From the Heart

The Daishonin writes, "You need not seek far for an example" (WND, 614). It is our own example of personal struggle—not somebody else's—that produces sympathy and understanding in those around us.

- from Essay on Kamata Chapter by Daisaku Ikeda

I've had only six opportunities to participate in May contribution and I have participated each time without struggle. This lack of struggle is my benefit and obstacle simultaneously. I'm fortunate because so far in my life I've never had any financial obstacles. But for that same reason, giving has never been faith-based. I would just pick the number, write the check, and go on my merry way. The first five times were exactly that way, but this year, finally, was different.

In 2006, shortly after the contribution period, I had a faith-altering experience. It was around that time that I began withdrawing from the organization – even going so far as planning to spend the rest of my YWD days in hiding before graduating as soon as possible and disappearing altogether! I decided to go to the YWD conference just because it was the 'right thing to do' as the Vice Region leader. As usual, I had no financial struggles to go…just a bad attitude and a quiet demeanor. Little did I know that withdrawing was really the lioness in me pulling back in preparation to pounce!

During the conference, I had multiple opportunities to hear life-changing guidance and experiences that were true laser beams to my heart. They completely flipped the way I thought about myself, my practice, and my fellow YWD. I finally realized I absolutely had to practice from my heart. With my renewed energy, I put as much passion into my daimoku and study as I could. My life condition sky-rocketed and it showed in the YWD. I felt so much appreciation, I wanted to participate in May contribution right then, but it was still months away. I fought hard with the YWD for months before finally hitting a major challenge.

In December 2006 my father passed away. As an only child, with both parents now deceased, and the only person in my entire family to practice, I suddenly felt very alone. I really had to fight my fundamental darkness all winter and spring to strengthen my resolve and chant that vibrant daimoku again. This week I can proudly say I was finally able to break through and joyfully participated in May contribution. I was again able to meet my goal without financial struggle, but my faith-struggle has really allowed me to give with a true sense of appreciation. I always felt I couldn't encourage the YWD who were struggling with finances, but I now realize the struggle is never really anywhere but inside of us anyway. As each of us wins, we create the momentum for those around us to win as well – no matter what the challenge. We are Buddhas! And through our struggle, we uncover our fundamental enlightenment.

Nicole D. Collier Southeast

RegionVice YWD Leader

Together we will win!

My biggest enemy is my lazy nature. I tend to feel comfortable when I keep doing the same thing and then I start to slack. I was a child who always waited at the last moment to do her homework.

Almost ten years ago, I went beyond my comfort zone, Japan, and came to study in the US. Never in my life had I studied and cried at the same time. After graduation, I got a job in Atlanta and moved. That wasn't comfortable, either.

I had my 6th anniversary in my company about a week ago. Now, I am back to where I was again. I am feeling very comfortable. 2007 - Year of Advancement and Victory!!...and here I am not moving forward. I know I need to do something about it besides moving to a different country :-)

I need to be strong enough to challenge myself where I am at this moment. From President Ikeda's speech, "Takayama wrote, 'Dig beneath your feet; there you will find a spring.' I am very fond of these words. The place where you are now is crucial. Never try to avoid that which you must do. Challenge your circumstances and steadily persevere. To my youthful successors, I say: 'Bring the flower of your mission to bloom in the place where you are now! Resolve to create your own record of victory!'" (Nov. 10 Address - WT Dec. 8, 2006) I need to show people around me the greatness of the Gohonzon and this organization. I am the only representative for those people and that is a serious responsibility.

The way I was doing May Contribution was… again, comfortable. The first time I contributed, I did more than I had planned just because I was close to the WD who was collecting the contribution..., you know, I needed to look good. Then year by year, I increased the amount little by little which was in my comfort zone. This was the very attitude toward my life. The reason I use past tense is because I just contributed double the amount of last year!

