership as a representative of with utmost gratitude to our mentor, we President Toda’s disciple and advance with should renew our vow again not to be you another step towards the substantive defeated amid the harshest adversities, realisation of kosen-rufu.” and lead others around us to a hope-filled It was the strong resolve of this future through the practice of Nichiren gallant youth embarking on a glorious Buddhism. and tumultuous voyage to champion It is only when we are able to each world peace and humanity’s happiness, wage a splendid struggle for kosen-rufu, in response to his mentor’s wish. And till enabling the people around us to become today 60 years later, President Ikeda has happy through faith; and grow through our accomplished the propagation of the Mystic human revolution, that we can repay our Law across the globe with some 12 million debts of gratitude to our mentor President members practising Nichiren Buddhism in Ikeda and make him happy. 192 countries and territories, and is still Let us join our mentor and comrades exerting his utmost. around the world in praying for the Nichiren Daishonin states in a Gosho, quickest possible end to this pandemic “Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, and a return to normality and safety. Let they could not chant the daimoku.” us advance with greater resolve based on (WND-1, p. 385) Without doubt, all of us the vow of the Bodhisattva of the Earth, in SSA are the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, and strive to win and advance kosen-rufu, entrusted with the mission to lead others to so that we can all report victory to our happiness and overcome their sufferings. mentor by November 18 this year — the As Soka Gakkai members around the 90th anniversary of the founding of the world commemorate the significant May 3 Soka Gakkai!
4 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Shannen Ho Sengkang South Chapter Young Women Division Chapter Leader
am currently a digital marketer at countrymen as a source of comfort and I Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Ever encouragement during these difficult times. since the Covid-19 outbreak happened One of the earlier initiatives I took was to in Singapore, all our concerts had to be propose a Covid-19 tribute video to honour cancelled one after another. Finally, when and thank our frontline workers. Although it the Circuit Breaker kicked in, there was took some time to convince the management no other choice but to bring our music about this idea, eventually I was given the to the digital and social media platforms go ahead to spearhead the project and instead. As the only digital marketer in we became one of the first arts groups to the organisation, I felt a strong sense of produce such a video. It encouraged many mission to do my best at work to support people and was also commended by Prime the orchestra, bringing music to our Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
5 Since only digital platforms can be music. I am also grateful that I have been utilised to spread our music, I was tasked to able to witness the transformation of my either produce or upload the daily content. department with my hard work in the past When work-from-home arrangements few months. Previously we have often been started, I started feeling frustrated and criticised for our poor publicity, however, experiencing burnout as I had to work we received requests for media interviews on weekends, public holidays and even or coverage almost daily during this period, days when I was supposed to be on leave. with many positive responses for our efforts Thankfully, I challenged myself with three from members of the public and notable hours of daimoku a day during this period. people in the music industry. With wisdom and courage, I communicated As President Ikeda’s lionhearted with my boss about my burnout, and we disciple, I resolve not be defeated by my came up with solutions to make the work negativity, and to always return to the processes more manageable on my end. Buddhist spirit of dialogue, so as to have My senior in faith also reminded me healthy communication and value creating about the importance of having a sense discussions with my colleagues. No matter of gratitude. While there are still ongoing what happens, I am determined to upkeep work challenges, what keeps me going a seeking spirit in order to advance and is knowing that members of the public grow in all aspects of my life. have benefitted from listening to our
6 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Andrew Goh (Fourth from right) Sengkang East Chapter Young Men Division District Leader
hen I took up leadership at age 18, As an audio-visual technician, I quit WI was constantly encouraged by my my job in March and I was about to join Young Men Division (YMD) leader to uphold a new company in April. However, due to the mentor and disciple spirit throughout the Circuit Breaker, my employment was my life. He encouraged me to read The delayed till further notice and for the first New Human Revolution (NHR) in order to time in my life I was unemployed — no understand the life of SGI President Ikeda income! Instead of worrying about my daily (whom I address as Sensei). expenses and feeling discouraged, I set a Reading the NHR helps me appreciate target of chanting three hours of daimoku and understand Sensei. Whenever I faced daily. I want to remain undefeated and challenges, I would always chant to the manifest the wisdom to navigate through Gohonzon, and sought guidance from this difficult trial. NHR. I can say that reading NHR is my I rallied the YMD members in my district prime point. to join the daimoku campaign to achieve
7 9 million daimoku by the end of the year. On May 4, I finally received a call from I set a prayer that all my district members the new company that they will employ me must be able to overcome each of our from May. I felt relieved after hearing the challenges and break through all obstacles good news. This is indeed an actual proof in our life. of my determination to chant with firm faith Being jobless helps me empathise in the Gohonzon. with members facing similar challenges. I My resolution has always been to uphold encourage them to persevere by sharing the mentor and disciple spirit no matter what my own experience. With the extension happens. I am determined to train myself to of the Circuit Breaker, having no income be an even more capable person to protect for another month did not stop me from the organisation and the members till my persevering with my three hours of daimoku final breath. I will continue with steadfast daily. faith in the Gohonzon, and share this great religion with as many people as possible.
