Do you believe in the
possibility of lasting happiness?

Or does this seem like something forever out of
reach, a dream on the distant horizon? Would you
react skeptically if told that you were born—just as
you are—with everything it takes to cultivate an
indestructible state of happiness?

According to Aristotle, “Happiness depends
upon ourselves.” But just what is happiness? Is
it the fulfillment of our every wish and desire? Is it
the absence of all suffering?

We believe that happiness is being able to
experience profound joy that comes from
never being defeated by any problems in life.
In fact, we use the challenges of our lives as a catalyst
to deepen and expand our inner lives. Despite a
culture of instant gratification that influences so much
of modern living, happiness is not a quick fix attained
overnight. Rather, it results from our efforts to
manifest life’s highest potentials—wisdom, compassion,
courage and vitality—on a daily basis. Nichiren
Buddhism provides a concrete means to tap
into these traits that every human being holds
in unlimited supply.

Even amidst the most difficult times, happiness is
definitely not out of reach.We can indeed move in
the direction of our dreams and face our problems
wisely and courageously.We can come to savor the
greatest of all joys: the ability to live life with a deeper
and stronger sense of confidence, appreciation and
hope. We have the power to take charge of our
own destiny and become a source of positive change
in our family, local community and the entire world.

The notion that every human being is
born with the ability to become
happy is not new.This is what the
Buddha taught more than 2,500
years ago.The word “Buddha”
means “one who is fully awake”. It
means to ‘awaken’ to the workings
of the universal law within our own
lives.The Lotus Sutra, the foremost
of the Buddha’s teachings, asserts the
inherent dignity and equality of all people
and indeed of all life. It points to an enduring
sense of happiness and compassion that is, in fact,
our birthright. However, it wasn’t until Nichiren
Daishonin, a 13th century Japanese Buddhist reformer,
turned this philosophy into a concrete daily practice
that the message of the Lotus Sutra became accessible
to all people. In doing so, he established a practice
that is both simple and very profound.

Nichiren revealed that Nam-myohorenge-
kyo is the law that permeates
all life and the universe.This phrase
literally translates as: devotion to the
Mystic Law of cause and effect
through the Buddha’s teaching, or
sound. Nichiren describes this phrase
by saying,“Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is not
only the core of the Buddha’s lifetime
teachings, but also the heart, essence, and
ultimate principle of the Lotus Sutra (The
Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 860). By chanting
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with confidence in our innate
Buddhahood—or highest human potential—we can
dispel self-doubt, challenge our problems
courageously and reveal our innate wisdom
and compassion.Through chanting,
studying Buddhist philosophy and
taking action daily for the well being
of others, we can establish a state
of profound happiness and make
each moment of our lives joyful and
meaningful while contributing to peace
in our families and community.

Extract from article: What is Happiness? SGI-USA

Words from our mentor

From Ikeda Sensei:

"Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions of years can be illuminated. Even a stone from the bottom of a river can be used to produce fire. Our present sufferings, no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions of years-nor will they linger forever. The sun will definitely rise. In fact, its ascent has already begun."

"Why doesn't constant trampling defeat the dandelion? The key to its strength is its long and sturdy root, which extends deep into the earth. The same principle applies to people. The true victors in life are those whose who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them."

"No one can better bask in summer's balm than those who have endured winter's bite. Similarly, it is those who have suffered through life's darkest hours who are able to truly savor the bright dawn of happiness. The person who has transformed the worst of fate into the best of fortune is life's champion."

"There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again. There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on. Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures. Indeed, it is during our most humbling moments that we should show greatest poise and grace. Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine."

Posting

It is said that
"the person who makes the first move gains the advantage."
One courageous action can influence as many as ten thousand people.
Let's quickly take the initiative,
with lightning speed,
and engage as many people as we possibly can
in conversation about justice and truth.

Sensei

NDP2008

Hello!!
This year alot of NPSD-ians joined ndp..old and young..hehe...we took some memorable photos to share..enjoy=)






the older npsd-ians..hehe..dunno where they looking sia


This is better..


heheh..this batch is the freshies!!! 1..2..3..


