On 29 May 2022, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Association (NSBA), together with the People’s Association (PA), jointly organised a charity event to distribute food and gift packs to needy residents of Macpherson Constituency.
The event was made possible through the support of Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament for the Macpherson Single Member Constituency, as well as the Management Committee, Men’s Division and Youth Division members of NSBA.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, NSBA’s annual calendar of community outreach included activities such as blood donation drives with the Singapore Red Cross, musical and dance performances at Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Celebrations at various constituencies, as well as gardening activities with the National Parks Board.
Like many in Singapore who had to pivot online during the Covid-19 pandemic, our believers continued meeting virtually to think of other means to reach out to the community. Hence when Singapore reopened, we could quickly execute our plan and coordinate with the People’s Association to reach out to Macpherson residents-in-need, in the shortest time.
“Participating in community work and keeping in touch with local communities is also an important part of our Buddhist practice.
Our interaction with the neighbourhood and building relationships with others in the community will contribute to an awareness and understanding of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
Our contribution may be like a small drop in the ocean. But it brings happiness to the elderly and needy residents. We should do our part to contribute what we have and what we can, by playing a part in community outreach activities and help create a sense of neighbourliness in Singapore, our home.”
Mr Loke Hip Meng, Chairman, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Association (Singapore)
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."
Chief Priest, Reverend Shingaku Kato
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!