SGI President Ikeda’s Dialogue With Actor Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom casted as Legolas in Lord of the Rings. The movies in the series went on to break international box office records, and won several academy awards. With his good looks and skilled portrayal, Mr. Bloom became a star. In addition to the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003), he has appeared in Black Hawk Down (2001), Troy (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Elizabethtown (2005), and the two Pirates of the Caribbean (2003 and 2006) films.

SGI President Ikeda’s Dialogue With Actor Orlando Bloom

“Welcome, youthful prince of the arts!”—with those warm words, SGI President Ikeda greeted the actor Orlando Bloom and friends at the Nagano Training Center in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, on July 30. One of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, Mr. Bloom is an SGI member from the U.K. Enjoying their first meeting with Mr. Bloom, President and Mrs. Ikeda spoke of many topics with him, including art and life, the importance of family and friends, and environmental and social activism.

Large white clouds drifted slowly through the blue summer sky. At 1:30 p.m., the bus carrying actor Orlando Bloom and his party arrived at the Nagano Training Center. Stepping off the bus, Mr. Bloom flashed his world-famous smile and waved to greet the members gathered there to welcome him. Just beyond waited SGI President Ikeda, both arms raised in a “V” for victory. Mr. Bloom immediately embraced the SGI leader warmly, after which the two men exchanged a firm handshake. “I am very pleased to welcome one of the world’s leading young artists,” said Mr. Ikeda. “Thank you for coming. You have many friends here in Japan.”
Mr. Bloom replied happily in Japanese, “Arigato!” (Thank you!) “I’ve heard about your wonderful activities,” the SGI leader continued. “I’m sure your mother must be very proud of you.” With a deep nod, the actor said he hoped she was. The Ikedas then greeted and welcomed those who had accompanied Mr. Bloom, including actress Kate Bosworth; Mr. Bloom’s sister, Samantha Bloom, who is also an actress; his artist friend David Miles; his oldest friend Kris Gifford; and Simbiat Hall. The SGI leader expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their visit, joined by divisional representatives from throughout Japan.
Mr. Bloom, who in addition to his busy schedule as a top Hollywood star actively involves himself in SGI activities, presented Mr. Ikeda with a card in which he had written:

Dear Sensei, 　
With the sword of the Lotus Sutra at my side, 　
With integrity as my staff,
with you and all the Buddhas of
the ten directions as my mentor,
With kosen-rufu as my goal,
I will climb the mountainous path of the Mystic Law until I gaze out from the peak.
There I will ready myself with gratitude for the next adventure.
I look forward to climbing many mountains lifetime after lifetime at your side.
Sincerely,
your disciple and friend,
Orlando

As he handed President Ikeda the card, he said that in composing his message he had been inspired by the SGI leader’s speeches.

“We are friends and comrades forever,” said Mr. Ikeda. “The playwright August Strindberg wrote: ‘The actor must control the role and not let the role control him. The important thing is to remain true to yourself. That’s exactly what you are doing. You don’t define yourself solely in terms of your profession as an actor, of your work—that world is not enough for you. For you are dedicating your life to others, to society, and to the eternal philosophy of Buddhism. That is a very noble, very admirable attitude. It is the most worthwhile kind of life there is.”

Mr. Bloom pledged to make a positive contribution with his life by working to improve society and the world and to live up to the SGI leader’s high expectations. “Life is long,” replied Mr. Ikeda. “The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. And Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colors the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making an effort year after year and winning year after year. Success today doesn’t automatically guarantee success tomorrow. Final victory is eternal victory. That’s my advice to you as a friend,” concluded the SGI leader in a powerful voice filled with sincerity and earnest concern for his young friend. It was an emotional, deeply moving encounter.

