Post-CFG

You simply cannot say that the past weeks have been uneventful. On the global scene, the collapse of Lehman Brothers will probably trigger episodes of financial drama through the world economies. Closer to home, the China Milk Scare is creating a quite a stir and affecting countless diary products.

But amidst all these, the Singapore Soka Association continued our efforts to promote friendship and social cohesiveness through our Chapter Friendship Gatherings (CFG) this September. My chapter’s concluded ours on the 21st September. It was an exciting period for those of us who were involved. Through a series of amateur performances, passages of encouragements were transmitted to all the participants and audiences spurring them to have courage, and live life with vitality.

Today and everyday, let's give out very best to all the challenges we face, keeping a positive attitude and persevering towards achieving all our goals and targets. Let’s make every effort to advance so that we can say at the end of each day, with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
~ Daisaku Ikeda

Now that the CFG is concluded, I guessed it is time for me to return to my studies. I am finding myself attracted to the educational learning theory of constructivism. I somehow find myself identifying this theory with the Buddhist concept of Shakubuku.

I would probably discuss it further after I read up more and give it a deeper thought.

Beginning again with the end in mind

There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame. But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly of respect.

How painful and frightening is the prospect of death for human beings! No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, all is vanity before death. Everything is empty, like a dream or an illusion. But people do not fact this fact. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us that we can transform our karma and attain a supremely peaceful death that is the start of a journey to our next lives.

Again today the sun rises. And, in the same way, again today we chant daimoku, causing the inner sun to rise in our hearts. Once the sun rises, everything is illuminated. The challenge is to keep this sun blazing brilliantly in the depths of our lives, to each day renew our determination to chant, strive on, live victoriously and accumulate good fortune. Herein lies the ultimate path of happiness

~ Daisaku Ikeda