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quiet oneQuote
SGI has also donated to political campaigns in the U.S., something that tax exempt organizations are not allowed to do.
Who??
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tsukimoto
Along with the Ikeda house, SGI-USA's political contributions have also become problematic in terms of tax laws. A number of local mass media offices report that the SGI-USA sent large political contributions to the mayor of Los Angeles.
As stated in the Los Angeles Times (paraphrased), despite the fact that as a tax exempt religious organization they are prohibited from making political contributions, Nichiren Shoshu of America (NSA)...in 1985 and 1986 twice gave Mr. Bradley (Editor's note: The former L.A. mayor from 1973-93) a total of $16,700 for his election fund. This is made clear by any number of articles. (11/17/91 Los Angeles Times)
(Translator's note: This is a translation of the Japanese, and is not a verbatim quote directly from the Los Angeles Times.)
Former SGI-USA Vice Headquarters Chief Thomas McCord (50), who left the organization in 1992, says, "Political contributions have become a problem within NSA as well. In 1986, Mayor Tom Bradley attended the opening ceremony for the World Peace Ikeda Auditorium and sat shoulder to shoulder with Ikeda. I had doubts about it, thinking, 'Mayor Bradley has no faith. Why is he here?' Later a member discovered a copy of a personal check which NSA had hurriedly sent to the mayor. This became a problem. As may be expected, they had many political problems, such as trouble over buying the land for the site of the Los Angeles branch of Soka University. The aim of the political contributions was to receive accommodations over these problems."
Mr. Steve Gore has very interesting testimony about political contributions. "It was the end of 1971, Christmas night, I think. Williams and I visited the municipal mansion of Mayor Sam Yoty with a political contribution. The purpose was to request that Ikeda receive the title of Honorary Citizen and to request approval for a planned parade down Wilshire Boulevard, a principal city street, when NSA held its nation-wide general meeting in April the following year. I waited outside the room, but when Williams came out, he laughed, saying, 'Steve, it's OK. Everything depends on money.' The impression I received from that remains with me."
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SoniqueSc
Sorry for the slow response. Don't you hate it when work gets in the way of good spiritual chats :P
I've seen the phrase "SGI Priesthood" a few times in this forum. I have run into SGI who do get preachy and treat members poorly if they don't do activities. I've also run into members and leaders who think they know everything and tell me about how things were in the 1960's. Kind of like puritains under a different name. Not to say that the 1960's are inherently good or bad. I love sharing thoughts and experiences. I am reminded of the common metaphor of the cup being too full to accept more tea.
I'd guess it's all about people. If people make our interaction joyful and hope filled, then wonderful things happen. If people (especially leaders) fail to see the law of cause and effect in their lives, then there will be suffering. (BTW: I'm not saying anyone on this forum is arrogant; I'm thinking that many of you have been hurt by arrogant leaders who forgot that leadership is about caring for members as opposed to thinking the members owe you something). I find myself studying side by side with leaders. Sharing insights and dialog (back and forth communication on equal footing with the goal of sharing as opposed to defeating each other).
One great point made by a few of you including Quiet one is that many people experience benefits while practicing many ways of life. I've know SGI who practice for 30 years and seem to be miserable, and I know people of many other faiths who have great warmth and humanity. I'd guess there's many ways to live your life in line with the Lotus Sutra.
I came up with this metaphor. There are many roads that lead into Los Angeles. One could be on any of those roads and get there. However, not all roads lead to LA. You could even be on the right road going the wrong way. Some people may need to take a boat or airplane, while some may be close (or athletic) enough to walk. I'd guess I'm saying there are many ways to reach enlightenment. There are ways that won't work, but there are multiple ways that will.
Anyway, I've really come to the conclusion that I'm on a path that is leading to somewhere good. I'm growing in confidence, so I'm doing something that I think is working for me. My doubts have been alleviated (not to say I have answers to all the great points raised here). Maybe I will get whacked down the road and find myself on this forum as a former member. I'll do my best to have a beginners mind (open eyes and open mind). Either way, I appreciate having such a great forum to openly discuss doubts.
Good luck to all of you!!!! Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (or Namu Myoho Renge Kyo for those purists out there...I find the 6/8 rhythm works so nicely for me).
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SoniqueSc
Anyway, I've really come to the conclusion that I'm on a path that is leading to somewhere good. I'm growing in confidence, so I'm doing something that I think is working for me. My doubts have been alleviated (not to say I have answers to all the great points raised here). Maybe I will get whacked down the road and find myself on this forum as a former member. I'll do my best to have a beginners mind (open eyes and open mind). Either way, I appreciate having such a great forum to openly discuss doubts.