Expert: Bodhicitta - 11/12/2007

Question
Sir,
I think as in Christianity the concept of confession, In Hinduism PRASHCHIT in Islam TAUBA. Is there any procedure of this type in Buddhism? If yes. Then what exact term is used for it. and how it works. Thanks and regards.

Answer
Sanjay,
Yes confession is a part of Buddhist practice and  Puja (workship).
A common form of Buddhist Puja is the seven limbed prayer - the stages if which are :
Prostration, offering, confession, rejoicing, requesting the Buddhas to remain and teach DHARMA, dedication.

So as you see confession is the third part.

the thirty five Buddhas of confession is a very
common form of confession in Mahayana and Tibetan
Buddhist schools.

There are many other references to confession in
Buddhism. I would refer you to practices to do with
purifying negative Karma.

If your interest is more in
the monastic Theravada tradition there is a standard
formula for monks to recite when they break the rules
of training also.

Bodhicitta