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 October 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.
Nichiren writes: “Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows.”[1]
Based on this spirit, following the cancellation of activities, 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.
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”[2] for the well-being of our fellow members and friends, and the quickest end to this crisis and a return to normality.
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 (see details below) 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.
This is precisely the time to engrave in our lives encouragement from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings and SGI President Ikeda. Nichiren teaches:
Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone seen or heard of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, “If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood.”[3]
As SGI members, let’s uphold the conviction that all our efforts amid this most challenging time will ensure that “great good follows.” We can turn winter into spring and change all poison into medicine by deepening our faith and appreciation, and giving hope to everyone. Let’s greet May 3 with victory and never-ending hope, and advance toward October 2!
Ways to Contribute
Online: via Membership Portal at www.sgi-usa.org/contributions
Phone: (855) SGI-2030 | (855) 744-2030
Monday – Friday: 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: Member Services, 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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