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Rites of Reparition and Confession (bskang bshags)

• A spiritual practice which involves the disclosure and purification of accumulated negative actions. The successful application of confession must be undertaken within the framework of what are known as the four antidotal powers: 1) the power of repentence with respect to the negative acts one has commited; 2) the power of reliance on the Three Precious Jewels and enlightened mind; 3) the power of the actual antidote, which may entail meditation on emptiness, loving kindness, or mantra recitation; and 4) the power of resolve never to indulge willfully in such negative acts again. For a discussion on the confession of negativity, see also Dil-'go mKhyen-brtse Rin-po-che, The Wish fulfilling Jewel, pp. 41-44; and dPal-sprul Rin-po-che, The Words of My Perfect Teacher, p. 322. GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)