TagMay Contribution

To our wonderful SGI-USA members, This week marks the conclusion of the ninth May Commemorative Contribution activity since I undertook the privilege of serving our members as the SGI-USA General Director. Each time, I am ceaselessly amazed by our members’ selflessness, steadfastness and warm hearts—even in these times that continue to be uncertain, economically and

by Erica KondoAssistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your ever-increasing “earnest resolve” and sincere financial contributions to support our movement for peace in the U.S., Guam and the Caribbean.  In 2023, members’ financial contributions accounted for over 86% of the SGI-USA’s yearly operating

Why youth are engaging in the May Commemorative Contribution activity.

Walking the path of a contributive life, I fling wide the doors to my mission.

What does it mean to create value?  The word soka, in Soka Gakkai, is derived from the Japanese phrase kachi sozo, which translates to English as “value creation.” Before getting into creating value, let’s discuss what “value” really means. What is considered valuable varies among people and cultures and changes over time. Naturally, we develop

A roundtable discussion on the real benefits of participating in the May Commemorative Contribution Activity.

Facing my fears with earnest resolve, I take a hand outstretched in friendship and hold out mine to the youth. I’m Les Hayward from Seattle.

The May Commemorative Contribution activity is an expression of our vow to practice and spread the Mystic Law and our gratitude for the benefit we have gained from doing so. It allows us to financially protect and extend our kosen-rufu movement far beyond our lifetimes. This year’s activity, themed “Advancing Toward 2030 With Joy and

When you think of “joy,” what comes to mind? Maybe eating delicious food, going on vacation or celebrating significant milestones.  But there’s no need to wait for such moments. We can find genuine joy in appreciating day-to-day happenings. Appreciating the people and things that support us regardless of our circumstances can foster a deep sense

Toward the May Commemorative Contribution this year, the SGI-USA features the video experiences of Randy Pfannenstiel, of Denver, and Chika O’Berry, of Ashburn, Virginia. In a brief conversation with the World Tribune, Randy shared the following. World Tribune: What does May Commemorative Contribution mean to you? Randy Pfannenstiel: As a family, we reflect on how

Words cannot quite express how deeply we appreciate each of you for your unwavering support of kosen-rufu. Every year when this time comes around, we reflect on how our lives have been transformed through encountering Nichiren Buddhism with the SGI, and we make a fresh determination to advance our movement and its aim to bring

Living for self and others, we lay the foundations of eternal good fortune.

Message from SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss In Buddhism, we have three treasures that we revere as central to our practice: the Buddha, the Law and the sangha. The third of these, the sangha, corresponds to the Buddhist Order or community of believers—our Soka community. This year marks my 40th year of practice. Through thick

To our wonderful SGI-USA members, As I was thinking how best to express tremendous gratitude to each contributor to the May Commemorative Contribution activity, I received a beautifully timed message from a wonderful kosen-rufu pioneer now living in the South, with whom I have had the privilege of practicing with in my hometown of New

by Erica Kondo Assistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I want to express our appreciation for your sincere financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your amazing support, we have further expanded our kosen-rufu movement in the U.S., the Caribbean and Marianas Islands.  In 2022, members’ financial contributions accounted for over

Nichiren Daishonin envisioned a society of respect, equality and happiness enjoyed by all. This was a far cry from the feudal, class-based society of 13th-century Japan in which he lived. Yet he tirelessly worked to fulfill his vision based on the Lotus Sutra’s teaching that all people inherently and equally possess Buddhahood.  This tenacious pursuit

Living Buddhism sat down with youth division members to talk about what taking part in the May Commemorative Contribution activity means to them. Contributing Out of Appreciation Miho HommaLong Island City, New York In 2011, I worked for a company that paid low wages and had never given a bonus to employees. This was my

“Thank you!”—such a short but powerful phrase. Research has shown that living with gratitude has positive, lasting effects on our overall well-being and relationships with those around us. Expressing gratitude is vital to leading a happy, fulfilling life.  Ikeda Sensei says: Solar systems follow their own defined orbits. Galaxies also travel through space in harmonious

As we continue our important work to support the Buddhist practice and development of our members while reaching out to those who are seeking a philosophy of hope, financial resources serve an indispensable role.  Member Care Efforts The SGI-USA reached a new milestone with all SGI-USA Buddhist centers now open for in-person meetings and district

by Adin Strauss, Naoko Leslie and Kevin Moncrief SGI-USA General Director, Women’s leader and Men’s leader Hello, thank you, and thank you again for your steadfast and truly inspiring support of kosen-rufu! Listening to and engaging with our wonderful members—sometimes on the phone, sometimes via Zoom and sometimes (much more recently) in person—we have been