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 011: June 2007
Miamor Encabo Alindam
(YWD General Chapter Chief, Mindanao)
Miss Miamor Encabo Alindam is currently the Young Women’s Division General Chapter Chief of Mindanao
General Chapter 1.
She was formerly a member of both Kotekitai and the Byakuren groups. As
a leader, she is determined to make an all-out effort in helping to develop
a solid foundation of the YWD organization in Mindanao through the development
of capable YWD leaders before moving on to the Women’s Division.
YWD Manila - Mindanao Exchange Meeting
Parade during Anniversary of Cugman Municipality
Q & A Interview
Q1. When and why did you join the SGI?
It was my aunt who introduced me to Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Long
before I joined this organization, I was suffering from three major problems
– family discord, financial difficulties, and sickness.
I officially joined the SGI on October 4, 1998 because I wanted to develop
my potentials as a youth, practice the Daishonin’s Buddhism to change my
negative circumstances, achieve true happiness and be able to impart to
my family and friends the beauty and greatness of this philosophy.
Q2. Please share your experience that has deepened your faith.
One important highlight of my practice that deepened my faith is the fulfillment
of my desire to finish college and acquire a good job. To date, I am fortunate
enough to be able to work at the SGI Philippines office in Cagayan de Oro.
In addition, I was able to develop good health through chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
Back in early 2000, I experienced financial and health problems. It was
found out that I had a myoma in my ovary. Myoma is an ovarian tumor and
I was advised by the doctor to undergo surgery thereby forfeiting my chance
to bear a child. With stronger determination, I chanted that the operation
would not push through. Through my wholehearted effort in doing Gakkai
activities and chanting abundant daimoku, I was able to overcome such adversity
in my life. At present, my myoma is completely gone without me having to
undergo surgery.
Q3. Please tell us about the main activities of Young Women’s Division
in Cagayan de Oro.
Each chapter in Cagayan de Oro is carrying out the monthly YWD Zadankai every second Sunday of the month and Study Meetings every third Friday of the month. During Mondays, we hold our YWD Daimoku toso. Aside from that, we are earnestly supporting and participating in the monthly 4-Division activities such as World Peace Gongyo Meeting, Han Zadankai (Discussion Meetings) and District Study Meetings.
Q4. Please tell us about any SGI activity into which you have put most
of your effort on.
As a leader, I put effort in doing home visitation with my junior leaders, usually three times a week. Home visitation is the life-blood of the Gakkai and it is also a good opportunity to develop our younger leaders, promote dialogue and meet new members. In doing home visits, I always bear in mind the importance of encouraging members in solving their problems and achieving indestructible happiness through Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Through this effort of reaching out to my members, I am able to deeply understand their life conditions and strive even more in my Buddhist practice for the sake of their growth and happiness.
Q5. How do you think women, especially young women like us, can contribute
to peace and happiness of our people and the country?
I believe that the YWD play an important role in a society like ours. Nowadays, a lot of young people get lost in this fast-paced society. Practicing this great philosophy of Buddhism will strengthen our inner selves and give us firm conviction to work for other people’s happiness thereby giving us the right focus to where we should direct our lives as young women. And by setting a good example in our society, we can help a lot of young women refocus their lives toward peace and happiness and for the sake of the greater good of our country. Being a good example means doing shakubuku, teaching others the power of daimoku and enabling them to realize that they themselves can change their destiny through the chanting of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.
Q6. What is your idea on the relationship of mentor and disciple?
To me, mentor and disciple relationship is an indispensable aspect of our practice that we should study hard and live up with. Getting to the core meaning of it is indeed difficult. However, by constantly studying Ikeda Sensei’s guidance and speeches, we would truly understand Sensei’s heart and mind. That would in turn, truly help us in going through the difficulties that we encounter along the way. Being a disciple means having the same mind with one’s mentor and working hand in hand with the mentor for a common goal.
Q7. What is your favorite Gosho passage or Sensei's guidance that you cherish
in your heart?
“Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Accept both suffering and joy as realities of life and continue chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo no matter what happen.” It’s from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin entitled “Happiness in This World”. Eversince I practiced this Buddhism, I was truly inspired with this Gosho because it touched my life the most. I have been into difficult times and it was only by cherishing this passage and translating them into action through the power of daimoku, that I was able to go on and win in life’s adversities.
with YWD members in Cagayan de Oro
Q8. What is your resolution for the Kosen-rufu in the Philippines?
The year 2007 is the “Year of Advancement and Victory”. With this theme,
I wish to develop more my potentials through participating in various Gakkai
activities and conducting dialogue with other people about the benefits
of Buddhist practice. I would like to show actual proof of the benefits
of my practice in society by not giving in to defeat and staying resolute
in my conviction of fostering great YWD leaders, no matter what life may
bring.
Q9. Please tell us about your personal dream for the future or your aspiration
in life.
Personally, I have a lot of dreams and wishes. However, I firmly believe
that only through this Buddhist practice and participating actively in
our SGI movement for peace, can I develop a strong self and create good
fortune to achieve my dreams. My dream is simply to be a successful individual
and become a good example to my family and friends of how a woman should
carry herself through life’s ups and downs.
