The 35 Tathagatas have actualized the supreme attainments of Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya. Prostrations with your body to these 35 Tathagatas – the supreme refuge - is the (first) power – the power of reliance on the refuge. The actual act of offering prostrations to the 35 Tathagatas is the power of applied remedy. ‘One’s present rebirth’ etc. is the power of regret. Avowing to refrain from negative actions in the future is the power of resolve. These 4 powers of purification are the first ‘heap’; dedication of all merit from the practice of the six perfections to Complete enlightenment is the second ‘heap’; rejoicing in the virtuous deeds of the Bodhisattvas is the third ‘heap’ - these three ‘heaps’ are the subject matter of the Triskandha Sutra (The Sutra of the Three Heaps). When one recites the names of these Tathagatas and offers prostrations it thoroughly purifies the sins committed over many eons. It also helps one accumulate immense merit. Consequently, even those certain to fall into the hell realms are liberated. Hence this Sutra is also known as ‘Countering the Downfalls Sutra’. One hears about inspiring life-narratives of holy beings from the past from the land of Tibet who practised thus and accumulated enormous merit.