(Expressed in a Letter to the Overseas Delegates)
Greeeting all!!
I am belated in this outflowing of emotions following 3.16. But it was a crazy week for me. After the 3.16, I was out camping with my students and followed immediately by a mini-kenshu (A chalet) for my Student Division members.
And as expected, my mailbox is totally flooded.
But I still have to give my thanks for the wonderful experience for this very significant 3.16. This particular 3.16 will lindering in my memories forever for a couple of reasons:
- I met with you! Overseas members.
- The WD chanting 6 million daimoku for us.
- The sunny weather after weeks of horrifying rain in Singapore.
- And the continued bad weather for Nikken Sect.
Earlier this year, Sensei declared upon his 80th birthday that the foundation of worldwide Kosen-Rufu is established. How amazing that we hold a 3.16 of not one, or two, but many representatives from various countries?
When countries come together, does it not signify the "worldwide" in worldwide Kosen-Rufu?
We have moved from Toda's 3.16 to Ikeda's 3.16. I can strongly feel that. The very thought of me being involved in this celebrated overwhelmed me with deep joy.
There is a Buddhist concept of "Adapting Buddhism to the Culture of the Land". This unique Interfaith Symposium is also an adaptation of Buddhism for the entire world. We are indeed in the 2nd phrase of Kosen-Rufu.
Advance!
Raymond Chng
Letter to my Mentor
Dearest Sensei,
I am glad to inform you that the 50th Anniversary of March 16 held here in Singapore is a great success. I am sure you would have received a more comprehensive report from my Youth Chiefs, GD Ong and GD Oba.
In this March 16, I was tasked to play host to Asian delegates who came to Singapore to give us their support. It was an enriching experience and exchange with them.
This exchange had been plagued with Sansho Shima. On March 14,, my mobile phone was damaged, to make matter worst, I was actually having a slight fever when the foreign delegates’ arrival. But I was determined to be part of this significant event. I prayed hard to the Gohonzon and was able to muster enough energy to fulfill my responsibility. My body finally gave way after the event and I am now recovering from my illness at a school camp. My students and fellow teachers were understanding and allowed me to rest undisturbed during the camp. But I have no regrets as I learned a lot from this experience, on the humility of leaders and the revitalization of the Soka Spirit.
Immediately after the camp, the NYPSD of our Students Division had a chalet over the Easter weekend. We had many discussions on the joys of our involvements in the events over the 3.16 weekend. It was really an environment full of hope and vitality.
This is the first anniversary since I wrote my first personal letter to you. I have completed all twelve volumes of the Human Revolution as I promised I would. I will remember your verbal reply via the staff of Singapore Soka Association that you will be looking forward to my development.
I will never forsake training myself to be even more capable.
This year, I pledged to complete one million Daimoku. For many years, I had tried to chant to reach that milestone but was always unsuccessful. But I will definitely do it this year. With this 50th Anniversary of 3.16 as my prime point, I will continue to train myself. I will also give my utmost to support the youth division leaders in Singapore as well as our General Director, Mr Ong.
I also vow to forever fight evil in Singapore with you Sensei.
On this significant 3.16, I wrote the following words on my Daimoku chart:
一品师子
一品同志
一品教官
Raymond Chng