8 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Liaw Wee Liang Ang Mo Kio West Chapter Young Men Division District Leader
he Covid-19 pandemic gave me viewers, while building awareness for our Tanother opportunity to challenge my brands at the same time. This has been faith and practice. As I am running a video challenging as we had to adhere to all the production company, filming jobs have to Circuit Breaker measures while gathering be put to a halt, and I had to shift the editing the materials to edit, but we managed to pull jobs back home. Many of my industry through the whole process successfully. friends were deeply affected emotionally, With this success, I managed to encourage but I was not. I recalled how SGI President my peers to spend their time during the Ikeda (whom I address as Ikeda Sensei) Circuit Breaker productively. was able to turn his mentor second Soka I would like to take this opportunity Gakkai president Toda’s business around to thank my wife, Huiling, who took great with his determination, his wisdom and care of me and our two children during the actions that he took. I wanted to this trying period. I am also overjoyed that follow his footsteps and told myself that I we had more opportunities to chant and would “transform poison into medicine” by study Sensei’s daily guidance together creating value in such an adverse situation. as a family. As Sensei’s disciple, I resolve Together with my friend who owns to continue to show actual proof of this a theatrics company, we successfully faith through my own human revolution, created social media content relating to constantly reminding myself to apply the the pandemic to entertain and educate principles of Buddhism in my life.
9 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Tan Tong Hong Tanah Merah East Chapter Men Division District Leader
his year marks the 34th year since I been a smooth journey but I have been Thave taken up faith. Before practising able to persevere based on faith. Nichiren Buddhism, I was a person who In the 22 years, my business had lacked confidence and self-esteem. I was survived numerous crises such as the also not in the pink of health. My secondary Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) school classmate introduced me to Nichiren epidemic, September 11 attacks, Lehman Buddhism and brought me to participate Brothers economic crisis and the H1N1 in SSA activities. I was able to transform pandemic. This Covid-19 pandemic could my life positively in many ways through be said to be the most serious crisis that this Buddhist practice. Now, I am a fit and I have encountered. Nevertheless, I am confident Men Division member. unafraid. In fact, compared to the past, I Owing to my interest in the “Star Wars” have become more composed. Facing the toy figurines, I decided to begin a business bleak economic outlook, I have learnt the selling collectible toys in 1998. It has not importance of strengthening my faith even
10 more during this period, to tide through fortune from all directions. I see how true this crisis. I am determined not to cut my his words were now. employees’ pay nor to dismiss any of I would like to encourage fellow them. I feel that as a Buddhist, this is the members and friends who are struggling time to encourage everyone around me to right now with the following guidance from work hard as we brave the storm together. SGI President Ikeda: I believe that this is also the time that Only by overcoming life’s problems we as businessmen must fulfil our social and obstacles can we become truly responsibility. strong. If everything always goes Thankfully, three years ago, my smoothly, we will grow complacent and company started a mobile application and be unable to build a strong foundation began to invest in art toys. This enables for our lives. Only by experiencing us to cushion the impact of the current suffering ourselves can we understand crisis and art toys are on-trend these days. the sufferings of others and deepen our Even at such difficult times, we still have compassion. many customers knocking on our door. My business partner and I also managed to I resolve to fulfil my vow as a Bodhisattva create new business opportunities during of the Earth and share this hope-filled this period, turning poison into medicine. philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism with as This reminded me of what a senior in faith many people as I can. I will also actualise told me in the past that with strong faith my human revolution and lead the most and abundant daimoku, our life can be value creative life possible! likened to a magnet that attracts good
11 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Lai Sim Hua Toa Payoh Zone Men Division Zone Leader
he recent Covid-19 pandemic has Ikeda’s guidance. President Ikeda’s words Tposed a huge challenge to me. I am a gave me hope and encouraged me to go full-time freelance tour guide. With tourism back to the prime point of faith — chanting being the first industry to be badly hit by Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. As I chanted, I this crisis, I found myself in a situation realised that I was no longer overwhelmed where there is no income coming in. by anxiety. I was also reminded of the vow Initially, I was at a loss. I couldn’t bring that I had made at the Hall of the Great myself to chant, nor could I sleep as I was Vow for Kosen-rufu in 2014 during the SGI filled with worries and despair. Spring Training Course that I had attended. One day, I realised that I had bought many I had vowed never to backslide in faith and books written by our mentor SGI President to do my best to take care of my members. Ikeda in the past but rarely had the time to Fresh resolve welled up in me. I will read them. I decided to turn to President continue this journey of kosen-rufu with
12 my mentor come what may! I started to others. Hence, even till today, I continue chant daily for courage, wisdom and life to give others encouragement through the force to battle this crisis. This is the first telephone or other social media platforms. time I am encountering such a big crisis in Each day I continue to encourage and my personal life and I come to realise the remind myself with this Gosho passage: importance of daimoku and study. Through “Although I and my disciples may prayers, I managed to transform fear and encounter various difficulties, if we do not despair into hope. I realised that I can harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a create value even in the midst of this crisis. matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do I have now finally the time to chant as much not have doubts simply because heaven as I like, read and bond with my family. I does not lend you protection. Do not be am also making use of this time to enrich discouraged because you do not enjoy myself by participating in online courses. an easy and secure existence in this My prayers have also enabled me life… Foolish men are likely to forget the to elevate my life condition and not be promises they have made when the crucial consumed by my own worries or concerns, moment comes.” (WND-1, p. 283) but instead have the capacity to care for
