Why BOTCOTT Shinnyo-en Floating Lantern?
It saddens our hearts that we call for boycott. For some five years, we have pleaded politely, and requested humbly, that Shinnyo-en not use Memorial Day for their lantern festival. We have sought compromise; not conflict. Shinnyo-en's core belief is "to act with unwavering loving kindness and compassion — or the heart of a buddha."
This Japanese group, Shinnyo-en, however refuses to compromise with Americans about the designated observation of fallen USA service men and women on Memorial Day. Why does Shinnyo-en not extend "unwavering loving kindness and compassion" to those who perished for our sacred freedoms and way of life?
Operationally, holding their delightful and moving event on Sunday makes more sense. Participants have requested the change. Security and staffing are more expensive on the holiday.
Morally, Memorial Day is not observed for civilians. Memorial Day rather is reserved for civilians to honor the American men and women who sacrificed all in the service of our nation. One day for them! After all they did for us, is one day too much for our heroes to ask of us.
What is Shinnyo-en's Motive?
This question perplexes us. Ultimately, Shinnyo-en appears to steal Memorial Day simply to make money. Follow the money, they always say. Shinnyo-en likely profits a million dollars from this event.
Shinnyo-en is clear that practitioners are to "act with unwavering loving kindness and compassion." Yet this Japanse Order willfully tramples on a sacred American observation. Deeply insensitive, Shinnyo-en pursues this offensive behavior in Hawai'i — when both nations suffered tragic losses due to the Pearl Harbor attack and war in the Pacific.
Shinnyo'en's diregard for our cultural practices and traditions defies their own teachings "to create harmony in diversity and work toward happiness and peace for all."
Imagine an esoteric White Christian group hosting a noose-hanging ceremony in a heavily Black-populated of the deep south on Juneteeth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. Unquestionably, socially inappropriate behavior. Kind people do not create such conflict.
We realize a Japanese Buddhist group may not fully understand the deep, painful significance of Memorial Day to Americans — particularly to Veterans and families who suffered heartbreaking loss in time of war. For five years, we have attempted to talk story, find common ground and a win/win solution for all.
We proposed extending Memorial Day to Memorial Weekend. Honor and reflect civilian passings — our grandparents, parents, siblings, family members and friends — on Sunday. Monday for the men and women in uniform, as originally intended. We would work to promote and attend their event. Greater turnout for Floating Lanterns. Shinnyo-en refuses to meet with us; Shinnyo-en denies any discussion. They force our members to boycott.
Shinnyo-en sets a negative precedent in our relations with Japan, the people of Japan, and Buddhist organizations. A foreign group demands to dictate to Americans about our traditions and cultural practices. Perplexes us why they behave this arrogantly and disrespectfully.
How Can I Help?
Thank you for asking. Our first request is that you send an email or make a phone call to Reverend Hayaski. Request Shinnyo-en host Floating Lantern Hawai'i on Sunday. Second, tell at least three friends or family members. Ask them to contact Reverend Hayashi. Alert the good reverend that you will not attend on Monday.
Shinnyo-en Hawai'i Buddhist Order
ATTN: Reverend Eitaro Hayashi
2348 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
TEL: 808-947-2814
FAX: 808-949-3045
EMAIL: hayashie@shinnyoenusa.org
While we pray to avoid conflict, Shinnyo-en has refused to compromise for five years. Pandemic closed the festival. Shinnyo-en refused to change even when they restarted last year. Stubbornness, not kindness, characterizes Shinnyo-en behavior. Please check back. We assume stronger action will be required. Volunteers plan to flood the Ala Moana Park with signs of peaceful protest.
Who Can I Contact to Volunteer or Get Additional Information?
LtCol (Ret) Pete Tingstrom
President, Special Forces Association (SFA) (Life Member)
Senior Vice-Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (Life Member)
Vice-President SFBMC Fort DeRussy (Life Member)
American Legion (Life Member)
Disabled American Veterans (Life Member)
(808) 436-2901
You can use our CONTACT PAGE FORM to reach our action team.
Who Is Shinnyo-en?
Shinnyo-en is a school of esoteric Buddhism founded 1930s by Master Shinjo Ito of Japan. First Shinnyo-en temple outside Japan was in Hawaiʻi 1971. Shinnyo-en is currently led by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, who succeeded Master Shinjo after passing in 1989.*
Shinnyo-en means “a borderless garden of the unchanging and real nature of things,” and reflects the Order’s intention of offering places and methods of Buddhist training that are available to anyone who is interested in cultivating their “buddha nature” or “shinnyo,” the seed of enlightenment that exists in every living being.*
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.*
Purpose of Shinnyo training is to develop one’s ability to act with unwavering loving kindness and compassion — or the heart of a buddha.*
Who Is Her Holiness Shinso Ito?
Her Holiness Shinso Ito heads Shinnyo-en. Some recognize her as Master Shinjo Ito’s most accomplished disciple, and is one of few women to become a Buddhist master and attain the highest priestly rank of Daisojo.*
Her Holiness teaches practitioners to cultivate their innate “buddha nature” — the seed of enlightenment that can blossom through giving joy to others.*
We deeply respect such philosophy. How then can Her Holiness Shinso Ito cause so much pain in Hawai'i — the Aloha State? Please humbly change the day of Floating Lantern and give joy to so many. Please!
Why Is Floating Lantern Hawai'i a Money Making Event?
Unscrupulously, Shinnyo-en appropriates America's military Memorial Day to solicit donations for their religious organization. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i 2024 seeks to motivate donations from some 50,000 residents to fund their Buddhist agenda.
Shinnyo-en uses the memory of our fallen heroes for their profit. 50,000 particpants donating an average of $10 each comes to $500,000. Not a bad day's work. We have no objection on Sunday. Monday is for military. Shinnyo-en also stimulates monthly, quarterly donations on the backs of our fallen heroes.
Dedicate a Donation*
You may dedicate a donation in honor of or in remembrance. Your donation will be received by Nā Lei Aloha Foundation in support of all Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i activities.*
* Source: Shinnyo-en Website