After all, I am here because all these people have supported and encouraged me, my family back home and always warm SGI members. Now, I am truly grateful and happy to contribute to SGI in every way. With many more challenges to come, together, we will win!

Kiyomi Yoshimoto - Southeastern Region Byakuren Chief

Building a Concrete Foundation

I am really excited to share with everyone my heartfelt pride in contributing and being able to take part in this year’s May contribution. I have been a member for a short amount of time and this year’s May contribution will be my first. The SGI is an incredible organization and I feel that as a young adult I have established a concrete foundation for my life, which is because of the SGI. I feel at home when I go to meetings, and after tedious and intense days going to meetings makes me feel part of a family and encouraged. I am proud to have to have contributed to the organization and I am proud to be an SGI member. I support our organization in many ways, but financially is a new journey for me that I am proud of. I will continue to propagate and share this Buddhism with others and pray for the wellbeing and happiness of all my fellow members.

Damian Perez
YMD District Leader, Miami Region
Southeast Zone Secretariat

Brian Killeen, Zone Secretarial Team, Miami Beach YMD Chapter Leader

Growing up Catholic I was always bewildered about the money that we donated to the church. My family would give an envelope each Sunday with a check in it. As a youth I questioned why are we always giving money to the church? Somehow, it always left a sour taste in my mouth. What happens with all this money? I always saw the priests from my church playing golf, hanging out at the bar and spending money at some overpriced elite country club in the suburbs of New York City.

Two years ago, when I become a member of the Soka Gakkai International I never even thought about money or contribution. I gladly payed the $30 fee to become a member, and thought it was great to get a year subscription to the World Tribune. Then, last May I heard about May contribution, however, I never had that same feeling. Living in Miami, Florida I am so fortunate to have the Florida Nature and Culture Center so close to my home. During last year's 10th Anniversary of the FNCC on June 3rd I heard all these amazing stories about how we received this center from the donations of members in Japan. I thought about what a generous gift they provided us with.

Because of that reason--as well as others--I always felt comfortable with contributing money to the SGI. I even enjoy encouraging other members to contribute at local meetings this month. By opening my home, I understand what really goes into accommodating members at a small scale. Therefore, I understand the importance of contributing to keep the FNCC, Miami Community Center and other SGI facilities operating.

Also, I understand that I can not always contribute in a financial manner. However, I feel good knowing I can contribute in other ways. As youth, we are not always financially stable, yet we still have the ability to contribute--like all members--in other ways. We are able to participate in numerous activities, open our home, give rides to other members, etc. It is a great way to do something positive not only for ourselves, but for the sake of kosen-rufu.

NOW IS THE TIME!!!!

Siobhan Boland, Washington DC Area, Two Rivers Chapter YWD Leader

I was in the first class of Soka University of America, and the SUA Alumni Association, Young Founders, had been invited to join the rest of the Soka Alumni Associations in a gathering at Soka University of Japan. I was broke and temping, but totally determined to go as my personal way of responding to Daisaku Ikeda's expectations.

I asked my father for his frequent flier miles as his job is travel heavy and he usually shares them. For the first time ever he said 'no' and then proceeded to ask what practical benefit the trip would provide me in terms of my job search. Though he wasn't keen on me taking a trip like this while in such dire financial straits, he said to me "I'm sure that if you really want to go you'll find another way." I assured him I would, continued to chant and seek work.

Some time passed and I got a phone call from a friend who is also a benefactor to SUA. She and my mom had been talking, and my struggle came up. Without hesitation, this woman, who had already donated so much to my alma mater to fund the education of students like me, gladly offered me her frequent flyer miles. I did happy dances in the street I was so thrilled to hear the news. I also got an interview for a job that went really well.

I had a few days to myself on the trip so I made a spiritual pilgrimage to the Soka Gakkai Headquarters. Shinanomachi was all a buzz. Literally, thousands of people were coming to the culture centers there to make May contribution. I determined I would participate as well.