A beautiful display of orchids stood at the entrance to the room where they held their conversation. “In Asia, orchids traditionally symbolize the spirit of welcoming an honored guest,” explained Mr. Ikeda. Indicating Mount Asama, visible from the training center, Mr. Ikeda recalled his memories of gazing at the peak with his mentor Josei Toda, and he went on to tell his guests about the place named Onioshidashi (Devilish Protrusions), an area marked by grotesquely shaped rock formations created by lava flows from the great eruption of Mount Asama in 1783.

During the meeting, President Ikeda personally presented the actor with the Soka Art Award in recognition of his contributions to art and culture, saying: “Our awards may not be famous or influential, but they are awards from ordinary people who genuinely love culture and art.” With a laugh, the SGI leader added, “My wife said to me earlier that while you’re very handsome in your photos and films, you’re even better looking in person.” Mrs. Ikeda also welcomed the guests, saying how happy she was to meet such wonderful young people and thanking them for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with them.

Orlando Bloom’s mother Sonia had a strong influence on him. She had a deep love for the arts, and she never failed to encourage and support her son in all his interests, including theater, poetry, painting, and music. The name “Orlando” is said to mean “famous throughout the land” in ancient Teutonic. Lauding Mr. Bloom’s much-deserved fame as an actor throughout not only the land of his birth but the entire world, Mr. Ikeda said: “Your victory is also your mother’s victory. Your mother is truly great. Please give my best regards to her.” Nodding and putting his hand to his heart, Mr. Bloom expressed his gratitude to the SGI leader and reaffirmed his love and appreciation for his mother.

A very active child, Mr. Bloom was always injuring himself. At the age of 21, when he was studying to become an actor at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, he faced a major crisis when he fell from the height of three stories and broke his back. The doctors predicted that he might never walk again, but encouraged by his friends and family, he made a miraculous recovery. The experience also helped him grow enormously as a human being, and he remains grateful to the friends who supported and assisted him through that painful, challenging time.

“Buddhism is the great teaching of human revolution and transforming our karma,” said the SGI leader. “My wife and I and your many friends in Japan will be earnestly praying that you will advance triumphantly through life, continuing to fulfill your great mission in complete safety from now on.” Quoting the Great Teacher Miao-lo’s statement cited by the Daishonin, “The stronger one’s faith, the greater the protection of the gods” (WND, 614), Mr. Ikeda emphasized that if Mr. Bloom continued to pray intensely and deeply to live each day in safety, he would definitely be able to transform his karma in this respect. Then, with a touch of humor, he added: “The next time you have an accident, we’re going to fine you!”—a remark that brought laughter to all present.

Last year, Mr. Bloom presented Mr. Ikeda with a set of DVDs of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, in which he had a major role. The movies broke box office records around the world and won numerous academy awards. Based on the J. R. R. Tolkien books, the films tell the story of a group of courageous friends who carry out a noble mission, banding together to fight against a powerful evil and restore true peace to the world. Orlando Bloom played the role of the elf prince and master archer Legolas Greenleaf, and his performance was widely acclaimed by fans everywhere. When the heroes are surrounded by what appear to be the overwhelming forces of the enemy, Legolas cheers one of them on, saying: “Your friends are with you!” President Ikeda compared this spirit to the camaraderie and fellowship shared by SGI members, and spoke of the importance of advancing into the future together with the same deep ties of friendship.
The day before his meeting with Mr. Ikeda, Orlando Bloom visited Soka University in Hachioji, Tokyo, where he inscribed a card for the prospective students who would visit the campus on the Open Campus Day (July 30) with his autograph and this message:

To the future students of Soka University,
Without climbing the mountain you cannot gaze out from the peak.
With my very best wishes for your future.
29 July 2006

When this sincere message from a popular Hollywood star was communicated to the youth gathered at the Open Campus orientation meeting, they were encouraged and delighted. Expressing his deep appreciation for Mr. Bloom’s inspiring words to future Soka University and Soka Women’s College students, the schools’ founder said: “A famous Japanese author wrote: ‘Rather than worrying about your future, thinking, “Perhaps I should become this. Perhaps I should become that,” first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji.’ My friend Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, keeps one of my photographs of Mount Fuji in his office in Moscow. ‘A life as strong and solid as Mount Fuji’ is our shared motto. I hope that you, Orlando, with your love of mountains, will grow into a brilliant actor shining as majestically as Mount Fuji, and that you build a network of victory and success as lofty as the Himalayas.”

