Bishan Youths

Bishan zone ICs threw a party on Christmas Day for the students to rally them towards Musical 08, which will be happening on the 26th & 27th Jan 2008!

Materials to be used

• 春夏秋冬[lyrics]
• Successor Planning [template]

Study on Human Revolution [Vol.7] [Vol.8] [Lyrics of song "Star Fall Autumn Wind Wu Chang Plain"]

Presentation on Fundamentals: Three Obstacles and Four Devils [slides]

Personal Development: Stress Management [slide]

Study on the Human Revolution (Vol. 5&6) [slides1] [slides2]
Presentation on Fundamental: Oneness of Life and Its Environment [slides] [notes]
Personal Development: Stree Management (postponed to next session)

Study on Human Revolution (Vol. 3 to 4): Slides
Personal Development :Time Management
Presentation of Fundamentals : On Lessening Karmic Retribution

Study on the Human Revolution

• Slides on HR Vol. 1 & 2
• Notes on HR Vol. 1

Personal Development:

• Effective Communication

Please email to yvonnelaucc@gmail.com if you are not able to retrieve the files.

span >cocoon \kuh-KOON\ verb
: to wrap or envelop in or as if in a cocoon

Did you know?
Since at least 1679, English speakers have been using the noun "cocoon" for the silky covering that surrounds a caterpillar or other insect larva in the pupa stage of metamorphosis. The word came into English from French, which in turn borrowed it from an Occitan term for "eggshell." Linguists believe the Occitan term was probably born of the Latin "coccum," a noun that has been translated as "kermes," the dried bodies of some insects that can be found on certain trees. The verb “cocoon” has been with us since at least 1881.

The above explanation is courtesy of Merriam-Webster Dictionary. As the above suggests, a caterpillar goes through a metamorphosis stage, at which it is called 'cocoon', before it transforms itself into a beautiful butterfly. In similar sense, this youth fostering hope to transform each one of us, the Bishan zone youths, into a better & wiser person.

Carrying the metaphor further, we all know that a cocoon actually needs to undergo a painful struggle to break itself off from the shell in order to become a butterfly. (Much similar to Buddhism fundamental of "Discarding the transient and revealing the truth".) And we have heard of the story of how, a young boy tried to "help" the cocoon by assisting it to break open the shell. And the butterfly did got out from its shell, but dropped dead on the floor as soon as it tried to spread its wings to fly. The boy later learnt that the struggling process is actually an essential phase for the butterfly, to train its 'muscle' of its wings, so that when it finally breakaway from its shell, it is ready to take flight.

In similar sense, the senior leaders are all out ready to foster you (not just this program I am referring to, but various other platforms as well, like the Nationwide Youth Leaders Conference), by providing you with the shell (i.e. the nutrients for growth). Whether or not you will emerge as a flying butterfly utimately depends on whether you are willing to wage a struggle to break-free from your lesser self, to take initiative to seek.

In one of Sensei's guidance, he mentioned something to the extend that ultimately it is the disciple who decides who he choose to be his mentor and to follow this person. And if he fails to live out as a true disciple, it is in no way the fault of the mentor.

So, Bishan youths, are you ready to take flight and fight alongside our mentor?!

With this, I would like to propose this training course to be code-named "Cocoon'07".
(Not happy with this name? Counter-propose now!)

Buddhism Day by Day: Wisdom for Modern Life
by Daisaku Ikeda

a) Dialogue is a positive endeavor. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject others only has negative repercussions. It invites division and leads to destruction. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others. But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye-to-eye.

b) If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: Joy, Courage, Hope, Assurance, Philosophy, Wisdom, a vision for the future. Let's us always give something.

c) Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering; becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy – it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.

d) When individuals practice a teaching is intended, the expected results become manifest in their lives as well as their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has significant impact (positive/negative) upon peoples' daily lives and their society. The nature and extend of a particular religion's impact become the standard for evaluating its validity.

Thanks, Javier for the recommendation (book available from SYC Library)

In paving our way to the 2nd phase of kosen-rufu, Bishan Zone will be holding a series (8 sessions) of Youth Fostering Training Program. Starting from 20 Oct 2007, a training will be conduct every Sat, 2.30-5.30pm. Besides Buddhist study, the training will also included self-enrichment workshops like presentation skill, effective communications skills, etc. To kick start, all district leaders will be entitled to attend, upon confirmation, in this pioneer batch. Another 10 or so potential leaders will also be included. Stay tuned for more information!