A staff person handed me the receipt, holding one end of the receipt in his hands, while I took the other in mine and bowed. As he thanked me in broken English, tears welled up in my eyes and I became overwhelmed with gratitude, feeling that after everything I had been given to go on this trip, that even my donation of 2000 yen mattered. I felt so full.

Later I found an extra 2000 yen in my purse. Because I had so little money on the trip, I was able to make a great cause toward my financial tendencies by budgeting and tracking every yen I had spent, which is why the appearance of 2000 yen is so unexplainable; it was nowhere in my accounting (though I admit I'm terrible at math.)

While in Japan I received an email saying I was one of the final candidates for the position I wanted so much. The interview was the day after I returned from Japan, and it also went very well. I am proud to say that I was offered the job Monday and will begin later this week!

On my pilgrimage, I received guidance about contribution. I was told that to show actual proof with contribution, one should make a clear goal; any amount is fine, but it should be definite. Such clear determination will lead to clear actual proof. The members have taught me that strong determination leads to victory in any endeavor, and that's what I proved to myself in taking a trip halfway around the world with no money. I will continue to pursue my contribution goal diligently in order to repay my debt of gratitude to all the wonderful people of SGI who have taken such great care of me all these years.

Just Keep Fighting

I always used to approach contributions as an investment.Two years ago, I held a job with a well-known financial services company. I had a job that I didn't like, but it paid well and it was a position that held 'status' - which made my parents proud. However, I had the dream of owning my own business and working for myself since 1999, so I was very unhappy with my career. My biggest problem though, was that I was afraid to let go of that security blanket and be my own boss.In 2005, while I was in California, I contributed more than I ever had, and I thought, “OK, this is it - - - my breakthrough is right around the corner!” Would you believe that NOTHING happened? Or, so it seemed...
Nearly a year of bitter feelings and disappointment went by before I quit my job last April and started to diligently pursue my goal of owning my own business. This meant I would have no steady income. Perfect timing for May contributions, huh? “This would have been the perfect opportunity to set a tone for my business,” I thought. Again, those old 'investment-style' thoughts began to creep in.I chanted for a way to really connect with this movement and have no doubts about the growth I would undergo, as I naturally question EVERYTHING. Fortunately, times were hard and money was very tight. :-)
My contribution came from the heartfelt appreciation I have for the organization and its members. Before, there was no sincerity behind my contributions. Although the amount was significantly lower than the year before, I was able to feel the difference. That's when I finally understood the amount you contribute is far less important than your feelings behind it. 'It is the heart that is important.' (WND-1,1000). The past year has definitely been one challenge after another and I have experienced a lot of setbacks. But, I have been able to move forward past every one of them, and continue fighting. I now feel so happy and fulfilled that I am wholeheartedly pursuing my goals, knowing that absolute victory is mine!
"...just keep fighting!"

Billy Summers - Stone Mountain Chapter YMD Leader

Who can doubt the power of the Gohonzon?

Last year at the end of April my mom was driving my car and accidentally backed into a parked car and put a huge dent into my rear bumper. There was no damage done to the other car. My mom refused to pay to fix my bumper, so I was going to end up paying to replace it. But at that time I was financially broke and could not afford it. The next month I gave the most I ever had to May contribution and the following week, I got into an accident on the highway. But what a benefit it was! The person hit me on my rear bumper causing only damage to the bumper and nothing else. And because they were at fault, they ended up paying to replace my bumper. Who can doubt the benefits you receive from contributing to May contribution?

Brian Mochizuki

Fumitaka Terada - North Florida YMD Region Ldr.

To be honest, I felt stress when SGI started talking about financial contributions. I wanted to contribute to SGI through other means, but not by financial contribution.

In 2004, I attended the YMD conference at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) for the first time. I was a graduate student and financially struggling. I had applied for financial aid and scholarships to reduce the financial burden since I started studying in the US. However, I had never received any financial aid or scholarships.

