What is Shinnyo-en?
The word “shinnyo” is reality, or the true nature of all things. It is the innate goodness, wisdom, and compassion inherently at the core of every living being. Shinnyo is the light that exists in all, without exception.
Shinnyo also can be understood as external forces, vibrant and infinite, that compassionately lead us to moments of awakening – those serendipitous moments of feeling present and inspired.
The word “en” depicts a garden. Founder of Shinnyo Buddhism, Master Shinjo Ito, removed the linear border that encapsulated the Chinese character “en,” wishing to convey that Shinnyo-en would be a “borderless garden” where anyone would be welcomed to train to bring out their best selves.
To practice Shinnyo Buddhism means to not only reflect, meditate, and pray, but more importantly to awaken to and polish our innate goodness through offering ourselves in concrete ways to benefit others and our surrounding world.
Today, Shinnyo-en is led by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, direct successor of founding master Shinjo Ito. You may recognize her as the officiant of the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi ceremony.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi
The inaugural Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi ceremony took place on Memorial Day in 1999 at Keʻehi Lagoon and has been observed at Ala Moana Beach since 2002 . The ceremony is a collective way for Hawaiʻi residents and visitors alike to remember and honor our fallen and all who have shared this earth. The Shinnyo-en Hawaiʻi practitioners have been honored to lead in activities surrounding this unique ceremony that has become a tradition in the local community and followed by many around the world.
For more information about the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi ceremony, visit our website at www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com