QUESTION:
Would you explain the practice and significance of prostrations in Ch'an? With what attitude should one do prostrations? Sometimes you say to do it with a mind of repentance, sometimes with awareness of body movement, sometimes with gratitude. You have also spoken about different ways to prostrate and different levels of attainment possible through prostration practice.
SHIH-FU:
Prostration is an ancient practice, present in India long before Buddhism appeared there, about 2500 years ago. At that time religion was the dominant force in India and there were accepted modes of interaction between people and deities and the spiritual realm. Prostration was such an accepted form of interaction.
When people stand or sit, the head is up and the eyes look forward. When you prostrate, you are symbolically putting your head at the feet of whomever or whatever you are prostrating to, and the upright palms symbolize holding the feet of the other. The head is the highest part of the body and the feet the lowest, so the prostrator is using the most dignified part of his or her body to touch the most lowly part of another's. In this position it is much easier for sentiments of humility, inadequacy and imperfection to arise in someone's mind.
LILI LAURITANO GRADY When you prostrate, you are symbolically putting your head at the feet of whomever or whatever you are prostrating to, and the upright palms symbolize holding the feet of the other. In this position and state of mind, one's attachment to self is lessened. The mind tends to be clearer, problems come more sharply into focus and they fade away more quickly. When such sentiments arise it is also easier for humans to come in contact with deities. Whether such deities really exist is not the issue. Still, we cannot say that religion is merely superstition and dismiss or deny the existence of a spirit realm. There are indeed other realms and humans do interact with beings of these realms, whether we are aware of it or not. For this reason alone, prostrations are useful. It is a way of transcending our human limitations and getting in touch with a spiritual reality.
In the Buddha's time, people became disciples by doing two things. First, they took refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha); second, they showed courtesy and respect to the Buddha. Courtesy involves a ritualistic gesture or action, whereas respect is more of a mental attitude.
Taking refuge in or showing gratitude to the Three Jewels is a symbolic action most Buddhists are familiar with. It is done through courtesy and respect in two distinct ways. One is by making offerings and the other is through ritual. Ritual respect can be shown in any number of ways, but the simplest is to join palms, gaze at the forefingers and bow. A more profound gesture than this is prostration.
There are two main ways to prostrate. One is to touch the floor with knees, elbows and forehead with palms extended and upturned. This is the way we do it. Another is to have the entire front of the body outstretched and touching the ground in full prostration. When doing prostrations, it is important that you maintain head and body in a straight line when you bend down. If you don't, it can cause headaches.
Resources
Zen Wisdom, Balancing Responsibilities and Practice, p.111-114
Book Store