Expressing his thanks for this encouragement, Mr. Bloom mentioned that he hoped to someday climb Mount Everest for charity. Mr. Ikeda recalled taking a photograph of the Himalayas on his visit to Nepal (in November 1995) and presented the actor with a print of it as a memento of their meeting. The photograph shows the mountain peaks glittering gold in the sunset as plumes of smoke rise from homes at the mountain’s foot, signs of villagers cooking the evening meal. Former Nepalese Ambassador to Japan Kedar Bhakta Mathema described the photo as an Impressionist painting and, calling it very imaginative, remarked that while there were many photographs of the mountains, it was the only photo he had seen that captured both the towering peaks and ordinary people’s homes.

The SGI leader noted that Sir Edmund Hillary, who, together with the Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, was the first to successfully scale Mount Everest, had sent him a copy of a book he had authored. President Ikeda cited the mountaineer’s words from another publication: “In the end it is the man himself that counts. When the going gets tough and things go wrong the same qualities are needed to win through as they were in the past—qualities of courage, resourcefulness, the ability to put up with discomfort and hardship, and the enthusiasm to hold tight to an ideal and to see it through with doggedness and determination.” The ultimate source of all these qualities, concluded President Ikeda, is faith. Mr. Bloom listened intently to his mentor’s every word, as if engraving them on his heart, solemnly stating: “All my questions have been answered.”
Mr. Ikeda then introduced the words of Shakespeare:

Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash (Cymbeline, Act IV, Scene II)

He added: “I have heard that you, too, have been the target of malicious rumors and false media reports that have been very unpleasant for you. The same has happened to me. Nichiren Daishonin writes: ‘Worthies and sages are tested by abuse’ (WND, 303). Only an insignificant, lightweight person is always praised and never criticized.” Nodding deeply, Mr. Bloom expressed his agreement, and President Ikeda continued with greater urgency: “The Soka Gakkai’s founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi said: ‘To be despised by fools is the greatest honor.’ The first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai have all fought in this spirit. From the perspective of Buddhism, the present age is a time when people’s spirits are sullied and impure. There are many who are envious of anyone who achieves something positive or worthwhile and they go out of their way to make trouble for them. But you mustn’t let such people stop you. Just keep moving forward, impervious to their assaults.”

The topic returned to films, and Mr. Ikeda mentioned that two films had been made based on his novel series The Human Revolution some three decades ago. The first one, The Human Revolution, opened in September 1973 and was viewed by more than 5 million people. It broke box office records in Japan and received the commendation of the Advisory Council on Children’s Film Viewing. The second film, a sequel titled The Human Revolution II, opened in June 1976 and became an even bigger hit than its predecessor and the top-earning film of that year.

When the SGI leader mentioned that the books had been adapted for film by leading Japanese screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto, who had also written the screenplay for Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, Mr. Bloom expressed surprise and interest. He noted that he was very fond of the characters in the Kurosawa film, saying that he had studied the film for his character Legolas. The young actor was very excited to learn after his meeting with Mr. Ikeda that the late Mr. Toshiro Mifune, one of the film’s leading characters, was a Soka Gakkai member and had a close relationship with the SGI leader.

In spite of his celebrity, Mr. Bloom exhibits an unaffected charm, youthful sincerity, and a powerful desire to learn and improve himself—admirable qualities that no doubt contribute greatly to his skill and popularity as an actor. His discussion with Mr. Ikeda became even warmer, and the SGI leader, saying he hoped they could meet again, asked where he lived. “In a suitcase,” responded Mr. Bloom, provoking the sympathetic laughter of all present. With his busy shooting schedule and other activities, he has little time to relax at home.

