“A candle offers itself to give light to people. For a place to become brighter, all it takes is for one candle to light others.”

—Master Shinjo Ito

News and Events

Explore stories, events, and updates from Shinnyo‑en and in the news.

An elderly Japanese woman dressed in black attire with a priestly Buddhist surplice around her shoulders sits on a low chair in front of a Buddhist shrine with a large statue of a reclining Buddha, speaking intently to an audience of Japanese people seated neatly in rows on the floor.

Her Holiness Shinso Ito speaks to the Shinnyo-en community in earthquake-struck Ishikawa Prefecture

January 18, 2024

Her Holiness Shinso Ito paid a special visit to Hokuriku Head Temple in Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture to offer words of gratitude, admiration, and encouragement to the community following the January 1st earthquake. Her remarks to Shinnyo-en leaders from regions affected by the earthquake and tsunami are shared below.

Read the story

View more news and events

January 17, 2024Story

Shinnyo-en contributes to relief efforts for the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Shinnyo-en has contributed monetary and volunteer resources in response to the January 1st earthquake that severely damaged buildings and displaced many in Ishikawa Prefecture.

January 01, 2024Story

An energetic calligraphy of the Japanese character for dragon appears on a background of gently blended pastel blue and purple watercolor, marked with a red Japanese name stamp representing Her Holiness Shinso Ito.

Her Holiness’ inspirational message for 2024

Her Holiness Shinso Ito offers spiritual guidance for the coming Year of the Dragon, 2024

December 06, 2023Statement

A large, ancient Cambodian temple ruin with long, single storey stone arcades arranged around high conical stone towers sits under a pale blue sky with a sting of clouds in the distance and palm trees in the foreground. The whole scene is reflected in a serene pool of water.

Shinnyo-en Contributes to Preservation of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Representatives attended ceremonies to mark the completion of a restoration project at Angkor Wat, which Shinnyo-en has supported since 1996.

November 15, 2023Statement

An illustration of four differently hued hands, extended from above, scattering white, heart-shaped seeds over a green meadow filled with white poppy flowers; concentric rings of yellow light radiate outward from the center of the horizon.

Cultivating Unwavering Regard for Others in the Face of Conflict

Her Holiness encourages the practice of positive regard for others in the face of conflict and urges us to practice it unconditionally.

September 05, 2023Story

Illustration featuring the Lokelani rose, a pink flower that is a symbol of Maui. In the background are the words “Kōkua Maui” set on a blue, textured field.

Shinnyo-en and Nā Lei Aloha Foundation offer donation to Maui United Way

Shinnyo-en and Nā Lei Aloha Foundation made a donation of US$100,000 to Maui United Way in response to the wildfires that devastated the community of Lahaina.

July 15, 2023Media Coverage

Three men wearing masks are in a reclined position on a chair having their blood drawn by nurses wearing white gowns.

Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool hosts 32nd annual blood drive

A Sri Lankan preschool operated by Shinnyo-en successfully organized their 32nd annual blood donation campaign.

May 29, 2023Press Release

Two large, double-hulled floating lanterns made of wood and paper, illuminated from within, float on the gentle waves of a twilit ocean bay amid numerous smaller illuminated floating lanterns.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi returned to Ala Moana Beach for its 25th year

Tens of thousands gathered at Ala Moana Beach to participate in the 25th annual Memorial Day event organized by Shinnyo‑en.

February 15, 2023Press Release

A donation list is handed over to Yuki Yoshizawa, acting secretary general (left in the photo), by a representative of Shinnyo-en.

Donation of 20 million yen toward emergency earthquake relief in Turkey

In response to the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, the Shinnyo‑en community offers significant monetary donations toward relief efforts.

June 06, 2022Press Release

A lantern on which the word “Shinnyo” and a flower illustration can be seen, floats in a blue-hued pool of water.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i 2022 offers “space to heal”

For a third year, a limited Shinnyo Lantern Floating is held due to COVID pandemic; Her Holiness addresses attendees live from Tokyo.

April 25, 2022Press Release

A maroon ceremonial hand-held fan decorated with a circular pattern, Singala letters, and the words, “Gift of Honour, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.”

Prestigious Sri Lankan university awards honorary doctorate to Her Holiness

Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka recognizes Her Holiness’ lifelong commitment to educating underserved children with honorary PhD.

February 28, 2022Press Release

Her Holiness sits before a fire ceremony altar with a large flame and a statue of Fudo-myo holding an implement in her right hand, performing a rite.

Her Holiness Shinso Ito conducts rites for peace in Ukraine crisis

Her Holiness publicly states her wish that the conflict in Ukraine will swiftly end and Shinnyo-en makes a substantial offering for humanitarian aid.

August 15, 2020Press Release

Two men wearing suits and face masks pass a formal document one to the other in front of a background illustration of cranes taking flight.

Shinnyo-en joins global COVID-19 response

Shinnyo-en has made substantial donations to the UN, to Ecuador, and to community service programs in Hawaii in response to the COVID outbreak.

June 19, 2020Press Release

A simple lantern of paper with a wooden base with a written message reading “World Peace and Love” can be seen, floats in a still body of water, causing ripples.

Our human challenge

In the wake of protests following the murder of George Floyd, Shinnyo-en issues a statement regarding racism and the harm it brings to society.

March 15, 2020Press Release

Her Holiness Shinso Ito, wearing spectacles, a patterned blouse with a black scarf, sitting in front of a window with a shelf displaying photos, looks directly into the camera.

Head of Shinnyo-en shares message in response to Novel Coronavirus outbreak

Her Holiness Shinso Ito offers words of encouragement and advice for spiritual practice in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

January 19, 2020Press Release

Two small, silhouetted human figures surrounded by bright yellow and orange flames, trees and smoke.

Shinnyo-en offers donations to Australian bushfire relief efforts

Shinnyo-en has joined other international organizations to offer funds to agencies responding to continent-wide bushfires.

October 16, 2019Press Release

Two men wearing orange SeRV volunteer vests over suits approach the glass doors at the entry to a building with a large sign in Japanese next to the door.

Shinnyo-en supports recovery efforts after Typhoon Hagibis

Shinnyo-en joins efforts following the largest and strongest typhoon in the history of meteorological records in the country.

August 20, 2019Press Release

Rows of men wearing long shirts and skull caps bowing on prayer carpets with their heads, hands, and feet touching the ground; discarded sandals can be seen nearby.

Volunteers in Singapore help Muslim neighbors during prayer gathering

Members of Shinnyo-en Singapore helped their neighbors, a Muslim mosque, manage traffic during a busy Eid celebration.