13 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Peng Mui Sung, Mei (First from right) Lentor Chapter Women Division District Leader
ife after marriage was far from a circumstances in a complaining manner Lbed of roses. For about 10 years, and President Ikeda replied that human my husband and I faced extremely trying beings grow in poverty. It is important to circumstances with financial hardships, resolve to do one’s best even if one has strained relationships with parents and to live in poverty for the next 20 years. relatives, as well as my husband's worrying Nevertheless, no matter how tough life is, health condition. I often wondered “Why do Women Division members should keep their I have to suffer so much?” appearance neat and tidy, and participate In one of SGI President Ikeda’s lecture in activities in high spirits. series for the Women Division (WD), I vividly Eventually their lives totally transformed recall an episode of a couple who were and shone like a brilliant diamond! Tears barely able to make ends meet. The WD flowed uncontrollably down my cheeks member told President Ikeda about their when I heard this encouragement. I felt as
14 if my mentor was talking directly to me! His Primary Division (PD)’s Sunshine Auntie, I words pierced straight into my heart! also continue to keep in close contact with SSA became the stage for my own my WD members and PD members (also transformation. I struggled very hard to known as Lion Cubs) during this period. contribute to kosen-rufu, with my two young Shortly after a week, my husband managed children. We found work with good income to secure a job as a Safe Distancing that saw us through the days of “harsh Ambassador. winter”. We are extremely grateful to the In 12 years’ time, all our problems, like Gohonzon for this great benefit! Though "knots in our lives”, began to untie one this is only a temporary solution, we are by one. My mentor’s words were so true. hopeful that another job opportunity will How amazing! I felt a close connection with come along at the right time. President Ikeda and it became my prime I reaffirm the vow that I made during point with my mentor. our family’s visit to the Hall of the Great Then came this pandemic that jolted Vow for Kosen-rufu last December to us so abruptly, throwing us into financial foster many capable successors. I am difficulties again and zero revenue, as my determined to reach out more extensively husband’s events projects were totally to all members and leaders, including cancelled! I exerted and strove to chant my Sunshine Auntie comrades, my Lion up to three hours of daimoku each day Cubs and their families, and my family and despite having to take care of my children friends. I will exert myself in carrying out who had to stay home for their home-based the Courageous 1-2-3 actions and fulfil my learning. As a WD district leader and a mission as that lionhearted disciple!
15 Voices of Lionhearted Disciples
Lena Teo Swee Ling (Front row, first from left) Marine Parade Chapter Vice Women Division Chapter Leader
was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by a Bodhisattva of the Earth, treating them with I my mum, in 1977. I was never an active the spirit of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging Young Women Division member then. It and believing in their limitless potential in life. was after a motivational talk at one of our Every day is a challenge, and as the prisons, someone came up to me in tears to head of a mental health department, I have express thanks and said that he felt hopeful to ensure that my staffs’ mental well-being again. It struck a deep chord in me that, is taken care of since they are the frontline empowering others can be so purposeful. clinicians facing the community with mental I eventually ended in the profession as health challenges. Being a SSA frontline psychotherapist. leader myself, I realised that it is also Nichiren Buddhism teaches the spirit important to watch our own mental well- of respect for the dignity of life. This hope- being, beware of “compassion fatigue” and affirming philosophy enables me to apply practise self-care so that we can be our the principle that “I must accord highest best self in supporting our members. respect to the person right in front of me” in I especially appreciate SGI President my work. As such, I always see hope in the Ikeda’s guidance: “When your determination person I meet and regard each of them as changes, everything will begin to move in
16 the direction you desire. The moment you can become agitated, impatient and angry, resolve to be victorious, every nerve and or have other physical signs or symptoms fibre in your being will immediately orient such as sleeping difficulty or changes in itself towards your success.” I believe routine or diet. Here are some common that everyone, especially youth, is a raw signs and symptoms broken down in three diamond that needs to be polished in order areas: physical, emotional and mental. to shine brilliantly. Physical: One may have sleep I am grateful to be able to contribute disturbances (sleep too much or cannot and impart hope during this trying period. I sleep), rapid heartbeat, headaches, cold resolve to continue strengthening my faith, sweat, diarrhoea, or falls sick easily. practice and study in Nichiren Buddhism, Emotional: Sadness (could be due to inspiring my children to join me in this faith loss of love ones), anger (could be angry and become people who impart hope to at what happened, loss of job), fear (fearful others and create value in life as well. that they might contract the virus or pass During this Covid-19 pandemic situation, on to loved ones, fearful that they might lost we are also seeing a rise in mental health their job etcetera). cases during this period. It is a worldwide Mental: Easily irritated, inability to focus Lena Teo Swee Ling challenge. While our medical frontline or inability to feel positive, forgetfulness, (Front row, first from left) workers are tirelessly working in the hypervigilant, sense of loss, recurring Marine Parade Chapter hospitals and isolation wards, our national thoughts of trauma (assuming they witness Vice Women Division healthcare lines are also