Our human challenge
June 19, 2020
Tokyo, JP / New York, NY
The Shinnyo-en community, at its core, exists to hold space for all people to discover and awaken the inherent goodness within themselves.
Working with diverse communities, we see, acknowledge, and are saddened by the deep suffering inflicted on communities of color due to racism in all its forms. Racism has no place nor should ever hold space in our societies, ever.
We respect that many people will respond to the gravity of this moment in their own unique and diverse ways. Individual acts guided by a heart of compassion and wisdom can forge powerful spaces from which to move toward collective healing. We stand in solidarity with any and all who help to find a way for goodness to breathe freely in the world.
Shinnyo-en’s core values of inclusivity, without distinction between friend and foe, and universal liberation from suffering encourage us to strive toward building a culture of “we,” rather than a dynamic of “us versus them.” We remain dedicated to fostering harmony, empathic listening, collaborative community-building, and embodied acts of authentic care that contribute to a world of both equity and equanimity for all.
View more news and events
Her Holiness Shinso Ito speaks to the Shinnyo-en community in earthquake-struck Ishikawa Prefecture
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.
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.
Her Holiness’ inspirational message for 2024
Her Holiness Shinso Ito offers spiritual guidance for the coming Year of the Dragon, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.