“At the moment I have a home in London that I am renovating,” he explained, “and I am going to make it a ‘green house’—as in environmentally friendly.” He continued: “We came to Japan on this trip as guests of Fuji Rock Festival [in Niigata Prefecture], which launched Global Cool, an environmental organization working for the prevention of global warming and climate change.” Speaking of the problem of global warming, he expressed his personal commitment to working for environmental causes. Offering a simple but easily comprehensible example, he explained that if everyone in the U.K. and Japan simply unplugged electrical appliances when they weren’t using them, an enormous amount of energy would be saved. Mr. Bloom persuasively compared the power of this change in individual consciousness and behavior to the teaching of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism that each of us has the ability to transform our lives and make a difference in our environment.

“This is a very important issue,” agreed Mr. Ikeda. “If we don’t take action, we will destroy the Earth. Humanity is facing an urgent crisis.” The SGI leader went on to talk of his meeting last year with Nobel Peace laureate and environmentalist Dr. Wangari Maathai of Kenya, and he asserted that improving the environment is one of the top priorities for the future of humanity. With deep feeling, Mr. Bloom said, speaking of the Nagano Training Center: “This is such a beautiful environment. We live on an amazing planet, and we must be certain that we preserve it for our children and grandchildren—and also so that when we come back in our next lifetime and are together again, it will still be here.”

“I am very happy that you are thinking so seriously about humanity’s future, Orlando,” said the SGI leader. “Up to now, people have made industrial and economic growth the top priorities and forgotten the importance of living in harmony and symbiosis with nature. It is time for us to reflect on that and correct it. Buddhism teaches the oneness of life and its environment. Because human beings and the environment are one and indivisible, destroying the environment is the same as destroying humanity.”

Time flew by as the actor and the Buddhist leader talked of many subjects, from films to life, faith, and the future of the human race. As he again reluctantly said farewell, Mr. Ikeda shook his guest’s hand firmly and said: “You are my true friend and comrade.” He voiced the hope that they meet again and urged the young man to be well and stay healthy. “I also hope we can meet again,” said Mr. Bloom. “Thank you very much.” And he then stepped back onto the bus, leaving a lasting impression of his unaffected charm.

* * *

Profile

Orlando Bloom was born on January 13, 1977, in Canterbury, Kent, England. At the age of 16 he went to London, having decided he wished to become an actor. His film debut was in Wilde (1997). Studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he appeared in numerous productions and mastered the actor’s art. Two days before graduation from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, at the age of 22, Orlando Bloom was casted as Legolas in Lord of the Rings. The movies in the series went on to break international box office records, and won several academy awards. With his good looks and skilled portrayal, Mr. Bloom became a star. In addition to the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003), he has appeared in Black Hawk Down (2001), Troy (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Elizabethtown (2005), and the two Pirates of the Caribbean (2003 and 2006) films.

(Translated from the August 7, 2006, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper)

VICTORY

Hello npsdian, will just like to share with you all something especially after we, as youth, just reaffirm our pledge for kosenrufu on march 16th. Although 3.16 have already pass but the spirit of kosenrufu must still remain burning throughout our life this year. Why do we, as SSA, be so fierce in any propagation campigan? Though at times I do question why am I task with many things to accomplish as well as why should I share Buddhism to others, but pondering closely, actually, practicing Buddhism and doing shakubuku is the fastest way to alter our negative karma at the most fundamental level.

One of the reason of doing propagation is to win in our live and allow me to recap on your memories if you have forgotten that the theme for this year is ,
“Year of Victory and Advancement”

Many times when we hear our senior talk about Buddhism, we can't help but notice that they love to stress the importance of winning and losing. Yes, Buddhism is esstenially really about winning in your own life but hey,where's book title "THE IDIOT GUIDE TO GAIN VICTORY IN YOUR LIFE".However, fret not now as during the Divisional Reps Conference held on 25 Oct 2006 at Shinano Culture Centre, Sensei quotes mentor Toda Sensei on the 9 points for victory that enables one to win in society and kosenru-fu.

