Vesak Day – 3 Steps 1 Bow
Posted by Eileena Lee on 28/05/2010
Source: Be A Lamp e-book at http://www.kmspks.org/download/ebook/Lamp08.pdf
Three Steps One Bow Ceremony
In this ceremony, devotees usually line up before sunrise to meditatively circumambulate the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every three steps, while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha in praise of Him. Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised to stand before one’s palms, which open to receive His teachings.
The open palms also symbolise lotuses (our minds) blossoming into purity. (Though lotus flowers’ roots are in the “mud of defilements”, they blossom untainted.) Every prostration is thus the paying of respects to the Buddha (or the countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas). This practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego and lessen obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds and aspires towards spiritual improvement. With mindfulness of one’s body, speech and mind during the practice, concentration and calmness can be attained.
As the ceremony is long, it reminds one of the long and occasionally difficult journey towards Enlightenment. But it also serves to remind us that as long as we are determined, all difficulties can be overcome. Perseverance in completing the practice despite its difficulties also helps to strengthen our faith in the Buddha and His teaching to lead us towards Enlightenment. The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances towards Enlightenment.
Advertisement
