The history of Shinnyo-en began in 1936 Shinjo Ito had successful career and comfortable life as an aircraft engineer. He was also a trusted member of the community, and many sought his guidance about personal matters. Seeing potential in Buddhism as a means to guide people to happiness, Shinjo and co-founder Tomoji then dedicated themselves to a religious path. Shinjo began training in Shingon, a major school of Japanese Buddhism founded in the 9th century CE, at the Daigoji monastery in Kyoto. Shingon teaches that enlightment is not a distant goal that can take countless lifetimes to attain but is integral to the reality we inhabit today. With the guidance of a genuine teacher, enlightenment can be realized through practice.
SHINJO ITO (Founder)
Shinjo and Tomoji clearly understood that most people would not be willing to make the arduous monastic commitment necessary to properly receive the Shingon teachings, Therefore, he determinedly studied sacred Buddhist texts (known as sutras), searching for teachings that contained the essence of Shingon's mystical truths but which also made those truths accessible to laypeople. Shinjo concluded that the Nirvana Sutra was the perfect text with which he could help people as it emphasized that everyone without exception can cultivate the four virtues of loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity that give rise to enlightenment.
TOMOJI (Co-founder)
Today Shinnyo-en is led by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, hinjo's direct successor. Shinso builds on the work of Masters Shinjo and Tomoji, profoundly aware that the way must be meaningful for people living today. She teaches an engaged form of Buddhism that guides both the individual and Shinnyo-en as whole. Shinso preserves the spirit of the teachings exemplified by the founders of Shinnyo-en and guides people with her warmth and conviction. Her inspiring message of peace and enlightments is infused with a palpable sense of empathy and joy.
