Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunrise Group’s PIC Kick off meeting
‘Some of the very best leaders in the world started to established life sound philosophies and beliefs when they are in their teens and twenty years of age as a result laying the foundation of success when they reach age thirties and forties’.
For the sake of the expansion of the organization and the great cause for koserufu movement, Mr. Ikeda wholeheartedly resolved to foster capable successors who are high spirits in value creation. Therefore after his inauguration as the third president of Soka Gakkai he established Future Division. The growth of the Future division determines the future development of the educational institutions and universities. And because of establishment of these academic foundations, future division’s growth, visions and aspirations can be actualize.
Ever since the opening of the Mentor and Disciple Peace Hall, we have received many good reviews from the visitors. One of which happened during last month visit where I was fortunate to witnessed, I was there when the group of six years old children from Soka Kindergarten visited this Hall. As we were touring the 9th Floor and upon reaching Mr. Ikeda’s humanistic education section, the teacher and children suddenly burst out singing their school song! I was deeply moved by that scene. When the teacher asked the children whether Mr. Ikeda had attended any university before, all the children unanimously replied never. Then the teacher pointed to a photo and asked them who the person in the picture was. The children replied that it was Mr. Ikeda’s teacher, Mr. Toda. Their teacher then continued to say that although Mr. Ikeda didn’t have the chance to go to university but because he encountered a great teacher who taught him so many things about life that set him off in his earnest endeavours in establishing the Soka institutions. And for this reason all of you have the opportunity to study in the most profound humanistic education in Malaysia!
Because we value ‘humanity’ and the ‘future’ and because we hold aspirations for the ‘future’ that’s why we put into practice our study and faith as our basis in order to foster more capable people for the development of our organization, as well as establishing the foundations for the world peace.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
One of the main objectives of the establishment of the Mentor and Disciple Peace Hall is to perfectly conserve all our mentors’ meticulous contributions for us through the Mentor Disciple Peace Hall. Thus, enable our successors from countless generations to come, surpassing time and space to personally experience and inspired by the core essence of our mentors’ spirit. And as a Buddhist practitioner, a change in a single individual will enable a change in the destiny of humankind.
Hence, Mentor and Disciple Peace Hall is not built for us at present but for our children’s future.
Once Mr. Ikeda who was overwhelmed with mixed emotions said:
‘Future Division (Editors note: comprises of Primary School, Middle School and High School) each Division, I single handedly found them.’
Since his inauguration as the third president of SGI, President Ikeda placed importance on the ‘future’.
For that reason, ‘Future Division’ was the first group he established.
SGI President Ikeda said: ‘on the 3rd of May 1960, since the day I took up the post as the third president, I resolved that: ‘The 21st century will determine the success or failure of my life.’
Hence, envisaging the future of kosen rufu movement, Mr. Ikeda set up High School Division, Junior High Division and Junior Division.
One famous writer who have always paid close attention to SGI’s development said: ‘Ah! SGI is carrying out another big strategy. This line of approach is truly noble! I believe from now on, your organization will further grow and expand tremendously.’ (The Dawn of a Century of Humanistic Education essay)
How do we open up the pathway of kosen rufu for the next ten thousand years to come? My first step was establishing Soka institutions. (The Dawn of a Century of Humanistic Education essay)
One Youth Leader of the grassroots stage said:
‘When Mr. Ikeda was inaugurated as the third president, he already has the idea of wanting to establish Soka institutions and university.
I heard that there have been numerous times where leaders requested sensei to become the president but he always politely turn down their offers and as a result he felt very miserable: ‘If you asked me what made me distressed, it’s regarding what I should do to enable the organization to advance vigorously after taking up the post as president and the question is what should I do to realize it? For the sake of the future, I decided to wholeheartedly put in strenuous efforts on education and established Soka institutions and university! Once made this firm conviction, I then took up the post. ‘
Shortly after his inauguration, he has already made big decisions for the future ten years of the organization.
How should we foster SGI’s capable successors? What sort of strategy should we implement? That point is the most important matter after his inauguration as president.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hence, like our sensei we are gathered here today to earnestly start to strive for the future! We must carefully reflect on how to foster these Sunrise Group members for the sake of the future.
At the beginning of our meeting I have already make known and shared all the plans pertaining to Sunrise Group. But however it is the most important is actually everyone’s ‘heart’.
At the sixth memorial ceremony in 1964, University Division Chief proposed to Mr. Ikeda saying: ‘Numerous candidates who are going to retake their exams as well as third year high school students expressed their desire to participate in our University Division meetings after being inspired by our momentous approach . Hence, we hope that the University Division can take the responsibility to nurture the exam candidates as well as the third year high school students.’
Mr. Ikeda seemed like he had always been expecting this opportunity, he answered: ‘Not just third year high school students, why not let us include the entire high school students as our prospects and establish a group!
‘High School Division is the first division established as we step into the present era. They are the youthful group who will bear the heavy responsibilities of the present era.’
That same year on 1st of June, at a Young Men Division leaders meeting conducted at Taito Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo, Youth Division Chief Goro Watari stated: ‘Now is the time, establishing High School Division and Junior High Division as a youthful group!’ Mr. Ikeda recalled back the time when he once pleaded Youth Division Chief: ‘You must pick out the finest capable person to be in charge of the High School Division.’ It is because I anticipate the following generations of young phoenixes are inspired by outstanding seniors who will impart them with a learning environment where study is the first priority and a place of exuberant growth.’ (New Human Revolution)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Therefore as what as Sensei has pointed out; you are the role model of the children. All of our words and deed will determine the end future of these successors. If we do not resolve to be Mr. Ikeda’s outstanding disciples, we cannot expect the children to be one too. Without hesitant, let us all be the children’s best role model. Our unwavering and assiduous commitment will bring about another future development for SGM kosen-rufu for the next 50 years.
Hiromasa Ikeda once said:
I was only Primary 5 when I attended the inauguration ceremony. My first impression was that the centre was over crowded with lots of children. During that time children who are in Primary five and six are considered Junior High Division members.
Before the establishment of the Junior High Division, I was brought along to participate in many numerous meetings. My family has always adhered to Mr. Toda’s guidance: ‘To let the children to grow up in the grounds of our organization’ and for the first time in my life I participated in that meeting proactively and not self-effacing.
During that meet, I learnt the five guidelines of Junior High Division shared by Goro Watari.
1. Keep up a consistent practice of gongyo.
2. Study hard.
3. Have good school attendance.
4. Don’t cause your parents to worry.
5. Live each day honestly, strongly and cheerfully.
If these words were said by our parents, we may get stubborn and won’t listen to them but if it’s said by our seniors, we’d readily accept it.
From then on, I resolved earnestly to do my gongyo. When I got home, I praised myself for being ‘the first batch of Junior High Division’ and cheerfully started my practice of gongyo.
It is very difficult to give encouragement on faith when it’s between a parent and child, if it weren’t through our organization and learning from our seniors, I’d say it’ll be difficult to accept any encouragement given.
For this reason, dear future division’s PIC, you need not worry when you’re facing with the leader’s children.
Below I’d like to share with you all a few examples on how Mr. Ikeda fosters children:
Dai-byakurenge February 2010 (Cosmic July 2011)
| A |
truly great philosophy is always dedicated to the cause of creating the future. A truly great leader is always devoted to fostering youthful successors and ensuring their well-being - this was what I witnessed and reaffirmed during my youth as a Future Division leader, through the action of President Ikeda.
It was on the evening of February 11, 1969, after a post-event discussion on the Chubu Leaders Meeting which was held earlier in the day at the Aichi Prefecture Gymnasium, when President Ikeda took out two envelopes from his pocket and said to a Future Division leader: “Can you hand this to the two High School Division members who sang in the choir today at the meeting?”
“Two members?” For a moment. all of us present were dumbfounded as we did not have the slightest idea which “two members” President Ikeda was referring to. Sensing our bewilderment, President Ikeda said, “Don’t you know which two members I’m referring to? Remember? There were two children in the choir who were not wearing their own shoes. One was wearing a pair of over-sized leather shoes. It must have been his father’s shoes. Another child was wearing a pair of terribly worn-out canvas shoes. Go find these two members and hand these envelopes (containing money) to them so that both students can buy a pair of new shoes.”
The following morning, the leaders went round asking the choir members, “What kind of shoes were you wearing yesterday?” Finally, we managed to find the two students that President Ikeda was looking for.
Both were in their final year of study in high school and both were studying hard for their university entrance examinations while working part-time as their families were experiencing financial difficulties. Both students were initially taken aback and moved to tears when they received the unexpected gift from President Ikeda.
Quotation from the author: “After this experience, I thought to myself, who would ever notice the shoes worn by high school students? This is how President Ikeda cherishes and creates the future. The future is always in his heart. President Ikeda himself is an embodiment of the future. “
Dai-byakurenge March 2010 (Cosmic August 2011)
“Why does he treasure youthful successors to this extent?”
This is my honest feelings when I had the opportunity to work alongside SGI President Ikeda during my youth.
It was in winter 1988. President Ikeda received a letter from a primary school in Aizu-wakamatsu city located in the northern part of mainland Japan (Editor’s note: Due to the fact that the city is known for its cold, harsh winter, it is often referred to as a “Snow Country”). It was sent by three Primary Six female students from the school.
