Nothing is impossible.

WOW. My 3 days experience here went by as fast as a blink of an eye. It's crazy. One of the many things I have learned here is that no matter what happens, you must not give up on your dream. And the most important is that the dream would only be sustainable if it encompasses something that is much larger than our self--the one that is trapped within this perishable body. A friend of mine said, "Dream as big as you can. Isn't that the only way to live?"  


If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?
--Hillel


So I heard Dan Barry spoke about his 13 years attempt to apply to become an astronaut. His wife's life of overcoming obstacles to become a scientist. These are ordinary people. How glad am I to have the opportunity to listen to many of these experiences in SGI meetings. 


Day 1 and 2: I talked to about 60 people. It was exhausting. period. but at the same time, amazing learning about people's life stories. Everyone is here to change the world. 


Day 3: We had an opening ceremony. Again, the message across has always been, dream big, and believe in yourself. No matter what happens, you are born in this world to shine. Oh, and I had a good conversation with Ray Kurzweil. It was interesting because my training as an SGI member has tremendously helped me become such a warm person. It's embarrassing to say that but I think there is some truth in that. Oh well, I actually should not be embarrassed. I am able to learn this great teaching of Nichiren Buddhism because of Daisaku Ikeda. I am who I am today because of him. Sensei, you have made me so happy.


On the way back from picking up my package at the main building, I got an exclusive ride back to the classroom with Ray Kurzweil. He saw my MIT class ring and we just stared talking. Next thing I asked him the question: how do you stay creative? 


During the reception at the opening ceremony, he told me about his mental technique of transcending the state of consciousness and that of unconsciousness through dreams. Pretty interesting. It's not far off from what I learn in Nichiren Buddhism. Certainly coming here has only confirmed my fortune of being able to encounter the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism. When we finished talking, Ray shook my hand, and kissed my cheeks. I mean, compared to the beginning when I handed him a glass of water, he was scared of taking it. But he looked at me, and said, ok I will hold it. :) I thought he had been talking for a long time so he must want some water. :) These are all trainings I have had in SGI. What a wonderful place!


Peter Diamandis is a great inspiration. What a wonderful person! The one thing here I noticed is that, no one tells you what you want to do is crazy and impossible. They tell you, here let me find you some resources, why don't you talk to these people? here it's yours. give it a try. Just like that. creation and knowledge. for humanity. 


Day 4: The most interesting part of today's activities is not during lectures but it is in the team building activities. Learning to deal with someone who likes to project his/her thoughts before listening to someone else becomes my next challenge. Like Sensei, I am going win over myself and transform the situation. Please watch me! I was at the end elected as a team leader. I was not expecting that. All I care was that everyone's opinion is heard and considered in the planning process. It doesn't matter if we win or not, all that is important is that everyone enjoys themselves. That's the sole purpose of doing anything in life. Joy. I guess, these things you can't just tell people. It has to come from within. People's hearts are always changing. All we need is the sincerity. Sincerity touches people's hearts. deeply. I owe everything to my mentor. Sensei, I will actualize all of your dreams! Please watch me!


With deep respect to everyone who has read my entry. I appreciate your seeking spirit.