Launched 11/18/04
| The "C" Word |
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Full financial disclosure remains a sore issue for some. I expect to get a more in-depth, better article to add here. In the meantime, below are some remarks that clarified for me the spirit of offering (whether financial or whatever).
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How important it is, therefore, that we safeguard this precious movement through our financial support. These monies help ensure that we can gather together, communicate with one another, and build a united and effective organization. Of the six paramitas — the practices required of bodhisattvas to attain enlightenment — the first is almsgiving. Nichiren Daishonin writes:
“What is appropriate for ordinary people is offering in principle [sincerely offering what is important to one’s own life]. This is the teaching called the paramita of almsgiving…” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1126).We make offerings of our time, our effort, our thought, our concern and our money for both the spiritual and the physical growth of our movement. Our financial contributions provide the means to operate 80-some facilities as centers for activities in every part of the United States, paying for rent, utilities, supplies, equipment and maintenance. It also pays for our youth programs, cultural events and community events.
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Does Buddhism
place a significance on making contributions?
Yes. Many of the letters Nichiren
Daishonin wrote to his believers begin with expressions of gratitude for
their sincere offerings. He praises them for their support of his activities
to teach and propagate the Buddhist Law. Because this is an organization
that promotes Nichiren Daishonin‚s Buddhism, making sincere offerings to
support SGI- USA is a profoundly significant and important act for the
sake of the Law. Making financial contributions is an expression of our
sincere faith in the Gohonzon. It is a cause that will help lay the foundation
for peace and prosperity of the world, as well as our personal good fortune
and happiness. As Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Still greater are the benefits
arising from ten or twenty contributions, or from five years, ten years,
or a lifetime of contributions. They are even beyond the measure of the
Buddha's wisdom.... When you embrace this sutra, you will overflow with
happiness and shed tears of joy. It seems impossible to repay your debt
to Shakyamuni, but by your frequent offerings to me deep in these mountains
you will repay the merciful kindness of both the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni
Buddha' (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 254).
How can I
make financial contributions?
SGI-USA provides various opportunities
to make contributions. These are completely voluntary, and members are
encouraged to use common sense when making them. Annual Contributions can
be made in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments, or in one annual
payment. The minimum monthly contribution is $20.00. General Contributions
can be made at World Peace Prayer Meetings, which are held monthly. Commemorative
Contributions can be made during the month of May every year. This opportunity
is provided to SGI-USA members in commemoration of both the founding of
Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, April 28, and Soka Gakkai Day, May 3.
Specifically,
how will my contributions be used?
All contributions are placed in a
fund used for SGI-USA activities. They support the faith and practice of
SGI-USA members and contribute to the betterment of society. Expenditures
fall within the following general categories: Operations: community center
leases, insurance, maintenance, utilities and activity expenses. Asset
acquisition: the purchase of buildings, properties and equipment, as well
as building improvements. Administrative costs: salaries, legal, accounting
and administrative costs. Bookstore operations: purchasing, distribution
costs and warehousing.
SGI-USA funds are used for our organizational purposes. Occasionally, SGI-USA contributes to disaster-relief or local community projects. SGI-USA makes no contributions to the Soka Gakkai in Japan or organizations in other countries. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, a broad range of activities can be carried out and many facilities operated with a limited staff.
Are my contributions
tax deductible?
Yes. The Soka Gakkai International-USA
is a nonprofit religious corporation, recognized as a tax-exempt organization
by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. All contributions are tax-deductible. A receipt should be
obtained for all contributions of $250 or more.
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More information on financial disclosure is to come.