“Dear President Daisaku Ikeda,
We are three good friends who are members of our school library committee .... “ The letter began with these words. They were handwritten neatly with great care and sincerity.
The letter continued to explain that the girls were planning to hold a “Library Festival” so that students in their school can spend a fruitful harsh winter in our snow country in high spirits. The girls elaborated that they would like to set up a “Letter from the Author Section” at the “Library Festival” and requested President Ikeda to write a letter for their upcoming event. Apparently, the three students who wrote the letter were deeply moved when they read President Ikeda’s book titled, Rainbow over the Pacific Ocean, This book belonged to their classmate, who was a member of the Primary Division in the Soka Gakkai.
They were so inspired by the book that they decided to request the author, President Ikeda, for a letter.
President Ikeda received the letter one day before he was scheduled to depart for a guidance trip to Asia in 1988. One can imagine how tight his schedule was for the day. Nevertheless, President Ikeda responded by writing a letter as requested by the students. It was on the morning of the day of departure that President Ikeda handed me a long letter that covered three pages of Japanese manuscript paper he had written to the students. He must have worked till late in the night.
“I was overjoyed to receive your letter it was as if I had just received a letter from a fairy tale wonderland. Colourful flowers of spring began to bloom in my heart as I read on ..... For all of you right now, reading books is just like embarking on a ‘wonderful spiritual journey’ .... “
I heard that upon receiving the personally handwritten letter from President Ikeda, the entire school was engulfed in excitement and joy. It was in a state of irrepressible jubilation for this was completely out of their expectations. Much as they wanted to, they did not expect President Ikeda to actually respond to their request.
I was deeply moved by President Ikeda’s action. It is said that the best way to judge the validity of the philosophy and movement that one advocates is to see if that individual treasures children. The only way to foster the Future Division members correctly is to base ourselves on President Ikeda’s spirit and action and this is the strong belief and a personal vow I uphold even till today.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This passage is excerpted from the New Human Revolution novel.
Youth Division Chief said to Sinichi: ‘Sensei it is truly astounding and admirable the way you’ve repeatedly proposed decisive measures one after another. How do these ideas come about?’
This arises from earnest contemplation! I’ve put in a lot of heart, thinking about matters of the 21st century. Because at that time, who would be the one propagating kosen rufu movement shouldering the great responsibilities for world peace? Who could propagate the true spirit of Soka in the 21st century? It is through the Senior High Division and High School Division members. Inevitably, we must enable each and every one of them to valiantly grow and become outstanding capable people and leaders.’
Therefore, how could we achieve it? If we sit idle and do nothing, they would not grow into prolific individuals. They need to be constantly inspired and what stimulate them to gain inspiration are our earnest daily prayers; chanting for their growth as well as giving serious thoughts on how to encourage everyone? How to give them hope? How to enable them to be person of courage?
Our strong prayers with an unyielding ichinien will bear fruits of wisdom and in turn enable us to burst out with new ideas to foster them. In conclusion, the power of our ‘ichinien’ determines how strong our sense of responsibility is.
Junior Division Chief
Foo keh chong
Foo keh chong
Enthused sharing
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
Sunrise Group proposal
Sunrise Group proposal
This proposal was proposed by the Junior Division’s committee and is the fruition of the discussions with Student Division leader and the High School Division leader. Please do share with us your valuable thoughts and suggestions after careful read-through. Sunrise Group is our hope; the members of Sunrise Group are the future key leaders of our organisation. We must foster the children to become individuals who uphold the firm belief as one who proudly lives for the sake of kosen rufu; for the sake of others happiness and valiantly engage in our organisation’s activities for the stability of society. These are indeed the most important actions in educating children.
A) The significance of the establishment of the Sunrise Group:
1. To enable the Junior Division members to carry on our mentors aspirations, to study and to safeguard the citadel of the world’s kosen rufu our mentor built for us. It is our good fortune and mission to be the first batch of the ‘Sunrise group’. We resolve to do our utmost and become good role models for our future generations.
B）At every Junior Division’s Graduating Camp, we will let all Junior Division members participate in the oath taking ceremony, with the contents of the oath as follows:
On this day 11th December 2010, I vow to become a member of the ‘Sunrise Group’.
To put into practice Ikeda sensei’s guidance: What is today’s subject? It is to strive. What is tomorrow’s subject? It is to win! For this reason, our advancement is the treasured crown of our victory! Our progress is the victory of every family and every household!
Upholding firm faith for a victorious life and undertaking the mission for the future of the 21st century, each and every one of us will be an outstanding leader with righteousness and wisdom to contribute to the Malaysian society and then to the entire world. We will constantly move towards tomorrow; advancing one step at a time. Do our utmost to strive every day and triumph over our daily struggles without envying others. Upholding courage and persistence, loyal to oneself and cheerfully persist in our endeavour to attain absolute victory!
C) The oath taking is only fraction of the ceremony, whereas the actual ceremony to celebrate the children as members of the Sunrise Group will be officially held at the subsequent Graduating Camp the following year. When the time comes, they will be in charge of the second batch of Sunrise Group official ceremony. Below are the three responsibilities and conditions which they must complete in order to determine their eligibility as official members of the Sunrise Group:
First, the children have to be actively involved in Junior Division activities for 6 years and they are required to take part in the Graduation Camp that will officiates their graduation from the Junior Division and subsequently promoted as Junior Division’s Person In Charge(PIC) who will shoulder the responsibilities to care and support the Junior Division. You will be treated equally like a full fledge PIC whereby you have to participate at least 11 times in the preparatory work for Junior Division either in meeting or activities format.
Second. High School Division is another important group established by Mr. Ikeda to foster and safeguard everyone’s happiness. Hence, we encourage you to be actively involved and attend the High School Division activities in your respective region for at least 4 times a year and achieve another resounding victory together with your seniors in faith.
Third. Mr. Ikeda spared no effort to write and authored numerous writings, all for the sake of encouraging his beloved disciples. Therefore, we as disciples must establish and live an indestructible victorious life through fervently reading Sensei’s writings. That’s why; this part of the challenge is to read Ikeda Sensei’s authored work ‘Discussions on Youth’.
D) Junior Division Graduation Camp – Sunrise Group Ceremony Agenda
1. 15 minutes video of Mr. Ikeda’s visit to Malaysia
a. 20 minutes speech by Junior Division Regional PIC
b. Summary of Mr. Ikeda’s guidance during his visit to Malaysia
c. The significance of Sunrise Group
d. Sunrise Group members’ responsibilities and criteria.
2. 10 minutes Oath taking ceremony – to involve all PICs and Junior Division members.
3. 15 minutes conferral of badge for official members of Sunrise Group – conferral to those who successfully completed the 3 conditions in the previous batch
4. 20 minutes experience sharing by two Sunrise Group members
5. The End.
Whilst it is ongoing, we hope that every batch will arrange with Sunrise Group official members to make arrangements and preparations on stage and behind the scenes together with us. Although the scope of responsibility may be less complicated please make use of this opportunity to share with them more of Mr. Ikeda’s experiences and guidance and foster a younger generations of capable leaders. Preparatory works which Sunrise Group members can take part are:
a. Emcee
b. Reading out the oath
c. Guiding every Graduation Camp’s individual groups to accept their graduation certificate and signing procedure
d. Experience sharing within the small group on victorious experiences as well as life experiences in High School
e. Nominating two brilliant strivers to share their experiences with everyone
f. With the above stated as the benchmark, we need about 30 Sunrise Group members to take part in the Graduation Camp. (Majority of the people chosen are those involved in 24 group sharing at the Kuala Lumpur JD’s Graduation Camp)
E）Fostering Sunrise Group members
1. After the dialogue with Student Division leader and High School Division leader, we will collaborate together to implement a more comprehensive plan to foster outstanding capable people for the future. We shall commence with 3 years of training in the ‘Sunrise Group’, later move on to High School Division with 2 years of training in the ‘Young Phoenix Group’ and then followed by Student Division’s training and eventually stepping into the society to work. Thereafter establish people of capable of alumnae group that further unite everyone. Below are the plans we could carry out at present:
o The average number of Sunrise Group member in each chapter is about 3 to 8 persons. Depending on each respective district situation, we will arrange one PIC in charge from Junior Division and one PIC from High School Division to follow up on the progress of the Sunrise Group members.
o Basically we will assign one PIC from Junior Division and one from High School division to each look after 3 Sunrise Group members.
o Based on the current PIC candidates’ statistic, Women Division has the majority of Junior Division’s PIC; whereas High School Division PICs is jointly shared by PICs of Senior High Division and Student Division.
o When the district has reach sufficient manpower of PIC for the Junior Division, the Sunrise Group member can move on and then after leave the Junior Division group at Secondary Four level. From now onwards they can solely concentrate on their High School Division activities. In this point of time, the Senior High Division members who look after them (Sunrise Group) will concurrently enter Student Division, however, they will still maintain their affiliation until the very moment they step into society and start working.
o On the other hand, if the number of PIC is insufficient, the Sunrise Group members would have to take up both Junior Division and the High School Division responsibilities. However they must manage it efficiently because as students their studies are also extremely important.
o Starting from March 2011, we will gather these PICs together and encourage them. Subsequently, we will continue to gather them at other times to encourage, review and follow up on their progress as well as sharing victorious experiences on fostering people.
o In order to foster the children, the PIC will adopt a method similar to being an adoptive parent method to get closer to the children:
§ They have to conduct home visit with them at least once every two months
§ Calling them monthly and encourage them to read ‘Discussions on Youth’ as well as sharing a passage in the book.
