On July 23, 2023 (the 6th day of the 6th lunar month), the Abbot of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou Venerable Master Guangquan led the Lingyin Sangha and lay Buddhists to pay homage to the sacred Bodhimanda (way place) of Guanyin Bodhisattva at Putuo Mountain. They followed the Buddhist ritual of bowing to the ground in a full prostration every three steps.
At 7:30 in the morning, the pilgrimage team, led by Venerable Master Guangquan, started their journey from the mountain gate archway at the Putuo Mountain Pier. They followed the ancient path of incense, known as the Miao-Zhuang-Yan Road, and paid their respects and prostrated along the way.
Since ancient times, the Miao-Zhuang-Yan Road has been the main pilgrimage route to Putuo Mountain. This ancient path of incense starts from the beginning of Duan Gu Pier and passes through Baihua Temple, Zhengqu Pavilion and Sansheng Hall. It winds along the slopes of Baihua Mountain and reaches Puji Temple, with a total distance of approximately 3,800 meters.
Although it was the height of summer, the weather on Putuo Mountain was cool with a gentle breeze. Guided by the crisp sounds of ringing bells, the pilgrims moved forward in unison, prostrating themselves every three steps. With unwavering faith and aspiration, they earnestly strove towards the boundless compassion and wisdom of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
The procession of pilgrims stretched for hundreds of meters, and along the way, tourists, out of curiosity or deeply moved, stood solemnly and paused to watch. They were all deeply touched, and many people voluntarily joined the pilgrimage, rejoicing in the meritorious deeds of the gathering crowd.
The Yulin Volunteers from Lingyin Temple actively participated in supporting this pilgrimage. The volunteers meticulously handled tasks such as providing water, distributing medicine, and collecting garbage, ensuring the orderly progress of the pilgrimage activities and showcasing the positive image of the Buddhist community in Hangzhou.