1. One who arrives early in the morning wins
(Sensei says in his guidance that throughout his life, he never see anyone achieving breakthrough victory without carrying out this 1st pointer so especially for the YMD of NPSD, from today onwards, let be strict about ourselves that unless there is unforeseen circumstances, we will definitely try our best to reach whatever venue on time. Please remark me if I fail my duty on this too. Thanks)

2. One who does gongyo and chant diamoku , wins

3. One who makes conscious efforts to build a robust body, seeks to live brimming with life force, and accomplish everything set forth to do, wins

4. One who works with harmonious teamwork, wins

5. One who cherishes the junior wins

6. One who loses temper and ill-treats junior and women are not fit to be leaders: only those who are understanding, embracing, and encouraging, wins.

7. One who cherishes people who are wise, strong and work hard, wins

8. Become people who are good at Public Relations. As long as there are such people in the company and society, we will win

9. One with a non-committed attitude will fail. Only those who are able to perceive good and evil people, wins. You must be strictly be able to perceive people who get the knack of things and those who are cunning and deceptive.

The above nine pointers are all sensei’s expectation for the youth as he will want us all to win in our life. It is also my wish that I can see every npsdian challenge and push themselves that they will start to aligns their lives close to the pointers.Being an IIC, i will take the first step.

I have not touch on a lot about shakubuku but please always have the seeking spirit to learn more about it but let us brace ourselves by reading more books and stuff.

Lastly, like to end off with one of the last poem Toda sensei write to Ikeda Sensei:

“ Winning and losing
are both
part of life.
But I pray to the Buddha,
for final victory. ”

2gether We WIn: |wL|

Sensei article on THE JAPAN TIMES

Thursday, March 8, 2007


Realizing the potential of an aging society

By DAISAKU IKEDA

Japanese society stands on the cusp of change. Starting from this year, large numbers of the postwar baby-boom generation will reach retirement age -- the so-called "2007 problem." The country's over-65 population already stands at 25.6 million, more than 20 percent of the total, and this percentage will continue to expand. The aging of society is not, of course, something affecting only Japan. According to the United Nations, the global population of people over 60 -- today estimated at 600 million -- will approach 2 billion by the year 2050.

But the heart of this issue is not in the numbers. The problems of aging present an opportunity to rethink our social and personal lives in order to ensure the dignity and welfare of each individual.

All people have a natural desire to be needed, to have their importance to others tangibly confirmed. Our challenge is to build a society in which people feel truly valued and fulfilled throughout the course of their lives.

The wisdom and experience of older people is a resource of inestimable worth. Recognizing and treasuring the contributions of older people is essential to the long-term flourishing of any society. As a country undergoing this demographic shift with exceptional speed, Japan has the opportunity to show a positive example of creatively responding to this challenge.

In a recent survey of members of the baby-boom generation, two-thirds of respondents expressed anxiety about the future. In addition to economic issues such as the adequacy of pensions and the cost of living, they voiced concern about their own health, their ability to care for parents, etc. Indeed, many caregivers face truly heartrending daily struggles. There is a clear and weighty responsibility to respond to these voices with sensitive and effective public-policy measures.

The same survey, however, also points to positive attitudes. Although only 15 percent of the members of the baby-boom generation are now engaged in volunteer activities, six in 10 said they hoped to do so in the future. And almost eight in 10 looked forward to developing deeper relations with their neighbors and community.

I believe that such attitudes -- the desire to work for the benefit of others and to strengthen the bonds of community -- can ensure the vitality of an aging society. Individuals who feel needed and strive on behalf of others can keep their youth and energy. They can transform a community, making it a warm and welcoming place to live.

There is an Eastern maxim that when we hold up a lantern for others, our own way forward is lit. Sincere efforts to brighten our surroundings return to illuminate our final years with dignity. A genuinely happy person is one who has rendered others happy.

