Witnessing the uncertainty and suffering in today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. But precisely at such times, we can remind ourselves of what truly matters—the things we appreciate and the actions we can take right now to make a difference.
Nichiren Daishonin cites a powerful sutra passage, “If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.”[1]
Our present actions are what matter, and more, perhaps, than ever. Of the current era, Sensei said:
The decade from the Soka Gakkai’s 90th anniversary (2020) to its centennial in 2030 will be crucial. We must be even more determined to show victorious proof of our own human revolution, to transform all great evil into great good and to effect a powerful change in the destiny of all humankind.[2]
We are at the very midpoint of this crucial decade.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai International (on Jan. 26, 1975). The fact that we’ve arrived at this point and can practice Nichiren Buddhism alongside millions of members around the world is thanks to the remarkable efforts of the three founding Soka Gakkai presidents: Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda.
The Beginnings of Financial Contributions in the Soka Gakkai
Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda stood up with unshakable, lionlike conviction against the devilish nature of authority to establish and spread Nichiren Buddhism in Japan. In the early 1940s, both refused to give up their Buddhist faith in the face of imprisonment by the Japanese militarist authorities. Mr. Makiguchi died in prison, giving his life for his beliefs. Mr. Toda survived and, upon his release set about rebuilding the Soka Gakkai, vowing to rid the world of misery.
He did so determined to personally shoulder the financial costs of expanding the Soka Gakkai, not wanting to burden the members. However, the organization grew rapidly following his inauguration, in 1951, as its second president, and members increasingly asked how they could contribute. The time had come, he realized, to allow them to help support the movement financially.
Reflecting on the true meaning of financial contributions in Nichiren Buddhism, Ikeda Sensei wrote:
Financial contributions to the Soka Gakkai were not the same as donations to other organizations, because it was essential that offerings for kosen-rufu be based on faith. As long as the contributors possessed such sincere and ardent faith, they would not fail to receive immeasurable benefit.[3]
Creating Waves of Hope and Courage Far Into the Future
In its early days, many derided the Soka Gakkai as “a gathering of the sick and poor.” Unfazed by such stigma, our pioneer members persevered in faith, determined to bring hope to others. Despite many of them having little, they contributed what they could to advance kosen-rufu.
Sensei says: “Offerings made toward this end were equivalent to offerings made to the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. There was, then, no greater offering, no greater good. Certainly, nothing could bring greater benefit.”[4]
True to these words, our Soka pioneers transformed their karma, gained immense benefits and spread waves of hope and courage throughout their families, communities and society. Their stories of triumph affirm Nichiren’s words written in appreciation for a disciple’s sincere offerings:
We live today in a time of trouble, when there is little that ordinary people can do. And yet, busy as you are, in your sincerity you have sent me thick-stemmed bamboo shoots of the moso variety as offerings to the Lotus Sutra here in the mountains. Surely you are sowing good seeds in a field of fortune.[5]
In this month of our annual May Commemorative Contribution activity, let’s resolve to contribute concretely—whether through our finances, our support of fellow members or efforts to spread Buddhism—that will advance our kosen-rufu movement 10, 50, 100 years into the future.
“The expansion of our network of shared resolve,” Sensei said, “will change our planet into a beautiful treasure realm.”[6] Even in an uncertain world, what we do in the present holds unlimited potential to shape a bright and hopeful future.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
May 3, 2025 World Tribune, p. 10
References
- “The Opening of the Eyes,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 279. ↩︎
- Sept. 18, 2020, World Tribune, p. 3. ↩︎
- The New Human Revolution, vol. 4, revised edition, p. 109. ↩︎
- Ibid., pp. 117–18. ↩︎
- “The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings,” WND-1, 1134. ↩︎
- The Teachings for Victory, vol. 7, p. 104. ↩︎
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