There are two main ways to prostrate. One is to touch the floor with knees, elbows and forehead with palms extended and upturned. This is the way we do it. Another is to have the entire front of the body outstretched and touching the ground in full prostration. When doing prostrations, it is important that you maintain head and body in a straight line when you bend down. If you don't it can cause headaches.

STUDENT:

What do you mean by making offerings?

SHIH-FU:

Just what it sounds like. You offer something of yourself to the Three Jewels. You do the best you can and give what you can. If you can afford it, then offerings may include money. But money is not the only form of offering. You can offer water, food, or flowers. You can also offer your services. Remember, it is your mind and your intention that count.

Prostration is like making an offering with the body. According to the sutras, there are six ways to practice. First is to read the sutras; second is to copy the holy texts; third is to prostrate; fourth is to make offerings; fifth is to repent; sixth is to expound the Dharma. Meditation and contemplation are part of a more specialized practice. In ancient times, when people cultivated the Dharma, they always began with the first six practices.

Many people when meditating have physical and psychological obstructions, which are manifestations of previous karma. They may complain that they are either drowsy or scattered, and cannot even read sutras for very long. If they read aloud they get tired; if they read silently, their minds wander. At such times prostration is a good practice.