Fo Guang Shan (North Island)New Year’s Day Pilgrimage

Approximately 250 devotees , famous Hong Kong actress Cheng Pei-pei and BLIA President Dolly Tsai included , gathered at 6 am on 1 January for the Pilgrimage .
To the chime of the morning bell and drum, everyone was led by the Venerables from the gate, doing three steps and one prostration to the Main Shrine. As everyone moved, hearts were opened and were purified.
Transference of merit occurred in the Merit Field before the Main Shrine following a recitation of “A Prayer for Pilgrimage” written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Abbess Venerable Manshin’s goal is that everyone cultivates compassion and wisdom through this event.
This is the 6th year Fo Guang Shan (North Island) has held the New Year’s Day Pilgrimage . The Temple wants to encourage people to make this event an annual activity to increase their morality and to awaken their Buddha nature.