“I have chosen not to participate in the special zaimu campaign for the 2nd year in a row. I have been able to maintain the same job for over one year now and even got a raise. My industry is quite challenged, so I am happy with this outcome. And aside from finances, my health has been pretty good and things are going well for the family.

I know of 3 experiences so far (in my small circle) of negative effects to those that are putting their all into trying to collect donations and to give all their extra cash as a donation. From car accidents to loss of job, and another one that simply is okay with his status of always being broke. Through chanting he realized it was okay and lessened his suffering, I guess. Doesn’t sound like gaining much fortune to me and it is no fun to always be broke. But I guess he will pretend it is okay so that he feels he got a benefit somehow.

Another friend asked the interesting question: what does the SGI do for the members? They take and take constantly; take members time, take members money. But what do they give back? They don’t have any qualms about taking from people that are already struggling financially. It’s okay to still take their money. Cruel . . . . . is the only word that comes to mind.” — SGI Member on the Rick Ross Cult Education Forum

"1. May contribution month is coming up soon. I personally contribute every year and don't give a hoot about how much SGI makes. BUT, it makes SGI look very BAD that they will not disclose their intake and expenditures IN DETAIL the way that any ethical religious organization in the US does. It really does make us look bad-no joke! This has been discussed before here at length. People have written to leaders at SGI Plaza giving them well thought out theses on why this disclosure is important to the health and growth of SGI. No change in policy." -- CMC

"CMC, I am thinking about just this thing myself and I know other religiousorgs that are tax exempt keep track of every cent and give out the reports to the members. Traditionally, I have given a lot of money to the SGI every year, but certain things have happened in my area that have given me pause about doing this, though I still count myself a loyal member and it is my tradition. I cannot, of course, tell you what to do, but what I am going to do about this year's campaign is to chant for wisdom directly (I already did this) about how much money I want to give them and I am going to write a memo to enclose with that or send to the Area/Zone leaders about my feelings about financial disclosure, but that I derive benefit from the SGI and I do want to support it, though I have concerns. That is what I am going to do about it. I may remind them how much I have given them in the past yearly, if they didn't know. What if every one of us that have concerns about this did this? I may tell them that if they do not find it worthwhile to answer my concerns that I will take that into account regarding my future contributions. As I said, I am chanting for wisdom about this, but this year, I am going to write my immediate area/zone folks about it. You can imagine what I would do next year if they do not respond. Maybe they don't need my wholehearted contribution." -- Kathy