§ Assigning a High School Division PIC from their respective chapter to remind them and send them to attend High School Division activities
§ Call them up or meet them to care about their thoughts or feelings after every High School Division meeting
§ Prepare a simple agenda and assign the Sunrise Group member to share sensei guidance from ‘Discussions on Youth’ book during Junior Division or High School Division activities.
§ We hope both the PICs and the children will further develop a very close relationship as a mentor and friend during these endeavour and maintain such rapport for more than ten years. For this reason, the PIC must resolve to become the children’s best senior and together sail towards the lighthouse of mentor and disciple on this vast ocean of life.
2. Proposed that during Junior Division’s PICs training meet, the agenda planned will include a section related to Sunrise Group.
3. We hope that in near future the Sunrise Group PIC to report their general progress in the all leaders meeting.
4. Every Junior Division States organization differs from one to another, please pilot the development of the sunrise group according to your individual states situation and make the necessary arrangement when required. Should you have any questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Regards
Junior Division Chief
Foo Keh Chong
Foo Keh Chong
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Junior Division Chief sharing thoughts from the seminar
As Junior Division Chief, what I am going to share today emphasizes more on Japan Junior Division’s progress. I believe a lot of people may loosen up a bit when I mentioned that what I’m going to share today concerns children. But please may I ask all of you not to lighten up. Because fostering children, fostering successors is a task that requires a lot of meticulous efforts and thoughts. I believe all parents agree to this, right?
All these while, regardless of ‘New Human Revolution’ or essays on ‘New Human Revolution’ or ‘The Light of the Century of Humanity’, we could read Mr. Ikeda’s encouragement and aspirations towards Japan Junior Group’s PIC as well as the earnest attitude on how to foster successors. That is also the reason why I have always wanted to meet them for a dialogue and learn from them. Hence, I assiduously chanted that I will definitely meet Japan Boys Division’s Chief in the upcoming seminar in Japan and return with his and our mentors’ spirit to share with everyone. On the fourth day of the seminar, my wish finally came true; I am very honoured to engage in a dialogue with the Junior Division Chief for an hour and a half. Below are the main points he shared with me:
1) From the start, he emphasized that the most important thing is that Junior Division’s Chief must seek out and chant on how to convey and let the children understand our mentor’s aspirations. Japan attaches great importance on Junior Division. 45 years ago Mr. Ikeda established the starting point of Junior Division. The Seikyo Shimbun’s periodical publication on ‘Elementary School Culture News’ would publish a history review article relating to the starting point day on the memorial day every year for the purpose of widely spreading and pass on the starting point spirit of our founder!
On 6th of March at a Honbu Leader’s Meeting, Junior Division Fuji’s Hope Choir Group sang two heartening songs with the title ‘Courageous Successor’ and ‘Da Nan Gong’. For the song ‘Da Nan Gong’, they sang it together with the Men Division’s Choir Group, when the children are singing, the Men Division would face them and when the Men Division are singing, the children would in turn face them, towards the end if the song, tears streamed down the face of some of the children standing at the first row; simply displaying the scenario where children of Da Nan Gong are sent to war zone, none of the audiences present aren’t moved by their song.
a. The Junior Division Chief said that there are 1000 groups of Junior Group choir alike throughout Japan, every choir has different names and all are personally named by Mr. Ikeda. Hence, during every practice, they would always review the starting point of the establishment of the choir group which they went through with sensei, because all of it comes from our mentor’s wish to safeguard everyone’s painstaking efforts.
At every performance, the children wishes that they could express their hearts content through their song and hoping that it could be conveyed to our mentor. Junior Division’s Choir is also Japan’s Junior Division’s capable people fostering group. To join in this group the children have to go through some criteria and tests but in some cases, even if the children couldn’t make it through the test as long as they genuinely wish to be part of the choir, they would be given the chance. They have never participated in any public performance or competition, because their main intention is to encourage members through their voices during meetings.
3) During our conversation we brought up the matter of my visit to Japan and the exchange meeting I had with the choir’s instructor 5 years ago. How can we enable the children to be happy and obedient when we are conducting meeting. His answers are very simple.
a. Firstly, when the child first steps into the door of our centre, we must carry a very firm resolve to give that child the happiest and most unforgettable childhood.
b. Second, to become the bridge between our mentor and them. To continuously share with them President Ikeda’s guidance and encourage them to keep advancing in life.
c. These two points are very important, if there are no joyful memories during activities, how can they open up their hearts to accept encouragement? Happiness is the source of confidence. Furthermore, Ikeda sensei is in his 80’s this year while the eldest of Junior Division members are about 12 years old. If we do not guide them at present, it’ll be harder when they grow up. We are considered to be very lucky to be able to know Mr. Ikeda at our age but being able to empathize and appreciate Mr. Ikeda’s guidance at their age, it’s considered the happiest and most fortunate opportunity.
d. President Ikeda often tells children: You must become the mentor and disciple’s ‘studious hero’, ‘the righteous lion’, ‘the professor of filial respect’ and ‘the sun of victory’. These are very important life guidances for the children.
4) At the beginning, it was Mr. Ikeda’s wish to establish Junior Division for the purpose of fostering capable people for the future of kosen rufu. There was one incident when the Junior Division Chief asked sensei: ‘What mission does the Junior Division holds for the future?’ Sensei replied him saying: ‘You have to think about it yourself.’ At that moment he was stunned but subsequently he understood that it is a strict guidance sensei gave him hoping that he would stop relying on others.
In the tenth chapter of ‘The Light of the Century of Humanity’ essay, Ikeda sensei mentioned: The society of Japan is now facing the decrease in the number of population caused by the decline in birthrates. It is an important matter in which the government must swiftly correspond with.
a. But viewing it from a different perspective, because of the decline in birthrates, we must treasure each and every one of our young friends more and enable them to become a person who can carry out ten persons’ work and also become the most treasured capable person among hundreds. This is also the time when the whole society must start reflecting on the core of ‘educating the future successors’.
b. The Junior Division Chief said even though there are facing the declination in birthrates; it has already become a fact. We cannot encourage others to have more children because it is a great responsibility. Therefore, we mustn’t push the blame for the cause failure on the problems of society or become dependent. Instead we must directly confront the problems and think of a way to foster exceptional capable people, this way the society will have greater progress. Someone who gives great thought on the organization could bring about even greater expansion and progress into the organization.
6) From this year onwards, Japan’s Junior Division Group had a significant change. All those who once held responsibility or in charge of Junior Division 20 or 30 years ago; who at present are in Men Division and Women Division, all returned to Junior Division group where they resume and participated in fostering of capable people together with the Youth Division.
a. Besides paying attention on fostering exceptional capable people, the main purpose is also to re-educate the parents. Previously when the children encounter problems, a lot of parents would push the responsibilities to Youth Division; where the youths have to think of ways to encourage their children to participate in activities as well as other various problems.
b. At present, the parents personally send their children to every Junior Division meetings where at the venue; dialogues and educational activities are conducted. This change can definitely enable the whole organization as well as parents to develop awareness on the importance on childhood education.
c. The allocation of groups under Chapters is in-charged by Men and Women Division whereas groups above Chapters and choir groups are all assigned to the Youth Division. As for the core focus on the content of the meetings, it is on how to impart our mentors’ spirit to enable the children to comprehend. As for parents it is to contemplate on Mr. Ikeda’s values on home education.
d. I am very happy to receive a report from Johor state’s Junior Division PIC yesterday stating that they have already started to incorporate plans proposed by Parents Group this year, they have a really good foresight.
7) Recently Junior Division members and PIC’s in Kuala Lumpur created numerous victorious experience which includes:
a. As a result of the PIC sincere efforts, the children voluntarily did shakubuku when they get home and eventually encouraged their parents to enshrine Gohonzon.
b. A child who went home after Junior Division meeting upon seeing his mother sad, immediately shared sensei’s guidance which he learnt during the meeting and encouraged his mother.
c. Recently we organized a Primary Six Graduation Camp where a lot of PIC’s, as a result of being in charge of Mr. Ikeda Footstep Board Game, they earnestly study and tried their best to enable the children to experience sensei’s life struggles and spirit. After the camp, numerous PIC’s said that the camp changed their lives and they resolved to resolutely follow our mentor from then onwards and so on.
d. The outcomes above are all the results of the earnest dedication of PIC’s who are fully committed in their role. As well as the pure hearted faith of the children who in turn gave the PIC’s a lot of learning opportunities. I really appreciate everyone’s efforts!
8) An organization which attaches great importance on children is also an organization which attaches importance on the further development of the future.
a. Mr. Toda said: ‘Soka Gakkai organization is a safe zone. We must let our children to grow in Soka’s homeland.’ Try to imagine if there is no unity among PIC’s where disputes always happen due to interpersonal relationship problems and egoism, how can we expect the children to grow at ease?
b. Every Junior Division’s meeting venue nationwide are experiencing short handed situations. Whereas some areas couldn’t get the support from Four Divisions and that they have to bear all problems and solve it themselves. All those are opportunities to temper ourselves! And also because of that, numerous Chapters created heartening experiences one after another and everyone became united to safeguard our mentors’ organization.
