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SGBye
A little while back I posted about the SGI urging children to participate in their May contribution campaign. In the new World Tribune, they're turning up the heat on the kiddies. Accompanied by a colorful photo of some piggy banks that kids in Washington DC painted for the campaign it reads:
"Every May, we make offerings to the SGI-USA during our May Commemorative Contribution activity. It's our way of saying thank you to the SGI-USA for supporting our Buddhist practice and helping us become happy. In May, members make financial offerings to the SGI-USA out of appreciation. This can be challenging for a kid who doesn't have any money! (It can be challenging for grown-ups too.). It would be good to talk to your family and decide what you can do to be a part of the May activity. The most important thing is that whatever you do comes from your heart."
Pretty vile. During my 39 years in the SGI, not once did I ever see them organize anything like a toy donation drive for homeless children. Those are the type of activities that other religious organizations have kids participate in to learn about giving and appreciating what you have. The SGI? "Let's say thank you to the billion dollar organization by giving them money we don't have!!" Thank you for what exactly?
The SGI adheres strictly to to the belief that "You can give someone a pound of fish, but if you bring them the rod and show them how to use it, they can take care of themselves." So therefore, it's considered a lesser cause to run things like food or toy drives. I know, right? This also seems to extend to major contributions when things like a devastating earthquake hits the mother country. The WT reported that the SGI had contributed $50,000.00 to the relief efforts. $50,000.00.
SGBye, I agree with you wholeheartedly. To encourage kids to decide what they can do to be a part of the May activity?? Kids! How many of these kids are actually doing morning and evening gongyo, chanting serious daimoku?
And piggy bank pics? Yes, SGBye. Vile.