supporting someone who died or contracted the virus). Chapter Leader Singaporeans in distress during this The key is to first have the level of unprecedented pandemic. My agency has awareness, notice how we are trying to set up a helpline called Hear4U which cope. Reflect if we are having any of the reaches out to Singaporeans or permanent above signs and/or symptoms and try to residents should they face distress due manage by making conscious adjustments. to Covid-19. We have also extended our Focus on what you can control. For example, services reaching out to migrant workers manage sleep hygiene; have a balance living in the dormitories. healthy diet, maintain social connections In the course of my work, I would also (digital or via phone); stay physically active like to share some tips on mental wellness by exercising (try simple indoor exercise amid Covid-19 (note that these are my such as yoga); stick to your daily healthy personal views). routine; keep your mind active; set a mini With the current Covid-19 uncertainty, goal during Circuit Breaker; never lose it is very normal for most people to feel your sense of humour by sharing jokes or stressed — over health, possible loss of job watching comedies. or decline in business due to economic Should one still feel overwhelmed by impact, lack of social connections, being depressing feelings or anxiety, he or she cooped up at home, etcetera. It can be may want to seek professional help. exhibited in various ways. Some people
17
Winter Always Turn to Spring
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Winter always turns to spring.” (WND-1, p. 536) Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra may seem to be in winter, but winter will definitely give way to spring. These words of the Daishonin have enabled countless individuals to find their way forward to a springtime of rebirth, a springtime in life. It is one of our SGI members’ eternal guidelines, and its message, without a doubt, will continue to impart boundless hope to billions of people around the world who are searching for true happiness. In the following excerpts from The New Human Revolution (NHR), President Ikeda reassures us that with unrelenting perseverance, we can welcome a springtime of victories after the harsh winter.
Earnest Resolve and Challenging Spirit us to actively create value by drawing forth Produces Unparalleled Wisdom our inherent wisdom and strength through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo before the The following day, February 10, Gohonzon, and to continue challenging Shin’ichi attended an SGI-Brazil Rio de ourselves while positively putting that Janeiro representatives conference held in wisdom and strength to work. the city. The day after that, February 11, With a strong wish for the members’ would mark the 93rd anniversary of second happiness, Shin’ichi said: “Referring to the Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda’s birth, Daishonin’s words, ‘When one knows the and with that in mind he cited his mentor’s Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning guidance in addressing how to apply of all worldly affairs’ (WND-1, p. 376), Mr Buddhism to daily life and society: “Mr Toda declared it a grave mistake to interpret Toda said: ‘There are those who have the this passage to mean that we can attain simplistic idea that because they have the benefits without any effort on our part. Gohonzon, they’ll definitely receive benefit “He added: ‘People who fail to notice the even if they don’t put any thought or effort weaknesses in their business or consider into how they conduct their business. This ways to improve it should seriously reflect is a big mistake, and must be categorised on themselves. It’s vital that you keep as slander of the Law [because it goes studying and learning about your business against the teachings of Buddhism].’” and strive to do better. My wish is that Toda stressed that Nichiren Buddhism you, my dear fellow members, will come does not call on us to believe in or depend to “understand the meaning of all worldly on a higher power. Rather, he said, it teaches affairs” as quickly as possible in the context
19 of your own work and lead secure lives.’ suffering from poor health. “Mr Toda’s wish is also my wish. “But I told myself: ‘If I’m a disciple of Today, the winds of economic recession President Toda, then I must break through are blowing fiercely around the world. this situation and forge open a glorious We mustn’t simply lament the situation, path of kosen-rufu. I will show concrete but should instead summon powerful proof of victory. Just watch me!’ wisdom and life force through our Buddhist “I also said to President Toda: ‘The practice and use it to brilliantly overcome Soka Gakkai doesn’t have much money difficult circumstances. That is what makes right now, but I promise that in the future, us ‘one [who] understands the meaning of we will have magnificent buildings. I will all worldly affairs’ (cf. WND-1, p. 376). make sure that your entire vision becomes “To have the easygoing attitude that a reality. Please rest assured.’ And I have things will somehow work out simply done just that. because we have faith in the Mystic Law “Human beings aren’t defeated by is a mistake. It is because we practise adversity. They are defeated by themselves, Nichiren Buddhism that we must chant by giving up and abandoning their own earnestly about how to resolve each convictions. I declare that however problem before us and then take action to challenging things may be for you right do so. That earnest resolve and challenging now, as long as you continue to dedicate spirit produces unparalleled wisdom. And yourselves to working for the noble goal of making use of this tremendous power of kosen-rufu, in 10 or 20 years’ time you will, wisdom generated by faith is the key to without a shadow of a doubt, be leading the victory in all things.” most fulfilling of lives.” (From NHR Volume 30, “Vow” chapter) (From NHR Volume 13, “Shining Citadel” chapter)
Leading a Life of Conviction Start Anew Filled with Hope
Shin’ichi stressed the importance of Ueno was a 26-year-old leader of the leading a life of conviction: “I am sure Young Men Division, and he had been some of you are fighting hard through one of the Student Division members difficult circumstances. When President who participated in Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s Toda’s business hit tough times, I, too, had lectures on the Ongi Kuden (The Record of to constantly face my limitations in order the Orally Transmitted Teachings). He had to find a way forward. I went for months joined the Soka Gakkai as a high school without receiving a salary, and I was also freshman.