9) After my dialogue with the Junior Division Chief, my resolve to further expand Junior Division strengthened even more. I develop a deeper understanding on the significant responsibility of fostering the Junior Division! And the great role it plays for the expansion of our organization in the future.
10) This year marks the significant year where Soka Gakkai celebrates its 80th anniversary, Mr. Ikeda 50th year inauguration as President and 22nd anniversary of sensei’s visit to Malaysia as well as the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Junior Division!
a. 3rd of July is Mentor Disciple Day and it also corresponds to Malaysia’s Junior Division Day. A few fostering plans are already slowly implemented in Kuala Lumpur. Other states PIC’s are also assiduously planning theirs.
b. For the sake of our future successors, please give your utmost support and may everyone create a truly profound meaning on this year’s celebration where together with the children we make a vow. For this reason, Junior Division Day focus isn’t just on the children but also the PIC’s; hence all of us must grow together!
c. Last year 3 Junior Division Leaders conducted dialogue and exchange meeting with 185 PIC’s in many districts across Kuala Lumpur. This year we will further broaden the scope of our dialogue and conduct nationwide dialogue hoping to use this opportunity to gather PIC’s whom are all endowed with exceptional capabilities to bring about further development in their respective areas!
Just now I’ve discussed Junior Division’s 5 year development plans with each state representative. When these plans are implemented, how many of them would seriously look into it and earnestly carry it out is our major concern at the moment.
11) Japan’s pervious Junior Division Chief once asked Mr. Ikeda what are his hopes and aspirations on the Junior Division. Mr. Ikeda replied saying: I don’t have any exceptional expectations on the Junior Division because regardless of Junior Division, Youth Division or Men and Women Division, all members are very valuable. Hence, all ongoing Junior Division meetings must place safety as the top priority. It must be carried out accident free so parents wouldn’t worry.
12) At the recent Chapter Leader’s meeting, Mr. Ikeda on many occasions gave this strict guidance saying that if PIC’s aren’t serious, the members are the one who will suffer.
a. If leaders are arrogant, negligent and presumptuous, they will unconsciously fall into the current of authoritarian and in turn disdain or even take advantage others.
b. Soka Gakkai definitely cannot have such leaders. We must become a humane leader who is willing to sacrifice ourselves to help others. Mr. Ikeda wholeheartedly exerts himself for the sake of fostering such leaders.
13) During the recent leaders meeting, for two consecutive times I have personally witnessed Mr. Ikeda who is in his eighties still contributing his whole life guiding everyone in worldwide kosen rufu. His spirit deeply touched me and at the same time prompts me to self reflect.
a. At times, seniors in faith may offer praises to encourage me but I never let myself to be inebriated in praises because I still have a long road to go, I must be stricter to myself. I hope that seniors in faith would further discipline me. Because I as Junior Division Chief who is in my thirties as well as other Youth Division members will be the successors carrying the leadership responsibilities in the future.
b. I carry the earnest attitude to do my utmost to foster myself and the children to become a creative person, philosophical, intellectual, artistic, sociable and a capable person of high caliber within 5 years.
14) Now let me share with you my thoughts and experience throughout the preparatory works for the Mentor and Disciple Hall:
a. Every time when we are discussing matters or voice out any suggestions or requests to the Japanese staff members, sensei’s staff members will definitely give out 200% and earnestly supported and collaborate with us. I could feel their earnest attitude to further spread the mentor and disciple spirit.
b. Regardless whether they are in their native land of Japan or Soviet Union or other countries to hold grand exhibition or small ones, they always carry the spirit of widely spreading our mentors’ spirit in their entire endeavour.
15) One of the Young Man Division member shared with me Ikeda sensei’s heartening struggles:
a. changing script: --------- (When this part of sharing is sorted, I will share it at every Districts and every states)
16) Therefore, to enable the mentor disciple spirit to be able to flourish in Malaysia and bear fruit, my fellow comrades and I will earnestly exert ourselves 200% in response of our mentors’ profound love towards us! To enable ourselves to pull closer the distance of ‘hearts’ with our mentor, while you are reading, please always keep in mind that the all guidance you read carries our mentors aspirations for your happiness and that he wrote the books and letters especially for you!
Above, I thank you all, and here wishing you all: Good Faith!
Junior Division Chief Foo Keh Chong
All these while, regardless of ‘New Human Revolution’ or essays on ‘New Human Revolution’ or ‘The Light of the Century of Humanity’, we could read Mr. Ikeda’s encouragement and aspirations towards Japan Junior Group’s PIC as well as the earnest attitude on how to foster successors. That is also the reason why I have always wanted to meet them for a dialogue and learn from them. Hence, I assiduously chanted that I will definitely meet Japan Boys Division’s Chief in the upcoming seminar in Japan and return with his and our mentors’ spirit to share with everyone. On the fourth day of the seminar, my wish finally came true; I am very honoured to engage in a dialogue with the Junior Division Chief for an hour and a half. Below are the main points he shared with me:
1) From the start, he emphasized that the most important thing is that Junior Division’s Chief must seek out and chant on how to convey and let the children understand our mentor’s aspirations. Japan attaches great importance on Junior Division. 45 years ago Mr. Ikeda established the starting point of Junior Division. The Seikyo Shimbun’s periodical publication on ‘Elementary School Culture News’ would publish a history review article relating to the starting point day on the memorial day every year for the purpose of widely spreading and pass on the starting point spirit of our founder!
On 6th of March at a Honbu Leader’s Meeting, Junior Division Fuji’s Hope Choir Group sang two heartening songs with the title ‘Courageous Successor’ and ‘Da Nan Gong’. For the song ‘Da Nan Gong’, they sang it together with the Men Division’s Choir Group, when the children are singing, the Men Division would face them and when the Men Division are singing, the children would in turn face them, towards the end if the song, tears streamed down the face of some of the children standing at the first row; simply displaying the scenario where children of Da Nan Gong are sent to war zone, none of the audiences present aren’t moved by their song.
a. The Junior Division Chief said that there are 1000 groups of Junior Group choir alike throughout Japan, every choir has different names and all are personally named by Mr. Ikeda. Hence, during every practice, they would always review the starting point of the establishment of the choir group which they went through with sensei, because all of it comes from our mentor’s wish to safeguard everyone’s painstaking efforts.
At every performance, the children wishes that they could express their hearts content through their song and hoping that it could be conveyed to our mentor. Junior Division’s Choir is also Japan’s Junior Division’s capable people fostering group. To join in this group the children have to go through some criteria and tests but in some cases, even if the children couldn’t make it through the test as long as they genuinely wish to be part of the choir, they would be given the chance. They have never participated in any public performance or competition, because their main intention is to encourage members through their voices during meetings.
3) During our conversation we brought up the matter of my visit to Japan and the exchange meeting I had with the choir’s instructor 5 years ago. How can we enable the children to be happy and obedient when we are conducting meeting. His answers are very simple.
a. Firstly, when the child first steps into the door of our centre, we must carry a very firm resolve to give that child the happiest and most unforgettable childhood.
b. Second, to become the bridge between our mentor and them. To continuously share with them President Ikeda’s guidance and encourage them to keep advancing in life.
c. These two points are very important, if there are no joyful memories during activities, how can they open up their hearts to accept encouragement? Happiness is the source of confidence. Furthermore, Ikeda sensei is in his 80’s this year while the eldest of Junior Division members are about 12 years old. If we do not guide them at present, it’ll be harder when they grow up. We are considered to be very lucky to be able to know Mr. Ikeda at our age but being able to empathize and appreciate Mr. Ikeda’s guidance at their age, it’s considered the happiest and most fortunate opportunity.
d. President Ikeda often tells children: You must become the mentor and disciple’s ‘studious hero’, ‘the righteous lion’, ‘the professor of filial respect’ and ‘the sun of victory’. These are very important life guidances for the children.
4) At the beginning, it was Mr. Ikeda’s wish to establish Junior Division for the purpose of fostering capable people for the future of kosen rufu. There was one incident when the Junior Division Chief asked sensei: ‘What mission does the Junior Division holds for the future?’ Sensei replied him saying: ‘You have to think about it yourself.’ At that moment he was stunned but subsequently he understood that it is a strict guidance sensei gave him hoping that he would stop relying on others.
In the tenth chapter of ‘The Light of the Century of Humanity’ essay, Ikeda sensei mentioned: The society of Japan is now facing the decrease in the number of population caused by the decline in birthrates. It is an important matter in which the government must swiftly correspond with.
a. But viewing it from a different perspective, because of the decline in birthrates, we must treasure each and every one of our young friends more and enable them to become a person who can carry out ten persons’ work and also become the most treasured capable person among hundreds. This is also the time when the whole society must start reflecting on the core of ‘educating the future successors’.
b. The Junior Division Chief said even though there are facing the declination in birthrates; it has already become a fact. We cannot encourage others to have more children because it is a great responsibility. Therefore, we mustn’t push the blame for the cause failure on the problems of society or become dependent. Instead we must directly confront the problems and think of a way to foster exceptional capable people, this way the society will have greater progress. Someone who gives great thought on the organization could bring about even greater expansion and progress into the organization.
