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Practice 3 in Cai Lay
The Three Prostrations are a wondrous Dharma door that marks the beginning of the retreat, helping us to let go of suffering, anger, and loneliness so that we may merge into the stream of spiritual and ancestral life. This practice is based on the Four Elements (earth, water, air, fire) or the Six Elements (earth, water, fire, air, space, consciousness), each element having the capacity to receive, embrace, and transform. When we prostrate, we become one with earth, water, air, and fire, learning the virtues of the four elements—without discrimination, whether receiving what is pure or impure—transforming suffering into nourishment for peace, softness, and inclusiveness.
The Three Prostrations are also the Three Touchings of the Earth—three times touching the sacred earth—reminding us to live in mindfulness and non-self, to release the illusion of a narrow self, to return to the present moment, and to connect with our spiritual and blood ancestors and descendants. Practicing each prostration deeply will transform loneliness, resentment, and anger, and restore the joy of living.
- First Touching of the Earth: letting go of the notion of a separate self, recognizing that body and mind are gifts handed down by our ancestors—our spiritual flesh and bones do not belong to us alone
- Second Touching of the Earth: interbeing and interpenetration with all beings, feeling that the suffering and happiness of others are truly our own suffering and happiness
- Third Touching of the Earth: letting go of attachment to form and the notion of a short lifespan, realizing our body of four elements and our life are boundless, unborn and undying