During the YMD conference, Sensei gave all the participants $50. I was concerned about the $50, but I thought I could do financial contribution with the $50. I contributed the $50 right away. I did not expect anything in return. I just felt appreciation being apart of this organization and sharing life with other fellow YMD members at the conference.

I came back from the conference with joy and a refreshed determination. I checked my mail box the day I came back from the conference. Unexpectedly I found two letters, which were two scholarships in the mail box. I was so happy and could not express a sense of appreciation at that moment. Fortunately, I have continued receiving scholarships since then until I finished graduate school.

I felt from this experience that I should make financial contributions when I need money most. This is because I really need to challenge myself to understand the spirit of contribution. I still financially struggle; therefore I feel this is the time for me to challenge financial contribution. I thought about all the members sincerely contributing SGI in anyway they can. I will fully challenge myself to contribute SGI anyway I can, along with all other members.

Olivia Honn - South Central Region YWD Ldr.

Human Revolution Empowers All to Reply To Sensei. This is so true! I have been eagerly awaiting this year’s commemorative contribution. Recently I acquired a job that will allow me to make the largest contribution I have ever made. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t make THAT much money (it’s a civil service job!). However, after many years of bartending and a foray into the world of sales, this job was a huge benefit! I quickly learned, though, that it was much more than a financial benefit.

I have struggled with depression for most of my adult life. I recently came to the realization that the depression that always seemed to lurk behind me stemmed from doubt of my Buddha nature—depression was a direct manifestation of my fundamental darkness. So when that other wonderful blog came out earlier this year (100daystohappiness.blogspot.com), my initial thought was of a life free from depression. My second thought was…“I don’t even know where to start! What else can I change about myself?”

This second thought led me to my new job. In addition to working 40 hours a week, I am taking 10 hours (credits) at a community college. I have several SGI leadership responsibilities and a household to keep up for me and my Friend-of-the-SGI fiancé. I am busier than I have ever been, and I am lovin’ it! The YWD throughout South Central Region are experiencing victories in their lives and taking on responsibilities within the SGI-USA. And best of all, I have several friends that are interested in joining this practice. Based on the power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, I have completely expanded my capacity. I have never felt such a sense of accomplishment or joy based on my own actions. To me, this is my Buddha nature emerging. Transforming my life really has empowered me to reply to Sensei! And I can’t wait to show my tremendous appreciation for this great philosophy at this year’s commemorative contribution!!

Ellen Soto - Florida Everglades Region Women's Leader

Ellen Soto, the WD Region Leader in Florida Everglades Region left this inspiring comment and I thought it was important enough to share with all, enjoy ---

For me, the month of contribution is most profoundly about appreciation. Appreciation for all the ways in which SGI and Nichiren Buddhism has enriched my life. And appreciation for Sensei and Mrs. Ikdea. For ALL the amazing individuals, past, present and future, who contribute to our great kosen rufu movement.

Appreciation has nothing to do with intelligence. It's totally about the heart. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sending my sincere appreciation to all the youth in our SE Zone for continuing to refresh my faith and inspire me to challenge myself to be a better disciple. Congratulations on this great blog!

Ellen Soto, WD
Florida Everglades Region

Tony Geisler - DC Region YMD Ldr, Zone YMD Secretariat Ldr

Nearly a month ago I was speaking on a teleconference attempting to promote the YMD Conference. In the back of my mind I knew that May Contribution was on the horizon, and I had to not only speak of participating in both our commemorative contribution and going to the YMD Conference, but I had to take action to do them both myself. As I was trying to encourage those I was speaking with, I was thinking to myself, how on earth am I going to be able to accomplish both?
I had been chanting to reach my goal for contribution and to have the finances to attend the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) this summer, but did not yet have the actual proof to do both. Immediately after that call I spoke my mother, who still does my taxes (I have great fortune). She told me had good news.....I would be receiving more money in my tax refund than ever before! All of a sudden I could afford to accomplish both goals and luckily still have enough money to fix my car. It was such a huge benefit. Since then I have been facing many obstacles, but I know as long as I challenge them head on I will win in the end. In this noble cause for world peace we can never quit no matter how daunting things may seem at the time.
"We are now in the process of creating an ushakable foundation meant to last for 10,000 years. For that reason, we must not be impatient, nor is there any need to try and look impressive. It is important that, person by person, we increase the size and scope of our movement by developing friendships based on humanism. Making true, genuine friends and creating a core of capable individuals is crucial. No great development can be accomplished without painstaking effort."– SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, January 11, 2007