20 When Ueno was four years old, his Then Ueno reached a major turning father died of tuberculosis. His mother point in his life. During his last year in high remarried, but he went to live with his school, just as he was starting to pour his grandparents in Yamanashi Prefecture energies into studying for college entrance until the summer of 6th grade. Most likely exams, he suddenly fell ill. He went to see because of that, when he subsequently a doctor. After the examination, the doctor returned to his mother and stepfather in said, in a low voice: “There is a shadow Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, he had a on your lungs.” Ueno had tuberculosis — hard time getting along with his stepfather. the same disease that had killed his father. He spent much of his adolescence feeling In that instant, the word “karma” flashed frustrated and unhappy. through his mind like a bolt of lightning. Ueno’s stepfather joined the Soka At the time, tuberculosis was regarded Gakkai at the introduction of neighbours. as an incurable disease. Ueno felt as if his Ueno, however, was critical of his decision future had been cut off. He didn’t feel like to do so. He had attended a mission doing anything. Just then a member of the school and was drawn to Christianity. Young Men Division came to encourage He also thought it embarrassing to chant him. “Ueno, this is your chance to discover sutras aloud… just how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin’s At about this time, Ueno’s mother was Buddhism is. Chant daimoku with all your also thinking about starting to practise, heart. You will definitely recover! You have but she really wanted her son to join the my full support, so let’s give it our all!” Soka Gakkai together with her. When Ueno Ueno started to chant daimoku with learned this, he agreed, wishing to please great intensity. Several months later, the her. He was a bold young man, but he was shadow on his lungs had completely also very considerate. disappeared. Through this experience, the At first, Ueno had no intention of light of strong conviction in faith began to practising seriously. But in time he began shine in his heart. to talk with his stepfather about Buddhism After overcoming his illness, Ueno and they started opening up to each was accepted into the prestigious Keio other. One day his stepfather said to him: University… Upon graduating from “I’m really happy that I joined the Soka university, he was hired by Soka Gakkai Gakkai. I did it because I wanted us to be Headquarters to work as a reporter for the able to live together as a family.” Ueno Seikyo Shimbun. But driven by his busy was touched by this expression of his schedule of work and Gakkai activities, he stepfather’s affection. This marked a new fell into an unhealthy daily rhythm and his stage in their relationship, and they grew tuberculosis recurred, forcing him to be closer and closer. hospitalised.
