Saisho Ceremony:
A Deeper Look

The term “saisho” refers to the all-encompassing power of awakening that transcends all boundaries, manifested by our desire to do good for others.

The saisho ceremony is an invitation for us to look into the self on a profound level so we can let our individual goodness shine through. Officiated by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, the Head of Shinnyo-en, this ceremony sparks the joy of acting for the well-being of others by bringing together our prayers for the past, present, and future.

A History of Praying for Peace

The first saisho event was held in 1992 towards realising founding master, Shinjo Ito’s wish of bringing peace to the world. Envisioned to foster harmony and deepen dialogues, the saisho ceremony has since been celebrated in many parts of the world including Japan, France, Taiwan, Germany, and the United States.

The service is conducted before the nirvana image, sculpted by Master Shinjo Ito with the wish for each of us to awaken to our inner light and let it shine through.

The “sai” in saisho means to help, and “sho” means to reach out to others. The term refers to the act of grasping the hand of others to together experience true fulfillment and happiness. Extending beyond personal spiritual awakening, through the saisho ceremony we offer as gifts our actions of hope and healing in a spirit of togetherness to create a harmonious world.

Watch the 2014
Saisho Ceremony in Taipei

The Rituals of Fire and Water

Offering of Rice and Water

Offering of Pure Water and Rice

Integral to merit transfer services, this rite of offering pure water and rice represents our thoughts and prayers to offer sustenance and nourishment to those who came before us. With this symbolic gesture, we extend our gratitude towards them and express our boundless prayers for happiness and peace.

Lantern Floating

Lantern Floating

Shinnyo-en began its tradition of floating lanterns when Kyodoin, the first son of the founders of Shinnyo-en, passed away. Through lantern floating, we also can connect with our loved ones who have passed on. We meditate on the people who have made us who we are today and let their acts of goodness become our guiding light in the present.

Homa

Homa

Central to the saisho ceremony is the homa rite that depicts fire as the symbol of wisdom to awaken the innate goodness within us. Fire gives us courage and hope to inspire and empower us towards action.

Chanting

Chanting

There are numerous mantras and prayers chanted throughout the ceremony, including Shinnyo Joraku Saisho Ogen: “May our altruistic effort bring about true lasting joy and happiness for all.” When we join in the chanting, we take an active part in the ceremony by expressing our intent to transfer to others the benefits of our actions. The collective act of chanting takes us on a spiritual journey in our search to achieve shinnyo, a blissful state of joy, to experience awakening in the here and now.

Homa Altar

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