New Year Pilgrimage is Cleansing for Body and Mind

On the first of January, Fo Guang Shan South Island Temple conducted the New Year’s Pilgrimage, where around 40 people arrived at the Temple at 6:30 am to participate.

Under the guidance of Venerable Juexi, the pilgrimage group departed from the opposite end of Harakeke Street, and performed “3 Steps and 1 Bow for peace” towards the Buddha Hall of Fo Guang Shan South Island Temple.

Although the road was not ideal, the participants remained focused and dedicated toward the pilgrimage, and were determined to complete it. An hour later, the pilgrimage was completed, and everyone gathered at Buddha Hall with a calm and peaceful mind, where they listened to Venerable Juexi’s talk on the merits of participating in pilgrimages.

Venerable Juexi also expressed her wishes for everyone to be healthy and happy throughout the new year. After the talk, everyone went downstairs to enjoy some “eight treasure congee”, as well as help clean the temple to welcome the New Year.

Account by Fan-Ping Chiang and Sheng-Han Lim