The word shinnyo is a buddhist term that means "unchanging truth," whereas en means "a garden that is open to everyone."

Shinnyo-en is a buddhist order established in Japan by founder Shinjo Ito in Tachikawa, (the western part of Tokyo) in 1936. With his wife, Tomoji, he sought a way to help all people find true happiness and spiritual salvation. Shinjo Ito was ordained as a monk and had training at Kyoto's Daigoji Monastery of Shingon Buddhism. Succeeding to the traditional Dharma stream (lineage), he became a Great Master (acharya). Later, in order to make it possible for not only monastic devotees who have denounced their worldly life, but also for lay devotees, to attain enlightenment, Shinjo Ito established his own Buddhist order independent of Shingon Buddhism. He based his order not only on Shingon Buddhism, but also upon the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, considered the last teaching and testament of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Since Founder Shinjo Ito's passing in 1989, the present head of the order, Shinso Ito, has been guiding Shinnyo-en to expand its contribution to society. With the Buddhist spirit of harmony as its foundation, Shinnyo-en has founded various humanitarian organizations, as well as funded charitable organizations throughout the world. This was always the intention of the founder.

While basing itself on the traditions of Buddhism, Shinnyo-en has tried to adapt itself to modern society. As a set of teachings by which monastic and lay followers can equally master the Buddhist path, Shinnyo-en has transcended national boundaries and established branch temples in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

CONTACT INFORMATION

SHINNYO-EN is located in Moili'ili:

SHINNYO-EN HAWAII
2348 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96826 USA
tel: (808) 947-2814

Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order: www.shinnyo-en.org
Shinnyo-en USA: www.shinnyoenusa.net

LINKS

Na Lei Aloha Foundation: www.naleialoha.org
Shinnyo-En Foundation: www.sef.org
Univers Foundation: www.univers.or.jp