In yesterday’s entry, I spoke of repentance in a general sense. We apologize to the person for having done something wrong with “I’m sorry,” not just a mumbled “sorry.” By saying we are sorry or writing a note of apology, we are regretting our actions.
Buddhists often take this one step further. In front of an image of the Buddha, the practitioner recalls what he or she has thought, said, or done wrong. This remembering is often done as one is prostrating. The practitioner then vows not to repeat the behavior.
Since the practitioner is just that—a practitioner—he or she will most likely repeat the mistakes and, thus, not keep those vows. When this happens, getting upset doesn’t help. Repeat the repentance practice and make the vow again.
Keep expressing your regret, vowing, and trying to keep those vows. With practice, we will gradually get better at correcting our wrongdoings.