"Spiritual endurances is more important than physical beings";
"We must prepare for the next 10 to 15 years"

(1) Victory hinges on Earnestness and Commitment. Leaders (esp senior leaders) must take the arduous task. Rid yourself of laziness! Must impart hope and encouragement!

• Importance of Prayers, Determination & Planning
• Must cultivate the capability of self-reliance
• the constructive action of one person can lead to victory (Sensei's example)
• Encourage and foster one more person

• Those who have lost the mentor-disciple spirit are thought to have lost the greatness in their lives! Very Strict!
• Believing in our mentor means putting his guidance into ACTION.
  

• Daily Hossaku Kempon (discarding the transient and revealing the truth) is Crucial! How to do it? Must challenge to do good Daily gongyo and daimoku!
• If our lives don't change, our environment won't change!
  

FRIDAY, September 14th, 2007
-- TO MY FRIENDS --
It is most important that our Young Women's Division members devote themselves to the study of Buddhism as much as they can.The two ways of practice and study are the most certain paths to attaining true happiness in lifeand to leading a victorious and successful life in society.

* "President Toda's constant guidance to the young women was, 'Become happy!' That encapsulates the very essence of why we practice this Buddhism. Then how can we secure this state of absolute happiness? Nichiren Daishonin revealed the way to do so and that is 'by chanting daimoku to the Gohonzon' Surely nothing could be simpler. There is no greater philosophy or Buddhist teaching than the Daishonin's, which enables all people to attain happiness."

"You who possess this lofty, noble philosophy are the women who will lead the next era. You all must strive to become capable of doing so. As daughters and disciples of Nichiren Daishonin, as pioneers of the Daishonin's Buddhism, you all have vital roles to play in spreading its teachings, in bringing happiness to our friends across Asia and throughout the world. I hope you will be deeply aware of your noble mission and continue to further your understanding of Buddhism through study. ..." The study of Buddhist philosophy serves as a guide for our practice of faith. Human emotions are subjected to change. And an intense passion for faith may sometimes cool; determination to practice may waver. That is when the study of Buddhist principles illuminates the path of faith along which we should proceed. (The New Human Revolution, Vol. 5, "Victory" chapter)

FRIDAY, September 14th, 2007
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 386) Selection source: "To My Friends", Seikyo Shimbun, September 14th, 2007

SATURDAY, September 15th, 2007
---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
"Sincerity is the cornerstone of Buddhism and daily life. Educational background and social status are inconsequential by comparison; they have no relation to the quality of a person's character. Moreover, the realm of the Daishonin's Buddhism is one of equality where everyone is striving together for the same goal. How hard we have worked for the sake of kosen-rufu; how earnestly we have striven to support the Soka Gakkai, the organisation of kosen-rufu; and how assiduously we have exerted ourselves for the happiness and welfare of our fellow members and others in our lives--these form the criteria for a 'degree in life,' a 'degree in Buddhism'--the most important of all 'degrees.'

"I hope that you will exert yourselves energetically for kosen-rufu, proud of the fact that you are acquiring an unsurpassed education in the field of humanity and life."

SGI Newsletter No. 7335, NATIONWIDE EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE--SESSION 6 [OF 8 SESSIONS], Acquiring an Unsurpassed Education in Life, (At the sixth session of the Nationwide Executive Conference, held on August 9th, 2007, attended by regional leaders as well as national divisional representatives), translated Sep 12th, 2007

1. to refute evil
2. for the sake of kosen-rufu
3. strengthen the Oneness of Mentor & Disciple spirit
4. foster leaders of kosen-rufu
5. construct the pillar of peace for the world.

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,' cannot be false in any way."

(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 217) Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, April 5th, 2007

-- 今日之御書 --
「是由过去宿缘，今度来成日莲弟子者！释迦、多宝当有知矣。「在在諸佛土、常与師倶生」岂是虚事也。」 (御書全集 1406页)

Youths from Bishan Zone Bishan North Chapter presented a vibrant dance at the family day gathering attended by more than 200 members at the Bougainvillea Room on 25 Aug 2007.