SOCIAL AWARENESS

As each person finds peace of the soul and ultimate fulfillment through humble efforts made with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, the world at large will also reflect this change that takes place from the inside out.

Buddhism also encourages its adherents to act for the sake of others, not just for oneself or one's own family or community. This is the altruistic heart of unconditional kindness, compassion and caring for others, which is common to all of humanity. Fostering this generosity of spirit is fundamental to one's practice and cultivation of buddha nature, and so Shinnyo-en members are encouraged to become involved in society and learn how to better serve others without attachment to specific rewards or results. Emphasis is placed on becoming a person who always considers the happiness of others to be equally important as one's own.

According to the Head of Shinnyo-en, "Making a contribution does not only mean donating one's time or money; it means to live actively amongst others. It is to be engaged with the surrounding community, become aware that there are things we can do, and take action."

Events such as the annual Shinnyo-en Hawaii Lantern Floating Ceremony on the ocean waters around Hawaii to pray for all souls and for peace in the world, efforts such as the cleaning of public places by volunteers, or involvement in cultural activities can all contribute in different ways to the happiness of the greater community.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

Volunteer Activities

Univers (pr. "You-nee-vair") Volunteers - The elderly providing support to their peers
Green Volunteers - Promoting the growth and preservation of healthy forests
SeRV - Shinnyo-en Relief Volunteers (Japan/Taiwan)
Early Morning Cleaning Volunteers (Approx. 6,000 public locations in the world)
River and field cleanup (Japan/Australia)

Culture

K*Mopa - Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts (which provides exhibition space for young photo artists or leading edge photo technology)
Reconstruction of ancient musical instruments from records preserved in the Shosoin Repository
Supporting excavation of Angkor Wat ruins in Cambodia
Satellite broadcast programs

Education

Shinnyo-en Foundation (USA) - Providing grants for the development of ethical education in public schools
Ito International Educational Exchange- Supporting international students studying in other countries
Collecting oral folktales in Asia and producing children's picture books
Nature school for kids with Japan Environmental Educational Forum
Center for Information on Religion - Database center for researchers
Schoolbag donations in Cambodia - Donating school supplies

Medical Care

Izumi Foundation - Supporting measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially of the eyes; in cooperation with the WHO (World Health Organization)

Cooperation with existing Organizations

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund
WFP - World Food Programme
MSF - Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
KnK - Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi (Kinders Without Borders)
Red Cross Society
JVC - Japan International Volunteer Center
WWF - Worldwide Fund for Nature
WHO - World Health Organization
CLIS - (France) Helping disabled children
Japan Rescue Association - Rescuing stray dogs for retraining as support dogs for the disabled
Minsai Center - Supporting Education in Thailand and Laos with the "Darunee Fund"
The Japan-Turkey Culture Society - Supporting archeological research and artifact preservation
Saori fabrics - Contemporary hand woven Institute
Shanti Volunteer Association
Japan International Center for the Rights of the Child (JICRC)
Japan Environmental Educational Forum
Disaster Relief: Mongolian blizzard catastrophe; Floods in China and Mozambique; Central American hurricane relief; Earthquake disasters in Turkey, Western India, El Salvador, etc.