Q&A 48. Performing recitations and praying to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas during menstruation
Q: Master Lu, when females are menstruating, can they still perform their daily recitation, recite and burn Little Houses? Can they make incense offerings, and make prostrations to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas?
A:
It is absolutely fine for females to perform daily recitation and recite Little Houses during menstruation.
It is best to recite Little Houses during the daytime on sunny days. They should stop reciting as soon as they feel uncomfortable.
After they have showered and cleaned themselves, they can offer incense, make prostrations to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and burn Little Houses.
If not very clean, they can still offer incense and burn Little Houses, but it is best not to make prostrations to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
The Yin energy (as opposed to the Yang energy) is usually strong during menstruation, one may do more recitations of the Great Compassion Mantra to boost their energy and the Heart Sutra to regulate their emotions. One should also recite the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra 49 times every day and pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for eliminating their karmic obstacles.