The world of Tzu Chi June 2024 (Vol.150)

22 2024 • 036 3 6 By the Tzu Chi Documenting Team Compiled by the Editorial Team Translated by Yi-Qin Photo by Lee Kwee Yap With heartfelt devotion and deep introspection, participants embraced the spiritual significance of each bow and step. Bowing Pilgrimage for Inner Purification T he story of Tzu Chi’s bowing pilgrimage began with two devoted women. In 1979, during a Tzu Chi Commissioner gathering, Master Cheng Yen announced plans to build a hospital. Concerned about the immense burden on the Master, many disciples tried to dissuade her. However, volunteer Wang You-jin believed that as a disciple, she should wholeheartedly support the Master’s vision. She not only fundraised diligently, but also performed a bowing pilgrimage to pray for the early completion of the hospital and for the Master’s health. Every time she travelled from Taipei to the Jing Si Abode, she would bow every three steps from the intersection between Jingshe Street and Suhua Highway. The journey of over 650 metres took about two hours. Deeply moved, her sister, Chen Jin-hua, later joined her in this act of reverence and devotion. By Tzu Chi’s Anniversary in 1982, more people across Taiwan had joined them, sharing a common goal. From there, the bowing pilgrimage evolved into a tradition during the annual Tzu Chi’s Anniversary celebration. Moments of self-reflection and renewal In conjunction with Tzu Chi’s 58th Anniversary, the KL & Selangor Chapter organised a bowing pilgrimage on April 20 and May 1, 2024, drawing over 5,000 participants vent