Thousands to Gather for Inaugural Lantern Floating in Central Park Focused on Peace

NEW YORK, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shinnyo-en announces it will host an unprecedented Shinnyo Lantern Floating for Peace in Central Park on Sunday, September 22, 2013, the day before the United Nations General Assembly. This Lantern Floating will bring together thousands of New Yorkers and international visitors to focus on peace at a pivotal time when heads of state are gathered at the United Nations. Shinnyo-en is the Buddhist organization responsible for Lantern Floating Hawaii, one of the largest and most moving Memorial Day observances in the country, which attracts 40,000 people to float lanterns in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away.

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Lantern Floating is a symbolic tradition, in which participants float lanterns on water to honor those who have passed away, and represents the interconnection of the past, the present and the future. It also carries with it a message of hope toward a harmonious and peaceful world. Given the theme of this New York Lantern Floating, "Be a Light for Peace," Shinnyo-en will invite people to honor peacemakers and dedicate their lanterns with wishes for peace.

Trump Rink in Central Park will be transformed for the Shinnyo Lantern Floating for Peace, which will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Throughout the day, individuals and families will be able to dedicate their lanterns, float them and participate in other activities. Her Holiness Shinso Ito, the Head Priest of Shinnyo-en and one of the few female Buddhist Masters, will preside over the closing ceremony at dusk.

The Lantern Floating ceremony is a contemporary Shinnyo Buddhist fire and water ceremony, which incorporates cultural and musical performances, ceremonial elements and a communal floating of lanterns. The ceremony is designed to inspire a collective awakening for peace and compassion and to celebrate the harmony in the diversity of New York City.

About Shinnyo-en

Shinnyo-en is an international Buddhist community dedicated to helping people realize greater self-awareness, happiness, and harmony for the good of humanity. Shinnyo Buddhism is inspired by the Mahayana Nirvana Sutra, the last teachings of the Buddha, which emphasize the ability of anyone to achieve enlightenment. With more than 100 temples and one million practitioners worldwide, Shinnyo-en helps people from all backgrounds and faiths to cultivate their true self or "buddha nature" through guided meditation, service and the application of Buddhist principles in everyday life. For more information, visit www.shinnyoen.org.

About Her Holiness Shinso Ito

Her Holiness Shinso Ito (born April 25, 1942), the Head Priest of Shinnyo-en, embodies the principles of Shinnyo Buddhism and leads the community of close to one million practitioners.  Shinso Ito trained under Master Shinjo, Founder of Shinnyo-en, and is one of his few disciples who completed the Shinnyo Samaya Rite. When Shinjo Ito passed away in 1989, Shinso Ito became his successor.  She is one of the few women to be granted the title of daisojo, the highest priestly rank in Japanese Buddhism.

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SOURCE Shinnyo-en