Finding strength in the people around you

The following is the story of Shinnyo-en member Jin Takamizu, who lives in the Tokyo area and shared this very personal account of how his faith gave him the courage to persevere, and eventually triumph, in the face of adversity.

Jin Takamizu, who practices in Tokyo, Japan, shares the story of a spiritual breakthrough he experienced while undergoing surgery to correct a cleft lip and palate he lived with for most of his life. He describes how undergoing that painful experience helped him discover a sense of purpose in life.

Shinnyo‑en practitioner Kevin Shi, from Seattle, reflects on how the teachings offered him guidance and perspective when struggling with depression, helping him to rediscover a sense of inner harmony and self-worth.

Amy, an American living in Sweden, shares the story of how the simple practice of offering merit on behalf of family members that she had never met opened the way for healing and reunion within her extended family.

In this article from a 1954 Shinnyo‑en newsletter, a member of the temple staff describes an early lantern floating officiated by Shinjo and Tomoji Ito. Despite the many decades since it was written, the account will be remarkably familiar to participants of contemporary lantern floatings.

Her Holiness likens living a true spiritual life to greeting others with a reverent expression of appreciation. A spirit of gratefulness for others and all that we have cultivates contentment and joy within us. It is a simple practice that we can only experience in the company of others.

Takako Masuda, whose disability once made her introverted and aloof, describes how a warm, encouraging gesture from Her Holiness helped her realize we never truly walk alone.

Tracy Yang, who lives in the United States, shares the story of her family breaking apart, the hardship of emigrating to New York with her mother, how sesshin helped her to uproot feelings of anger toward her and truly see her for who she is, and how with practice, her bitterness turned to joy.

French practitioner Nicolas Simonet shares how, even after being a member of Shinnyo‑en for a long time and feeling he knew more than others, a crisis in his relationship provided him a mirror to see his own failings, and finally ground his practice in his heart.

Lisa Bandiera, a member of the Shinnyo‑en temple in Sydney, Australia, describes how sesshin invigorated her spiritual practice within her family, and how studying at Shinnyo‑en has deepened and enriched her understanding of the faith tradition she was raised in.

Shinnyo‑en practitioner Ai Yamanaka, from New York, finds spiritual inspiration, a happy life, and encouragement in the joyful open-heartedness hidden beneath the city’s superficial gruffness.

Master Shinjo Ito, the founder of Shinnyo‑en, shares how the image of Achala (“the immovable one”), inspires development of a spirit of loving kindness and compassion toward others in one’s practice that remains steadfast, regardless of circumstances or recognition.

Her Holiness Shinso Ito shares a childhood memory of celebrating “Boy’s Day” with her mother, illustrating how she skillfully taught by example how to express qualities of buddhahood in everyday life.

Shinnyo‑en member Robert Mize of the temple in Redwood City, California, reflects on how his practice fits into his Christian background, the healing power of mentorship and community at Shinnyo‑en, and on how the long-term perspective fuels his practice of small acts of kindness.

French practitioner Guillaume Riou shares his very personal story of practicing Shinnyo‑en, and how the simple act of praying for a cousin’s premature baby opened his heart to an estranged family member, and helped to heal the whole family.

Shinnyo‑en practitioner Mark, from the United Kingdom but practicing in Japan for the last 20 years, explains how getting in touch with his “buddha nature,” his natural goodness within, helped him recognize the support and friendship of others around him and really be himself.