What a day! After participating in the largest climate march in history, attending the Shinnyo Lantern Floating for Peace was the icing on the cake! For the second year, the Shinnyo-en Buddhist community brought together people of all colors, religions, and cultures; providing an opportunity to offer our message for peace in our families, our communities, and our environment. The event, based on the traditional Buddhist fire and water ceremony, uses the floating lantern to connect the past, the present and the future…an offering of thanks to those who have gone before us and a promise to make the world a better place for the future. A touching, emotional ceremony and the perfect ending to an amazing day…
Among the grove of trees nestled in the Hearst Plaza area of Lincoln Center, tables and supplies were provided for everyone to construct their lantern and write our messages. There were no screaming kids or folks talking loud or demanding this or that…just hundreds of people of all ages showing compassion and kindness as we all worked on our lanterns. These scenes warmed my heart as much as the ceremony itself…
this capture especially…”we are family”
does it get any better than this?
the smiles…all ages…all colors…all religions involved…
The day was also World Alzheimer’s Day…
a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world
concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
adding my voice…
We were encouraged to float our lanterns in the nearby reflecting pool earlier in the afternoon
instead of at the special closing of the ceremony later that night.
Belief is that you want your lantern in the water
during the time the head priest of Shinnyo-en performs her ceremonial ritual.
this man’s personal message brought tears to my eyes…
…wishing I was home…a peaceful home…
As if knowing…
someone from the ceremony offered me an additional lantern.
Like last year, I once again floated my second lantern in memory of my daddy…
And for those of us who remained at the very close of the ceremony…
the young trumpet virtuoso…Alphonso Horne…continued to play…
backed by some incredible performers from the Julliard School…
Walking home on a perfect fall night…thinking back over the day…
the climate march…the lantern ceremony…the performances…
how fortunate we are to live in a democratic society that believes in the human rights of its people.
Think of the number of countries and the millions of people who don’t.
~~~
Oh Dear Robin,
Your experience shared and beautiful photographs brought tears to my eyes, too.
That mans lantern, so emotionally evoking, how I can relate, as I am sure millions of others can.
I can almost hear the trumpent playing and feel the emotions of being there.
I love your lantern and also that you had the opportunity to dedicate a second one to your Daddy.
Thank you so very much for sharing your lovely experience of the day, the march, the evening with us.
Namaste, my lovely friend.
Very impressive post. Impressive pictures. What an honor to wittiness this beautiful event. I love you lantern dedicated to your dad.
We are fortunate that we live where we live.
Robin you are such a gifted person with your photography and your stories and you are able to touch people in the soul.
Love and hugs.
Heartwarming! A very touching post.And your pictures capture the special atmosphere perfectly!
No wonder you love YOUR city so much, dear Robin. I wonder where I would have to go here in the Netherlands to see such soulful exhibits of love and outreach? I want to keep my eyes and ears open because we need more of this everywhere. Thank you for sharing!
I will always remember the lantern lighting ceremony from my last trip to your city last year. It was one of the most beautiful and emotional ceremonies I had ever seen. Thanks for sharing his beautiful reminder. Love you. Xoxo
Thank you for your visit to my blog, and I’m delighted to meet you! I’ve been browsing your blog, and your photography tells a beautiful story and gives a keen insight into you as a person. I can see from this post your compassion and commitment to your community and our world. I really enjoy taking pictures of community events – such an open invitation to talk with people and take those special pictures that document life in an artful manner. Looking forward to class with you.
What a beautiful post and on so many levels, it fills me with hope that enough folk doing the climate march and then this can make a difference. My only fear is that those we allow to make the decisions are not up to the job, most unfortunately are self serving individuals interested in only what they can have.
The biggest tragedy of course is that there is even a debate on this we have one world and if we wish to continue living on it we have to change, failure to do so will mean nobody wins even those who have wealthin abundance and no spiritual element to their soul.
Beautiful!
You are in such a perfect place for your big heart & awesome talent … thank you for using both & for sharing this beautiful gathering.
I have goose bumps all over … great event, and your pictures are perfect!