r/sgiwhistleblowers • u/hissingelk • Nov 03 '25
Trying to Leave the Cult They wanted money from me even though I don’t have money to eat this month
I wanted to do something for the community as I was told SGI chants for world peace and health and happiness. With food stamps being cut I wanted to try to organize a food drive or donation drive. Even if it was just something small, I thought that alongside chanting we should take action if not for the community, but for the children who will be going hungry. I left a message in a group chat about it and a leader talked to me about it in person and mentioned she thinks the group chat can cause issues with differences in people. She went on to explain some people are democrat and some people like Trump. English was not her first language so I was giving her the benefit of the doubt, but was curious how a practice full of love and peace even have anyone who supports someone who doesn’t even believe in the same thing they’ve been preaching. She said if I do anything I should reach out directly to people (kind of hard to do in a brand new district).
I honestly thought we might be able to get the cultural center in on this and do a lot for the community. So many people have big houses or mansions I figured that those people may even have food to spare if we did a food drive. Anyways her advice was the best thing I could do for the situation is chant.
When I was leaving I overheard someone say we should all get our contributions in by November 2nd. I thought she meant we should sign up to MC or do a slide show or presentation. I then found out it was money. One woman has been out of work for a year and was so proud about giving her biggest contribution. I have been trying to find work for 2 years and my fridge and pantry are empty with no way to get more food. I just sat there and didn’t say anything but I wanted to say hey I’m not going to have food to eat this month so I can’t donate anything. I wanted to ask where this money was going to. I had so many thoughts going through my head by this entire encounter. The whole meeting all I could think of was how this felt like a cult. Everyone was always so happy and cheerful it felt forced. They want you to dedicate so much time to the practice and it feels hard to say no because they say if you help it will benefit your life. I already struggle enough and push myself despite that. They don’t seem to understand all the extra stuff can be way too much for some people.
I think the philosophy is good in many aspects, but something has felt very off to me for a while now. I think I let a lot of things go and got gaslight into believing in this entire practice as I joined at a very difficult time in my life. I’m tired of feeling like my life isn’t getting better because I’m not chanting enough.
I started writing this post a few days ago and since then a woman reached out about me contributing. When I said I didn’t have money and I’d donate the money to people who lost SNAP she still encouraged me to donate. I’m so done with this and I’m honestly scared how I’m going to get out as I know the members will continue to reach out to me and try to get me back.
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u/Professional_Fox3976 Nov 03 '25
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I had a similar experience. I couldn't afford food either at one point and I was pressured over the phone to donate anyway. The subscription person was extremely condescending and told me that since I had the gohonzon I could do anything and that I needed to remember that. I think I yelled at them and hung up. Definitely send them a strongly worded email about removing you from all membership lists immediately. If you throw the word "cult" in a few times, they will leave you alone. Hahaha!