21 While Ueno was in the hospital his Perseverance Opens the Way Forward stepfather died, and it turned out that he had been left with a huge debt. He also spoke with Gakkai members This trial came not long after Masaya who belonged to the renowned Gumma Ueno had made his high-spirited entry into Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra had adult society. He was devastated, feeling originally been founded as the Takasaki as though the bottom had dropped out of Citizens Orchestra by amateur musicians his world. He then received a letter from in the aftermath of World War II. Later (in President Yamamoto, in which was written: 1947), the orchestra changed its name “Winter always turns to spring. Summon to the Gumma Philharmonic Orchestra. forth the great power of faith and start Then, in 1963, it was reestablished as anew filled with hope.” Ueno wept at these a professional orchestra with the name words of encouragement. Gumma Symphony Orchestra. The “That’s right!” he thought. “I won’t be founders of the orchestra had a strong defeated. I will overcome all of these wish to contribute to the revitalisation of difficulties and report back to President their country through music. At the time, Yamamoto that I have won.” From that day, however, it was widely believed that a he began chanting daimoku with strong professional orchestra could not survive conviction. Before long, he recovered from unless it was located in a large city such his tuberculosis and returned to work. His as Tokyo or Osaka. The population of relatives helped him with his stepfather’s Takasaki City was less than 100,000 then. debt, and a plan was drawn up that allowed No sooner had the orchestra been him to pay back as much as he could reorganised as a professional group within his means. Ueno devoted himself than it ran into financial difficulty. There even more energetically to activities for was little opportunity for it to play, and it kosen-rufu. wasn’t making enough money to even feed Shin’ichi Yamamoto thought that Ueno, its members, who all practised on empty who had joined the Soka Gakkai during stomachs on the second floor of a coffee his years of impressionable adolescence shop. At its start, it was a sort of “travelling and had subsequently challenged and music classroom” that performed at overcome each personal struggle he elementary and junior high schools. faced, would make a good “older brother” The orchestra members’ experience as for the High School Division members. He a travelling music classroom was a series therefore decided to appoint Ueno as head of frustrations. For example, they would of the division. squeeze into a packed train with their (From NHR Vol 9, “Young Phoenixes” chapter) instruments in order to get to a certain elementary school for a job, and then play
22 in a small, rundown classroom. When the because of their poverty, while others were children grew bored with the music, they forced to find jobs with orchestras in Tokyo began to talk and sometimes even fight or elsewhere. The wife of the orchestra’s among themselves. Performing under such leader took their children and left him circumstances was often a great trial, but because he had sacrificed his family for his the musicians’ livelihood depended on the job. Eventually, the musicians began to talk small remuneration that they received from about disbanding. Every day was make or the schools. break, and they felt as if their backs were There were also conflicts among the against the wall. Each performance was an band members, and some quit, but the intense life-or-death struggle. group persevered in its efforts to introduce When faced with desperate circumstances, music to young people. One thing that kept perseverance opens the way forward. True them going was seeing the excitement glory comes to those who keep pressing of children when they came into contact onwards resolutely, refusing to be defeated with their music and started to develop an or discouraged. There can be no success appreciation for it. On occasion, they also without adversity. Tremendous effort leads gave concerts in hospital isolation wards, to tremendous joy. where the enthusiastic applause of the Eventually, a movie was made that told patients inspired them to no end. the orchestra’s story. Entitled There’s a As its activities gradually earned Fountain Here, it opened in February 1955 recognition, the orchestra started to receive and was a huge hit. funding from Takasaki City and Gumma (From NHR Volume 17, “Green Fields” chapter) Prefecture. But its financial difficulties persisted. Some musicians even fell ill
23 There’s No Hardship We Cannot Surmount
—Excerpts of SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance from The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, Part 2: Human Revolution, Chapter 14: “Faith for Overcoming Obstacles”
Introduction: will protect us if we do. The appearance With strong faith, President Ikeda says, we of the “three powerful enemies” and the can overcome any hardship, transforming it “three obstacles and four devils” — of any into an opportunity to open up the life state of kind of hardship — is simply a test of our Buddhahood within us. faith, all necessary for us to bring forth the life state of Buddhahood. President Ikeda’s Guidance: That’s why strengthening our faith even From a speech delivered at further is the way to overcome hardships a representative leaders training session, and to triumph. As long as we have strong Nagano Prefecture, August 16, 2005. faith, there is no hardship we cannot overcome. As the Daishonin states: “Since Explaining the principle that strong faith [we] believe solely in the Lotus Sutra... leads to strong protection by the positive [we] can enter the treasure tower of the forces of the universe, Nichiren Daishonin Gohonzon” (cf. WND-1, p. 832). Embracing writes: the Gohonzon of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and striving to realise kosen-rufu enables I say this for your sake. I know your us to enter the realm of Buddhahood faith has always been admirable, but that is the palace of happiness within our now you must strengthen it more than lives, wherever we are and whatever our ever. Only then will the ten demon circumstances. We have no reason to daughters1 lend you even greater worry and nothing to fear. protection. (WND-1, p. 614) The Daishonin writes: “No matter how However hard we may have exerted many terrible enemies you may encounter, ourselves in the past, the important thing banish all fears and never think of is how we challenge ourselves from now backsliding” (WND-1, p. 395). on. We need to rouse even stronger faith Please engrave deep in your hearts the than we have before. The heavenly deities, Daishonin’s words that we should have no or benevolent functions of the universe, fear and never discard our faith.
