From the very beginning of our many lives, we accrue karma with every single one of our actions. As imperfect beings, we tend to make many mistakes. The three defilements of greed, hatred, and delusion taint our Buddha-nature, obstructing our originally pure minds. In order to cleanse ourselves of these offenses, we have to sincerely repent to dissolve the negative karma and purify our minds, returning them to their pristine state.

Repentance is a way to rid ourselves of evil and turn towards the path of goodness. We repent for our past mistakes with a deeper understanding and make a promise not to repeat them. When faced with obstacles in life, we must always reflect and repent wisely. Only then can we constantly improve ourselves and reduce our unwholesome karma. By repenting and allowing the Dharma to take root in our hearts and minds, we can change our lives for the better.

Among thousands of Dharma doors, repentance is one of the essential practices. The repentance method used in the “Emperor Liang Repentance Dharma Assembly” is one such practice, and it is also the most enduring repentance practice in Mahayana Buddhism!
“As the words of repentance are chanted, our offenses are blown away like flower petals in the wind. Offenses repented, enmity resolved, wisdom and blessings increase as calamities are dispelled.” These lines in the sutra are like a salve for the mind, relieving us from the weight of our offenses. As stated in the sutra, repenting is supreme – it removes great obstacles and generates great goodness. Let us wholeheartedly repent, taking refuge in the Triple Gem and Bodhisattvas. With their power and witness, may we atone for our mistakes, grow in wisdom, and achieve ultimate liberation.