6) From this year onwards, Japan’s Junior Division Group had a significant change. All those who once held responsibility or in charge of Junior Division 20 or 30 years ago; who at present are in Men Division and Women Division, all returned to Junior Division group where they resume and participated in fostering of capable people together with the Youth Division.
a. Besides paying attention on fostering exceptional capable people, the main purpose is also to re-educate the parents. Previously when the children encounter problems, a lot of parents would push the responsibilities to Youth Division; where the youths have to think of ways to encourage their children to participate in activities as well as other various problems.
b. At present, the parents personally send their children to every Junior Division meetings where at the venue; dialogues and educational activities are conducted. This change can definitely enable the whole organization as well as parents to develop awareness on the importance on childhood education.
c. The allocation of groups under Chapters is in-charged by Men and Women Division whereas groups above Chapters and choir groups are all assigned to the Youth Division. As for the core focus on the content of the meetings, it is on how to impart our mentors’ spirit to enable the children to comprehend. As for parents it is to contemplate on Mr. Ikeda’s values on home education.
d. I am very happy to receive a report from Johor state’s Junior Division PIC yesterday stating that they have already started to incorporate plans proposed by Parents Group this year, they have a really good foresight.
7) Recently Junior Division members and PIC’s in Kuala Lumpur created numerous victorious experience which includes:
a. As a result of the PIC sincere efforts, the children voluntarily did shakubuku when they get home and eventually encouraged their parents to enshrine Gohonzon.
b. A child who went home after Junior Division meeting upon seeing his mother sad, immediately shared sensei’s guidance which he learnt during the meeting and encouraged his mother.
c. Recently we organized a Primary Six Graduation Camp where a lot of PIC’s, as a result of being in charge of Mr. Ikeda Footstep Board Game, they earnestly study and tried their best to enable the children to experience sensei’s life struggles and spirit. After the camp, numerous PIC’s said that the camp changed their lives and they resolved to resolutely follow our mentor from then onwards and so on.
d. The outcomes above are all the results of the earnest dedication of PIC’s who are fully committed in their role. As well as the pure hearted faith of the children who in turn gave the PIC’s a lot of learning opportunities. I really appreciate everyone’s efforts!
8) An organization which attaches great importance on children is also an organization which attaches importance on the further development of the future.
a. Mr. Toda said: ‘Soka Gakkai organization is a safe zone. We must let our children to grow in Soka’s homeland.’ Try to imagine if there is no unity among PIC’s where disputes always happen due to interpersonal relationship problems and egoism, how can we expect the children to grow at ease?
b. Every Junior Division’s meeting venue nationwide are experiencing short handed situations. Whereas some areas couldn’t get the support from Four Divisions and that they have to bear all problems and solve it themselves. All those are opportunities to temper ourselves! And also because of that, numerous Chapters created heartening experiences one after another and everyone became united to safeguard our mentors’ organization.
9) After my dialogue with the Junior Division Chief, my resolve to further expand Junior Division strengthened even more. I develop a deeper understanding on the significant responsibility of fostering the Junior Division! And the great role it plays for the expansion of our organization in the future.
10) This year marks the significant year where Soka Gakkai celebrates its 80th anniversary, Mr. Ikeda 50th year inauguration as President and 22nd anniversary of sensei’s visit to Malaysia as well as the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Junior Division!
a. 3rd of July is Mentor Disciple Day and it also corresponds to Malaysia’s Junior Division Day. A few fostering plans are already slowly implemented in Kuala Lumpur. Other states PIC’s are also assiduously planning theirs.
b. For the sake of our future successors, please give your utmost support and may everyone create a truly profound meaning on this year’s celebration where together with the children we make a vow. For this reason, Junior Division Day focus isn’t just on the children but also the PIC’s; hence all of us must grow together!
c. Last year 3 Junior Division Leaders conducted dialogue and exchange meeting with 185 PIC’s in many districts across Kuala Lumpur. This year we will further broaden the scope of our dialogue and conduct nationwide dialogue hoping to use this opportunity to gather PIC’s whom are all endowed with exceptional capabilities to bring about further development in their respective areas!
Just now I’ve discussed Junior Division’s 5 year development plans with each state representative. When these plans are implemented, how many of them would seriously look into it and earnestly carry it out is our major concern at the moment.
11) Japan’s pervious Junior Division Chief once asked Mr. Ikeda what are his hopes and aspirations on the Junior Division. Mr. Ikeda replied saying: I don’t have any exceptional expectations on the Junior Division because regardless of Junior Division, Youth Division or Men and Women Division, all members are very valuable. Hence, all ongoing Junior Division meetings must place safety as the top priority. It must be carried out accident free so parents wouldn’t worry.
12) At the recent Chapter Leader’s meeting, Mr. Ikeda on many occasions gave this strict guidance saying that if PIC’s aren’t serious, the members are the one who will suffer.
a. If leaders are arrogant, negligent and presumptuous, they will unconsciously fall into the current of authoritarian and in turn disdain or even take advantage others.
b. Soka Gakkai definitely cannot have such leaders. We must become a humane leader who is willing to sacrifice ourselves to help others. Mr. Ikeda wholeheartedly exerts himself for the sake of fostering such leaders.
13) During the recent leaders meeting, for two consecutive times I have personally witnessed Mr. Ikeda who is in his eighties still contributing his whole life guiding everyone in worldwide kosen rufu. His spirit deeply touched me and at the same time prompts me to self reflect.
a. At times, seniors in faith may offer praises to encourage me but I never let myself to be inebriated in praises because I still have a long road to go, I must be stricter to myself. I hope that seniors in faith would further discipline me. Because I as Junior Division Chief who is in my thirties as well as other Youth Division members will be the successors carrying the leadership responsibilities in the future.
b. I carry the earnest attitude to do my utmost to foster myself and the children to become a creative person, philosophical, intellectual, artistic, sociable and a capable person of high caliber within 5 years.
14) Now let me share with you my thoughts and experience throughout the preparatory works for the Mentor and Disciple Hall:
a. Every time when we are discussing matters or voice out any suggestions or requests to the Japanese staff members, sensei’s staff members will definitely give out 200% and earnestly supported and collaborate with us. I could feel their earnest attitude to further spread the mentor and disciple spirit.
b. Regardless whether they are in their native land of Japan or Soviet Union or other countries to hold grand exhibition or small ones, they always carry the spirit of widely spreading our mentors’ spirit in their entire endeavour.
15) One of the Young Man Division member shared with me Ikeda sensei’s heartening struggles:
a. changing script: --------- (When this part of sharing is sorted, I will share it at every Districts and every states)
16) Therefore, to enable the mentor disciple spirit to be able to flourish in Malaysia and bear fruit, my fellow comrades and I will earnestly exert ourselves 200% in response of our mentors’ profound love towards us! To enable ourselves to pull closer the distance of ‘hearts’ with our mentor, while you are reading, please always keep in mind that the all guidance you read carries our mentors aspirations for your happiness and that he wrote the books and letters especially for you!
Above, I thank you all, and here wishing you all: Good Faith!
Junior Division Chief Foo Keh Chong
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Regional Junior Division PIC’s Dialogue Diary (I)
Because of the H1N1 flu epidemic, SGM had to implement the fourth stage of preventive measure which is to suspend all activities, this included the Junior Group meetings. Junior Division chiefs decided to make use of this opportunity to conduct dialogues and exchange meetings with Junior Group PIC’s throughout the region. All the while we are aware of the various challenges faced by different regions; some regions did exceptionally well where as some regions needed improvement. Thus, to be able to amass everyone’s strength and capability, from October onwards, we will conduct a more comprehensive mutual coordination and understanding of the situation encountered. As Junior Division chiefs, the three of us have started a succession of regional dialogues. At present, we had dialogue in 9 honbus and with 94 exceptional PICs.
From our conversation, I could use a ‘complete combination savoury experience’ to describe my feelings then, because the Junior Division PICs brought in all the sour, sweet, bitter, in short, all the distressing and gratifying moments they encountered during their Junior Group meetings to share with us. From the dialogue, it was truly an eye opener for us.
Sour – means sad, this region’s PICs lacked the vitality in traditional teaching and study, where something which was of no problem eventually became a big problem. And whenever a problem arises, it will develop into an even greater problem especially when there is no mutual encouragement between the PICs and no positive impetus to progress, it will result in Junior Group members lacking in enthusiasm to participate in meetings. Finally, the entire organization will become dispirited and would start to decline.
Sweet – region under this category is the place of tranquility filled with happiness and joy where all four divisions are very harmonious and whenever a problem arises, through everyone’s discussion and the power of daimoku the problem can be perfectly solved. As long as there is a chance to work or do activities together, everyone will be very excited. They will say: ‘When children are happy, we will be very happy!’ and it is because everyone cooperates joyfully, young children will feel more at ease and happily join us.
Bitter – Junior Group meetings aren’t valued by members of all four divisions as well as parents understanding. Here the PICs have to bear all the problems they encountered, say for example, transportation problems, meeting venue issues and problems with short handedness. Finally, resulting in PICs moving on one after another and take charge of other groups. The word to express the remaining feelings would be the word ‘bitter’.