I believe that youth can last a lifetime. Inner youthfulness is not a matter of our physical age. Rather, it is determined by the passion with which we live, the enthusiasm with which we learn, the freshness and energy with which we advance toward our chosen goal in life.

Some 30 years ago, I exchanged a series of letters with the well-loved novelist, Yasushi Inoue (1907-91). In one unforgettable passage, inspired by the sight of children setting off to fly kites during the New Year's holidays, he wrote: "I feel the need to send something aloft -- a kite perhaps -- to raise it high into the sky, to let it dance madly in the buffeting winds."

In another letter, Inoue wrote that with age he found himself increasingly drawn to the fierce mid-summer sun. The image of striding through such heat, he wrote, seemed to symbolize the urgent determination to accomplish something -- which is actually the only proof we are alive.

Inoue was already suffering from cancer and had undergone major surgery when he began writing his final novel, "Confucius." For the next two years he continued to work on this novel, which sheds light on the humanity of the Chinese philosopher and his disciples, at times working at a desk brought into his hospital room. I recall him sharing with me these words: "There is no greater joy than to write one's best work in one's final years, when you are coming to fruition as a person."

Do we view old age as a period of decline ending in death? Or as an ascent toward the attainment of our goals, toward bringing life to a rewarding and satisfying conclusion? A subtle difference in our inner attitude can completely change our experience of these years.

No one, not even those with seemingly limitless amounts of wealth and power, can avoid death. It is only when we become clearly conscious of our finitude -- the limited amount of time any of us possesses -- that we earnestly consider the question of how best to live, how to make something truly valuable of our lives.

The ideal old age might be likened to a magnificent sunset. Just as the deep red of the setting sun holds the promise of a beautiful tomorrow, a life well lived conveys the gift of hope to future generations.

But all of us, not just great novelists, have something we can leave behind. This is the unique and indelible record of our lives, the mark left by our soul on the world. The degree to which we are satisfied with our lives is something only we can judge and be responsible for. And the greatest passages of life are often those written in times of struggle.

The ultimate proof of having won in life is to be able to look back with a sense of pride and satisfaction, to be able to say that one lived fully and without regret. Perhaps the most crucial element for an aging society is a spirit of mutual encouragement toward the goal of each of us being able to say, with no hint of hesitation, that this has indeed been a good life.

The challenges of an aging society are not limited to questions of policy. They are an opportunity to reconsider the very intimate question of how we choose to live our lives.

(Daisaku Ikeda is president of Soka Gakkai International, and founder of Soka University and the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research.)

Holiday Mood??

Holiday Mood??


Hello npsdian, how are you all doing lately? Should not be much of a problem right as you all are having your much deserved holiday currently. If there is any problem like insomnia or too much time to kill, then please contact me and I will “participate” actively to solve your troubles. Please enjoy and relax to the maximum during your holiday but at the same time, while you are enjoying yourselves, take some time out and ponder on what you want to “be” in the next semester.

Or example, you may want to be a “superman” in your CCA where you will be able to score crucial goals and execute beautiful passes that penetrates your opponent‘s defense. I know in some stage of my poly days, I did possess that kind of dream. Or perhaps, you may want to be a “bookworm” in the next semester by getting ready your “thick” glasses and books and mentally preparing yourselves to get numerous ADs in your report card.

No matter who or what you aspire to be for next semester, please advance in the direction of your goals joyfully and absolutely making use of daimoku. If I were to able to relive my poly days again , not only must I excel in my CCA and studies, my role as a CIC is of utmost importance too.

Understanding the spirit of mentor and disciple and being able to talk to my friend about other things rather than the latest computer games and other stuff are the things that occasionally we, as youth ought to develop. I still remember during the SOKA exchange, after just knowing this SOKA university student for about half an hour, he asked me: “So weiliang, what your dream??” I was of course taken aback but on hindsight, I asked myself, “although I know some of my friends for ages but have I really asked them about their dreams? I guess at times the reason for not enquiring them is because I was afraid to be ridicule as a person who is “naïve” enough to stick to the “impossible”. In the book “Boy”, a biography book of Roald Dahl, he reckons that almost all the great fiction authors are associated with alcohol because it is extremely difficult to write on hope and courage therefore the effect of the alcohol enables them to be in another world where morality exists.

