Explanations of the Practice - Prostration
Geshe Dakpa Topgyal
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Prostration is the means to show respect to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha from the depths of one's heart, and is a way of showing that one is open to the guidance and teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhists consider prostrations to be a means through which one can attain merit as well as purify negativities. Doing prostrations helps one overcome pride and ego, which are hindrances to Enlightenment. Doing prostrations also signifies that the individual is engaging in wholesome spiritual activity - it is a way of announcing (to oneself) that he or she is entering spiritual practice.
There are three types of prostrations: physical, verbal, and mental. There are two types of physical prostration: short and full-length. The short form involves touching the five points of the body on the ground - forehead, hands and knees. The full-length form involves lying stretched out on the ground. One's teacher can demonstrate this.
Verbal prostrations can be done through reciting mantras or verbalizing the excellent qualities of the Three Jewels. Prostrations involve one cultivating respect for the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha by recognizing them as superior, beyond compare.
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