24 “An Impasse is a Critical Turning Point” On the way back, we walked along the banks of the Arakawa River in Omiya. The Introduction: night wind was cold. The stars above were Reflecting on his own history of striving beautiful, shining down upon the two of us, together with his mentor, President Ikeda mentor and disciple, who had failed in our explains that we can bring forth great attempt that day. underlying strength when we struggle through The laces of my worn shoes, which had adversity. several holes, came undone. As I retied them, I began singing a popular song, President Ikeda’s Guidance: hoping to cheer Mr Toda up. Adapted from the essay series I humorously changed the lyric, “In the “Thoughts on The New Human Revolution”, flow of the stars... who turned me into this published in Japanese in the Seikyo Shimbun, kind of woman” into “In the flow of the December 6, 2003. stars... who turned me into this kind of man?” In 1950, my mentor Josei Toda’s With a smile, Mr Toda swiftly rejoined: businesses were in crisis. The situation was “I did!” so dire that Mr Toda even stepped down In the midst of a genuinely desperate from his position as Soka Gakkai general situation, he retained his sense of humour. director [to protect the organisation from I was relieved. In fact, I was happy. As being embroiled in his business problems]. long as Mr Toda was alive and well, there He was unable to pay his employees, who was nothing to fear. In fact, knowing this quit one after another, until I was left as inspired me, his disciple, to keep fighting his sole support. my hardest, to carry on the struggle until Mr Toda was a great leader of kosen- we had won. rufu. Firmly convinced that protecting him That unforgettable moment, that drama was the equivalent of protecting the Soka of mentor and disciple — a pivotal event Gakkai and the heritage of faith of Nichiren unfolding under the starry skies of Saitama Buddhism, I did everything I possibly could — remains indelibly etched in my heart to to assist and support him. this day. One day, Mr Toda and I were on our Mr Toda would often say to me: “An way to Omiya City in Saitama Prefecture, impasse is a critical turning point. Do you hoping to gain the financial means to give up and throw in the towel? Or do break through the impasse that Mr Toda’s you stand up with indomitable resolve, businesses were facing. Unfortunately, our determined to go on fighting? That effort did not meet with success. difference in attitude is what determines
25 victory or defeat.” Mr Toda deeply and Not Giving In to Doubt firmly impressed this lesson on me. When Difficulties Arise “Listen to me, Daisaku. Whatever happens along the way, triumph in the end! Introduction: Resolve to win! If you win in the end, you Referring to an important passage from the will have won in everything.” Daishonin’s writing “The Opening of the My days back then were a continuous, Eyes”, President Ikeda explains that the life intense struggle. I had no time for self- state of Buddhahood is attained by facing and pity. I knew in the depths of my being that overcoming obstacles through faith. an eternal, ever-victorious, indestructible bastion was being built within me as I President Ikeda’s Guidance: strove tirelessly to support my mentor with From a speech delivered at the spirit of exerting millions of aeons of the 80th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders effort (cf. OTT, p. 214). Meeting, Tokyo, September 29, 1994. From the resonance of our spirits as mentor and disciple and in the light of Let’s examine a passage from Nichiren the uncompromising law of cause and Daishonin’s writing “The Opening of the effect taught in Buddhism — I was strongly Eyes”: convinced that I would experience brilliant Although I and my disciples may future reward. encounter various difficulties, if we Eventually, we made our way through do not harbour doubts in our hearts, this raging storm of troubles [relating we will as a matter of course attain to Mr Toda’s business problems], and Buddhahood. Do not have doubts on May 3 the following year (1951), the simply because heaven does not lend morning of victory dawned as Mr Toda was you protection. Do not be discouraged inaugurated as the second Soka Gakkai because you do not enjoy an easy and president. secure existence in this life. This is what It is only when we struggle against I have taught my disciples morning and adversity that the tremendous power evening, and yet they begin to harbour residing in the very depths of our lives doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish begins to reveal itself. Those who can men are likely to forget the promises summon great strength at the most they have made when the crucial challenging time are victors. This is an moment comes. (WND-1, p. 283) unchanging rule of history.
26 If you remember this, you’ll be fine. In “Letter from Sado”, the Daishonin Please never forget this teaching. writes: “Iron, when heated in the flames and Those who keep on striving, never pounded, becomes a fine sword. Worthies doubting the power of faith even when and sages are tested by abuse” (WND-1, p. difficulties arise, are certain to attain 303). Swords are tempered in fire. That’s Buddhahood, the Daishonin assures us. the only way to make a sword. I know that many of you have memorised In the same way, those who are tempered this passage, and that it has been placed by criticism and abuse, by opposition and on the Buddhist altar in many households. attack, become true “sages and worthies.” It is one of the most fundamental of the Daishonin’s teachings. Footnote: 1 Difficulties are inescapable. “No one can Ten demon daughters: The ten female protective deities who appear in the avoid problems, not even sages or worthies” “Dharani” (26th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra (WND-1, p. 681), says the Daishonin. as the “daughters of rakshasa demons” or Since we cannot avoid them, we must the “ten rakshasa daughters”. They vow to overcome them. We must overcome them the Buddha to guard and protect the sutra’s and attain Buddhahood. votaries.
