[130] My Pilgrimage To Be Closer To Āmítuófó
I have always felt that it was a great pity that I missed chances to participate in previous pilgrimages organised by Laoshi (Teacher), to the holy sites of Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) in India, and the famous mountains (名山) of the Four Great Bodhisattvas (四大菩萨) in China, etc.
As he has been to Dōnglín Monastery (东林寺) already, I thought visiting it with him was very unlikely. So, when he announced in PPF (Pureland Practice Fellowship) about the pilgrimage to visit it with Pure Land Patriarchs’ monasteries late last year, I was very keen and excited.
However, I had many worries about my health then, especially my chronic stomach issues, with its dietary restrictions and requirements. But as I wanted to go, I supplicated Āmítuófó (阿弥陀佛) for help.
My wish was to practise 3-steps 1-bow (三步一拜), to reach and see the big Āmítuófó image at Dōnglín Monastery’s Pure Land Park’s (东林寺净土苑) peak. I feel that being with the Big Buddha is the closest I can get to be with Āmítuófó, as if it is the place closest to him on earth.
When I asked my husband if he wishes to practise the 3-steps 1-bow twice, he remained silent. Usually, this means he is not keen or has reservations. I suggested starting ‘training’ on our treadmill. He did so once only. He told me he is joining the trip just to accompany me.
As the date for departure got closer, I got more nervous. It has been 6 years since I flew, and this is the first overseas trip with Laoshi and PPF Purelanders for me and my husband. Nevertheless, the preparation went smoothly and pleasantly.
I am very grateful and thankful. To list some blessings:
[i] Āmítuófó: With gratitude to Āmítuófó’s blessings. My weak stomach started to show signs of improvement without special medication or treatment in November last year, and I slowly gained a little weight thereafter, which made me feel stronger and more confident for this trip. During the trip, I had little discomfort despite the cold temperature and wind.
[ii] Organisers: With gratitude to Laoshi and Sis. WY’s organising and planning of such a wonderful itinerary, giving me health advice, and assuring that there will be suitable food during the trip. Indeed, we were so well-fed. The food was simply excellent.
[iii] Spouse: With gratitude to my husband, for finally agreeing to join me on this pilgrimage, and for participating in the 3-steps 1-bow all the way to the top. You are amazing! I enjoyed myself thoroughly throughout and think he appreciates the pilgrimage as well.
[iv] Purelanders: With gratitude to all other Purelanders, for the happy vibes, sharing of snacks, medication, hydration salts and laughter.
We visited many monasteries. To name the Pure Land Patriarchal Monasteries (净土祖庭):
[1] Dōnglín Monastery (东林寺): This was founded by the Pure Land Tradition’s 1st Patriarch Great Master Huìyuǎn (净土宗初祖慧远大师), as the ‘mother’ of all Pure Land Patriarchal Monasteries. The Dōnglín Monastery’s Pure Land Park (东林寺净土苑) nearby functions like an extension.
[2] Jìngcí Monastery (净慈寺): This is where the Pure Land Tradition’s 6th Patriarch Great Master Yǒngmíng’s (净土宗六祖永明大师) pagoda is, with him regarded as Āmítuófó’s manifestation.
[3] Yúnqī Monastery’s Former Site (云栖寺旧址): This is at Yúnqī Bamboo Path (云栖竹径), where the Pure Land Tradition’s 8th Patriarch Great Master Liánchí’s (净土宗八祖莲池大师) monastery was and his pagoda is.
[4] Língyánshān Monastery (灵岩山寺): This is where the Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng (净土宗十三祖印光大师) stayed and returned to Pure Land from. He is regarded as Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva’s (大势至菩萨) manifestation, where his room, museum and pagoda are.
We practised circumambulation with Niànfó (念佛) around many the above Patriarchs’ pagodas and more, and made offerings at some sites. Because this is a Pure Land Tradition pilgrimage, the whole experience was especially spiritually enriching and fulfilling for me.
If I get to choose to go on only one pilgrimage organised by Laoshi again, this will be the definite one. In my opinion, this is the best and most meaningful pilgrimage. For other pilgrimages, I am alright with not joining them, but not this one!
Āmítuófó : Eunice Cheng
29 March 2026
Related Testimony:
[131] How A Pilgrimage Further Inspired My Pure Land Practice
https://purelanders.com/2026/04/15/131-how-a-pilgrimage-further-inspired-my-pure-land-practice
