Photos by Sasiistock/Getty Images.
Allyson Goodwin-Pinder
Waldorf, Md.
When I joined the SGI five years ago, I was hesitant at first to contribute financially. (I was single, didn’t have a car and was barely making ends meet.) But out of gratitude for the positive impact that my Buddhist practice was having on my life, I decided to contribute. The more causes I made for kosen-rufu, the more I saw my own life change. Today I have a wonderful life with my husband and our two dogs. We are also proud homeowners. Each year I make specific goals during May Contribution and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to break through at least one major thing in my life through this activity. So far I’m winning hands down!
Dhrubo Basuroy
North Hollywood, Calif.
In 2015, I went through a life-and-death struggle—18 months without a job, a crumbling marriage, immigration roadblocks, my beloved grandmother’s near-fatal heart attack, mounting financial debt and acute depression. At this time, SGI President Ikeda’s writings encouraged me to awaken my greater self. I was struck by how Sensei responded to his mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, as a disciple. I decided this was the most powerful way for me to live. Within three months, I won over my depression, transformed my relationship with my wife and now work in cancer research at a highly ranked hospital. To protect this path of mentor and disciple, which enables anyone to become indestructibly happy, I joyfully support the SGI-USA financially!
Emily Pudalov
Highland Park, Calif.
In the past, I hadn’t made consistent financial contributions out of fear of financial hardship. After suffering deeply in my marriage and separation, I began making consistent financial contributions out of a profound sense of appreciation for the support I received from my SGI comrades and SGI President Ikeda’s encouragement. By shifting my focus and prayer from fear to appreciation, I deepened my faith. In December, I purchased my first income property. The financial stability that I’ve developed in the process has allowed me to fulfill my dream of writing full time, something I never thought would be possible this early in my career. By contributing to the SGI-USA, I am now supporting countless other bodhisattvas on their own journey to making their dreams a reality.
Simone Anaya-Nakfoor
Phoenix
From the start of my Buddhist practice, I understood that making efforts for the sake of fellow SGI members would build my own fortune. I now know this is true since I’ve manifested many benefits in health, at work and in my personal relationships. Over the past 12 years, I have challenged myself each May to give more than the year before as an expression of my vow for kosen-rufu. After turning 50, I also realized that I wanted to help secure the eternal foundation of kosen-rufu in America by including the SGI-USA in my legacy plans. By doing so, I am ensuring that my impact will be felt by future generations—as we continue to build many new Buddhist centers, citadels of happiness, everywhere.
(p. 10)
