Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I have had an on-and-off prostration practice since I was first introduced to it via Korean Zen. I even completed 3000 prostrations before I took precepts with Samu Sunim. Suffice it to say that I find the practice to be powerful in a way I can’t quite explain and have continued to use it over the years.

I have been working a lot with resentment and anger, and realized that bowing and requesting forgiveness could be particularly effective. As a result, I had ChatGPT translate the verse below and incorporate it into a bowing forgiveness practice. May it be of benefit, and if not, may you leave it aside.

Pāli Forgiveness Verses for 108 Prostrations

🔹 First 27 Prostrations – Parents

“Mātāpitu me khameyyātha, kataṃ sabbaṃ accayantaṃ.”

“Mother and Father, may you forgive me for all my wrongs.”

(Optional addition):

“Mātāpitu me khamaṃ detha, sabbakālaṃ mettaṃ bhavatu.”

“Mother and Father, grant me forgiveness; may there be loving-kindness at all times.”

🔹 Second 27 Prostrations – Spouse

“Bhariyāya me khameyyāsi, kataṃ sabbaṃ aparādhaṃ.”

“My wife, may you forgive me for all the offenses I have done.”

(If female and addressing husband:

“Sāmiko me khameyyāsi…”)

🔹 Third 27 Prostrations – Children

“Putte me khameyyātha, kataṃ sabbaṃ dukkataṃ.”

“My children, may you all forgive me for all my unskillful acts.”

(If one child:

“Putto me khameyyāsi…” for son,

“Duhitā me khameyyāsi…” for daughter)

🔹 Final 27 Prostrations – All Beings I Have Hurt

“Sabbe sattā khameyyātha me, kataṃ sabbaṃ dukkataṃ.”

“May all beings forgive me for every unwholesome deed I have done.”

Alternate/additional for deeper humility:

“Anavajjaṃ me bhavatu, sabbe sattā sukhitā hontu.”

“May I be blameless, may all beings be happy.”

🕯️ Optional Closing Line (After 108 Prostrations)

“Khamatu me sabbaloko, mettacittaṃ bhavatu me.”

“May the whole world forgive me; may I abide in a heart of loving-kindness.”