Although right now, we may seems small but what we decide to do now will be of impact to the future. Please really develop yourself into someone who will be able to attract happiness and bring hope and joy to your friend.

Lastly, I like to end off this posting with a modified poem meant for the Young lions by SSA general director Ong Bon Chai:

“You are the CICs, key players in NPSD.

How would you like to be remembered?
What kind of values would you be proud to uphold?

You may like to ponder deeply, both as an individual and as a group.

For me, if I were a CIC, I would like to be one that is trustworthy, that people
will trust me when I show them the way.

I would also like to be trained as a refined individual, courteous and upstanding.
I will always remember that I am the “face” of NPSD
Above all, I would like to be known as a true disciple of the Lion King of
kosen-rufu. A disciple that is totally committed to carrying out the mission
alongside my mentor.

I believe such traits acquired in my CIC days will serve me well into the future.
And I will always be proud to say “ Once a CIC, always a CIC.”

May I wish each and everyone lots of opportunities and good circumstances in
your endeavor.”

Yours sincerely,
Ong Bon Chai
SSA General Director


regards,
wL

Hi guys,

first of all really thanks commitee for putting up and updating this blog. I'm sure this blog will be our form of communication so to speak. I hope that everyone will frequent here more often and make full use of it. Treat this as your own blog and you can contribute by raising questions or doubts that you might have in mind on the tagboard. Alternatively, if you have any interesting articles you can also share with us. Road ahead might not be easy, but lets not be defeat by it and continue to strive on together.

"Life is a series of changes, a succession of ups and downs. But those who possess a prime point, a home to which they can return no matter what happens, are strong. To come home to the world of friendship in the SGI, to talk things over and prepare for a fresh departure-this is the way I hope all of you will live. When you do, you will advance upon a fundamentally unerring path to happiness." ~ Daisaku Ikeda

Let's have a fresh departure and be strong to challenge whatever lies ahead of us.
Together we win.

Regards,
Weilun

By Daisaku Ikeda, The Straits Times (Feb 17, 2007)

Kids' problem starts with adult society




MOTHER NURTURE: The healthy growth of children requires that they feel loved for who they are, which helps them develop an awareness of their own unique value. -- LI JIN HAW

DISTURBING incidents of bullying continue to make the news. We hear daily of the tragedy of children who, unable to endure the harassment and violence inflicted on them by peers and classmates, are driven to suicide.
It is heartbreaking to think of the pain and despair that would cause a child to take his or her life, and the consequent devastating grief suffered by their families.

Bullying is not a sickness unique to Japan. But the kinds of extreme bullying that can lead even to suicide have as their background the closed and insular nature of Japanese society. People of strong individuality, who have some quality that shines or stands out, are often the target of jealousy, and branded as different and strange.

As such, they may be subjected to an organised effort to ignore and ostracise them, leaving them feeling as if their very existence has been denied. Such isolation can be accompanied by threats, extortion and physical violence. Some children may become active supporters of the bullying while others, fearful that they will be targeted next, remain passive bystanders.

This dynamic reflects a deep-rooted pathology within Japanese society. It is rare for parents and teachers to muster the courage and solidarity to confront such bullying.

What would also appear to be unique to Japan is a particular quickness to blame the victim. There is a widely if unconsciously held notion that the victims of bullying are themselves at least partly responsible for their plight. This way of thinking acts to justify bullying as well as the indifference that allows it to continue.
How could anyone imagine there are people in the world who deserve to be bullied? Bullying is a base and vicious act that can never and must never be legitimated.
People are not bullied because they are weak. Rather, bullying reflects the inner weakness of the perpetrators, their inability to resist their own ugliest impulses. As Mahatma Gandhi pointed out, violence is ultimately born of cowardice.
The first step in dealing with bullying is to transform the cultural attitudes that permit it. This requires that we state clearly that the blame for bullying rests 100 per cent on those who bully.

