On Monday, May 25, 2009, I attended Shinnyo-en’s 10th Anniversary Lantern Floating held at Ala Moana Park from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The V.I.P. reception was from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. We were seated at 5:30 P.M. and the event was from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.This was my second time attending. I attended the 2008 Lantern Floating.
The theme was called, “Many Rivers One Ocean,” honoring the legacy of ouor loved ones and ancestors. Shinnyo-en message: “The light kindled in each lantern reminds us that we can share with others the same love and we have for our loved ones. All people who embrace diverse cultures, traditions, and thoughts can come together, and our uniqueness can be highlighted with mutual understanding and respect. This is the great ocean of harmony that leads us to lasting peace.”
The order of ceremony: Shinnyo Taiko Ensemble; German trumpet soloist Matthias Hofs, Christina Souza and friends (choir), Guest Performance Lanterns Entrance (There were 6 parent lanterns and thousands of small lanterns. Paren lanterns include Hawaii Lantern and World Peace Lantern); Oli and Hula by Halau Hula Olana and Kumu Hula Olana Ai; Address by Shinnyo-en Priset; Onjiki or food and drink ritual offering spiritual nourishment to the souls; Shomyo Choir (A fusion of Buddhist chant and Western choral harmony, Floating of Lanterns; Sange (Tossing of flowers); and everyone singing “Hawaii Aloha”.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 