Lim Yong Chuan
Young Men Division
I used to attend Soka Gakkai meetings with my mother but lacking understanding of Nichiren Buddhism, I stopped upon entering secondary school.
After obtaining a Diploma in Psychology and Community Services and wishing to give back to the community, I needed a degree to embark on my chosen career path. Unfortunately, my grades and financial situation did not allow for it.Thus, following my passion I ventured into the food and beverage (F&B) industry. I worked and saved enough to study for a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management eventually.
Then, in 2017, I injured my ankle and had surgery. I was devastated and afraid as I had to stop work.During recovery I could not leave the house on my own, so I attended meetings with my mother. There, I met an elderly Women Division (WD) member who encouraged me to attend an upcoming discussion meeting at her house. I could not bring myself to reject her kind invitation.
At the meeting, I felt recharged after hearing the testimony of a WD member’s battle with cancer. The problems and challenges I faced in the past no longer seemed a big deal. A senior leader encouraged me to create value in my life instead of wasting time on games and movies.
I took the opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of life and Nichiren Buddhism through reading the writings of Ikeda Sensei and chanting the daimoku of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Although awkward at first, I soon got into the rhythm of chanting and felt more confident. My days were also more fulfilled as my reading constantly opened new perspectives on life.
I began to set prayers for a job that did not require me to stand or walk for long periods of time. I found an office job in catering sales that utilised my previous experience in the industry. When Covid-19 hit, orders stopped. Besides getting zero sales commission, my salary was reduced. I started thinking of looking for another job. I chanted to the Gohonzon for wisdom to make the right decision. I wanted to do my part in contributing back to society and not just work for the money. Ikeda Sensei is always striving for the happiness of others and making great contributions on a global scale. I vowed to follow in my mentor’s footsteps and do my human revolution. Through reading an SGS publication, I was reminded of the Gosho passage that says, “If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way.” (WND-2, p. 1060)
After several unsuccessful applications, my friend recommended a job as cafe operations executive at a school for children with autism. This job allows me to fulfil both my passion in F&B and in helping others, and I have just celebrated my first year of employment in July, a victory!
I also took up the role of a chapter leader in SGS, which enables me to engage many more people and create even greater value by supporting and guiding them in the correct practice of faith.
In Discussions on Youth, Volume 1, Ikeda Sensei said, “What matters is the kind of person you become then, and whether you are fulfilling your mission at that time.” As Sensei’s disciple, I am determined to always actualise my human revolution and overcome all odds to show the greatness of Nichiren Buddhism and my mentor, and share this wonderful Buddhist practice with more people around me.
Setting my sights on next year, I vow to become a more capable leader who will continuously do my human revolution so that I can foster another capable individual. I want to hold more dialogue sessions with my YMD and Future Division members to connect with them at a deeper level as the covid-19 pandemic had prevented us from meeting physically for the past two years. I also want to challenge myself to reading The New Human Revolution, referring to it as my textbook of faith. I would also like to visit the Hall of Great Vow for Kosen-rufu together with my mother to repay my debts of gratitude and make a vow with a greater resolve for kosen-rufu.
(Adapted from November 2022 issue of Creative Times)
