Pāpadeśanā

pāpadeśanā [alt. pāpaśodhana] (P. pāpadesanā; T. sdig pa bshags pa; C. chanhui 懺悔). Translated as “confession of transgressions,” “confession of negativies,” etc. This refers to the confession of unvirtuous deeds. The confession can be done privately, for example in front of an image of the buddha, or as part of a group practice.

Pāpadeśanā is identified as:

• one part of the seven-branch practice (saptāṇga pūja)
• one part of the three heaps practice (triskandhaka)

The Library of Wisdom and Compassion (Vol 2) sates:

Confessing negativities is done through the four opponent powers. We have engaged in countless physical, verbal, and mental deeds motivated by ignorance, animosity, and attachment. The seeds of these misdeeds ripen in unpleasant or painful experiences, obscure our minds from gaining realizations, and limit our ability to benefit others. To purify them, first generate a sense of regret for the harm you have inflicted on yourself and others through your destructive behavior. Regret is the main cause to purify destructive actions, and the stronger it is, the stronger will be the second power, the determination to restrain from such actions in the future. This step gives you the inner strength to begin changing your ways and counteracting habitual harmful behavior.

Third, take refuge in the Three Jewels, which purifies destructive actions created in relation to the Three Jewels, and generate bodhicitta, which purifies negativities created in relation to other sentient beings. Taking refuge and generating bodhicitta transforms the harmful or ignorant attitude you previously had toward holy beings and sentient beings into a virtuous mental relationship with them. After confessing your faults, it is helpful to do the taking and giving (T. tong len) meditation, which will be described later.

Fourth, apply remedies to those destructive actions by engaging in constructive actions, for example, bowing to the Three Jewels, reciting mantras, making offerings, circumambulating holy objects, meditating on emptiness, generating bodhicitta, doing volunteer service at a charity, Dharma center, or monastery, or helping others in other ways.

Sources

• Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University 
• Dalai Lama; Thubten Chodron (2018), The Foundation of Buddhist Practice, The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, Volume 2, Wisdom Publications