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 002: September 2006
Hazel A. Andaya
(YWD Vice Chief)
MissHazel A. Andaya, is the Vice chief
of the Young Women Division and the chief of the Diamond Kotekitai of SGI
Philippines.
She participated in the
World Youth Training Course held in Japan last July 2006. In the 62nd Headquarters meeting that she
attended during the training course, she was conferred a "crown of bouquet" from Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda, on behalf of all the Kotekitai members around the world.
at the Women’s Center
the crown from Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda
with Kotekitai members
Q & A Interview
Q1: What was the most impressive experience you had in Japan?
The most impressive experience was when I met Ikeda Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda…
I was at the same time surprised when I received the golden pin and the
crown.
I was also impressed at the performance of the Fuji Kotekitai for their
50th year anniversary. I was very fortunate to be able to watch their performance,
for they have not performed for a long time in a Headquarters Leaders meetings.
I was touched with their unending determination and strong spirit as well
as their wonderful music.
Another memorable experience was our visit to the Young Women’s Center.
We were the first among the SGI members to enter this center.
Q2: What guidance of Sensei
moved you the most?
All
of Ikeda Sensei's words were really inspiring but what struck me most was the following guidance:
"Brazilian author Joao Guimaraes Rosa wrote: ' I was born to win...
No matter what may happen, I refuse
to be defeated.' The key is to
have the spirit to never be defeated,
to never give in, irrespective of
the hardships one may face.
Let's always advance with that firm conviction that, as followers of
the Daishonin's Buddhism, we are certain
to win in the end."
Sensei also cited a quote from a British author that states, "never tell a lie because no matter what we do, the truth will find its way out."He also emphasized
that we should bear in mind the mentor and disciple spirit.
Q3: Please tell us about the moment you received the crown from Sensei and
Mrs. Ikeda.
I was so overwhelmed and my eyes were teary when Mrs. Ikeda handed me the
crown. I was really speechless. All I was able to say was "Thank you".
I could really feel Ikeda Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda's warmth and concern for
the well-being of each member who traveled from distant places just to
be in the Leaders Training Course. Mrs. Ikeda is like a mother to everyone. I was not able to utter a word, I
just smiled to her.
The crown will always remind me that I must
become strong and never give up. It symbolizes encouragement and hope to
the young women division members in the Philippines.
Q4: What have you learned from your interaction with other SGI members as well as Japanese members?
Through my interaction with other members, I learned and really sensed their vibrant spirit and strong determination in propagating SGI activities in their respective places.
Aside from this, I learned that almost all experienced difficulties prior
to their travel to Japan. But there we were, triumphant in winning over
the adversities that confronted us along the way.
Q5: What encouraging message can you impart to the Young Women Division members in the Philippines?
Young women should be like the sun, shedding light and giving hope to everyone. As what Ikeda Sensei said, we should be the women who will change the destiny of our country and ultimately will transform the world.
Q6: What resolutions have you made to contribute to the Kosen-rufu movement?
My dreams and goal are that all members of Young Women’s Division will always be happy; I will do my best for Young Women Division members to become happy and strong by guiding, helping and by being with them when they need me most. Even though we are challenged with setbacks and conflicting priorities or decisions in life, we must continue to be strong and earnest to develop our faith.
I also have a specific goal for the Kotekitai in the Philippines. In commemoration
of 50th Anniversary of Kotekitai, Ikeda Sensei gave us a new motto: "To
be bright as the sun who gives hope and the light of victory." I will
exert my efforts to help the young members grow up to be the true disciples
of Ikeda Sensei through the activities of the Kotekitai. And despite our
number and limited skills, we will strive hard to make our Kotekitai the
number one in Asia.
