What’s the significance of this year’s May Contribution activity?
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding, the 60th anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda’s inauguration as third president, as well as 60 years since he traveled to the U.S. on Oct. 2, 1960, as his first step to spread the life-affirming teaching of Nichiren Buddhism throughout the world.
In this most auspicious year, we are facing the unprecedented spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the world.
Following the cancellation of activities, and based on the spirit to celebrate these historic milestones with victory, SGI-USA members quickly turned their focus to our A-B-C Campaign, consisting of abundant chanting, Buddhist study and connecting life to life by phone and videoconferencing.
And, with the spirit “One Youth. Infinite Hope. More Than Ever!” we are also focusing on enabling 6,000 young people to begin chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo right now in these uncertain times and to collectively elevate the life state of humanity.
A groundswell of hope is spreading through these efforts, and, with SGI President Ikeda, members across the U.S. are chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo “as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground” (“Rebuking Slanders of the Law,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 444) for the well-being of our fellow members and friends, and the quickest end to this crisis and a return to normalcy.
Are there any changes to this year’s May Contribution?
Members may be experiencing financial challenges due to the shutdown of businesses. And healthcare workers are bravely striving on the front lines of this crisis, embodying the Buddhist spirit to protect the dignity of life.
The Annual May Contribution Campaign will still be held from April 28 to June 7. However, we are focused on confirming the health and safety of our fellow members and their families, and imparting courage and hope through encouragement in faith. This is our opportunity to reaffirm the purpose of our SGI community: to enable each individual to develop unshakable faith; to ensure that no one gives up hope. Let’s also share our rich experiences of contributing based on our vow for kosen-rufu.
Where can I contribute?
Prioritizing the health and well-being of our members amid the continued spread of the coronavirus, the SGI-USA will accept contributions online, by phone or by mail (please do not send cash).
Internet via Membership Portal at: https://portal.sgi-usa.org/portal/contribution
Phone: (855) SGI-2030, (855) 744-2030
DAILY, 9AM – 5PM PT
Mail: Three contribution envelopes will be included with your April 17 World Tribune mailing. If you use your own envelope, please put “May Campaign” on the front and address it to: SGI-USA, 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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