Year Twos only got 2..相依为命


Me..Rachel..Felicia..Elda - Taken during NE3=)


Featuring NPSD in NDP2008!!!


Twist~


funny faces?hehe..Alright..no more~

Hey people!!! Hope you have enjoyed NDP08 so far..For some of you, though it may be a struggle between school and NDP..but please rest assured that after challenging yourself to overcome all the difficulties, you will savour great Joy after that..and grow to become stronger..this morning i received Rachel's encouragment and felt real energized..so i like to share with all of you...

" I know some of you are very very busy with school work,projects,presentations,cca,problems and all.But let us not be defeated easily and really go back to the gohonzon and chant earnestly that everything must go smoothly yes? :) I came across this quote and thought it will be nice to share with all of you.:) As I quote from Ikeda Sensei,"As long as we are alive, we cannot be free of difficulties nor spared from problems. The question is how to overcome and resolve them. And there is only one answer: to Confront and Challenge life's trials head on. In doing so, we can actually change them into sources of JOY. Hardships builds character. I firmly believe that one can never become a person of extraordinary character jsut by leading on ordinary and peaceful life and avoiding difficulties." So lets really overcome every obstacles in our life positively yes!JiaYou!!!!!"

many Thanks to Rachel for sharing this great encouragment. No matter what we are facing now, presentations, exams,CFG and NDP..please really muster the courage and challenge it head on. Go back to the Gohonzon and chant when we feel deadlocked.."No prayers will be unanswered"..Let us create a great Victory together for this year NDP for NPSD Yea! ALL THE BEST!! for everything that we all do!!!

Smile always=)
<3 maymay

MILK Run 2008, 6 Jul @ RV Pri Sch

photo courtesy by Huixian
With our HR dancers, Jeff and Yvonne


photo courtesy by Huixian

photo courtesy by Liyu

Dedicated to our NPSD stompers, mass dancers & HR dancers
Thank you so much for all your efforts in putting up such wonderful performances at the parade! They were fantastic! We were proud of you all! =)

Waterfall

Like the waterfall ,fierce
Like the waterfall ,unflagging
Like the waterfall ,unfearing
Like the waterfall ,merrilly
Like the waterfall ,proud
A man should have a bearing of the king.
-Ikeda sensei

Common Test results

To all the people who have already or still awaiting your common-test results, let's all read this sensei poem sincerely.

" Present circumstances are
not the point.
What matters is what you do,
starting from now,
And how much you are
willing to strive.
From this, the future develops."
-Ikeda sensei

NPSD @ SD Nationwide Meeting 140608

Lay Leng has graduated!!! she will work hard at her faith.. she will be a beacon light...

Thanks for your efforts

Today, i will just like to take this post to thanks all those had been making first-rate efforts behind the scenes. Behind the scene people like the committee that make the pot luck a reality yesterday. Behind the scene people who responsed to our iic call. Behind the scene people who always went out of their way to represent us and sensei to show extra care to the members.

Sensei always used to praise behind the scenes personel, stating that they are the ones that progress the Gakkai into todays modern organization. Likewise, without you all, NPSD will never exist. I will like to also reassure you that no efforts for kosenru-fu will go to waste and if you are wondering whether your actions are validated?? Just to show the soft side of me, these unseen efforts, never once failed to touch me. Once again, i like to say , THANKS!!!

From: wL
2gether we win!!!

Sensei Guidance

"Those who are earnest in what they are doing are naturally bright.
Those who are sincere in their actions are always cheerful.
And those who have conviction never give up,no matter what the circumstances.
With strong optimism and an indomitable spirit,
let's all try to advance cheerfully and unceasingly!"

IFU DODO NOUTA

Hello NPSDIAN, how are all of you all coping with your struggles ?? Me too is facing lots of "stress" as this period, just for your info, i am in-charge of over-seeing the SD nationwide meeting. Please give the other iics your fullest support and as i had been informed, i believed this 2 weeks is also in conjunction with your common-test week.

