Contributed by Francis Bencik, Julie Hurst, Cesar Barragan, and Ryan Kusumoto
As a Grants Manager at Shinnyo-en Foundation, I am deeply honored to witness the profound impact of the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony. Held annually on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park, this event serves as a communal experience of remembrance and healing. Thousands gather to release lanterns into the ocean, honoring those who have passed and expressing hopes for a harmonious world.
Shinnyo-en Foundation extends a special invitation to a select group of guests each year, providing them with an opportunity to learn about Shinnyo-en Buddhism and the significance of the Lantern Floating ceremony. At the event, guests have space to reflect and assemble their lanterns, adding to the collective expression of hope and remembrance. This year, Shinnyo-en Foundation hosted four guests Cesar Baragan from Brothers on the Rise, Julie Hurst, a former supervisor for Shinnyo Fellows at Seattle University, Kathleen Quiazon from Notre Dame San Jose High School, and Ryan Kusumoto from Parents and Children Together.
As Julie Hurst beautifully expressed, “[t]he act of setting the lanterns afloat was a tangible way to express our gratitude and love, transforming our personal grief into a shared experience. While our loved ones may no longer be physically present, their spirits continue to inspire and guide us.”
In reflecting on our shared experiences, we come to understand that none of us exist in isolation; we are here because of the generations that came before us. Cesar Baragan captured this sentiment when he shared, “During the ceremony, I was overwhelmed with emotion as thousands of others joined in remembering their ancestors. The stunning ocean, the powerful Taiko drumming, the heartfelt words of Her Holiness Shinso Ito, and the glow of thousands of lanterns brought memories of my parents to the surface, bringing tears—not of sadness, but of joy. My parents lived vibrant lives, passing away not from illness, but after 93 years of rich cultural experiences. They guided me toward a life of peace, service, and the understanding that while there are many rivers, we all flow into one ocean.”
In the end, Ryan Kusumoto’s words resonate that “[t]he Lantern Folding Festival is not just a moment of reflection; it is a call to action. It encourages us to live with kindness and grace, to support one another, and to build a future where these values are cherished and upheld.”
Please enjoy beautiful photos from the 2024 Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii at this link. Stay tuned for the 2024 Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii Reflection video in a few months!