The world of Tzu Chi June 2025 (Vol.154)

2025 • 06 18 pecial Feature By the Tzu Chi Documenting Team Photo by Lai Jih Chuan Three Steps, One Bow: A Journey towards Inner Tenderness Prostrating pilgrimage is one of Buddhism’s most profound and devout practices, where participants walk with palms pressed together, fully prostrating themselves every few steps as they advance towards sacred Buddhist sites. This unified reverence of body, mind, and action serves not only as a solemn ritual to honour the Buddha, but also as an inward journey of surrender and purification. T o mark Tzu Chi’s 59th anniversary, three prostrating pilgrimage sessions were held at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall on April 26, 27, and May 1, 2025, drawing over 4,600 volunteers and members of the public. At dawn’s first light, orderly lines stretched along the front road, and flanked both sides of the Jing Si Hall compound, forming a scene of solemnity and grace. Each bow a surrender A gentle breeze stirred as the chanting of the “Incense Praise” and “Praise to the Buddha” echoed across the premises. Guided by the sound of the ceremonial bell and the rhythmic recitation of the Buddha’s name, the procession moved forward, taking three steps before prostrating themselves fully, foreheads touching the ground, palms turned skyward. Despite sweat-drenched clothes, participants of all ages pressed on. Young children from the Da Ai Kindergarten earnestly mimicked the prostrations with their tiny frames, while those using wheelchairs or facing physical limitations joined in their own ways, but with equal reverence. Each mindful