Buddhism teaches us that life is itself a struggle. A struggle to the very end where none can escape and none can avoid. However, with ND buddhism, we can actually use the power of faith to transform everything into our own unquie mission and happiness. By putting in double, triple effort in whatever we are doing, coupled with strong determined daimoku, we can bring about wonders

Learning from your iic, jefferson, i recently just found out that he actually repeatly do 3times, over and over again, for a pass-year paper. This is the dedication we should put in when we want to achieve what we want at the bottom of our heart. Buddhism is reason, buddhism is logic.

The ichinen of not leaving any chances out, not leaving any "stones" un-turned, is the key to making things successful. My seniors used to tell me to struggle so hard till the sweat drop from th eye brown, that is only then, can it be considered an all out effort.

We need to spare no effort to understand our subjects. If we don't understand it the first time, its ok, try again.Try till you get it.

Time management is also one of the important factor. Always remind yourselves how early you want to start revising your tutorial and throw in your life while doing it. That is the kind of ferocity my seniors pass it to me!

Have found this video featuring sensei dancing to the song of indomitable champion. Like to share it with you all as in this video, sensei , who is currently 80 yrs old, is dancing with all his might each time on stage,to really wanting to encourage all the members, so that they can achieve break throughs in their fierce, life and death struggles.

As sensei says in one of his poem:

"Whether i'm forced to eat dirt
Or hang by my nails at the
edge of a cliff,
I will move forward,
Even if just an inch or two,
Determined to break through
adversity."
(Ikeda sensei)

NPSD, come what may be our struggles, or persecutions, let's face it like a lion king, like sensei, determined to move forward, even if just an inch or two.



wL
2gether we win!!

Lighthouse Sharing

Hi NPSDians! Our lighthouse is alive and kicking again and we have shifted to the atrium becos of the lack of space at our old lighthouse. To help us kickstart our campus dialogue this semester are our lighthouse keepers Xueyun, May and Zijing. Please keep the light burning by coming down to support everyday from 12 to 2pm. We not only need your physical support but we need other lighthouse keepers to do the sharing. It can be just a short 10 mins sharing and need not be a gakkai article or book. Something that inspires you can also inspire and encourage others too. While we study together, we encourage one another, deepen our own understanding of buddhism, polish our own characters and accumulate good fortune together =) right now we are collating timetables to see who can make it for sharing on different days and we will find a lighthouse ah tao to allocate the slots. i hope that all can participate!! please email me the days that you are free from either 12 to 1 or 1 to 2 ok? My email is layleng17@gmail.com.

Faith is not an obligation. Likewise, lighthouse sharing is not an obligation. With an unenlightened eye, we see it even as a hassle and burden but nevertheless, the foundation we build in our youth enables us to stand strong in times of trouble. Would you rather idle your time away? why not spend that half an hour in a day or a week creating some value and learning something? these are things that cannot be taken away from you whether in times of happiness or troubles.

When we light a lantern for ourselves, we light the way of others too. Let us live up to the name of our mascot, the lighthouse and not just let it be a symbol which means nothing at the end of the day and take action now!

SD members must be the first to study, first to pray, first to take action!

Lay Leng =)

Yubari Chapter Part II

Is our presence a worry?When the coal mine union challenged the Yubari members to the debate, Mitsubayashi and another leader from the youth division was told to fly to Tokyo immediately. Shin'ichi had sincerely encouraged the leaders. They flew back to Chitose and were staying at an inn in Sapporo. They had trouble sleeping that night as the next day was the open forum requested by the Hokkaido Shimbun. Just as they were falling asleep, Mitsubayashi was awaken by knocking on the door and found Shini'chi standing at his bedside. '[t]he two had been surprised by Shini'chi's sudden appearance, but their astonishment instantly transformed itself into a feeling of reassurance.' Soon, they were able to sleep soundly.

