Note: In 2020, the ceremony could not be held in person due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her Holiness Shinso Ito instead gave the following words of inspiration and hope via a video message.

As long as we hold on to hope, we all have what it takes to overcome our challenges. I know how hard it can be when we can’t see what lies ahead of us, when we can’t see how things will unfold, or how much farther we have to go. But there is a light to every tunnel, a pathway out of darkness. In this, we must believe.

The global pandemic reminded us of unseen challenges, but also made visible the value of community and ties that may have previously gone overlooked. These are examples of one of our principal messages at Shinnyo Lantern Floating: “Share Your Light.”

By sharing our inner light with each other, we can let it shine even more. Find what it is that you can do to give joy to the person in front of you. Everyday is an opportunity to take action. As you continue your efforts, you will discover in what way you’d like to give meaning and purpose to your life. Don’t underestimate every bond you share with someone else. Those bonds are ours to cherish, to make our joys so much bigger. These experiences are what build hope.

I’d like to offer you something that is very special to me:

[Her Holiness recites the Jojusan prayer, “Namu Shinnyo.”]

Whenever I am faced with challenges, I recite these words, “Namu Shinnyo” to find the hope and courage I need to go on. It is short and easy to remember and helps us awake to all that is good within us. It inspires us to bring out our potential to make our lives meaningful. These words will empower us with hope and courage to rise from any darkness and overcome our challenges.

I can see the unique light in each and every one of you,and it is beautiful. I hope that you will remember this light and promise that you’ll never allow the light of your good actions to ever be extinguished. Be relentless in having faith in hope and in your inner light of shinnyo. Be proud of it.

From this pandemic, let us come out stronger than we could ever possibly have known.