March 16, 3.16 worldwide KOUFU 口福 day aka kosen-rufu day, a significant day in the history of soka gakkai and my dear old good friend cheryl birthday as well! This year is really significant as it marks the 50 th anniversary of kosen-rufu day!

50 years ago, the ailing 2nd president of Soka gakkai, Josei toda gathered 6000 youths on march 16. He knew that he did not have much time left and indeed he pass away 2 weeks later on april the 2nd. This gathering was Toda Sensei last meeting with the youths and it was a ceremony at the head temple where he pass the baton of kosen-rufu to his trusted disciples, particularly his direct disciple Ikeda Sensei whom is the current president of soka gakkai international. The gathering was a last minute notice yet the youth responded vigourously. Back then it was still winter in Japan and Toda Sensei out of love for his disciples call all of them to bring a bowl and chopsticks, serving them hot pork soup that will warm their bodies. 3 pigs were butchured, 500 pounds of potatos, 125 pounds of burdock root, 80 pounds of carrots, 125 pounds of green onions, 830 pounds of vegetables and a 20 galleon drum of miso paste were used to make the soup!

The meeting, was suppose to be graze by the prime minister of Japan yet due to unforseen circumstances/excuses, the prime minister did not make it, sending only his family in replacement. The youth were shattered as they were all looking forward to see the minister grazing the event. Toda Sensei nevertheless

summon all his energy and address his disciples with his heart. He rode in the sedan his beloved disciples built for him as he was too weak to walk and throughout the session, he declared his victory of kosen-rufu throughout his lifetime, at the same time giving a final roar to his young successors, to be like valiant young warriors, advancing bravely to spread the law and do kosen-rufu. The baton of kosen-rufu was passed and indeed Ikeda Sensei fufilled his mentor wishes and spread this law to more than 190 countries in this world, taking up presidency as the 3rd Soka Gakkai President as well. Concurrently throughout this 50 years, he fostered new disciples and it is now time for us to renew our pledge and fufill our mentor Ikeda Sensei wish of kosen rufu. 50 years ago the mentor gave a cry to his disciples. 50 years later, it is the disciples crying out to fufill the wish for our mentor. I will mark this date 3.16 deep down in my heart. Just like the commemorative meeting, 3.15 I attended last night where we made a vow and hear the various encouragement by the other SGI youths from overseas. I really hope to achieve kosen-rufu and fully grasp the spirit of mentor and disciple. That is why i find Soka Gakkai so significant to me, the mentor and disciple spirit, the comradeship within friends. It is simply wonderful as we all brave rain and shine together as one.Btw, our mentor in japan gave us all a folder each to celebrate 3.16. Though it is a small gift, I can feel his sincerity and will indeed rise to protect him should he face with any persecution just like how he always rise to protect us. Ikeda sensei rocks man

Hence today,50 years later, SSA held an inter-faith youth symposium at expo hall 4. I was in charged of doing welcoming and oh well sad to say my group wasn't so HIGH but still it was really fun and the crowd was woah 4000, hitting beyong the target of 3000. There was no pork soup or no prime minister but there was water chestnut drinks for us to cleanse our throat to welcome our guests in high spirits and minister of foreign affairs george yeo as our GOH! We kept and clapping and though I did not get a chance to hear the detail of the exposium, but from what i heard from the chiefs, it was a victory thumbs up. 3 cheers to SSA!! I cant wait to get the SD photo we took together and the book that was launched, on various quotes from various religions inclduing the quran bible sutras that is related to peace. This was my first time attending sucha symposium preperation and it was really woah. Somehow, it adds a certain meanign to life. VERY SIGNIFICANT

All righto, I indeed blog alot tonight but that was my thoughts about 3.16. It is not march 16 everyday but the spirit of march 16 lies in us everyday! Off to bed as I have a basketball date with my usual gang tmr. Honestly, the gang is increasing in numbers haha!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEANWHILE TO CHERYLz my charcoal good friend.

We are marching forward to victory in the 21st century

We are marching forward to change history in the 21st century

Towards march 16 2058, the 100th anniversary of kosen rufu day

P.S ( I think my dad got piss, hope he will let me camp over at chalet)