Is our presence a worry for those around us? Or does it put others at ease? Amidst the coal mine incident, the Osaka incident was also unfolding at the same time. Though Sensei definitely had troubles of his own to worry about, he could still be so thoughtful. Within a few hours of them meeting each other, Sensei wanted to be with them as soon as possible knowing that they will be worried. His presence was able to put their minds at ease. If people have to constantly worry for us over the minutest things, it only goes to show one thing- that we are weak and not able to take care of ourselves. Is that the kind of life we want to lead? It also goes to show that our faith is not independent. If the people around us are taken away we will just crumble. To truly have the stand alone spirit, we do not hanker after transient happiness. We must possess absolute happiness that even when these things are taken away from us we will still be able to remain strong. Instead, we must become people whom others can depend on, not so that we can use the dependence to control others but so that we can lend support when others are down.

Yubari Chapter Part I

I typed a long post just the other day but somehow it didn't autosave $#%^&*(I**)()W#$#



haha well well since we are looking into the Yubari chapter of The Human Revolution for the month of May I just thought of sharing something that we did not have time to discuss in depth. Reading HR always makes me think of so many things and I am able to relate it to so many things that are happening and unfolding around me. Would like to share some of these thoughts in case you all read too fast forget to take note =)



Actual Proof
In the attempt to make members give up their faith and deter them from spreading the faith, the union's welfare committee conducted research into the minutest matters in the members' daily lives. The companies' labour management even probe into gakkai members' work performance. They were ready to pounce on any evidence of gakkai members' negligence in their work so as to attribute blame to the Daishonin's Buddhism. However, 'contrary to their expectation, the investigation established that all miners belonging to the Soka Gakkai had excellent service records' (HR, P1570). The compnay became no longer nervous about this religion after that although the union remained so due to political reasons.

I think it is not just that because we are Gakkai members therefore we must put on our best behaviour so as to protect the image or reputation of our organisation like what our secondary school principals always tell us. If we are practising the Buddhism that we all claim to be good, how can anyone of us fail to do our human revolution and excel? If we practiced and remained slack/lazy/unmotivated/careless/sloppy/fill-in-your-own-adjective, how can we claim that this Buddhism can change your life if it can't even improve some small undesirable habits? Having said that, I must add that that is if you ever reflect on yourself and I remember Sensei saying that chanting is the best time to reflect on ourselves cos it is the time we are able to do so unflinchingly. That's the keyword. Do we just reflect then comfort ourselves, stroke our ego and find some excuse or do we actually do something to make the situation better? Are we able to be honest with ourselves even though sometimes lying to yourself is less cruel? =)

Of course, the members' testimonials were great actual proofs of protection from the Gohonzon. Then again, we do not need to wait for big things to validate this Buddhism. Actual proof is found through our daily actions and words. Showing that we are reliable people who can be trusted in our communities is in fact a very big actual proof. And this will be seen and felt by people around you. I think human beings sometimes very funny one. You tell them who-and-who got some sickness, chant then ok already people feel very skeptical. But they see a person's attitude good, positive they think maybe it's chanting that helps them become like that.

For Arakawa, the first time he attended a Gosho lecture in Toda Sensei's home, he did not have the opportunity to meet Toda Sensei. The lecture was not easy for him to understand but it provoked him to think about his unhappy situation. He also decided to take up faith by the end of the meeting because the participants were 'lively, had healthy complexions and smiled brightly and happily' (HR, P1577). The thing that 'impressed' him were 'the participants'.

Actual Proof is the most important of the three truths namely Documentary Proof, Theorectical Truth and Actual Proof. Nichiren writes: "In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact" (WND, P599). Remember you don't always need a crisis to show actual proof, we can show actual proof from the way we live our daily life. Use our lives to create those actual proofs regardless of them being big or small ones!

Three Obstacles & Four Devils
T'ient'ai (538-597) states in Great Concen-tration and Insight: "As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere.... One should be neither influenced nor fright-ened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the correct teaching."

