By 
ONTARIO, Canada — Hundreds of participants gathered at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden of Canada this fall for the 21st annual “Three Steps, One Bow” pilgrimage, completing a six-and-a-half-hour journey along several kilometres of mountain roads.
Held annually for more than two decades, the pilgrimage is a practice rooted in gratitude, humility and reflection. Participants move slowly along the route, taking three measured steps before each bow and repeating the sequence throughout the journey.
The physically demanding practice also offers a rare pause from the pace of everyday life. Along the way, participants encouraged one another, younger pilgrims accompanied family members and friends, and volunteers provided support throughout the route.
Each bow carries symbolic meaning, expressing humility, respect and gratitude, while rising again represents the determination to continue forward. The practice can also become a moment to reflect on family, life’s encounters, the past and hopes for the future.
After 21 years, “Three Steps, One Bow” continues to bring hundreds of people together in a shared journey of perseverance and reflection — three steps, one bow, and forward again.
