July 22, 2024

Gassho Meditation, The Foundation of Reiki Practice

Gassho meditation prepares us spiritually, mentally and emotionally for reiki practice. It does this by creating a harmonious state within us that supports both our personal healing journey and our ability to facilitate healing in others. The term “gassho,” pronounced gash-sho, refers to the gesture of bringing the hands together in a prayer-like position. This practice symbolizes reverence and respect, and it is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions.

In Buddhism, gassho is not just a physical posture but a mudra that embodies heart work. It represents the cultivation of a compassionate heart, emphasizing the importance of developing kindness and empathy. By practicing Gassho meditation, we engage in a ritual that aligns our intentions with these values, fostering a deeper connection to our inner selves and our capacity to offer healing to others. It develops an understanding to the greater source of love and creation. This meditative practice helps to center our focus, calm the mind, and enhance our ability to channel reiki energy effectively.

Mikao Usui, the buddhist monk, honorary doctor and founder of reiki, shared gassho meditation with his students during reiki training as the first pillar of reiki. There are a total of three pillars in the Usui Reiki healing system. He taught students to use gassho meditation at the beginning and end of a reiki session. Gassho meditation is also practiced as part of a reiki practitioner’s lifestyle and done for 15-30 minutes daily preferably in the morning or evening.

In this mudra, the left hand represents human beings in the physical world and the right hand represents our most enlightened self. The hand gesture of bringing the hands together symbolizes that we too can embody the qualities of enlightenment. The path to enlightenment, characterized by inner stillness, wisdom, and compassion, is one that gassho brings us closer to with practice. Gassho meditation is simple and effective in calming the mind and expanding our energy.

If you have never practiced meditation before or are a beginner, give yourself time to experience it fully. Meditation can help calm a restless mind, but initially, it may make you feel anxious or irritable. If this happens to you, take long deep breaths and focus on the movement of your abdomen and chest as you breath. Start with just a few minutes of meditation and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. The purpose of meditation is to bring a sense of peace and clarity to the mind. With regular practice, you will find that your mind becomes less restless, and you will experience a deeper sense of tranquility and well-being.

How To Practice Gassho Meditation

Find a Quiet Place: Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. You may wish to sit in a chair, on a meditation cushion, or on the floor in an easy sitting pose.
Posture: Sit with your spine straight, close your eyes, and bring your hands together in a prayer position in front of your heart.
Focal Point: To keep the mind calm, choose a focal point. You can focus on your breathing, the sensation of your hands touching each other, or the point where your middle fingers meet.
Timing: You may set a timer for your meditation or allow yourself to be guided intuitively.
Ending the Meditation: To end the meditation, bring your attention to your body, specifically to your hands and feet. Take a few deep breaths and gently open your eyes.
Optional Enhancements: Some practitioners find it helpful to play relaxing music, while others prefer silence. Do what feels right for you. You might also set an intention before you begin or recite the five principles of reiki. Remember, this should not feel like an additional chore but rather a gift you are giving yourself to bring more peace, joy, and love into your life.

The Essence of Gassho Meditation

Gassho meditation is a fundamental practice in reiki. The goal is not to achieve anything specific but to simply experience the stillness within and become present in your body. With repeated practice, you will develop awareness of your body, thoughts, and emotions. This awareness paves the way for proactive living, where you respond thoughtfully to your thoughts, feelings, and environment, rather than reacting impulsively. This practice helps you hold yourself more accountable. If thoughts arise while meditating, allow them to float away without attachment or judgment. Gassho meditation increases awareness and provides the stillness needed to connect with your higher self, the intuitive side that guides your hands in a reiki healing session and in life.

By practicing Gassho meditation, you cultivate inner peace and enhance your ability to connect deeply with yourself and others.