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Advancing Toward 2020 as Emissaries of the Buddha

New Haven CT. Photo by INES LEONG.

by Adin Strauss
SGI-USA General Director

Thank you very much for your extraordinary efforts to advance our kosen-rufu movement in this Year of Soka Victory.

I understand how hard you are striving day after day to foster a generation of successors. SGI President Ikeda states unequivocally: “The SGI-USA’s progress serves as a model for and gives hope to the entire world. The greater the development of the SGI-USA, the greater the momentum will be for the progress and expansion of worldwide kosen-rufu” (Oct. 2, 2015, World Tribune, p. 2). Your noble efforts are truly heroic.

“Let us have the conviction that making this wonderful offering means that we have accumulated great good fortune in our lives. The benefit that accrues from making contributions is clearly spelled out in the Gosho. If we were to contribute to kosen-rufu just as the Gosho teaches and then failed to receive actual proof, then Buddhism would be false. The Gohonzon has tremendous power. I’m sure you are all well aware of that through your own experiences in faith until now.” (SGI President Ikeda, The New Human Revolution, vol. 10, pp. 171–72)

Next year, 2020, will mark the 60th anniversary of President Ikeda’s first visit to America. He set out on a journey to open the door for our worldwide kosen-rufu movement in October 1960, with a passionate resolve for peace burning in his heart. We have therefore taken on with Sensei this great mission as emissaries of the Buddha.

To spread Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings—which affirm the inherent dignity and limitless potential of all people—as well as to support members’ practice, consistent financial resources are vital. The SGI-USA’s Sustaining Contribution Program provides ongoing financial support throughout the year, allowing members and the SGI-USA to plan and budget ahead. I hope we can enable many more people to become aware of this very meaningful way to make a cause to benefit themselves and others.

Nichiren writes, “Ordinary people keep in mind the words ‘earnest resolve’ and thereby become Buddhas” (“The Gift of Rice,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1125). Let’s continue to cultivate our “earnest revolve” to instill peace and transform our land as Bodhisattvas of the Earth toward 2020.

As Sensei emphasizes time and again, your sincere efforts for kosen-rufu are undoubtedly sowing good seeds in a field of fortune! Thank you for all that you do.

With my deepest appreciation.

Membership Portal at www.sgi-usa.org/contributions

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