With deepest gratitude and the utmost respect, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Women Division (WD) members commemorating the 75th anniversary of your formation day in this month of June.
Our mentor, Ikeda Sensei, held WD members in the highest regard and treasures every one of them, saying, “I would also like to express my most heartfelt admiration for the outstanding efforts of all our Women Division members.”
He also engraved the guidance given to him by Toda Sensei deeply in his heart: “Our sincere Women Division members have built the Soka Gakkai. Never forget that. The women are the most important. Daisaku, praise and protect these noble members.”
With great compassion, you have diligently dedicated yourselves to the propagation of the Mystic Law, expanding the network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth in Singapore. Your warmth and devotion as the suns of the Soka family have been a great source of encouragement and inspiration for the Men Division and the youth division.
Various WD function groups have also played important roles in supporting the growth and development of SGS.
The White Phoenix Group, comprising WD members who lovingly maintain the cleanliness of SGS centres, have been carrying out their duties faithfully week after week and year after year.
Their journey began in 1974, when the Geylang Soka Centre was established through Ikeda Sensei’s kind support. A group of dedicated WD members voluntarily came together to clean the centre after activities were held. This year marks the 47th year of their unwavering contribution since their formal establishment in 1979. Today, they play a part in maintaining all nine SGS centres. Over the years, we have also witnessed this beautiful spirit being passed down from mothers to daughters, with the younger generation continuing this noble commitment.
The Sunshine Aunties and the Future Division Aunties have been taking very good care of the Lion Cubs in the Primary Division and the Future Division members. Believing in the limitless potential in everyone, the WD members have selflessly fostered our precious successors to become capable people for kosen-rufu and society.
My deepest salute to all devoted WD members who have been the driving force behind Singapore’s kosen-rufu over the past five decades.
In his essay “To the Women Division” that he wrote on February 11, 1963, Ikeda Sensei quoted a poem by Toda Sensei:
“A noble gathering like fragrant white lilies, pure-hearted friends.”
Ikeda Sensei said: “I hope, in the spirit of this poem, you will base yourselves on pure and consistent faith like flowing water as you strive to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. And I hope that you will work together in solid unity until kosen-rufu is achieved, becoming the world’s foremost Women Division members. …
“Please continue to press ahead together on the path of your mission as brilliant suns — illuminating your families, your successors in faith, and the communities in which you live. Above all, please make this a century of women, a century of respect for the dignity of life, and a century of peace.”
I sincerely pray for the happiness and good health of all WD members. I look forward to your continued growth and development as a propelling force for the advancement of Singapore kosen-rufu and the progress of the community.
