Shinjo Ito believed that altruism is an integral part our innate goodness, and that through our actions for others we can bring about positive change in the lives of people and our communities. In this theme, Shinnyo-en has developed several Foundations that reach out with a compassionate heart to help those in need across the world.

The Izumi Foundation
The Izumi Foundation gives assistance to the world’s poorest people by supporting programs that improve health in developing countries. Created in 1998 by the lay Buddhist order Shinnyo-en, the foundation expresses Shinnyo-en’s values of compassion, concern for others, and altruism. In the Japanese language, izumi means water source, or fountain. The foundation’s logo is designed to suggest a wellspring, a sustaining source of life. The image is also a reminder of the everlastingly compassionate heart of the Buddha. To date the Foundation has supported 40 projects in 23 countries. As the Izumi Foundation enters its second decade, we continue to hope that our efforts will accumulate, like the countless drops of water that fill the oceans of the world. Link: http://www.izumi.org

Six Billion Paths to Peace
Six Billion Paths to Peace encourages people to create a more harmonious world through their actions -- no matter how small. While Shinjo Ito’s art exhibit was in New York, the Shinnyo-en Foundation built a path to peace in the heart of Times Square. Participants were encouraged to submit their path to peace by a beautiful display on the world famous Reuters screens. Please see the Movie Room for a short video-clip on this event. Link: http://www.sef.org/projects/six-billion-paths-to-peace
 

The Shinnyo-en Foundation
The Shinnyo-en Foundation helps build more caring communities by supporting educational programs that engage and inspire young people in meaningful acts of service. We believe in teaching our children the value of helping others in the spirit of goodwill and without regard to differences of faith or background. The Foundation was established in 1994 by Shinnyo-en, a lay Buddhist order whose members strive to live with utmost sincerity and respect for others. Link: http://www.sef.org

The Nā Lei Aloha Foundation
The Nā Lei Aloha Foundation's goal is to build caring and healthy communities through promoting intergenerational relationships, encouraging leadership development in underprivileged communities, and acting as a convener and catalyst to create harmony among diverse people. Link: http://naleialoha.org
 

Lantern Floating Hawaii Memorial Day
Every Memorial Day thousands of people gather at Ala Moana Beach Park for the Lantern Floating Ceremony led by Her Holiness Keishu Shinso, the spiritual head of Shinnyo-en. The ceremony remembers those who gave their lives in conflict, allows for reflection on the memories of loved ones and dedicates prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future. Just as the waters of the Pacific merge with each ocean, the wish for peace and happiness extends from Hawaii across the globe. Please see the Movie Room for a short video-clip on this event. Link: http://www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com