Spicy – PICs in charge of this region possess visions and high hopes for the future of Junior Division members. No matter how tough it is, their passionate spirit will never cease to burn and that for as long as they are together, they can inspire enthusiasm. Even though the Women Division is involved together with them in this group, their youthfulness shines and they can bring forth boundless creativity. But the main point is that these PICs haven’t even reached their 20s, they are young spirited little chilies. They need Men Division and Women Division’s experience in parenting where as the Men Division and Women Division needs to learn new points / directions from the younger generation’s activities. As long as both generations could mutually collaborate, they can create a fresh vitality in their group and communities.
Before the start of every meeting, we must request all PICs to introduce themselves: How long they have been involved in Junior Group meetings and share their happiest, saddest and most unforgettable moments they encountered in the meetings. As for those groups categorized under ‘Sour’ and ‘Bitter’, no matter whether they are introducing themselves or when they are sharing their thoughts, they are constantly complaining, within their hearts they cannot find any incident which is worth the joy to share. I am not criticizing these PICs because we cannot overlook the numerous problems they encountered which they cannot solve and that no matter what; they still persist in the group with a resolved fighting spirit. As for those groups categorized under ‘sweet’ and ‘spicy’, although those Women Division as well as those experienced youths may share the problems they previously encountered, at present, more youths become involved, therefore their problems are surmounted so whatever they shared are the feelings of joy derived from it. As for the PICs, they don’t have any problems which distresses them because all the problems they encountered are solved by their seniors. Under this situation, it isn’t difficult for us to spot the mutual respect and appreciation among the PICs.
I’m sure all of you PIC know the slogan ‘fostering the future, placing high hopes on the future’. I believe all of you are making every effort to foster the bearer of our future. But most of the problem arises from a lot of PICs using their own reasoning or understanding to solve something and not using ‘The strategy of the Lotus Sutra’ as the main driving force to confront it. This lead us to the ‘sour, sweet, bitter and spicy’ category. The cause of these categories is not based on the number of people or how innovated their plans are, the prime point is whether everyone is united and chants together for the same goal. No matter what, we can always use Gosho and Ikeda Sensei’s guidance as our starting point.
Ikeda sensei said: ‘How we foster the seeds of hope, how we bring forth a fresh dynamism will affect the destiny of the 21st Century’. Fostering the Junior Division is a struggle to open up the ‘good’ within their young lives. If PICs only carry the formal method of fostering them with the thoughts of just to finish off their responsibility, how can we bring out the ‘good’ in these young children? To bring forth the goodness requires the determination to persevere until the end in order to able to successfully foster them. The main point here is ‘the heart that matters’.
A senior gave me this guidance saying: ‘The spirit of a firm unwavering faith lies in ones resolute conviction.’ Regardless whether upon encountering countless piercing thorns, perilous mountains or rapid flowing rivers, a person with unshakable faith will possess the courage and strength to surmount it. Conviction brings forth the super power of courage and strength. Therefore we must overcome our self-centeredness, egoism, arrogance and naivety and triumph over various obstacles which come before us. In the course of our Buddhist practice, we must persist with unshakable faith and always bear in mind and fully equip ourselves with thoughts, actions and deeds in our practice. Everyone has 24 hours a day, besides sleeping, resting and work. In actual fact, our encounter with Buddhism is very short (basically it is just morning and evening gongyo, attending meetings, discussion meet and leaders’ meeting, we are able to come in contact with Buddhism). We spend most of our time on societal activities, hence, the society’s (worldly affairs) can greatly influence on us causing our faith to fluctuate all the time. Sometimes impatient, anxious, at times naïve, insecure, skeptical, lost, doubtful and so on along our course in faith. All these results because we are easily affected by the changes in our surroundings. In short, we are easily influenced by our surroundings, forgetting what we learnt in our Buddhism, forgetting the fundamental practice and importance of our thoughts, actions and deeds. In other words, we cannot put Buddhism into practice in our daily lives or activities through our thoughts, actions and deeds, to demonstrate the actual proof of highest and noblest the dignity of life and upbringing of one’s integrity through human revolution.
During my dialogue with some pure hearted and dedicated PICs, I am deeply touched by their genuineness and sincerity, they are like a mirror of me enabling me to review and self reflect. Well, I can say that they taught me the unchanging truth of the dictum ‘the heart is the most important’. Consequently, to enable our fellow young members to understand Buddhism, the most direct approach would be through us, as their role model, so that they are able to deeply sense and understand its significance through our earnest and dedicated efforts.
Ikeda sensei said: ‘Religion exists for the happiness of the people. Whether the religion one is practicing brings about strength or weakness? Whether one becomes good or bad? Whether one becomes wise or foolish?’ Let us all come back to the regional problems we mentioned above, if we still remain obstinate using our shallow judgement, we are indirectly limiting their growth there won’t be unity among the PICs and they will continue to split. Therefore we must reflect and questions ourselves, all this while why do we practice, what is our true purpose of practicing?
We practice to enable ourselves and others to attain happiness, so therefore no matter what happens all of us must maintain empathy, concern and mutual encouragement among ourselves and with PICs. To anticipate an even better and ideal organization, there may be numerous approaches along the way but for as long as we have faith in each other and as we challenge our problems and at the same time we shout out the voice of courage and advance together step by step resulting in the comprehension of victory and harmony.
(To be continued)
Boys Division Chief
Foo Keh Chong
From our conversation, I could use a ‘complete combination savoury experience’ to describe my feelings then, because the Junior Division PICs brought in all the sour, sweet, bitter, in short, all the distressing and gratifying moments they encountered during their Junior Group meetings to share with us. From the dialogue, it was truly an eye opener for us.
Sour – means sad, this region’s PICs lacked the vitality in traditional teaching and study, where something which was of no problem eventually became a big problem. And whenever a problem arises, it will develop into an even greater problem especially when there is no mutual encouragement between the PICs and no positive impetus to progress, it will result in Junior Group members lacking in enthusiasm to participate in meetings. Finally, the entire organization will become dispirited and would start to decline.
Sweet – region under this category is the place of tranquility filled with happiness and joy where all four divisions are very harmonious and whenever a problem arises, through everyone’s discussion and the power of daimoku the problem can be perfectly solved. As long as there is a chance to work or do activities together, everyone will be very excited. They will say: ‘When children are happy, we will be very happy!’ and it is because everyone cooperates joyfully, young children will feel more at ease and happily join us.
Bitter – Junior Group meetings aren’t valued by members of all four divisions as well as parents understanding. Here the PICs have to bear all the problems they encountered, say for example, transportation problems, meeting venue issues and problems with short handedness. Finally, resulting in PICs moving on one after another and take charge of other groups. The word to express the remaining feelings would be the word ‘bitter’.
Spicy – PICs in charge of this region possess visions and high hopes for the future of Junior Division members. No matter how tough it is, their passionate spirit will never cease to burn and that for as long as they are together, they can inspire enthusiasm. Even though the Women Division is involved together with them in this group, their youthfulness shines and they can bring forth boundless creativity. But the main point is that these PICs haven’t even reached their 20s, they are young spirited little chilies. They need Men Division and Women Division’s experience in parenting where as the Men Division and Women Division needs to learn new points / directions from the younger generation’s activities. As long as both generations could mutually collaborate, they can create a fresh vitality in their group and communities.
Before the start of every meeting, we must request all PICs to introduce themselves: How long they have been involved in Junior Group meetings and share their happiest, saddest and most unforgettable moments they encountered in the meetings. As for those groups categorized under ‘Sour’ and ‘Bitter’, no matter whether they are introducing themselves or when they are sharing their thoughts, they are constantly complaining, within their hearts they cannot find any incident which is worth the joy to share. I am not criticizing these PICs because we cannot overlook the numerous problems they encountered which they cannot solve and that no matter what; they still persist in the group with a resolved fighting spirit. As for those groups categorized under ‘sweet’ and ‘spicy’, although those Women Division as well as those experienced youths may share the problems they previously encountered, at present, more youths become involved, therefore their problems are surmounted so whatever they shared are the feelings of joy derived from it. As for the PICs, they don’t have any problems which distresses them because all the problems they encountered are solved by their seniors. Under this situation, it isn’t difficult for us to spot the mutual respect and appreciation among the PICs.
I’m sure all of you PIC know the slogan ‘fostering the future, placing high hopes on the future’. I believe all of you are making every effort to foster the bearer of our future. But most of the problem arises from a lot of PICs using their own reasoning or understanding to solve something and not using ‘The strategy of the Lotus Sutra’ as the main driving force to confront it. This lead us to the ‘sour, sweet, bitter and spicy’ category. The cause of these categories is not based on the number of people or how innovated their plans are, the prime point is whether everyone is united and chants together for the same goal. No matter what, we can always use Gosho and Ikeda Sensei’s guidance as our starting point.
Ikeda sensei said: ‘How we foster the seeds of hope, how we bring forth a fresh dynamism will affect the destiny of the 21st Century’. Fostering the Junior Division is a struggle to open up the ‘good’ within their young lives. If PICs only carry the formal method of fostering them with the thoughts of just to finish off their responsibility, how can we bring out the ‘good’ in these young children? To bring forth the goodness requires the determination to persevere until the end in order to able to successfully foster them. The main point here is ‘the heart that matters’.