The above is one of my favourite passages cos when i was young i always hear them say san zhang si mo =) but are we able to recognise them as obstructions to our practice? (If you dunno what they are exactly please click here haha: http://www.sgilibrary.org/search_dict.php) . The Yubari members certainly did. Whenever they met they would read this passage together so as to renew their determination.

Conviction
How confident are we that this faith, the Gohonzon, can help us confront our difficulties in life? I was arguing with my sister while we were discussing the situation of her YWD. This YWD questions is it a must to have targets? Why do leaders always say that we must have clear goals and prayers? She thinks that she is busy enough but why do leaders always ask people to push themselves further. Also it adds a lot of pressure to her practice. This reminds me of what weiliang shared during CIC meeting about goals, prayers and vows. Sensei says praying without specific concrete prayers is like shooting an arrow without a target. You dun really know where you are shooting but just anyhow shoot hopefully the spearhead ends somewhere, hopefully can hit something but you dun even know what that thing is exactly. But targets are more than just numbers but the concrete steps you take to fulfil what you set out to, what you learn in the process and your victory at the end.

I believe that people are able to tell if they are busy. I do not believe in dumping everything on a member and leaving the member to struggle by herself thinking that she will grow a lot more alone in stand-alone-spirit. I think the question we should be asking is whether we are struggling based on faith and are we struggling hard enough? While we are not able to transfix our thinking onto someone else, we can always encourage. This is perhaps why there is a need for dialogue, so that we can talk it through and decide if this person can take it in. To different people perhaps a different approach is needed. Some people can take the nudging but some will run if we push them too hard. I'm not saying that i always use the correct approach (haha disclaimer). Maybe i did wrong somewhere sometimes. The intention is always good, in hope that the person will take up the challenge, and push themselves way past their preconceived limits of themselves through faith. Well, like i said, we have to use different approach with different people. Some yes, can be left alone to struggle, the stand alone spirit. But we as comrades must be able to be there for this one person should this person feel down at any point of time. Some need constant encouragement along the way. True unity is not so that weak people come together to make up quality with quantity or have one another to lean on. It is really for individuals who are able to stand alone to rise up together like the gears we discussed in the Yubari Chapter. Each one of us plays a part.

And regarding the point about feeling pressurised becos of faith, i say maybe you have not awakened to your mission yet. Like what Xueyun shared, what is the point of us doing all these things? If we realise that our fundamental practice is for oneself and for others, will we still think that becos we have enough things on hand we dun want to try?

Bottomline: I am not trying to say you should just shove everything down your throat whenever someone shoot arrow at you (although i usually accept first then ask questions later). Try to discuss and solve everything based on faith. If we already set boundaries for ourselves then we can only achieve so much but the mystic law goes beyond logical thinking. We constantly push not just to expand our own lives but for the happiness of others too. Seeing so many people suffering around us especially after the sichuan earthquake, can we really just sit and chant while ignoring the harsh realities of life? Seeing the myamese die while we just meditate in front of the gohonzon? Good question! what are we doing all these for? Sensei says "For people to awaken to their mission and follow the great path of human revolution is actually the most important thing of all."

When Arakawa was returning to Yubari to spread the mystic law in his hometown, he thought 'he had the Gohonzon with him. No matter where he went, he wouldn't have to fear anything. Nothing could have given him greater courage than this conviction." As we challenge our problems be it gakkai activities like propagation campaigns or our daily struggles, do we hold the same kind of conviction? If we dun, we might just end up like the 2 leaders who went to other prefectures to spread the law. They had been zealous and both firmly pledged to open a new field for kosen rufu at their respective destinations but later backslid and became unheard of. Do we want to be Arakawa or the two leaders? i think at the end of the day, it is us who decides.

