This month we interviewed Miss Mylene Grace D. Sia, District Chief of Cebu Chapter.

She has admirably overcome various hardships such as familial and financial problems, illness and severe injuries suffered in a traffic accident through her faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism and the support and encouragement of her family and fellow SGI members.

at the Grand Culture Center in Tagaytay in Manila for the 40th Anniversary of Philippine Kosen-rufu, 2004

Q & A Interview Q1. Please share your experience that has deepened your faith. I used to live alone in Manila before, not knowing anyone in the SGI organization there and was concerned more about my work and having a great time. One day I felt a strong pain in my abdomen which was later diagnosed as the rupture of the appendix. Being alone, I chanted daimoku by myself, and then underwent surgery. Later, however, I found out that the pre-operation diagnosis was wrong and that instead of the appendix, it was a cyst in my left ovary that had ruptured; the doctor had cut off my left ovary, which was quite a shock for a woman. The doctor explained that I have a recurring endometriosis*, which gave me something to think about. However, I still did not attend activities in Manila; it had become my habit to just go to work and then go home straight. The pain in my abdomen recurred 16 months after my first surgery when I was at home with my family. The doctor diagnosed it as gall bladder stones and because of the possibility of having adhesion, the doctor recommended yet another surgery. This time I was not alone but my family and members were with me and chanted for me during my surgery. The operation was successful and the doctor's diagnosis was all correct.

Q2. Please tell us about any SGI activity into which you have put most of your effort.

I have been taking the lead in the monthly Wisdom Hunters Activity in my Rosal district for two years, in which we read the literary works and discuss the contents based on my questions. I encourage each of the members to speak out and express themselves, under the rule that regardless of whatever one's answer may be, we should respect it.

The aim of this activity is to encourage the youth division to read and explore literary works. I started this activity because Sensei often encourages us to study hard and read the great literature around the world; he himself cites numerous great figures and literary works around the world in his speeches that we often do not know of.

However, we tend to focus more on just Buddhist studies and do not take time for these types of works. Reading these works will make us more well-rounded persons, increases our vocabularies, learn more about life and a lot of other things.

Q3. What is your favorite passage of Gosho or Sensei's guidance that you cherish in your heart?

I would like to introduce two of sensei's guidance: the former one encourages me whenever I feel that I reach an impasse;
the latter one does whenever I feel affected by the circumstances.

     "We often hear people say that they aren't capable. But this is a defeatist attitude.
      If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you.
      Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku.
      If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need."

     "It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like.
      To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: You.
      What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence
      and courage.  If you shine with radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life."