Food Distribution Exercise in Macpherson Constituency
Since Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Association (NSBA) first began our food distribution efforts in 2022, we have witnessed the exercise evolve in various ways. From the early days when volunteers had to don face masks as part of the nation’s Covid-19 safe management measures, to the more recent iterations where we saw both Kaimyo-in believers and non-believers alike, volunteering in the distribution efforts.
Volunteers' unceasing efforts culminating in NSBA's 9th food distribution event since 2022
As the exercise grew from strength to strength, what has remained as a steady constant, has been our long-serving volunteers.
These volunteers have raised their hands since Day 1 to be part of the efforts, and have readily stood behind the planners to ensure there’s sufficient manpower for NSBA to deliver on our promise - to better the lives of the Macpherson community that our temple resides in.
Why do they serve, and why do they not give up even when conflicting priorities arise?
I'm inspired by my wife. Before she moved to Singapore, she was very active in the youth Division in Permata, Jakarta, Indonesia. I'm not very sociable and sometimes, I feel awkward joining a group or meeting, especially if the majority speak only Chinese. But my wife reminded me, if I have the time and the capacity to help in the temple, just do it. It's one of the ways to repay our debt of gratitude to the Gohonzon.”
Joe Ferry, Tampines Zone
Ukulele Performances - Bringing joy to others through music
Similarly, the NSBA ukulele group has also been delivering many performances across various constituencies and heartland events in Singapore.
From Chinese New Year to National Day, from Mid-Autumn Festival to New Year Countdown. The NSBA ukulele group has become a mainstay in various grassroots constituencies annual celebrations, bringing joy to others through their music.
While the performers come from all walks of life, long-serving volunteers have anchored the effort to ensure all volunteers have an opportunity to serve, no matter their musical backgrounds.
Jane Loh, Seng Kang Zone
Volunteering - A gift that keeps giving
In the world we live in today, there are more distractions than ever before, vying for our attention and precious time.
The creature comforts we enjoy in our daily life too may make us lazy to practise, and there are the many responsibilities at home, work and school that we need to fulfil, and which take up our time and energy.
As we go about our everyday life, there will be duties and obligations that we need to fulfil. We don’t have to forsake them for practice, but we can certainly weave time in for daily Gongyo and Daimoku, and visits to the temple, making practice an integral part of our everyday lives.
Likewise, we can also weave in time to volunteer and better the communities that we reside in.
By volunteering and helping others, we essentially create a “gift that keeps giving” - to those that we serve, and even to us as the original givers.
In closing, let us remember the guidance given by Chief Priest Reverend Shingaku Kato, during the early days when we first commenced our food distribution efforts for Macpherson Constituency.
Our founder, Nichiren Daishonin, wrote in his writing, “On the Three Virtues of Food”:
“If one gives food to others, one will improve one's own lot, just as, for example, if one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one's own way.” (Gosho, p.1321)
We support others with our precious time, by thinking about their happiness. As it is written here, those who are able to think about the happiness of others, will naturally receive tremendous benefits from the Buddha.
Many exciting community outreach activities are in the pipeline. Do stay tuned and check out our website to find out more!
New to Nichiren Shoshu and interested to find out more? Do reach out to us here so we can assist you directly!