On Kowtown and 32 Marks --Master Zhenlin

Casting the five limbs to the earth: to put down the five skandhas, which results in the emptiness of forms, feelings, cognition, formation, and consciousness.


Three kowtows: to put down the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance.

One kowtow: to cast away the mind of arrogance by touching one’s forehead on the ground.


Placing the palms together: to achieve One by integrating Ying and Yang. Single-mindfulness brings out the Bodhi mind.


People are attached to the mark. They imitate others without knowing the meanings behind it. That is why many have kowtowed to the extent of hurting their head and still yet to attain enlightenment. They do accumulate merits and virtues by doing so, though.


Standing with one palm erect: to hold on to single-mindfulness and bring forth the Bodhi resolve.


Christian rituals also speak the Dharma. They say Amen and make the sign of cross to remind people to keep their mind at peace and put it down.

The 32 marks: the 32 marks do not manifest any specific physical features. Whoever endowed with the 32 marks is always liked, admired, and revered.


Only the Buddha and the Wheel-turning King are endowed with the 32 marks. They come to the secular world to rescue the beings from suffering.


When a Buddha is born in the secular world, He manifests as a left-home person and cuts off from the five desires.

The Wheel-turning King comes to the world not as a left-home but a householder cultivator who does not cut off the five desires in appearance.


People with good roots are filled with joy once they encounter the Buddha Dharma. People without the roots are not.