GASSHO MEISO (Gassho Meditation)
The Japanese term gassho refers to a ritual gesture formed by placing the hands – palms together, in the prayer-position – in front of the mouth – the fingertips at a level just below the nose. Sometimes people also perform gassho with hands positioned in front of the chest at a level just above the heart.
Gassho implies recognition of the oneness of all beings. This gesture is also used to show reverence to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Patriarchs & Teachers.
Gassho meiso is generally performed seated in seiza (‘sitting on heels’), standing or sitting on a chair.
1. Close your eyes with your hands resting in your lap, and focus your awareness on your tanden, which is an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone.
2. Watch your breath in silence for a few moments, loosely focussing on the natural rhythms of your breathing. There focus here is not to interfere or control your breath, but just to be aware that you are breathing effortlessly.
3. When you are ready, keeping your eyes closed, bring your hands together in gassho. Gently move the focus of your awareness from the tanden to where the pads of the middle fingers touch.
4. Continue silently and restfully ‘watching the breath’. Maintain this awareness for as long as you feel drawn to so do.
Mikao Usui used to practice Gassho Meiso for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evenining.
GASSHO KOKYU HO (Gassho Hand Breathing)
Gassho Kokyu-ho is generally performed seated in seiza (‘sitting on heels’), standing or sitting on a chair.
1. Close your eyes with your hands resting in your lap, and focus your awareness on your tanden, which is an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone.
2. Watch your breath in silence for a few moments, loosely focussing on the natural rhythms of your breathing. There focus here is not to interfere or control your breath, but just to be aware that you are breathing effortlessly.
3. When you are ready, keeping your eyes closed, bring your hands together in gassho. Gently move the focus of your awareness from the tanden to where the pads of the middle fingers touch.
4. With your body still breathing effortlessly – be aware that as you inhale, the crystal clear Reiki light is being being ‘breathed’ in through your hands and pours straight into your tanden.
5. In the moment before your body begins to exhale, be aware of the light: feel it growing stronger and brighter in your tanden.
6. As your body exhales, be aware that the crystal clear Reiki light is being likewise being ‘breathed’ out from your tanden – and on out through your hands.
7. Stay with this process for as long as you feel drawn to so do.
