Note: In 2021, the ceremony could not be held in person due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Her Holiness Shinso Ito instead gave the following words of inspiration and hope via a video message.

At Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi, I draw strength from remembering those who taught me about the positive force that is shinnyo, my loved ones: my parents, who were my spiritual masters, who founded the Shinnyo tradition; and my brothers, who supported their efforts. I pray that the positive force that is shinnyo made from each of our potentials is awakened.

At present, the world is facing unprecedented challenges. People are experiencing their own different struggles every day. I would like to offer a prayer that is very dear to my tradition. I recite “Namu Shinnyo.” They are words imbued with hope that we will be able to rise anew from this moment on.

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

In sharing your light of shinnyo, may you rediscover that your every action contributes to a hopeful future for all.

Mahalo. Namu Shinnyo.