Natalia Villegas - Miami Region YWD Ldr., Zone YWD Secretariat Ldr.

Growing up my parents always struggled financially. No matter how hard they tried, we never really had money. It was a constant hustle just to make ends meat. As I got older the dark cloud of “financial bad luck” or negative financial karma followed me everywhere. I didn’t know how to get rid of it. I would save some money and something would happen, my car would breakdown and I had to fix it, or I would get sick and have to pay hospital bills, my parents would be out of a job so I would have to support financially. It was always something.
One year a Women’s Division member encouraged me to have a donation goal for May contribution. I thought she was crazy. I was so afraid to let go of any money I had, because of fear of needing it later. When I expressed my fear, she encouraged me even more to use this May contribution as an opportunity to change my negative relationship with money into a positive and healthy one. She encouraged me to chant, and form an action plan to achieve my goal. I stayed in and cooked more, I would do my own nails instead of going to have them done. That May my behavior towards money changed. I became more cautious of how I spent my money. Sometimes it was difficult to not give into my old tendencies and waste my money on junk, but no matter what I kept on with my goal. At the end of the campaign I was able to donate all the money I set out to. I was so proud of achieving that goal. Not only because I was able to contribute to this awesome organization which promotes a wonderful mission, but also because of my ability to create a new healthy relationship with money. I was able to face my fear and win over it.
To me, the contribution campaign is not about money. It’s about winning in all aspects of our lives and proving that with this practice you can win over anything. Let’s win together!

“Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships. Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude. To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory. It is also the greatest benefit. Those who can succeed in this endeavor will savor unsurpassed happiness; they can manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood.” (For Today and Tomorrow- Daisaku Ikeda)

Natalia Villegas

Juan Carlos Tamarez - V. YMD Zone Leader

Ever since I was young I have been working, but all my jobs were labor intensive and offered little pay. I would always wonder if this was my destiny. My friends would tell me “just accept it or sell drugs”, so I chose to accept the fact that due to my circumstances these were the only jobs that I could get. In 1998, I started supporting youth division meetings with 100 percent effort. I would help coordinate, and participate in a variety of SGI-USA activities. At our community center I would help setup before meetings and cleanup after. In 2000, I determined to go to school for digital graphics. I was starting to get so busy with school, work and Gakkai activities sometimes I didn’t have enough time to even sleep. I still moved forward side by side with President Ikeda. Quoting a passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, "Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward," which began to apply to my life.

I got an offer to be a technician with a big computer company and my situation became better. I had no doubt that I was doing the right thing and that my ongoing efforts were beginning to be rewarded. In 2004 I was unemployed, but I continued to do SGI activities and with the hope to get the best job I could, but after 6 months and I still had no one call me. One day I received a call from the SGI-USA, Florida Nature and Culture Center, and was offered a position with the FNCC staff. I could not believe it, I was so excited, I was able to change my circumstances through the power of contributing through activities. I am determined to fight even harder than before side by side with President Ikeda and my fellow SGI members

Muchisimas Gracias!
Juan Carlos Tamarez

Julie Kang - V. YWD Zone Leader

"Whether you chant the Buddha’s name, recite the sutra, or merely offer flowers and incense, all your virtuous acts will implant benefits and roots of goodness in your life. With this conviction you should strive in faith” (WND, p.4). Last year I really wanted to attend a SGI-USA study conference in Los Angeles. One of the study topics for this conference was “The Opening of the Eyes,” which is one of my favorite writings of Nichiren Daishonin. At the last minute, I found out that a seat was available for this conference. I had enough money for the conference fee, but I was short on funds to pay for the plane ticket.

