The first-ever Shinnyo Lantern Floating for Peace was held a few weeks ago right before my magical, inspirational and meditative trip to the wilds of Vermont. What a great way to start the week! Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Central Park to find the Trump Rink (aka Wollman Skating Rink) transformed into a large reflecting pool filled with hundreds of lit paper lanterns. This entire event was orchestrated by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist Community, and headed by one of the highest ranking woman Buddhist leaders in the world, Shinso Ito.
The simple message was to decorate and float a lantern for peace. An ancient tradition, the lantern floating is a symbolic ritual in which participants float lanterns on water to honor those who have passed away, and represent the interconnection of the past, the present and the future. Along with the lantern, a message of hope toward a harmonious and peaceful world. Part of a symbolic fire and water ceremony, the fire (light) symbolizes an awakening and the water represents compassion. Towards the end of the ceremony some 2,ooo plus lanterns had been decorated with individual messages and set afloat onto the pool of water. A sight to behold and even more so when the shinnyo taiko drummers played with intermittent sounds from their gong. It still gives me chills just thinking about this experience. One that I will always remember and so hope that the Shinnyo-en community will continue to share with us in future years in Central Park.
Have a wonderful weekend…
and remember to shine your light…
namaste
I can just imagine what this must have looked and felt like, Robin! WOW. My guess is the feedback was so overwhelming they will indeed continue the tradition.
That is a beautiful event and yes I see continuation too.
I love the peaceful atmosphere, wonderful pictures (as usual 🙂 )
See you within 12 hours, almost on our way to the airport.
Magical!
An absolutely wonderful idea and fabulous photos. This is going on my Pinterest Board Past, Present! And Future.
This was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever seen. It will remain in my memory forever too. Loved it and you MORE!!!
I have goosebumps all over. Robin, thank you for taking us there!
This post gave me shivers. In a good way.
Stunning. I LOVE this idea!
Thank you. Xx
I love this. What’s wonderful idea and the pics are great although I’m sure they could hardly capture the magic of that moment.
Hi Robin, In the top photograph I like the pale blues of the lanterns and in the last photograph I like the many shades of green ripples in the water.
Such an inspiration Robin, I love this 🙂
This sounds like an amazing event, I would love to been there to experience it.
Divine images, Robin!
What a beautiful idea and I’m sure it was pure magic to experience it right out your front door. Such a blessing that you share so much here … thank you.
Isn’t that beautiful. I also love those balloons they send up powered by a little candle or a flame of some kind, which may come down and burn someone else’s washing, but that’s another story: Chinese lanterns I think they’re called
What a wonderful post! And oh, how I wish I could have attended this event! Thanks for sharing these beautiful images!
Thanks everyone for your comments! This event made it to my top ten list of best experiences in NYC!