Bishan Youths

2009-08-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

2009-08-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

Bishan Zone Youth ZC Dialogue with GD Ong

2009-05-24T08:47:00.001-07:00

Bishan Youth Chapter and Zone leaders gathered at HQ on the bright Sunday morning of 24 May 09. The heart-to-heart exchange built closer bond and understanding among all participants, and especially with GD.

YMD Logistics for CFG

2008-08-07T02:52:00.000-07:00

BSC	BSN	BSE	BSW	BSS
7 Sep 08, 3.30pm @TSC-MTA	13 Sep 08, 8.00pm @TSC-MTA	13 Sep 08, 8.00pm @TBSC EH	20 Sep 08, 8.00pm @TBSC EH	29 Sep 08, 3.30pm @TBSC EH
Supported by
BSN	BSS	BSW	BSC	BSE
Kok Leong* Yoke Choy Jun Wen Andy Yeo Seah Jun Cai Seah Jun Hong Simon Ong Kek Zi Rui	Stanley Sim* Mike Tan Ah Boon Wei Jian Wei Jia Wai Meng Elvin Poh	Joseph Beng Ghee Yin Jye Ong Qing Tian Ong Qing Hao Ke Hao *	Wei Yang Yong Chong * Hock Siong Chong Han Michael Calvin	Deon Chu Simon Tee 林俊杰 Toh Hon Chuen Yeo Yi Qi Choong Siong

* denotes Chapter Coordinator
Bishan Log OIC: Hock Siong
Bishan Log 2IC: Beng Ghee

CFG Invitation Cards

2008-07-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Bishan CentralBishan North
Bishan East
Bishan South

SGI Youth Asia Exchange (14-17 Mar 08)

2008-03-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

How did you spend your 3.16? Find out how the youths from 6 SGI countries spent this significant weekend with SSA Youth Division in the first SGI Asia Youth exchange meeting!

50th Anniversary of 3.16

2008-03-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

Youths from the Singapore Soka Association celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Mar 16 with a big bang, with the first Youth for Peace Interfaith Symposium cum Exhibition entitled "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace - Transforming the Human Spirit" held at the Singapore Expo with more than 4000 people in attendance! The highlight of the symposium is the speech from our keynote speaker - Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. George Yeo. Check out the videos below.

Part 1

Part 2

The celebration was made even more significance with the participation of 59 youths from fellow SGI countries: India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia & Indonesia! Themed "Courageous Action of One, Victorious Future for All", the first SGI Youth Asian Exchange saw the youths learning about the pioneering spirit of SGI & SSA, joint declaration for a common goal of kosen-rufu for the next 50 years and many many more one-to-one exchanges and encouragement.

More footage and reports about the event can be found at the blog http://ssayth316.wordpress.com/

P/S: Also, check out the new, and official, SGI Josei Toda website launched on March 16, 2008 : http://www.joseitoda.org/

Cocoon Round Up (17 Feb 08)

2008-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

Bishan Zone rounded up it Cocoon 2007 training with a mini celebration at TBSC. The meeting saw a recap of fundamentals learnt in the course through a pair-and-share game. The day was topped up with a smorgasbord of sumptous delicacies, proudly sponsored by the YMD zone chief Kenneth! Cocoon progamme will reconvene in the fall (aka autumn) of 2008. Stay tuned!

2008 Peace Proposal

2008-01-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

In his 2008 peace proposal issued today (January 26, 2008) to commemorate the anniversary of the SGI's founding in 1975, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda calls for the humanization of religion as one path toward peace.

Commenting that the current trend towards fundamentalism is found not only in the religious sphere, but also in excessive attachment to national or ethnic identity and even to market principles, Mr. Ikeda stresses the need to put the human being at the center of all issues. He identifies dialogue as key in combating fanaticism, mistrust and dogmatism.

More detail at: http://www.daisakuikeda.org/index.php?mid=resources&sub=works&sub2=proposals&quid=8

Let's answer the call of Ikeda Sensei and embark on our 20k dialogue with joy!

Do you know?
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was formed in Guam on January 26, 1975. At that time, the gathering of members represented approximately 50 countries. Daisaku Ikeda, who was then president of Soka Gakkai, was nominated and approved by those present to head the new association. Since 1983, President Ikeda, on behalf of the SGI, has issued annual peace proposals on January 26, commemorating SGI Day.

FD Bishan Zone Christmas BBQ

2007-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

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!

Cocoon Training #8 (8 Dec 07)

2007-12-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Bishan Youths concluded its eight-series youth trainings on 8 Dec. In the finale training, beside sitting for a test of what have been learnt for the past 7 sessions, we have the honour of YMD chief Leonard, and YWD chief Lay Huey to share with us some tips on home visits and and giving personal guidance.

The session was rounded up by impression sharing, each writing a letter to Sensei and commemorative group photo taking. But, wait! All is not over. The entire series of Cocoon'07 training will be celebrated with a BBQ on 19 Jan 08 @Kwoon Yong's place! Stay tune for more info!

Cocoon Training #6 (24 Nov 07)

2007-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Materials to be used

春夏秋冬[lyrics]
Successor Planning [template]

Cocoon Training #4 (10 Nov 07)

2007-11-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

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]

Cocoon Training #3 (3 Nov 07)

2007-11-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

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)

Cocoon Training #2 (27 Oct 07)

2007-11-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

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

Cocoon Training #1 (20 Oct '07)

2007-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Study on the Human Revolution

Personal Development:

Effective Communication

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

Cocoon?

2007-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

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!)

Book Recommendation

2007-09-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

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)

Launch of Bishan Zone Youth Fostering Program on 20 Oct!

2007-09-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Message from GD Ong to all Youths (4 Sep '07)

2007-09-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

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

Study Session by Youth Chiefs from Sensei's recent Executive Conferences

2007-09-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

(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

(2) Mentor-disciple spirit – What is the most impt thing we need to convey to our successors? The Noble mentor-disciple spirit and the essence of this bond!

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.

(3) We have this GREAT Gohonzon. When we faced deadlocks, we should chant to bring forth our strong faith, courage, and wisdom.

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!

To My Friends & Daily Gosho Sep 14th + Daily Enc. Sep 15th

2007-09-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

5 Guidelines for Youths

2007-09-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

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

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

2007-09-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

"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)

Youth Dance by BSN @Family Day Gathering

2007-08-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Interview with Dr. Lawrence E. Carter Sr.

2006-09-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

On Oct 17, 2006, Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter, Dean of Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, was in Singapore to officiate the exhibition "Gandhi, King & Ikeda - A Legacy of Peace". The interview surrounds the topic "Is the brand of peace promoted by Gandhi & Martin Luther King outmoded today?"