The Diamond Repentance Prayer is a Buddhist practice based on the teachings of the Diamond Sutra. It is one of the most important scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism. In this prayer, practitioners express remorse for their past actions, seeking purification and forgiveness.

Benefits of the Diamond Repentance Prayer

1. Recognise Emptiness: The Diamond Sutra teaches about the emptiness (shunyata) nature of all phenomena, including the self. The repentance prayer, inspired by this teaching, helps practitioners recognize the transient and illusory nature of their actions and the need to let go of attachments.
   
2. Purify the mind: By acknowledging and repenting for past unskillful actions, practitioners aim to purify themselves with the intention to uphold moral conduct. This process is believed to lessen the negative effects of past actions and create the conditions for spiritual growth and liberation.
   
3. Cultivate Compassion: Repentance is not only about seeking forgiveness from others but also about forgiving oneself. Through this practice, individuals learn to cultivate compassion, both towards themselves and others.
   
4. Transformation: The act of repentance is seen as a transformative process that allows individuals to break free from the cycle of suffering and begin anew. It offers an opportunity for self-reflection, personal growth, and the cultivation of wholesome qualities such as humility, integrity, and sincerity.
   
5. Integration into Daily Life: The Diamond Repentance Prayer provides a practical framework for integrating Buddhist principles into one’s daily life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct, mindfulness, and the pursuit of wisdom in navigating life’s challenges and cultivating inner peace and happiness.

For some Mahayana temples, this prayer may be specifically recited during significant Buddhist holidays or observances such as Vesak Day, or as part of special ceremonies or retreats. However, since the Diamond Repentance Prayer can be taken as a personal practice, individuals may choose to recite it at any time that is convenient for them and aligns with their spiritual routine.

The length of time it takes to recite the Diamond Repentance Prayer can vary depending on factors such as the version of the prayer being used, the speed at which it is recited, and any additional practices or rituals incorporated alongside it.

In some cases, practitioners may recite the entire Diamond Repentance Prayer, which could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the pace of recitation and any ceremonial elements included.

However, there are also shorter versions of the prayer that focus on key verses or sections, which may take significantly less time to recite, perhaps around 5 to 15 minutes.