27 Coping with Stress
(Excerpts from the discussion between SGI President Ikeda and Soka Gakkai Doctors’ Division Leaders Dr Shuhei Morita and Dr Hiroyuki Toyofuku in Humanism and the Art of Medicine)
President Ikeda: The reaction to stress traits are particularly prone to stress. These is different from person to person, isn’t it? people tend to be serious, responsible, Toyofuku: Yes. Individual factors, such as conscientious, inflexible, perfectionist, personality, behavioural patterns, lifestyle, without hobbies, concerned about how they values and whether or not there is support are held in others’ estimation, and unskilled from friends and family, have a major impact in expressing their opinions and feelings. on how stress affects a person. Toyofuku: Of course, we are not saying it is President Ikeda: This is an extreme a good idea to be frivolous and irresponsible, example, of course, but a survey was either. conducted of those who had experienced the Nazi concentration camps. Many Positive Thinking Stimulates the people lost all hope upon their arrest. Immune System Some even committed suicide before they could be confined there. But among the Morita: People who have a positive attitude survivors, we find many who say they were are likely to take stress in stride easily. motivated to cling to life so that they could President Ikeda: You mean people who tell the world of this atrocity and ensure are positive thinkers? that it would never happen again. Toyofuku: That is right. A survey was Of course, I am not saying anything so once conducted of some one thousand US facile as that all one needs to survive is business leaders. As a result of their high- hope. Many who were filled with precious ranking positions, all of them experienced hope died tragic deaths, nonetheless. What a strong degree of isolation and stress. Yet, I am saying is that hope is the well-spring of their mortality rate was more than 30 per life force. The death of hope is the death of cent below that of their comtemporaries. the spirit. Nothing in this world is as strong as hope and a sense of mission. President Ikeda: I see. It is certainly By the way, what kind of people are true that those in positions of leadership most likely to be affected by stress? are subjected to a great deal of stress. But leaders must convert that stress into Morita: It is widely believed that those positive energy — into energy to tackle the who demonstrate a certain set of character
28 next challenge. People who are able to is whether we use stress as the wind make the most of any circumstance they beneath our wings to soar high into the sky find themselves in are those who handle or whether we allow ourselves to be blown stress best. These are people who can away by it. We each have the capacity create value. They aren’t complainers. to decide that by our own mind or inner Morita: Each day is a fulfilling experience resolve. for such people. And they are also highly Toyofuku: In that sense, stress is an resistant to illness. indispensable element in living a better life. Toyofuku: It is believed that positive President Ikeda: Precisely. An aeroplane thinking stimulates the production of cannot fly without the resistance of the air endorphins in the brain and strengthens that lifts it. By the same token, when we lack the immune system. any resistance, when we have no problems President Ikeda: Dr René Simard, to challenge us, we can lose our focus the cancer specialist and rector of the and sense of direction. It all depends on University of Montreal, also told me that. whether we can put the wind to good use. In our dialogue [in December 1990], he Of course, we need to make efforts to remarked on the effects on endorphins, improve our environment. But even so, which he called “the body’s natural there will always be some degree of stress morphine”. Mr Toda also used to say as long as we are alive. The important thing that the body was a giant pharmaceutical is to learn how to handle stress… plant. Buddhism expounds “the wonderful If we are motivated and earnestly involved workings of one’s mind”. (Gosho Zenshu, in some endeavour, we will experience an p. 717) This mysterious nature of the mind energy that stress cannot take away. On the is one of the key teachings of Buddhism. other hand, if we drop our guard and just Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Explaining sit there day dreaming, we allow a crack to the wonders of the mind is the prime open in our mental armour whereby stress objective of all sutras and treatises.” can then readily invade our life. (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564) Toyofuku: Viruses and other pathogens Life is inherently endowed with the also exploit such vulnerable moments. marvelous capacity to convert even the President Ikeda: We must not be passive. negative into something positive. At the That leaves us open to attack. most basic level, one’s life is created by A life on the offensive, on the other one’s own inner resolve, one’s mind. This is hand, means seeking a challenge that even more true of a person with faith. inspires us, advancing towards our dream. The same is true of stress. The question That determination and passion becomes
29 the strength that enables us to cope with the motivation for effort and progress. stress. In that sense, how successfully we When we strengthen our life force through deal with stress depends on whether we the Mystic Law, all earthly desires and have a fulfilling goal in life. It is a matter of sufferings are instantly transformed into the personal philosophy we live by… enlightenment. Problems are transformed In Buddhism, nothing is in vain. Of into wisdom, into happiness. course having faith does not mean we will The same is true of stress. Stress forces never experience stress. In some respects, us to pay attention to our health. Stress, working for the sake of others is always too, serves as an impetus for growth, for accompanied by great expenditure of developing our life condition. energy, and it may result in deep fatigue. One of the names of the Buddha is But that is what makes our endeavours “One Who Can Forbear”. That strength, so noble. And, that is why our lives are that power to survive, is the life state of strengthened and grow even healthier. the Buddha. I hope all our members will Buddhism teaches that earthly desires are learn to navigate our stress-riddled society enlightenment. Life is never completely smoothly, with positive thinking and good free from sufferings. Problems, rather, are cheer.
Ways to Overcome Stress
1. Have a positive and forward-looking attitude. 2. Laugh. 3. Have friends with whom one can talk freely and consult on anything. 4. Live by a personal philosophy and have a fulfilling goal in life. 5. Divide your time into “work time” and “relaxation time”, bringing some variety into our lives.
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