In celebration of the 20th anniversary of National Parks Board's (NParks) Community in Bloom programme, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Association was proud to be one of the selected community gardens featured as part of The Straits Times' coverage of the programme.
Since the opening of the Kaimyo-in garden in 2013, we have received much support from NParks, as a nod to our efforts in contributing to the green spaces in urban Singapore.
2014 - Gold Award
2016, 2018, 2021 - Platinum Achievement Band
2021 - Diamond Award
2021 - Outstanding Ornamental Garden Special Achievement Ribbon
2023 - Top 50 Gardens Award
A brief history of NSBA's gardening efforts
In 2013, the Kaimyo-in garden was officially unveiled by Nichiren Shoshu Overseas Bureau Chief, Most Reverend Nichijitsu Urushibata, alongside NParks Community in Bloom (CIB) ambassador, Mrs Kirtida Mekani, as well as representatives of the NSBA Management Committee.
Extending our stewardship of greenery, from gardens to trees
In 2015, as part of the celebrations of SG50, NSBA was proud to also contribute to the construction and display of a "Tree of Hope" at the Chingay celebrations at Ngee Ann City.
Believers joyfully lending their support to construct one of 50 trees displayed at the Ngee Ann City civic plaza
Gardening to reunite the community, as we recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic
As communities worldwide emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, gardening became one of the avenues through which we were able to encourage believers to gradually regain confidence to gather in-person.
From March to June 2022, NParks supported NSBA as we organised a series of rooftop gardening activities for children and parents.
Slowly but steadily, children and their parents returned in-person to Kaimyo-in
"When we look at the garden daily, we may not notice much difference. There is change, but no change. After several years, we can see that the trees have grown larger, moss has covered the stones, and many flowers have come into bloom, allowing us to truly feel the changes. What we wish to share is that happiness is not something given from outside, but something already before us, to be felt from within - this is what Buddhism teaches. Through this garden, we hope such an awareness will spread into the daily lives of many."
Chief Priest, Reverend Shingaku Kato
The media feature can be accessed via The Straits Times here.
Alternatively, Kaimyo Powerbank users can download an extract of the media feature here.
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