=) Lay Leng (Contributions welcomed! Just drop us an email at npsdivision@gmail.com)

Big lessons from little Kids

Hello there, here an article that is not from Gakkai. I find it interesting so i just have the impluse to share it with you all. Sometimes, it takes the "child" in you to do the great extra-ordinary things u dream yar. So, let us too, learn from kids at times, especially, in their convictions in their goals on what they want to be when they grow up. (Many a times, money wasn't even their considerations)

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even when there's not a prize in the bottom of the box
2. Sometimes, it's best to be completely blunt with people, as you used to be with relatives who wanted you to do something embarrassing or tedious for a shiny quarter.
3. Asking questions is how you figure things out . Lots and lots of questions.
4. An older wiser Gordie Lanchance says in Stand by ME ," I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when i was young." Lanchance is right. The trick is to try to be the friend you were when you were young: fun-loving and loyal, with no string attached.
5. Playing is work. Approach your downtime with all the seriousness of a 5-year-old with a secret treasure map.
6. Real guys don't dip their toes in the water. They jump right in.
7. You hated it when a grown-up told you,"We'll see." It's still unacceptable. Don't say it yourself.
8. The only way to know how something works is to completely disassemble it.( This is still a good advice when takling a complex problem. Your plasma TV? Not so much)
9. There's a reason they don't give credit cards to 8-year olds. You're supposed to save up money before you buy a new toy
10. Your body was designed for throwing baseball, shooting hoops and jumping off diving boards and stuff. In the secret language of children, the word "fitness" doesn't exsit. It's called "having fun."
11. Your world can be half-real and half-imaginary.
12. Homework blows. Bring work home with you and it'll ruin your night. And you marriage. And your family. And your life.
13. Too much of anything will give you a tummy ache. Like say, bourbon.
14. The coolest adults were the ones who took the time to listen to you. You still want to grow up to be a cool adult right?
15. Treasure Island, Dracula: The best books are consumed after dark with a flashlight. Where is your "reading spirit" right now??
16. Use adrenaline as your drug of choice. You don't need beer, pot , cigarettes to have a good time.
17. Seeing a thunderstorm roll in is better than watching HDTV. And rain isnt something to curse, but to enjoy. Hurry up, before it clears.

Let's all have an ever-youthful spirit in our lives. Just like kids, I will mantain my dreams and convictions in the goodness of the world. Sensei once says that the happiness in our world will depend on how loud is a kids' laughter. Let's all become the"coolest" MD and WD 20 yrs from now. Till then , we must formulate the elixir of "never ageing" right now in our youth!!

From: wL

NPSD

2gether we win!!

sensei guidance

" A little rain falling in a time of pro-longed drought... only makes the plants and trees more parched than before,[while] dispatching one's weakest force to lead the attack on a powerful opponent ... only makes the enemy more confident than ever." (Gosho Zenshu pg 37)

In a struggle, half hearted efforts result only in giving advantage to the opposition.

Mediocrity does not make for a great leader.

May all the in-charge including me take this to heart..

By: wL
2gether we win!!!

April CIC training Cheerful hearts in Unity!

The BIG NPSD Heart!

Linking with everyone else!

In preparation to expand our hearts and life =)

She is making a heart with her hands!

Aiyo so sweet wahaha

Smile!

Emcees for CIC training!

Let there be love! It's super nice!

Love NPSD! =)

NPSD Orientation cum Graduation 2008

Hey guys i know i said wednesday. but layleng the procrastinator was a bit under the weather so here are the photos! but before that, i want to thank those who organised and helped out for the Orientation cum grad meeting. They are Jaymie, Wenbin, Hongbin, Xueyun, May, Soo Shan, Zijing, May, Derrick and everyone for coming =) i hope i din miss out anybody!

The very nice souvenir courtesy of Zijing! =)

And of course many others helped along the way!

A little something for the Grads!

Everyone smiling happily!

Why suddenly all open mouth sia? hungry already right!

Head for lunch!

May May!

Dialoging during lunch =)

Shumin and Xueyun =)

Weird person wahaha. vanessa!

Off to Sentosa to enjoy the sun!

Ready on your mark!

The behind-the-scene person =)

The lao jiaos graduating (except for LL)

The Nurses =)