Wealthy Man Sudatta and Other Things

Food has three virtues. First, it sustains life. Second, it enlivens the complexion. Third, it nourishes strength. If one gives food to others, one will improve one's own lot, just as, for example, if one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one's own way. WND Vol 2, 1060.

When a single soybean is brought to the Lotus Sutra, the entire realm of phenomena becomes the lotus realm. WND Vol 2, 356.

The benefit of making offerings for Buddhism is immeasurable. One good example of this is the story of the wealthy merchant named Sudatta, who built the Jetavana Monastery as an offering to Shakyamuni Buddha. The Triumph chapter of the New Human Revolution Vol 4 recounts Sudatta's story and some tidbits regarding early Soka Gakkai finances.

Nichiren Daishonin’s followers made many offerings of food, shelter, clothing, medicine and money to him, often despite their own severe economic hardships. In his writings, the Daishonin says that without these offerings, he would not have survived. Similarly, without the wide variety of contributions made by members, the SGI-USA would not exist. Offerings to the Daishonin and the organization, however, are not merely charity (though they are legally considered charitable contributions). Rather than giving out of a feeling of pity, guilt, obligation or even kindness, offerings of the heart reflect our deep sense of appreciation and the strength of our desire to attain enlightenment. What’s most important is our joy at being able to make such contributions. As SGI President Ikeda writes in The New Human Revolution, “Such joy is the true spirit of offering and it is the wellspring of abundant good fortune” (vol. 4, p. 110).

Some members may feel they can improve their financial situation by challenging themselves to contribute more money to the organization. It’s true that when you make offerings, you are making a cause to change your destiny—just as it’s true that when you chant, you are changing your karma. How this change in karma will manifest, though, no one can readily predict. When we make offerings, we increase our fortune. That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that we increase our bank balance. If we think that by donating $100 we’ll get $200 in return, then we need to re-evaluate the spirit with which we are contributing. Contributions are not like investments. There’s a subtle yet profound distinction between having no doubt that contributions result in benefit and expecting a specific benefit because we make contributions. It’s a paradox: If we contribute with a purity of heart that expects nothing in return, that’s when we reap the most benefit. Our heart is what matters most.

In Buddhism, there are many different kinds of offerings. Material offerings, such as water, fruit, incense and financial contributions, can be considered “offerings of the body.” “Offerings of the heart” include respecting and praising the Buddha, along with sincerity, purity, chanting and propagating the Law. Even our material offerings are expressions of our heart. It is our heart that enables us to attain Buddhahood. By making contributions from the heart, motivated by our desire to see the Buddha in our lives and in the lives of others, there is no doubt that we enrich ourselves and experience great benefit.

As you know, SGI-USA does not consistently solicit monetary donations. Of course there is the kofu table during kosen-rufu gongyo but it's very passive. There is no passing of the offering plate as you see in most Christian churches during Sunday services. When I was in high school, the church I attended had a separate building fund that was aggressively promoted. But administration, community center acquisition and upkeep cost big bucks.

The May Contribution opportunity is provided to SGI-USA members in commemoration of the founding of Nichiren Buddhism on April 28, Soka Gakkai Day on May 3, the birthday of the first president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, on June 6, and Soka Gakkai Women’s Day on June 11.The May Contribution campaign will kick off on April 28th and run til June 8th. Contributions can be made in person, by mail, by credit card and on-line. Details forthcoming.