A senior gave me this guidance saying: ‘The spirit of a firm unwavering faith lies in ones resolute conviction.’ Regardless whether upon encountering countless piercing thorns, perilous mountains or rapid flowing rivers, a person with unshakable faith will possess the courage and strength to surmount it. Conviction brings forth the super power of courage and strength. Therefore we must overcome our self-centeredness, egoism, arrogance and naivety and triumph over various obstacles which come before us. In the course of our Buddhist practice, we must persist with unshakable faith and always bear in mind and fully equip ourselves with thoughts, actions and deeds in our practice. Everyone has 24 hours a day, besides sleeping, resting and work. In actual fact, our encounter with Buddhism is very short (basically it is just morning and evening gongyo, attending meetings, discussion meet and leaders’ meeting, we are able to come in contact with Buddhism). We spend most of our time on societal activities, hence, the society’s (worldly affairs) can greatly influence on us causing our faith to fluctuate all the time. Sometimes impatient, anxious, at times naïve, insecure, skeptical, lost, doubtful and so on along our course in faith. All these results because we are easily affected by the changes in our surroundings. In short, we are easily influenced by our surroundings, forgetting what we learnt in our Buddhism, forgetting the fundamental practice and importance of our thoughts, actions and deeds. In other words, we cannot put Buddhism into practice in our daily lives or activities through our thoughts, actions and deeds, to demonstrate the actual proof of highest and noblest the dignity of life and upbringing of one’s integrity through human revolution.
During my dialogue with some pure hearted and dedicated PICs, I am deeply touched by their genuineness and sincerity, they are like a mirror of me enabling me to review and self reflect. Well, I can say that they taught me the unchanging truth of the dictum ‘the heart is the most important’. Consequently, to enable our fellow young members to understand Buddhism, the most direct approach would be through us, as their role model, so that they are able to deeply sense and understand its significance through our earnest and dedicated efforts.
Ikeda sensei said: ‘Religion exists for the happiness of the people. Whether the religion one is practicing brings about strength or weakness? Whether one becomes good or bad? Whether one becomes wise or foolish?’ Let us all come back to the regional problems we mentioned above, if we still remain obstinate using our shallow judgement, we are indirectly limiting their growth there won’t be unity among the PICs and they will continue to split. Therefore we must reflect and questions ourselves, all this while why do we practice, what is our true purpose of practicing?
We practice to enable ourselves and others to attain happiness, so therefore no matter what happens all of us must maintain empathy, concern and mutual encouragement among ourselves and with PICs. To anticipate an even better and ideal organization, there may be numerous approaches along the way but for as long as we have faith in each other and as we challenge our problems and at the same time we shout out the voice of courage and advance together step by step resulting in the comprehension of victory and harmony.
(To be continued)
Boys Division Chief
Foo Keh Chong
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
Regional Junior Division PIC’s Dialogue Diary (II)
Today we arrived at this honbu which comprised of two chapters. The first chapter mainly consists of Women Division in charge whereas the second chapter mainly consists of High School Division in charge. When we were introducing ourselves, most of the Women Division members’ expressed the need of more youth involvement because they feel that the content of their planning aren’t as fresh as the Youth Division, subsequently they repeatedly expressed their anticipation for a younger generation of PICs. As for the group with the high school division in charge, all of them are self contained and they have nothing to say. They only said that Women Division’s are just supporting them behind the scenes and that all meeting activities are planned by them. They consider drama as the best approach to appeal to young children; hence almost every month they will show one drama and as a result, their Junior Division meet becomes a drama / stage play appreciation meeting instead. And because this group of high school students are studying in the same school, they meet up every after school time to practice their drama. Hence, all of them formed a very close relationship.
Once again from our dialogue we touched on whether we should place importance on the Youth Division or Women Division as the PIC for Junior Division. After our discussion, we came upon this conclusion: the younger generation lack life experience and that the ideas they come up with may be immature; therefore they need Women Division members alongside them to earnestly encourage and support them. Younger PIC’s should relentlessly learn from Women Division members by continually seizing any opportunity to grasp more experience on parenting and when it comes to facing children, we must allow ourselves to be perceptive and develop an in-depth mutual understanding with them and become accustomed with their lives and at the same time overcoming challenges and grow up with them.
After that, we had dialogue with another honbu. The Vice Woman Division leader proposed that we let the Women Division to conduct the meetings. When Junior Division was initially established 30 years ago Woman Division entrusted the responsibilities to the youths. Many years later the youth were starting to pay less attention to the expansion of the Junior Division where Junior Division meetings became something which is organized only when their time permits. Thus after formally appointing PICs for Junior Division as well as a Junior Division chief, witnessing the whole KL’s Junior Division continually achieving a momentous progress at present is a truly joyful matter.
Junior group activities which can actively flourish in a region will bring about a tremendous leap towards advancement. The year 2030 is the year of achieving kosen rufu’s noble ambition. Beforehand, what kind of capable people do we wish to foster is the most important issue. At present, we are well equipped and ready, but lacking in fostering of capable people. Therefore, the bridge to undertake kosen rufu is very important; we must construct it strong and stable. Previously, Junior Division meetings are held for six times within a year only and now, some conduct meetings up to 24 times a year, this marks a great growth and expansion. When Junior Division members are promoted to High School Division, their seniors who are like their elder brothers and sisters will still treat them like their younger brothers and sisters and when they return to Junior Division activities, they will then become the elder brother of the junior members. For them, that kind of feeling is truly out of the ordinary. Therefore, some of the High School Division members may not enjoy participating in High School Division meetings for the first few years. Besides that, there are more Junior Group meetings than High School Division activities, hence we must encourage them to participate in High School Division meetings to enable them to be able to bring about and share the things they have learnt to the younger Junior Division. There was one instance when a Woman Division member in charge represented Junior Division attended a UNESCO conference, they asked her why are the people who are responsible for children’s education looked so old. This gap will get distant as the children nowadays are more mature and a lot of youths are starting to participate in meetings hence this organization can gradually move towards a proper Junior Division.
As for the points mentioned above, I feel that no matter what our organization is still a big family, regardless of who’s in charge of which group or division, the ‘heart’ is the most important. The expansion of some Junior Divisions in KL are taken charge by the Women Division whereas some are taken charge by the Youth Division, I don’t feel the priority is whom or which division is in charge but our mindset is what that counts. The development of kosen rufu cannot lack ‘fostering people’. Both the women division and youth division should work together and mutually inspire and encourage each other in Junior Group activities. Everyone plays an important role in our organization, everyone of us are supporting our mentor in caring for and fostering capable people for the future of kosen rufu. The happiest thing is that there is one honbu which I want to address them as Junior Division’s Utopia. It is because the Women Division here still maintains a youthful and lively spirit always giving opportunities to the youths to share their opinions freely. The youth respects the Women Division and always take to heart the Women Division’s concerns to plan every meeting activities main focus. Ultimately, the activities the youths organized always received good commendation from them.
There was once in a meeting where a young PIC asked whether he can bring the young children to a shopping centre to organize an exploration activity. When he proposed this idea, I could see that he has some feelings of apprehension as he is constantly aware of his seniors’ reaction. As for me, I don’t find any activities which cannot be planned or are impossible to organize; the most important thing is the intention of those people who plans to organize it. I personally think that this activity is a very good opportunity for youths to seriously think about what to expect and the outcome of bringing the children for an outdoor excursion. Besides taking note of everyone’s safety, they should think about how to approach the children’s parents to talk about it and obtaining their consent, understanding and trust, after that review what we expect to learn throughout the whole excursion. Therefore, from boarding the transportation all the way to reaching the destination or what we will see along the journey, on how we educate them all these coherent with one another. I believe if we could put in more thoughts on planning it, this idea can definitely inspire and encourage everyone involved. Can you imagine a place where you’ve always regarded it as a shopping destination can be turned into a joy filled and educational playground, this is also a form of creativity! Nevertheless, this isn’t an easy task and we have to consider many areas of responsibility. But instead of protesting a young people’s creative idea, isn’t it more meaningful to give them the chance to truly think about their plans and letting them to grasp new experiences along the way. There is no such creation or invention in this world which is successful on the first attempt. Ikeda Sensei said: ‘Everyone possesses the potential to create value.’ This is humanistic education!
Regardless if you are young or more mature, to foster capable people in our organization is the most important matter. Another thing is that we must have a broad vision for our organization and to advance towards a broader and insightful vision and ideals and gradually push forward towards the future. With a big goal, we lose our direction as we progress. How you wish your group to turn out to be in the next 5 years? And what sort of capable person will you become in the next 10 years? Make use of a short time everyday to think about it and from here you will be able to grasp more thinking experience.
As for now, with the halt of meeting activities, we are unable to put into consideration what the children are thinking and how they feel and how can we change our approach to liaise with the children’s needs and to assertively to challenge our way forward for the sake of other people’s happiness is the most joyous thing. We must never exert ourselves only for the purpose of wanting others to complete our task for us. General Director of Soka Gakkai Mr. Harada said: ‘A leader and an authoritarian are two different people, a leader is someone who would work hard and contribute for others, as of an authoritarian makes use of others for the sake of his own benefit. Ikeda Sensei is humanity’s genuine leader; hence that is why there are a lot of people who are willing to tirelessly work alongside him.
