The ceremonial proper lead by the instruments played by full time vegetarian volunteers. 【Photo by Angelie Lim】
Story Highlights
On the 28th April 2019, the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines had their annual Pilgrimage Ceremony or 3 Steps and 1 Bow pilgrimage which falls on the birthday of Dharma Master Cheng Yen. A total of 905 local volunteers, scholars and beneficiaries started gathering at 5:00 in the morning at Jing Si Hall.
On the 28th April 2019, the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines had their annual Pilgrimage Ceremony or 3 Steps and 1 Bow pilgrimage which falls on the birthday of Dharma Master Cheng Yen. A total of 905 local volunteers, scholars and beneficiaries started gathering at 5:00 in the morning at Jing Si Hall. The line goes all the way around the perimeters of the venue, the volunteers mindfully kneel and bow with respect and sincerity with every three steps while chanting the name of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Other than paying respects to the Buddha, this practice could help purify the mind as they walk along the spiritual path. With a heartfelt gratitude while mindfully doing every steps, one can cultivate blessings and wisdom.
After everyone reached the entrance of the Jing Si Hall, the volunteers were invited to the auditorium to listen to a short briefing on the meaning and the history of this auspicious ceremony. A Tzu Chi prayer ended the ceremony, which was led by the Tzu Chi CEO Henry Yuñez. Breakfast was diligently prepared with love by the Tzu Chi livelihood volunteers and was served to all of the participants of the ceremony. The Chinese volunteers gathered at 9:00 am to recite the Buddhist Medicinal sutra and had live stream gathering along with the international Tzu Chi volunteers.
A simple action with a big impact
Michelle Laroza, a Tzu Chi volunteer for 5 years, she felt that being in Tzu Chi is exciting. Even though it was tiring but there is a sense of happiness and fulfillment at the same time. For the first time, she decided to join the 3 steps 1 bow ceremony. Observing the people doing the same, she felt that the task was easy to be fulfilled. When it was her turn to kneel down, she became nervous and uneasy. For every bow, she was repenting from all of her mistakes and being grateful for all of the blessings that she has received.
Another set of first-time volunteers is a couple who joined Tzu Chi last November 2018, they became vegetarian after joining Taiwan’s Entrepreneur Camp. Roger Siy felt that doing this activity is very significant and meaningful. While his wife, Jenny Siy, said that the activity felt like there is peace in the world.
Blessings create more blessings
Sy Siu Ha is an elderly Tzu Chi volunteer who joined the foundation since 1993 in Taiwan. Seeing a lot of people coming together in order to participate the activity made her feel happy. She’s grateful for all of the volunteers who came together in making this event possible.
Despite coming from a Muslim background, Tzu Chi long term beneficiary Eden Rapsing together with her daughter came in order to express their deep gratitude for all of the blessings they’ve received especially from the cash assistance from Tzu Chi foundation provided her for her breast cancer.
A visitor named Cai Hui Sun was very inspired by the culture and the people in Tzu Chi Foundation. Walking down the path, she feels very happy and comfortable to be with the people from Tzu Chi. She is already thinking of joining Tzu Chi and becoming a volunteer in Tzu Chi.
