Sean Yau Hon Tak
Young Men Division
My senior leaders often said to me: “Accept first, then challenge.” These four simple words became my source of motivation in the decisions I made in life, which shaped my life trajectory.
I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by a colleague in 2009. The first turning point in my practice was winning over a relationship issue. Through the Buddhist practice and with support and encouragement from my leaders, I emerged a happier person.
Thus, with a strong desire to repay my debts of gratitude, I took on leadership responsibilities in the SGS Young Men Division (YMD), Future Division (FD) (a group to foster members studying in secondary school) and Young Lion Group (YMD group in charge of logistics).
Searching for a Way Out in My Career
I worked in the finance department of an international bank for nearly 15 years. Over time, I witnessed more roles being offshored, which made me increasingly concerned about my career stability. By early 2017, I began to reflect seriously on my future. My job felt insecure, my skill set limited, and with marriage and family planning on my mind as I approached my late 30s, I knew change was necessary. However, transitioning to a new mid-management role with similar pay proved difficult. I was even rejected for roles outside my experience despite trying.
That year, I made a firm resolution to uncover my mission for kosen-rufu. I chanted abundant daimoku of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and came across an advertisement for a Master’s programme in Data Analytics, which sparked my interest. However, the path forward was filled with challenges.
I pressed on, knowing from my training in SGS that obstacles are springboards for growth if we do not allow ourselves to be defeated and base ourselves on the strategy of the Lotus Sutra.
Persevering With Determined Daimoku
While preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is a requirement for admission to the Master’s programme, and pursuing my studies, I continued to take on responsibilities in SGS, including supporting the Future Leaders in Niche Training (FLINT) programme for FD members. Despite a hectic schedule, I persevered with earnest prayers and a strong sense of mission. I experienced the protection of the protective functions of the universe when my study leave was approved with unusual speed. Three months after I was accepted into the August 2017 Master’s intake, I received news that my previous job had been relocated to India.
Even during my studies, I fully participated in the Lotus Sutra exhibition held by SGS. In the process, I accumulated abundant good fortune which manifested in various way such as choosing the right subjects and having supportive group mates, some of whom remain close friends to this day.
Finding My Kosen-rufu Job
I began searching for jobs related to my field of study but the process was challenging. Despite attending multiple interviews, I faced repeated setbacks. Still, I continued to pray with firm resolve for a kosen-rufu job that would fulfil the three criteria outlined by first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi: benefit (financial security), beauty (a job I enjoy), and good (a role that contributes to society).
After attending various interviews, I only received one job offer — a one-year contract role in project management. It was unrelated to my field of study. Although I could not understand why that opportunity came to me, I chose to take on the challenge.
In the months leading up to the start of my new job, two senior managers resigned unexpectedly, creating an opportunity for a permanent position. My new boss wanted me to manage a team of colleagues who had seven to 10 years of experience and build on the analytics space, an area that I had studied. I was truly grateful for this opportunity as it was almost impossible to join a work unit as a senior manager on a corresponding salary without prior experience!
The main reason I got this position was that, during the first semester of my Master’s programme, I chose the most demanding module, encouraged by Ikeda Sensei’s expectations that young people should seek out challenges. This turned out to be a wise move, as it was precisely this subject that led me to being assigned the job. The team had purchased a software that was left unused because nobody except me knew how to use it.
Despite having self-doubts about managing a team much more experienced than me, I always return to prayers to manifest a high life condition and to be indispensable at work. I was confident that I could contribute to the company by applying the skills I had acquired during my Master’s programme. Taking inspiration from how Ikeda Sensei engaged others in dialogue, I frequently talked to my colleagues to foster mutual understanding. In the process, I did my human revolution and became a more courageous individual who is unafraid to ask questions and willing to learn with an open mind.
Forging My Life Like It’s a Fine Sword
I was eagerly looking forward to welcoming our newborn, but there were some complications during my wife’s pregnancy. The umbilical cord had wrapped around the baby’s neck twice, and there was insufficient amniotic fluid, putting the baby under stress. The final trimester was a nerve-wracking time for both of us — especially when my wife couldn’t feel the baby’s movements. Despite the anxiety, we continued to chant for the safety of our baby and to fulfil our mission as a family.
On October 9, 2018, our healthy baby girl was born. Overwhelmed with gratitude, my wife and I made a firm resolve to raise her as a successor of kosen-rufu who is strong, righteous, and free.
After the birth of my child and the start of my new job, I switched to part-time study for my Master’s programme, for which I had to complete a final-year project. Despite having a demanding schedule, I continued to attend Gakkai activities including the Youth Summit (a youth event that took place at Our Tampines Hub, aimed at spreading the message of hope; it was attended by more than 10,000 youths over two days) in 2018, which gave me encouragement and hope.
Again, throughout this journey, seeing how I gave my all to fulfilling my role at work and in my family, supportive professors and project group members offered to assist me in various ways. For example, my final-year project professor offered to extend my project timeline without penalty. In 2019, I successfully completed my Master’s degree.
I had never imagined that I could pursue my dreams or come this far. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism has enabled me to expand my life and manifest the wisdom and courage to make those dreams a reality.
My role as a leader in SGS for over 10 years has taught me to transcend the mindset of just securing my own happiness, and instead to work for the happiness of others. I remember a YMD member once shared how much he was struggling during a difficult period in his life, and how my being there for him helped him pull through that dark time. I was surprised to learn that my support had meant so much to him and I am truly glad I was there for him.
As I deepened my study of Nichiren Buddhism, I learnt that sharing Buddhism with others with their happiness in mind is a vital part of our Buddhist practice. Inspired by my seniors as well, I began introducing many people to Buddhism including my boss, my professors, and classmates.
Last year, I prayed deeply that I can help someone embrace Nichiren Buddhism and receive the Gohonzon. Soon after, my father reconnected me with a long-lost childhood friend. When we met, he surprised me by opening up about his personal struggles.
I invited him to join SGS activities and started chanting with him for a month. Gradually, his perspectives on life changed and he became more positive and hopeful. As a result, he also experienced transformation in his personal relationships. In August, he joyfully received the Gohonzon and started participating regularly in SGS activities.
This journey has deepened my conviction that when we pray earnestly and reach out with compassion, we can touch people’s hearts and help them awaken to their Buddhahood. Caring for my friends and supporting my fellow YMD members in faith has also given me the strength and motivation to face my own challenges and achieve victories together with them.
Just as my mentor Ikeda Sensei had taught, “No adversity is a match for the firm resolve of those who are dedicated to giving their utmost for the sake of kosen-rufu. All hardships and difficulties become a breeze fanning the flames of their fighting spirit.” (The New Human Revolution Volume 17, “Citadel of the People” chapter)
My journey continues. In August 2025, I will begin my part-time doctorate in Engineering while working. With the determination that “Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword” as the Daishonin taught, I will continue to polish and strengthen my faith, maintaining a firm resolve to win in the end and live my life as Ikeda Sensei’s disciple, so that I can become that fine sword.
(Adapted from Creative Times, September 2025 issue)
