The thirty-five Buddhas of Confession

Tibetan Buddhist visualization practice is thought to be so powerful as to produce enlightenment rapidly, “in this very life.” Without the proper preparation, however, these powerful techniques cannot be successfully performed. This is because all beings have previous negative actions (karma) that prevent what would otherwise be rapid success in meditation.

To address the problem of karma, Himalayan Buddhists perform preliminary practices thought to discharge its negative power. Among the most important of these practices is to confess any transgressions to a set of 35 “Buddhas of Confession.” Since these confessions are typically made in combination with physical prostrations, it is important to memorize the names of all thirty-five. Since this painting has the name of each Buddha inscribed on its front, it may have performed a teaching function.