A Powerful Practice of Purification

Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30pm
Chanted prayers and prostrations
at Tara IKRC Meditation Hall

The Practice

One of the most powerful methods for purifying negativity is The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls, also known as the Mahayana Sutra of the Three Superior Heaps.

In this practice, we visualize the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas and engage in purification in their presence. Through the power of their blessings and prayers, we can quickly purify even heavy negative actions by sincerely reciting their names with faith.

During the Session

During the session, we will:

Recite the names of the 35 Confession Buddhas
Make one, two, or three prostrations to each Buddha (whichever feels comfortable)
Complete three rounds of prostrations (approximately 10 minutes each)
Continue with the remaining prayers and meditation

You can choose to do:

Full-length prostrations
Half-length prostrations
Or remain seated and make prostrations mentally and with your hands in the prayer gesture

If you wish, you may bring a yoga mat or towel for comfort.

Practice Materials

We will use the prayer booklet The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Moral Downfalls.

You can purchase a copy here:
https://tharpa.com/uk/the-bodhisattvas-confession-of-moral-downfalls.html

Both printed and electronic versions are available.

You may also wish to read, in your own time, The Bodhisattva Vow, a practical guide to compassionate living by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

In this book, he explains clearly how to take and keep the Bodhisattva vows, how to purify negative minds, and how to practise the six perfections: giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom.

With this inspiring handbook as our companion, we can enter the Bodhisattva’s way of life and gradually progress along the path to full enlightenment.

Understanding Prostrations

To prostrate means to purify our mind and to develop good qualities.

When we make prostrations, we are requesting that all our negativities and obstacles are removed, and that we gain the same good qualities as our Spiritual Guide.

The essence of prostration is humility and recognition. We recognize that the Buddhas and our Spiritual Guide possess qualities we wish to develop, and through this, we generate faith. This faith naturally grows into a sincere wish to become like them, and this wish leads us to real spiritual progress.

Who Are We Prostrating To?

Ultimately, we are prostrating to our Spiritual Guide, who is the embodiment of all Buddhas and the Three Jewels.

On a deeper level, we are prostrating to our own future enlightenment—our own pure potential fully developed. In this way, prostration is not about something external, but about awakening our own highest potential.

How to Practise with Meaning

When we place our hands at the crown, forehead, throat, and heart, we do this with awareness:

Crown — we wish to develop strong faith
Forehead — we wish for wisdom and clear insight
Throat — we wish for powerful, beneficial speech
Heart — we wish for compassion, skill, and an enlightened mind

The most important thing is the mind. As we make prostrations, we generate a sincere wish to develop these qualities so we can truly benefit others.

Three Types of Prostration

Physical — bowing or making prostrations with the body
Verbal — reciting praises and rejoicing in good qualities
Mental — developing faith, respect, and appreciation

All three are powerful, especially when combined.

Bringing Prostrations into Daily Life

We can also practise prostration in daily life by seeing the good qualities in others.

By respecting, appreciating, and rejoicing in others, we create the causes to develop those same qualities ourselves. In this way, prostration becomes a continuous, joyful practice that helps us grow every day.