Celebrating SG60 with you

It is truly a great honour and joy to stand before you on this special day as we come together to celebrate Singapore’s 60th National Day. This is a historic milestone, and I am deeply grateful to share this moment with all of you here at Kaimyo-in.

“Majulah Singapura” — A Spirit of Progress Across Generations.

The theme of this year’s National Day, as you are aware, is “Majulah Singapura.” This phrase in Malay means “Onward, Singapore.” It is embedded in the national anthem and has repeatedly inspired the people of Singapore, giving them strength to overcome challenging times.

Over the past 60 years since independence, Singapore has faced numerous challenges: a lack of resources at the time of independence, ethnic tensions, economic instability, and even the difficult struggle for independence after enduring years of colonial rule and the ravages of war. Yet, in the face of such adversity, the people of Singapore never lost hope. They worked tirelessly and supported one another, paving the way for the bright future we see today.

“Majulah Singapura” is not just a slogan. It embodies the unwavering determination to keep moving forward and represents the indomitable spirit of Singaporeans that has been passed down through generations.

Sixty years is like reaching one’s kanreki.

Kanreki is a Japanese word that means a traditional Japanese milestone that marks the completion of the 60-year zodiac cycle, symbolising a full circle of life and the beginning of a new chapter. In human terms, it signifies maturity, wisdom, and the readiness to take on new challenges. Likewise, Singapore at this 60-year juncture reflects on its proud past while embracing the hope of an even greater future.

The path of nation-building has never been smooth. Yet through all difficulties, the people of Singapore have upheld the conviction to “move forward.” For this reason, Singapore stands where it is today. The peace and prosperity that Singaporeans now enjoy have been built on the tireless efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us. We must never forget this.

This year’s NDP logo is highly symbolic. The design unites the number “60” and the word “GO,” accompanied by five upward-pointing stars representing Singapore’s ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. This logo is said to convey the message: “Take pride in our past efforts, and together, move boldly into the future.” Like these shining stars, may each of our efforts illuminate the skies of Singapore and continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

When I reflected on this year’s National Day theme, the phrase that came to my mind is one of my favorites: “Perseverance Brings Strength.” Singapore’s development was not achieved overnight. It is the result of each citizen’s unwavering daily effort and perseverance over decades.

This principle equally applies to our practice. When we face the Gohonzon and continue chanting Daimoku and sharing the Daishonin’s teachings with others, these daily practices accumulate to transform our lives, our families, and our environments. Even small steps, if taken consistently without stopping, create monumental change. This is the great lesson demonstrated by Singapore’s history. The determination to never give up and to keep striving forward, this is what forges a brilliant future.

This 60th anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the past but a moment to renew our pledge for the future. For Singapore to maintain its peace and prosperity, every citizen must act with a sense of mission and walk forward together.

For us, as disciples of Nichiren Daishonin, an even greater mission lies before us: to propagate the Daishonin’s Buddhism throughout Singapore and to realise peace and happiness for all people. Moreover, we have set a new and historic goal: to establish a new temple at Senja Close by 2029. This is not merely the construction of a building. It is the creation of a sanctuary of faith for future generations, a profound undertaking that will transmit the light of faith into the eternal future.

Singapore’s 60 years of progress fills us with unshakable courage. The power to overcome challenges and turn hope into reality lives within each of you. Just as our parents and forebears toiled and sacrificed for us, now it is our turn to exert ourselves for the sake of the next generation!

a large body of water with a city in the background — Photo by Swapnil Bapat / Unsplash

Nichiren Daishonin states in “On the Buddha’s Behaviour” (Shuju Onfurumai Gosho):

In the more than two thousand two hundred and twenty years since the Buddha’s passing, not even the likes of Mahakashyapa, Ananda, Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna, Nanyue, Tiantai, Miaole, and Dengyo have propagated Myoho-Renge-Kyo. The five characters of Myoho-Renge-Kyo are the core of the Lotus Sutra and the origin of all Buddhas throughout the entire world. Upon seeing the signs that these five characters now must be propagated, I, Nichiren have set the precedent, today, at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law. My disciples, you must follow one after another and become greater than Mahakashyapa or Ananda and, moreover, surpass even the Great Teacher Tiantai or Dengyo. (Gosho, p. 1057)

With this strong spirit, and with profound gratitude and appreciation toward the nation of Singapore, let us build together the ideal new Kaimyo-in in Singapore. The peace, security, and freedom of faith we enjoy today exist thanks to the progress and efforts of this great nation. With deep appreciation for these privileges, let us devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the future, for here lies our noble mission.

Majulah Singapura! Let us continue to advance together!