I was determined to go, so I asked my mother if I could use her credit card to buy my plane ticket and then pay her back. Fortunately, she agreed, and I was on my way to the study conference. Shortly after I returned from the study conference, I received a card in the mail from my former employer, who I had not worked for in about a year. In this card was a gift- a check for more than seven times the amount of my plane ticket. This experience taught me that whatever efforts we make to practice this Buddhism; they come back to us as our good fortune. Let’s use this May Commemorative Contribution as an opportunity for us to engrave fortune in our lives and refresh our determination and commitment to achieve kosen-rufu.
Sincerely,
Julie Kang – Vice YWD Zone Leader

Carlos Vigoa - YMD Zone Leader

When I started my practice people always told me that the faster way to change my karma was through contributions to the mystic law that include time, money, and concrete action. However, I thought, how come can I contribute if I don’t have even have a penny? I never forget 2003; I had been chanting for 6 months to buy a car. One night something changed in my heart, I felt this tremendous desire to use my car for Kosen-rufu. I thought if I had a car I could do more activities and can go to the community center, which was far from my home. The very next day I found the car that I was looking for (price, year, mark and even the color); also I was able to get the money as well.
It is amazing how everything changed after I made the determination to use the car for Kosen-rufu. I realized the most important thing is the heart. When I determined to support the SGI-USA with my contribution; my life totally changed. The challenges became the source of continually having victory after victory in my life. I would like to end with this writing from Nichiren Daishonin,

“In view of all this, your sincerity in sending a gift of five strings of blue duck coins whenever the opportunity arises truly entitles you to be known as one who propagates the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra in Japan. As first one person, then two persons, then a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand, and then all the people throughout the country come to chant the Daimoku, before you know it, their blessings will accrue to you. Those blessing will be like the drops of dew that gather to form the great ocean, or the specks of dust that pile up to become Mount Sumeru” (WND, P. 672).

Carlos Vigoa
Young Men’s Division Leader
Southeast Zone

Tami Frazier - YWD Zone Leader

As we approach the May Contribution Campaign, I am amazed at how every year presents a new opportunity for me to deepen my faith and spirit behind repaying one’s debt of gratitude, or contribution. I decided a few years ago that I would consistently increase in my participation of the May Contribution Campaign every year. And every year, I can clearly see how my life has gained such fortune due to my determination.
This year, however, I started a new job that I love but that doesn’t pay as much. And while I am able to still have quality of life, I may not be able to contribute more than I did last year. This has led me to deeply consider commentary from “The Gift of Rice” which states, “No matter the age or circumstances, what is most important in making offerings in Buddhism is our sincerity” (Living Buddhism, March-April 2007). I find myself engaged in a wonderful human revolution whereby I am confronting my attachment to money and material things, to sincerely contribute in this May Contribution campaign with the deepest sincerity.
It is the heart that matters, not the amount. In the March-April 2007 Living Buddhism, Shin Yatomi discusses Nichiren Daishonin’s intent behind writing “The Gift of Rice” and states, “Nichiren points out that the forms of offering in Buddhism may change according to the times and circumstances. What remains unchanged is the spirit behind Buddhist offerings; it comes down to one’s earnest resolve to seek and spread the truth of Buddhism.” Indeed to contribute to the SGI, is to strengthen the vehicle that ensures the happiness of all people. What joy there is in knowing that we have this opportunity to contribute, regardless of whether it’s $1, $100 or $1 million. After all, our efforts as Bodhisattvas of the Earth to ensure the happiness of all beings are priceless.

Tami Frazier
Southeast Zone YWD Leader