With hopes of gathering on the beach again in 2022, Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi will not be held in person at Ala Moana Beach in 2021. With this decision being made out of concerns for the health and safety of all, we took this as an opportunity to reflect upon what is at the core of Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi.
The activities that usually surround the annual lantern floating observance, from preparation to completion, are opportunities to reflect upon our personal and shared values, honor and connect with those we love – past and present, and to awaken to our shinnyo, our unique qualities, energy, and gifts that keep us hopeful and bring light to others when shared. Shinnyo also refers to the energy that exists in all and flows timelessly to help us feel supported and encouraged to do our best to make mindful choices that have positive effects on ourselves and others. Without being able to gather on the beach with one another, we decided to enlist the help of some friends and the community who could create something beautiful for you to experience in person on the grounds of Shinnyo-en Hawaii.
Many Rivers, One Ocean: Interactive Experience will be a walk-through art installation conceived of by lighting artist Hideaki Tsutsui. “Hide” has been a long-time friend of Shinnyo-en who has been involved in bringing the annual lantern floating event to fruition for many years. At the center of the art installation will be a walk-through lantern with a silhouette of a Hawaii’s state tree, the kukui. The kukui tree is a symbol of light, hope, and renewal, things that we are all seeking at this time. Enhancing the interactive experience will be a floral mural by Kumu Boz Schurr, with additional art panels designed by her students at Kamehameha Schools. Limited reservations to ensure safe social distancing will be taken on the lanternfloatinghawaii.com website beginning May1, 2021 and the interactive experience will run from May 21- June 5, 2021.
Online submissions of Remembrances and Commitments to Positive ActionAll are welcomed to submit remembrances, prayers, and commitments to positive action on the lanternfloatinghawaii.com website. Please see the website for details.
Share Your Light: A Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi Special will be broadcast on Hawaii News Now’s KGMB on May 31, 2021 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. It will also stream concurrently at lanternfloatinghawaii.com and will be available for later viewing there as well.
We hope that you will take part in this year’s Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i 2021 activities so that we can come together in spirit to build hope toward a brighter future.