Our young women's division members, whose lives sparkle with dazzling brilliance,
are the diamonds of Soka Gakkai. The realm of the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren
Daisonin's Buddhism is one where women are respected and valued to the
most.
(Photo & words by Daisaku Ikeda)
File 008: March 2007
Cherry Amor L. Yuson
(YWD Chapter Chief, Mindanao)
Miss Cherry Amor L. Yuson is currently a young women's division chapter
chief in the Southern Mindanao General Chapter.
As a leader, she devotes herself in becoming a capable person by showing
actual proof of her faith to others; sharing this wonderful practice to
everyone; taking care of SGI members, especially in Davao, and being responsible
to carrying out Sensei's legacy of struggle for peace, culture, and education.
at the General Meeting
at the YWD Meeting
Q & A Interview
Q1. When and why did you join SGI?
Our family received the Gohonzon when I was 6 years old. Prior to our membership
to SGI, my parents were suffering from family discord, financial problems,
and sickness. Everyday after work, my father would hang out with his friends
and drink, so my parents fought all the time.
One day, he met an SGI member and was encouraged to overcome our various
family problems through faith. For the 22 long years of practicing Nichiren
Daishonin's Buddhism, my family was able to magnificently overcome these
three major problems. My parents are now two loving couple, united in whatever
goal they have.
When my father was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors said that he only had six months to live. Hearing this, they strived together and never gave up. Six years have passed since then and my father is still alive and happily dedicating himself to working for kosen-rufu.
Q2. Please share your experience that has deepened your faith.
There was an instance in my life that I truly proved the power of daimoku.
"Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is like a roar of a lion,
what sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"
I was diagnosed of a tumor growth in my ovary recently and I was advised
to undergo a surgery. I was surprised by this and found myself crying in
front of the Gohonzon as I chanted earnestly to solve my problem without
undergoing surgery. I received a lot of encouragement from both my family
and SGI members telling me not to be swayed by my present condition and
strengthen my faith and practice instead. I realized that it was my life's
turning point and that I have to change poison into medicine. They encouraged
me to apply the "strategy of the Lotus Sutra" and to summon the
power of daimoku.
With these, I truly deepened my faith because eventually my tumor disappeared completely. This is just one of my many actual proofs of victory in faith and that nothing can stop me from practicing true Buddhism.
Q3. Please tell us about any SGI activity into which you have put most
of your effort into.
I am so focused in fostering capable persons and leaders within the ranks
of the YWD especially on the Byakuren group; actively participating in
dialogue during discussion meetings; doing shakubuku and home visitations.
In fostering capable leaders of SGI, I always keep in mind the importance
of individual human revolution. It is crucial to set myself as a good example
to others in effectively carrying out my mission. In so doing, I make them
realize their full potentials as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. I encourage
members by telling them how fortunate we are for having to meet this Buddhism
at this present lifetime. All our efforts in propagating the True Law are
not wasted but instead, we accumulate good karma. Whenever I encourage
my members to strive harder, it is as good as encouraging my self too.
Q4. How do you think women, especially young women like us, can contribute
to peace and happiness of our people and country?
Women are so powerful, pure and compassionate.
The strength of a woman can influence her environment in ways that would
truly effect change to society as a whole.
Through applying the principle of "faith equals daily life,"
I believe that the Young Women of SGI are capable of contributing in the
creation of peace in themselves, with others, with their respective families
and to their community by setting a good example of the kind of women with
a strong commitment in changing the destiny of our nation.
Q5. What is your idea on the relationship of mentor and disciple?
How would you describe the bond between Sensei and
you, as his disciple?
SGI exist and prosper because of our three great presidents, who practiced
and mastered the mentor and disciple relationship.
In our time, it is President Ikeda who is doing the role of a teacher and
we are his students. Because of Sensei's resolute determination and compassion
through his guidance, I was able to enjoy the fruits of correct faith and
practice of Buddhism. Now as his disciple, it's my turn to show appreciation
to him by taking responsibility for kosen-rufu in my family and in my community.
Though physically he is far from me, by taking care of my members, I'll
be in rhythm with him in spirit.
By realizing true human revolution in ourselves, by applying the teaching
of Nichiren Daishonin and Sensei's guidance to our daily life and doing
shakubuku, we will be able to develop great compassion toward others, thereby
opening the gateway to realizing their own Buddhahood. Therefore, by setting
a good example as a good citizen, we will be able to influence others to
do the same, united in working for peace.
with YWD members
Q6. What is your favorite passage of Gosho or Sensei's guidance that you
cherish in your heart?
"Strengthen you faith day by day, month after month.
Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will
take advantage."
And Sensei's guidance,
"Faith manifest in daily life. Faith in Buddhism is not an abstract concept separate
from day-to-day reality. Our faith directly affects every aspect of our daily lives,
from our beliefs about ourselves, our relationships with friends
and family,
to our contributions in society.
Through faith, we gain the courage to take action and become
expert in living.
Those who show care and compassion to others, strive to excel
at work and
contribute to their communities show themselves to be people of genuine faith.
Without such action, our faith becomes mere formality."
Q7. Please tell us about your personal dream for the future or your aspiration
in life.
My personal dream in the future is to have a family of my own, joining
hand in hand for kosen-rufu, and have an elevated life condition so that
I’ll be able to travel nationally and around the globe to share this wonderful
practice and make a difference in other people's lives.
