This year, as compared to last, I had little motivation to plan and organize for my WDFD. Nevertheless, what needed to be done had to be done. My district MD Victor pushed me to do a short sharing of this year's WDFD in our May zadankai; that was at least a beginning. Despite my apprehension, I announced weekly meetups leading to our WDFD on 23 June; that would make four meetups including a final rehearsal.
I was very fortunate indeed to have two new WDs to join us for this WDFD project - a new believer and a newly-shifted-and-transferred member. Their joining us gave me a much-needed boost especially during this period. On top of our existing WDs of course. The Friday following May's zadankai, we had our first WDFD district meetup at the newly-transferred member's home. Together with the two new WDs, chapter, assistant region and myself, there were six of us. Not too bad despite a light rain and a totally new meeting venue. We held a good session with daimoku, gongyo, discussion on program and invitation card, as well as a song practice!!
During our second meetup a week later at the same place, the five of us shared some more ideas and another member's drawing for the design of the card; fantastic! Our invitation cards for our friends were almost out of the oven, with precious input from members!!
On our third meetup, we also had our very first small group dialogue where NJ and assistant zone WD joined us. I was most excited about this meetup because a member who always had to work, could join us! All of us were very encouraged by NJ's sharing of our new central SGI HQ building as Sensei's culmination of 53 years of tireless kosen-rufu efforts and his gift to his mentors; some of us even thought NJ as Sensei himself sharing the message with us!!
On our rehearsal and final meetup, we even had a pianist to practice the song with us! It was not all smooth-going, but nothing tenacious and focused efforts by our dedicated pianist could not put right.. After that evening, we were almost ready to hold our WDFD 2013.. almost, except for some items which at the back of my mind such as the deco board, souvenir bookmarks, labels.. and the emcee, dialogue and my sensei's essay scripts. OMG..there were so much more to be done before actual meeting day!!!??
However on the very next day evening, the haze in Singapore got really bad; PSI reading was 290 at 9pm! The following day, SHQ issued a directive to put on hold all our gakkai activities until further notice. In other words, our awaited WDFD gathering slated to be held 3 days later, was now postponed! Islandwide. Unbelievable.
I don't know about the rest, but all the momentum I had been trying to build up so ever slowly and laboriously, came to a screeching halt. Hahaa.. the haze was only intense & kept us indoors for a couple of days, but what I lost in momentum and resulting inactivity was tremendous and in the count of weeks and months.. and still counting.
Buddhahood vs Fundamental Darkness. As long as I do not give up, all is not lost and victory is juz around the corner. I am sure I will gain much insight and learning from this experience. Gotta keep fighting!! Gotta try even harder to chant even more daimoku!! JiaYou JiaYou JiaYou!!
Well, we had a very cosy and enjoyable WDFD gathering. I was extremely heartened and thankful for my members who made it. Many could not attend due to various reasons. I am sure it will continue to be a challenging period for everyone leading to November 18, 2013, but we shall not be defeated!
We must adorn the joyous November 18, 2013 with momentous personal victories, together with our dearest mentor!!
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