There are a lot of people who are earnestly working and contributing behind the scenes, our mentor empathizes everyone’s’ efforts. It doesn’t matter if no one acknowledges your efforts, our mentor appreciates it. All our efforts to strive all out going through all the pains and sufferings together with our mentor, will definitely become a joyful endeavour.
(To be continued)
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
The Origin of April Fool’s Day
Region2 honbu3 chapter2. Junior division monthly magazine. April 2008 foreword
First of April marks April fool’s day, to those young mischievous children who enjoys scheming will manifest their latent potential on this day pulling pranks on their fellow classmates and friends. If you happen to be deceived on this day by some innocuous pranks or practical jokes, just tolerate it and accept it open-mindedly so you won’t get annoyed because this is the day when pranks are pulled on people.
My dear little friends, have you ever wondered how this strange yet amusing day come about?
The story goes like this: One day in the year 1545, King Henry VIII the king of Britain received a letter from Loof Lirpa, a scientist who claimed that he found the secret to fly so he invited the king to witness his air show.
On the first of April, the king and his officials look up to the sky anticipating the scientist to fly past. However, after a few hours of waiting, they see nothing. Everyone thought that they have been fooled. Since then, Britain started celebrating April fool’s day as their local custom on the first of April every year.
Soon after that incident, experts found out that Loof Lirpa had no intention to joke; in fact, he really found out the secret to fly but due to lack in flying practice prior to his flight and some malfunction on his invention, he crashed into a tree and died in the mishap. Here we can see that human beings had already attempted flying since 400 hundred years ago. It is just that all their attempts ended up tragically and suffered the same fate as Loof Lirpa.
Therefore, we must be someone who is fully prepared in our every undertaking and with 100% of dedicated practice; we will create the best possible outcome. Our achievement will be one which will greatly inspire the future instead of celebrate a day of being fooled on April fool’s day.
Mr. Ikeda said: ‘There is no need to rush to become a great person, attain fame or wealth instantly. What is most important is whether one can embark on a life of solid foundation and advance steadily with a down to earth attitude on this path’.
Finally, to add on to this day, coincidentally if you read the pilot’s name Loof Lirpa backwards, you will find that it is indeed April fool! Isn’t it amusing?
Boy’s Division Chief Foo Keh Chong.
First of April marks April fool’s day, to those young mischievous children who enjoys scheming will manifest their latent potential on this day pulling pranks on their fellow classmates and friends. If you happen to be deceived on this day by some innocuous pranks or practical jokes, just tolerate it and accept it open-mindedly so you won’t get annoyed because this is the day when pranks are pulled on people.
My dear little friends, have you ever wondered how this strange yet amusing day come about?
The story goes like this: One day in the year 1545, King Henry VIII the king of Britain received a letter from Loof Lirpa, a scientist who claimed that he found the secret to fly so he invited the king to witness his air show.
On the first of April, the king and his officials look up to the sky anticipating the scientist to fly past. However, after a few hours of waiting, they see nothing. Everyone thought that they have been fooled. Since then, Britain started celebrating April fool’s day as their local custom on the first of April every year.
Soon after that incident, experts found out that Loof Lirpa had no intention to joke; in fact, he really found out the secret to fly but due to lack in flying practice prior to his flight and some malfunction on his invention, he crashed into a tree and died in the mishap. Here we can see that human beings had already attempted flying since 400 hundred years ago. It is just that all their attempts ended up tragically and suffered the same fate as Loof Lirpa.
Therefore, we must be someone who is fully prepared in our every undertaking and with 100% of dedicated practice; we will create the best possible outcome. Our achievement will be one which will greatly inspire the future instead of celebrate a day of being fooled on April fool’s day.
Mr. Ikeda said: ‘There is no need to rush to become a great person, attain fame or wealth instantly. What is most important is whether one can embark on a life of solid foundation and advance steadily with a down to earth attitude on this path’.
Finally, to add on to this day, coincidentally if you read the pilot’s name Loof Lirpa backwards, you will find that it is indeed April fool! Isn’t it amusing?
Boy’s Division Chief Foo Keh Chong.
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
2009 Junior Division Graduation Camp Concluding Speech
First of all, on behalf of all Junior Division’s PIC I’d like to say Thank you to all of you Junior Division members!
I’d like to thank all of you for bringing us never-ending joy not just throughout this Graduation camp.
And also the countless unforgettable memories we created throughout the past six years of our Junior Division meetings.
Next, let all of us give all the PICs present here a big round of applause. For this graduation camp, there are 119 PICs who put in a lot of efforts for the sake of the preparation of this Graduation Camp especially our Camp Leader, Hong Yun ko ko, who have strenuously put all his efforts in organizing a safe and smooth Graduation Camp. Let us thank them again!
There was one occasion where a mother shared the final conclusion of her daughter’s own experience in which her daughter wrote:
I greatly thank Daisaku Ikeda for introducing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism to the whole world, if it weren’t for him, my parents won’t join Soka Gakkai and wouldn’t practise this Buddhism, if my parents didn’t practise and my sickness will never be cured.
What I wanted to say is, without Nichiren Daishonin, we won’t have our three presidents!
In yesterday’s activity, I believe all of you learnt Nichiren Daishonin and President Ikeda’s spirit! They have worked their hearts out in overcoming numerous struggles all for the sake of changing the destiny of humanity and to enable every one of us to live a happier life. But as for this great cause, do you think it is only up to Ikeda Sensei alone to accomplish it?
Let s go back to 65 years ago when Japan lost the war where the whole society is in pain and sufferings. A weak and frail middle aged man who was jailed because of opposing against war was released from prison. At that time, out of anger he shouts out that he wanted to rebuild Soka Gakkai and start over again to bring the light of courage and hope to society. This is a truly unbelievable / unthinkable matter, that person is Josei Toda.
Two years later, a youth in his 19s obliged to follow Mr. Toda and went through tough times one after another together. Mr. Toda passed on all his knowledge and the essence of his wisdom to this youth. Their mentor and discipleship spirit surpasses time, space and location unceasingly undertaking the role playing the heartwarming yet beautiful melody of mentor and discipleship. He is the successor of Mr. Toda and he is Daisaku Ikeda.
About 15 years later, a youth who pursues freedom and dislike to participate in any meeting activities under some coincidence and encouragement, he participated in our association’s workforce recruitment interview. When he was on the way going for the examination he met Ikeda Sensei, sensei told him that he must do his best and to strive together with our mentor in the future. Since that day onwards for 40 years, every step he took and his every action ensues his life mentors’ guidance 100% and that no matter which country his mentor visited, he always closely follows and safeguards his mentor engaging in the struggles. How come a young man who pursues freedom is willing to wholeheartedly give up his life to his life’s mentor? He said it is because he was touched by his mentor’s kindness, noble qualities and a lofty value towards life. This man here is merely just representing one of Ikeda’s many disciples.
For that reason, world peace cannot be achieved by just relying on one generation of people. We have our first president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, second president Josei Toda and third president Daisaku Ikeda. Therefore who will be next to carry on this unfinished mission? You’re right! It’s us. Ikeda sensei is 82 this year but he still renders unremitting efforts directing us in this world stage of kosen rufu. But 50 years later he will be 132 years old and at that time he will no longer be in this world. So who will be entrusted the future of kosen rufu? It is each and every single one of us!
President Ikeda placed very high hopes on us; he holds aspirations for our growth and continuously does his utmost in guiding us, so we mustn’t disappoint him.
This year all of you have already entered the secondary years and you are no longer children. You should start to learn to be considerate and accept others. Whereas in your home, you should learn to ‘take responsibility’ and ‘be willing to contribute’, not just blindly accepting other people’s contribution. Such person is a truly mature individual.
Last week a senior shared with me a few stories. All those stories are related to Junior Division members’ heart-warming experience of how they shoulder part of their family’s financial problem and how they lessen their parents’ worries. I was deeply touched listening to it. A young mind carrying a firm resolve, once they stand up with a firm determination they can definitely produce an unimaginable and uplifting outcome which can touch everyone else! Some people may come from an adverse upbringing while some people are tortured by sickness; all these are part of life. Similarly to what I shared just now about the Junior Division member who overcame the sufferings of cancer, as long as we muster up the courage with an unshakable 100% faith towards ourselves and Gohonzon, all of you can definitely achieve the victory of overcoming everything just as he how did! There is nothing in this world that is predestined and nothing in this world is impossible. The most important thing is that we do our utmost! Unwaveringly and persist in our struggles and our life will definitely be full of brilliance!
Finally, I wish all of you that you will be able to cherish all adversities which will fuel your growth and at the same time continuously train yourselves to become a very exceptional capable person in your secondary life. Please remain in our Junior Division and become other children’s role model and together with the other seniors let us all take up the responsibility and contribute in the task of fostering people for the sake of our organization’s future pillars / support!
Do your best!
Thank you!
Junior Division Chief FooKC
20th March 2010
Labels: f. thoughts of chief
English Materials
中文资料
