ABOUT
A moment to pause, reflect and appreciate
The floating of lit lanterns offers a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate - creating a natural sense of connectedness with all: past, present and future.
Lantern floating is an opportunity to kindle an optimistic light of hope in ourselves and in others. Her Holiness Shinso, the current head priest of Shinnyo Buddhism, has suggested that taking part creates feelings of togetherness with those around us.
Shinnyo is a Buddhist term referring to reality, or the true nature of things. At the core of every living being exists a ‘true nature’ of goodness, wisdom and compassion - shinnyo is the light that exists in, and connects, us all.
The tradition began 90 years ago, in 1936, held by Masters Shinjo and Tomoji Ito, the founders of the Shinnyo-en community. We invite you to take part this year: to share the experience of community, and together express your own special light of shinnyo, to build hope for the future.
“Like many rivers that flow into the vast ocean, each participant has travelled a distinctive path and is indispensable in creating this unique event to bring collective hope and courage toward the future.”
HER HOLINESS SHINSO ITO, HEAD PRIEST OF SHINNYO-EN
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your visit, step by step
Most people come for the first time. There is nothing you need to know in advance, and nothing you have to do.
01
Arriving
Friendly staff will welcome you at the registration desk. Please have your ticket ready, either printed or on your phone.
02
Your lantern
We provide a lantern and pens to write with. You are welcome to bring your own decorations, such as photographs, to personalise it.
03
Floating
You can float your decorated lantern on the lake at any time while you're here - in your own time, at your own pace.
04
If you wish
Explore the Manor House at your own pace to learn a little about Shinnyo-en, Buddhism and Lantern Floating. The "Why Chant?" workshop and Chanting Rite are open to everyone - just turn up.
There are no set rules for what to write. Hopes for the future and peace in the world; expressions of gratitude for all around us; messages to those we have loved. Please express yourself freely.
SCHEDULE
Three Days
Thursday and Friday evenings, and from the afternoon on Saturday. Come for as long as feels right.
THURSDAY
17th September
16:00 Gates open
17:30 "Why chant?" workshop (Marquee) approx. 30 min
18:30 Chanting Rite (Marquee) approx. 30 min
20:00 Gates close
FRIDAY
18th September
16:00 Gates open
17:30 "Why chant?" workshop (Marquee) approx. 30 min
18:30 Chanting Rite (Marquee) approx. 30 min
20:00 Gates close
SATURDAY
19th September
13:00 Gates open
17:30 "Why chant?" workshop (Marquee) approx. 30 min
18:30 Chanting Rite (Marquee) approx. 30 min
20:00 Gates close
An interactive tour runs in the Manor House throughout each day. A coffee van is on site all three days; a pizza van on Friday and Saturday.
LANTERN STORIES
In their own words
Three short films from people who have taken part.
TICKETS
Register your place
Attending is free, and so are the lanterns. You just need to book a ticket.
Everyone needs a ticket, including children. You'll be asked to show it at the registration desk when you arrive, either printed or on your phone.
Once you register you'll receive a confirmation email with your tickets. This can take up to 48 hours - if it hasn't arrived, please check your spam folder before contacting us.
We ask you to register children as well as adults. There are cameras around during the festival, so an adult needs to read and accept the GDPR policy on their behalf.
To cancel, email enquiries.uk@shinnyo.info with the date and time you reserved.
GETTING HERE
Finding us
By car
Free parking on site for approximately 100 cars. Disabled parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis; spaces are limited.
By bus
Take the K3 from Victoria Road, Surbiton to Rectory Lane, then about a 7-minute walk.
By train
Surbiton Station is served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo. The Manor House is roughly a 20-minute walk. Taxis are available from both station exits.
By bike
A limited number of bicycle racks are available on site.
Accessibility
The garden paths are gravel. Accessible toilet facilities are available in the Manor House and in the garden. There is a lift to the ground floor of the main building and a stairlift to the first floor.
FAQS
Plan your visit
