We warmly welcome you to join us and experience a Buddhist training period at Shinnyo-en starting from January 20th until February 4th

About 2,500 years ago, a young prince left behind the comfort and privilege of his royal life and stepped beyond the walls of his kingdom in search of a way to eliminate the sufferings of life and to find true spiritual peace. He later came to be known as the Buddha or awakened one, because he could see the true nature of all things. Their 'shinnyo'.

Shinnyo is used in the word Shinnyo-en to express the wish to pass on the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment.

90 years ago, on February 8th, 1936 another journey began. Shinjo Ito, who would later become known as the founder of Shinnyo-en, left his comfortable life to devote himself completely to a religious path together with his wife Tomoji Ito. They undertook rigorous training to prepare themselves to share the teachings of Buddhism in a manner accessible to all people. 

After his passing in 1989, his daughter Shinso Ito, also known as Shinnyo Keishu. became his successor and has been leading the Shinnyo teaching until this day, keeping the spirit of her parents alive for future generations.

The upcoming Annual Winter Training commemorates the 90th anniversary of the precious opportunity to connect with the hearts and minds of the founders as they undertook their 30 days of ascetic training in the winter of 1936. Through their dedication, they established a path that continues to guide us toward discovering the light of shinnyo within ourselves.

This year's training is built around the theme that was introduced by Shinso Ito:

Walking in shinnyo - with the world into the future.

 “Walking in shinnyo” can be seen as putting in action the core principles of Buddhism, embodied by our Shinnyo Masters. Like compassion, lovingkindness, and care for others. In Shinnyo esoteric Buddhism we try to grasp the essence of Buddhahood not first by intellectual understanding, but by our experience through the steps we take that are in line with the Buddha.

Shinso Ito teaches us: “Even the smallest step is important. Embody shinnyo in your actions. Only when true deeds accompany the teaching can the essence of the teaching be carried forth to the world and into the future.”

As you follow the Annual Winter Training program, you can participate in viewing lectures, chanting Buddhist mantras, learn from each other, and experiencing joy and liberation while doing good for others.

We wish you a wonderful experience filled with many Buddha moments during the coming 90th anniversary of the Annual Winter Training.

The next item will explain what Annual Winter Training is all about: What is Annual Winter Training?

Namu Shinnyo