Expert: Joe McSorley - 12/5/2004

Question
hello sir
I want to know if there is any kind of repentance in buddha. and if it is, how and where it would be done?

thanks for your answer.

Answer
Dear Zanjani,
   There are sects in Buddhism that might teach there is repentance in the Buddha but it really goes against the idea of non-duality.  The idea of doing good works to overcome bad karma due to bad lifestyle is also a part of this idea.  There are traditions in Buddhism that stress this to overcome our past karma and make a more positive future.  The core of Buddhism in Zen or Mahayana goes beyond this for, ultimately, self is no other than Buddha and Buddha is self.  There is no self outside of Buddha.  In Zen there is the expression , “ If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him”.  This means that a Buddha that is outside of self or an object of your mind is, in fact, not Buddha.  It is you that must overcome your hardship and find your own salvation, through your efforts alone awakening happens.  The where and how is now and through your self-determination.
 I hope this helps you.  Take care,
              Joe