What are we commemorating?
The May Commemorative Contribution is an opportunity for us to refresh our bodhisattva vow to advance kosen-rufu in the month that Daisaku Ikeda was inaugurated the third Soka Gakkai president on May 3, 1960. He was 32 years old. This year marks the 60th anniversary of that historic day.
Only five months after his inauguration, President Ikeda embarked on his first overseas journey, starting in the U.S. With a passionate resolve for peace burning in his heart, he opened the way for the worldwide spread of Nichiren Buddhism.
SGI President Ikeda writes: “May 3 is the New Year’s Day of the Soka Gakkai. Members around the globe mark this annual milestone by taking a fresh step forward. This is the hope-filled rhythm of the SGI and one of the important keys of our continued victory” (May 3, 2008, World Tribune, insert, p. B).
What’s the significance of this year’s May Contribution?
The SGI’s theme for 2020 is the Year of Advancement and Capable People. As we continue our propagation efforts and raise capable successors, financial resources are vital to support the practice and development of our members.
On expanding our movement for worldwide kosen-rufu
“To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy—it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.” (President Ikeda, Buddhism Day By Day, p. 239)
“Why have we, the SGI, achieved such remarkable development? Because we have wholeheartedly treasured each member as a child of the Buddha, in exact accord with this compassionate spirit of [Nichiren] Daishonin.” (President Ikeda, My Dear Friends in America, third edition, p. 199)
Ways to Contribute
In consideration of the health and well-being of SGI-USA members amid the continued spread of the coronavirus, contributions can be made in the following ways:
Internet via Membership Portal
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: SGI-USA, 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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