This further requires that adults - whether parents or teachers - who become aware of bullying speak up, demonstrating a model of courage and action to children. Equally crucial is the effort to become the kind of person that a child being victimised by bullying can turn to with confidence. We need to be able to discern the often silent pleas of such children.
Bullying came to light as a serious social problem in Japan in the 1980s. The various forms of violence that had plagued schools in the 1970s had been brought under control but, it has been suggested, the forcefulness of the measures used to achieve this left the underlying issues unresolved, pushing violence underground and inward. The aggression once directed against teachers and the schools themselves was turned against classmates.

The rapid changes in society have left children exposed to intense forms of stress. The cold and unforgiving logic of the adult world is applied unmediated to the lives of children, who are subjected to excessive degrees of competition, selection, ranking and standardisation.

The dysfunction is so evident in school bullying today thus mirrors the state of adult society, which is replete with insidious forms of bullying - detached cruelty stemming from cynicism and self-involvement, abuses of people's rights by the media, television programmes that poke fun at the vulnerable, prejudice and discrimination in their various forms. To surround children with such realities while expecting them to adhere to idealised forms of behaviour is hardly fair.

Urbanisation and the collapse of the extended family have deprived children of the physical and social spaces where they are affectionately enfolded and can comfortably develop friendships. And parents are often so pressed for time and stressed by work that they cannot fully engage or interact with their children.
Many children who become violent carry a deep-rooted sense of being neglected and ignored. The healthy growth of children requires that they feel accepted and embraced for who they are. When children can feel acceptance, they develop a natural awareness of their own unique and irreplaceable value. They then come to treasure and care for themselves. At the same time, this awakens feelings of trust and respect for others.

In the end, children desire but one thing - to be loved. This is why the family must be a haven of security and protection for children.
Rosa Parks once shared with me her mother's words: 'There is no law that people have to suffer.' Her mother also taught her the value of self-respect, to respect both herself and others. In these childhood lessons, I think, we can see the deep sources of courage and dignity behind her crucial role in the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott that marked a historic turning point in the American civil rights movement.
Every child has the right to move proudly into the future, head held high. The horror of a society permeated by different forms of bullying is that it tramples on children's sense of self-worth, robbing them of the light of future hope.
All young people need to be clearly assured that when we are suffering, although it may feel like the darkness will continue forever, that is absolutely not the case. Night always yields to dawn. Though the cold of winter may seem to last forever, it is always followed by spring. And those who have suffered most are best able to understand the feelings of other people. They have a unique and vital contribution to make.

Children are our only future, our sole, irreplaceable hope. Children are urging us - literally at the risk and cost of their lives - to become aware of the distortions of the adult world. Our response to their silent cries holds the key to healing the desperate illness of our times. Only by turning to directly engage with children, their feelings and their needs, will we redeem our own humanity.

(The writer is president of Soka Gakkai International, and founder of Soka University and the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research.)

--Fresh Beginning--

Hello,
Npsdians, haha, I actually got the honor of being the first to post in our newly “built” blog. This is of great significance as it also coincides with one of our SSA’s goal which is, “revitalize”. With this new blog, I hope that npsd will start afresh and of course, let us thanks the committee that put in so much effort as I constantly nagged them like an ah pek on when are they going to finish the blog. Ok since this is the first posting, I shall not share or bored the readers too much. Pls feel free to make any comments and at the same time come in frequently to the blog to check on dates, encouragement, pics, etc... With such a FRESH start, I like to quote Sensei poem for this joyous occasion:

“In the spirit of Now is the time,
let’s act, and move ahead.
Buddhism is about victory or defeat from now
Today is a fresh departure
and the fundamental beginning of all things.”

Cheers : wL

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