LIANG HUANG JEWELED REPENTANCE CEREMONY

　　The Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance liturgy was compiled in the Southern Liang Dynasty by the Chan Master Zhigong at the request of Emperor Wu for his late wife, Queen Chi.

　　A few months after the death of Queen Chi, Emperor Wu heard some strange noises outside his bedroom as he was preparing to sleep. Looking outside, he saw a huge python staring at him. Alarmed and frightened, the emperor said, “My palace is heavily guarded. This is no place for a snake. It must be that you are a spirit.” The snake replied, “I am your queen, Chishi. Because I could not help competing for favor in my past life, I was constantly filled with anger and jealously and became a cruel person. I damaged many things and harmed many lives. Now I have nothing to eat, not even a hole to hide in. I am always being bitten by the insects under my scales. It is terrible suffering. The Emperor was fond of me, so I come in this vile form seeking your help. May your Majesty perform some merits on my behalf and help me escape this body.” Then the snake disappeared.

　　The next day, Emperor Wu recounted the night’s events to Master Zhigong. The Master said, “Karmic obstacles must be cleansed by prostrating and repenting in front of the buddha.” The Emperor asked the Master to compile a list of buddha names and write a repentance text based on the sutras. The liturgy Master Zhigong compiled was ten volumes long. Following this liturgy, the Emperor made repentance on behalf of Queen Chi.

　　One day, Emperor Wu smelled a sublime fragrance lingering in the repentance hall. He looked up to see a person of grace and beauty standing before him. The person said, “I was once the snake, but because of the merits the Emperor practiced on my behalf, I was reborn in the Trayastrimsha Heaven. I have come to thank your Majesty.” Then the person disappeared.

　　The Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance has been practiced since the Liang dynasty, for over a thousand years. In this ceremony, participants have the opportunity to repent and reflect on their wrongdoings, and transform them through the power of compassion and wisdom. The courage to practice this way brings peace and blessings to our lives.

Liang Huang Jeweled Repentance Liturgy

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