Monthly Homa Service

May 28

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THERE ARE MANY different services performed at Shinnyo temples, which vary according to the time of the month or year. One example is the homa rite, conducted monthly on the 28th at Shinnyo-en’s main facility in Japan. The service is broadcast to local temples via satellite or other means. Homa (Jpn. goma) is an ancient Indian rite that predates Buddhism. Homa was performed in many spiritual traditions, but was incorporated into Buddhism as a practice for reconciling personal desires with the altruistic wish to help others.

The ritual is conducted on a raised platform where a fire is built. The flames have symbolic meaning on many different levels, but perhaps the most evocative interpretation is that the fire burns away the delusions and ignorance that separate human beings from the brilliance of their true nature. The cleansing flames help to nurture the aspiration for enlightenment and encourage genuine practice.

Oct 14

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As we welcome our new altar and Nirvana Buddha image at our Eunos temple on the 14 Oct, we remember Master Shinjo’s teachings and wish for us to cultivate our inherent Buddha nature through acts of lovingkindness and compassion.

Did you know that all Shinnyo-en’s Nirvana Buddha images, big or small, are sculpted by our founder, Master Shinjo Ito? Today, the Nirvana Buddha images are created by a mould cast he created when he was alive.

Master Shinjo Ito sculpted with the wish to uncover and develop this hidden buddha nature that is inside every individual. In his words, “I would like you to feel at peace sitting in front of the Nirvana Buddha image. I hope by viewing this Buddha image, people can be awakened to their innate buddha nature and cut the root of negative karma and live a peaceful and joyous life.”

Merit Transfer Service

Oct 24

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Come and join us in prayer on the Merit Transfer service at our newly renovated Singapore Eunos Temple to remember and to transfer merits for those who have passed on.

Of transferring merit, the founders of Shinnyo-en teach as follows:

The rites we conduct for the consolation of spirits help to generate merit. We can complement this with concrete acts such as reaching out and being there for others to help them through times of suffering or sadness. I believe that the joy that is felt will reach even their loved ones who have passed on.

– Shojushinin Tomoji

The way to walk the path is to dedicate the merit of our actions for the sake of others. Embody this heart and spirit. This is what our merit transfer rites are meant to bring out.

– Master Shinjo

Nov 18

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On the 18th November, 2pm, we will welcome Her Holiness to complete the Consecration Ceremony for the new Nirvana Image in our renovated temple.

Her Holiness explained about the meaning of consecrating a image

“The image expresses the truth of the Buddha nature in every single being, without exception, and is imbued with the wish of the Shinnyo Masters to create a world of “permanence, bliss, self, and purity” in this world. The ceremony inspires people to seek personal growth and awakening through acts of kindness, generosity and compassion in our daily life. In this way, we can let our Buddha nature emerge and develop in the form of our unique positive qualities, and transmit joy to others. That is the true meaning of the reconstruction and the re-inspiriting of the Nirvana Image.”

Feast of Enlightenment

Dec 08

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On the 8^th of December, we will commemorate the Buddha’s spiritual awakening through the Feast of Enlightenment. It marks the moment Shakyamuni Buddha sat under a Bodhi tree in Bodghaya to meditate and discover the path to spiritual liberation despite the many obstacles he had to face.

At Shinnyo-en, this service will be conducted at the main altar of the Ogen Center. Prayers will be offered in front of the Nirvana image in gratitude and reciprocation for the enlightened masters who paved the way for us to aspire to spiritual liberation. The Nirvana image, sculpted by founding Master Shinjo, reveals the expression of Shakyamuni as he attained enlightenment.

During this day, we also remember the resolve and compassion of the Shinnyo Parents to establish the Shinnyo Path despite their many hurdles. Through this service, it is hoped that practitioners will be inspired with the same spirit of immovability to renew their efforts to practice the Shinnyo teaching.

Monthly Homa Service

Service to Enshrine the Nirvana Image

Merit Transfer Service

Consecration Ceremony for the Nirvana Image

Feast of Enlightenment