Before dawn breaks, more than 300 Tzu Chi volunteers gather outside Jing Si Hall to join the bowing pilgrimage. Everyone bows low to touch the ground, which is a rare sight in modern Singapore. 

Tzu Chi volunteer, Ho Xin Qin: Although the road is very rough, our minds are calm and still. So we can keep an equanimous mind, which is a form of spiritual cultivation. Modern day people lead fast paced lives, so we hardly have such an opportunity to settle our minds, practise repentance, and “move forward” in the right direction.

With every 3 steps and 1 bow, the volunteers overcome their physical exhaustion. Although many of them have reddened foreheads, they participate joyfully to mark Tzu Chi Taiwan's 53^rd anniversary.

Tzu Chi volunteer, Cheng Shiu Hsiang: Master Cheng Yen often tells us that as disciples of the Buddha, we must humble ourselves and respect every living bodhisattva around us. What strikes me even more deeply is to awaken myself to all of my imperfections. I’ve also learned that in Tzu Chi, we must cultivate wisdom besides sowing blessings. 

After the pilgrimage, the volunteers link up with Tzu Chi’s headquarters in Taiwan via video conferencing to join the Medicine Buddha Dharma service. As Tzu Chi marks its 53^rd year, the volunteers continue to strive forth on the Bodhisattva Path with faithful and steadfast footsteps, working unitedly to contribute to society.