Question asked by Jason
Hi, I’ve been doing 50 full length prostration everyday for a week now but I only recite the refuge prayers during the first 3 prostrations since I find it hard to keep track of the number of prostrations I’m doing while simultaneously reciting the prayers. Is it a requirement to chant the refuge prayers for every prostration you do?
Dear Jason,
Prostrations can be combined with the refuge prayer, or in conjuction with the 35 Confessional Buddhas. Prostrations are always accompanied by reciting something, hence if you are combining with the refuge prayer, yes you will still need to recite when you prostrate.
However, your main focus should be on the prostrations themselves. So, when you are reciting the refuge prayer, it is not necessary to finish the prayer 3 times per prostrations etc. For the refuge prayer, you can go on auto-pilot and just keep reciting either fast or slow as you prostrate.
If combining with the 35 Confessional Buddhas, then it is even more complicated, because you need to prostrate and recite one of their names for each prostration.
I hope this helps.