Rakhee Bahl
Women Division
I was introduced to this life-transforming philosophy by my very close friend in India in 2004. I practised in India initially but then left the Buddhist practice. When I moved with my family to Singapore in 2012, I was not practising, but my friend who initially introduced me to the practice constantly encouraged me to connect with Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS) and start practising again. Nevertheless, I always made excuses and did not want to practise as my life was perfect then.
Unexpected Ordeals
Eventually I got connected with SGS in 2019 and started practising again; however, I was passive in my Buddhist practice. Even though I participated in discussion meetings, I did not know what to share during members’ time, thinking to myself that I had neither problems nor worries to talk about, and would rush off after the meetings to shop.
It was not until March 2020, when I faced multiple challenges such as divorce, financial difficulties, relationship- and work-related problems, that my life began to change completely. I felt life was meaningless at that time and did not have the courage to face my problems. My leaders in Singapore guided me to move forward. Whenever I wanted to give up, I would speak to them, chant daimoku (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) again, and challenged the obstacles.
In November 2020, I started praying for my husband’s happiness and we parted amicably in March 2021. Without a dependent’s visa, I was forced to return to India in April 2021, and my real journey with this Buddhist practice began. I faced obstacles with my job and work location. Fortunately, I connected with my local leaders and received Sensei’s guidance in faith. I overcame those challenges and strengthened my faith in the process.
My seniors in faith guided me to have deep gratitude for all my previous victories and to create the “cause” for future victories by working on my three pillars of faith, practice, and study. I determined not to be defeated. Through their constant encouragement, I began to make wholehearted efforts for kosen-rufu.
I proactively participated in all Gakkai activities in my district, stepped up my daimoku chanting, and started daily study of Ikeda Sensei’s guidance and Gosho. I never missed an opportunity to encourage another person in my district through online dialogue. I chanted daimoku regularly with members in the district in our individual homes and participated in every discussion meeting. I also joyfully studied The New Human Revolution in our monthly study meetings with the Women Division members. All these activities kept me going despite my challenges.
The Key Lies in Strengthening My Life
The first victory was not only getting a job at my preferred location in India, but also receiving lots of appreciation at my workplace which motivated me to work harder.
Ikeda Sensei wrote, “Everyone, no matter who they are, faces challenges in life. Some may struggle with things such as illness, financial difficulty, or human relationship problems. To overcome such challenges, we have to develop and strengthen our lives.” (Opening a New Era of Kosen-rufu Together (19), “Develop Your Lives and Build the Foundation for Lifelong Happiness”)
I realised from the depth of my life that the only way to heal these rifts in human relationships is by elevating my own life condition and carrying out my human revolution based on faith. I decided that instead of blaming my relationship problems on others, I must transform myself. I determined daily to overcome each of my challenges and reunite with my children by 2022.
Due to border restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, I could not visit my children. However, I deepened my bond with them even more than when I was physically with them. Also, by chanting for the happiness of my ex-husband, I overcame my own pain.
Nevertheless, my visa was rejected due to pending taxes which I had to clear. Due to this issue, my son’s student’s pass was also put on hold. I had to seek help from my company as the outstanding amount was huge and I only had three weeks to settle them.
Ikeda Sensei writes, “The key to victory in our lives lies in how hard we struggle when we are in winter, how wisely we use that time, and how meaningfully we will live each day confident that spring will definitely come.” (Learning from the Gosho: The Hope-filled Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , “Winter Always Turns to Spring”)
Once again I determined to chant daimoku and exert myself even more for kosen-rufu, so that I can report my victory at the discussion meeting in December 2021. Whenever I felt low, I would seek guidance from my seniors in faith and every time redetermined not to slacken in my efforts, but to strengthen my faith even more.
Just as the Gosho states, “Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage.” (WND-1, p. 997) By chanting abundant daimoku and completely immersing myself in activities for kosen-rufu, I continued to actualise my human revolution.
Indeed, in December 2021, my company sanctioned the funds fully. My prayers were answered, and my joy knew no bounds. This gave me fresh momentum to show even greater actual proof in my life. This experience convinced me that daimoku is the fundamental force for transforming karma and is the only way to polish our lives at the deepest level! I reported this victory at the discussion meeting in December as I had determined.
Triumph through Faith, Practice and Study
I was praying for a job that could place me back in Singapore, as I wanted to stay with my children in Singapore. When I suddenly received an email from a company in Singapore, I was really shocked as I did not apply for any job at that time. At the same time, I knew I would require a work visa. When I spoke to the company, they told me I was referred to them by a previous company which I had an interview with six months back. They had received very positive feedback about me and wanted to interview me. They reassured me that they could sponsor a work visa if I was suitable for the role they were looking at. I went through a couple of interviews, and received a great offer, and a work visa for professionals in Singapore. I received the work visa approval in nine days instead of the usual three to four weeks.
I was all prepared to move back to Singapore when I suddenly met a huge obstacle that shattered my dream. Nichiren Daishonin states in the Gosho, “As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere… One should neither be influenced nor frightened by them.” (WND-1, p. 501) Also, in such situations, “the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.” (WND-1, p. 637)
I chanted five hours of daimoku over the weekends while taking part in Soka Gakkai activities and connecting with members. I introduced seven new friends to the practice in three weeks and conducted 16 dialogues with the inactive members in India. I finally received news that I could return to Singapore after overcoming all obstacles! When I reached Singapore, however, my ex-husband informed me that he would be bringing the boys to the United States for their studies. I was so glad I came back to Singapore at the right time and could spend four good and memorable months with my sons. I am convinced that there is no way that our prayers will go unanswered, and there must be a reason for me to be here in Singapore.
2020 to 2022 was a roller coaster ride for me but it was the greatest opportunity for me to actualise my human revolution. I am so grateful to have the Gohonzon, my mentor Ikeda Sensei, and the Soka family who supported me throughout my struggle.
In the “Justice” chapter of The New Human Revolution, Ikeda Sensei writes, “Showing actual proof of faith takes many forms, including gaining financial security. But the most important proof of faith is establishing a strong and vibrant approach to life — becoming a person with the fortitude not to be defeated by anything and having a spirit of caring and compassion for others. The key is to make one’s life and character shine.”
In the “Golden Autumn” chapter, he writes, “What we decide to base ourselves on has a drastic influence on the meaning of our own individual lives. For instance, a large tree with leafy, green branches will not grow in the desert or on top of solid rock; it will only thrive in rich, fertile soil. “
Similarly, if we are to become great human beings capable of realising a rich blossoming of humanity and a fruition of glory in our lives, then it is vital that we stand firm and prosper in whatever soil we may find ourselves.
Establishing this kind of solid basis is to have an awareness of our mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth…
I’m sure you must have suffered many bitter sorrows and hardships in your life. But now you have awakened to your identity as Bodhisattva of the Earth. You have started a new life. Don’t dwell on the past; live strongly, turning your eyes to the future!”
I resolve to make kosen-rufu my life’s mission and use my challenges as a springboard to rise above my suffering, always demonstrate the power of the Mystic Law through my victories in faith and share this profound philosophy with others in order to spread happiness and joy. Most importantly, I am determined to put all that I have studied into action to stay connected with my mentor’s vision, always strengthening my faith, practice, and study.
(Adapted from April 2024 issue of Creative Life)
