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Introduction to Shinnyo-en Practices

The Three Practices at Shinnyo-en were developed by Master Shinjo & Tomoji Ito as a practical way to apply the core teachings of Buddhism in daily life. They are condensed from the traditional Buddhist training of the Six Paramitas, which are giving, ethical conduct, patient perserverance, diligent exertion, meditation and wisdom.
Together with Shinnyo-en’s unique form of meditation, the Three Practices form the foundation of our spiritual path. They help us grow, act with compassion and wisdom in our life.
The Three Practices nurture a spirit of generosity, enabling us to contribute more meaningfully to the happiness and well-being of others. While each practice is effective on its own, they are most effective when applied together as a well-rounded method for spiritual growth.

The Three Practices

Sharing the Dharma

Sharing the Dharma is a practice that includes sharing our own practice journey, reaching out with kindness, empathy, acceptance, or simply being present for others, listening deeply, encouraging what is already good within them to grow and shine, helping them to discover their own buddha nature/innate goodness

Joyous Giving

The practice of making offerings or donating to support the teaching activities of Buddhist lineages goes back to the earlier days of Buddhism.

At Shinnyo-en Singapore, the act of joyous giving takes the form of monetary donations which alters your attachment to material wealth and nurtures your ability to let go and share. Such acts are precious because of the purity of the sincere act itself.

Selfless Service

This is a practice where we sincerely offer our time to support the activities of the Shinnyo-en sangha or serve the wider community.

Whether it is volunteering at the temple or picking up litter in a public space, this practice helps us to quiet our minds and allows us to realise our hearts’ natural capacity for compassionate actions.

Sesshin meditative training

Meditation helps us connect with the joyful, wise, and compassionate nature within us. As we begin to act on the insights we gain, we gradually develop greater clarity and understanding. With consistent practice, it becomes more natural to think and respond to life from the perspective of your awakened self, which is what Buddhism refers to as our buddha nature, the inner clarity, wisdom and compassion we all have.
Over time Buddhism has evolved various techniques for self-discovery and transformation. There are many forms of meditation which people practice.
In Shinnyo-en, we have a unique form of meditation called sesshin meditative training. Sesshin （接心）means “touching the essence of buddhahood.” Sesshin guides you to see things from the perspective of a buddha, it also allows you to see yourself more objectively and realise the interdependent relationships that compose the universe. During a sesshin meditation, a Shinnyo-en member sits with a trained spiritual guide who offer words of spiritual guidance. The guidance is shared one-to-one and is specific to support what that person may need most at that point in their life. As you apply what you learn through sesshin to your daily life, you will gradually begin to uncover the buddha (awakened one) within you.

Receiving guidance

Members are encouraged to apply their realisations from sesshin meditation to their daily lives, such as at home, at work, or in relationships.