Pilgrimage – Autumn – Hiking, Meditation and Prayer – Switzerland
The Zen pilgrimage takes place twice a year (spring & autumn). The first day begins at the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln on the Way of St. James at the benedictine abbey and leads back to the Honora Zen monastery in Reichenburg via the foothills of the Alps. The second day leads over the Linth plain to Wald and over the hills of the Zurich Oberland to Steg.
Start Pilgrimage - Benedictine Abbey Einsiedeln
The pilgrimage begins ceremoniously at 7:15 a.m. with the Lauds service in the Benedictine monastery in the pilgrimage town of Einsiedeln. A sacrificial candle was then lit so that the light would lead us to goodness.
Blessed Virgin Mary,
like every mother, you know the worries of every-day life and the question of what will become of your child. You said Yes to God's mysterious plan and fulfilled the task entrusted to you with love and devotion.
I stand here with my worries, with my request and with my hope. This light that I light here should be a sing of my trust. May God light up my life and that of those people for whom I pray especially here and fill it with his love and warmth.
Mary, mother of Jesus and my mother, take my requests before God!
Amen
Sihlsee - Egg
Passing the largest reservoir in Switzerland, the Sihlsee, it goes through the unique moor landscape to the church in Egg.
I came to light a candle. Give me light for my life and my decisions. Think of the people I care about. Let me, like this candle, be a light for people in your name.
Up to the Chapel at Gueteregg
Up over the many hills of the Pre-Alps to the chapel at the Gueteregg tavern.
Three angels may accompany you throughout your lifetime. And the three angels I mean are love, happiness and contentment.
Downhill to Siebnen-Wangen
From the Gueteregg it goes through the beautiful autumnal forests to Siebnen-Wangen.
God take me in your arms. I long for reconciliation and peace. My wrongdoing, or the behavior of others, robbed me of peace of heart.
The situation depresses me and makes me sad.
Help fix what's broken.
Give me the courage to take the first step. Take away my fear of failure. Strengthen my good will to reconcile and make peace.
Give me the willingness and your love so that I can forgive or accept forgiveness.
Dress me in humility to admit mistakes. Forgive me where I've been wrong. Help me to forgive myself. Accompany me in these steps and give me a peaceful heart.
Amen!
Honora Zen Monastery - Finish - 1. Day
Finally we arrive at the Honora zen monastery in Reichenburg.
Enjoy your meal!
