GASSHO MEISO (Gassho Meditation)
&
GASSHO KOKYU HO (Gassho Hand Breathing)
Copyright © 2003 James Deacon

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.

(Many 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 [However, for those less-supple students unaccustomed to 'sitting on heels' - who find the task of sitting in seiza uncomfortable (& therefore a distraction) - most practices can be undertaken in other, more comfortably familiar postures.]

Close your eyes, let your hands rest in your lap, and 'hara-centre' yourself: focus your awareness on your seika tanden - an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone.

For a few moments, simply 'be' - silently and restfully 'watching the breath': loosely focussing on the natural rhythms of your breathing. There is no interference with the natural process - no seeking to consciously breathe - merely to be aware that you are breathing effortlessly.

When you are ready, keeping your eyes closed, bring your hands together in gassho. Gently move the focus of your awareness from seika tanden to where the pads of the middle fingers touch.

Continue silently and restfully 'watching the breath'.

Forget everything else.

There is nothing else.

Maintain this awareness for as long as you feel drawn to so do.

Gassho Kokyu-ho is generally performed seated in seiza [However, for those less-supple students unaccustomed to 'sitting on heels' - who find the task of sitting in seiza uncomfortable (& therefore a distraction) - most practices can be undertaken in other, more comfortably familiar postures.]

Close your eyes, let your hands rest in your lap, and 'hara-centre' yourself: focus your awareness on your seika tanden - an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone.

For a few moments, simply 'be' - silently and restfully 'watching the breath': loosely focussing on the natural rhythms of your breathing. There is no interference with the natural process - no seeking to consciously breathe - merely to be aware that you are breathing effortlessly.

When you feel ready, keeping your eyes closed, bring your hands together in gassho. Gently move the focus of your awareness from seika tanden to where the pads of the middle fingers touch.

With your body still breathing effortlessly - be aware that as you inhale, the crystal clear Reiki light is being likewise being 'breathed' in through your hands and pours straight into your seika tanden.

In the moment before your body begins to exhale, be aware of the light: feel it growing stronger and brighter in your seika tanden.

As your body exhales, be aware that the crystal clear Reiki light is being likewise being 'breathed' out from your seika tanden - and on out through your hands.


Stay with this process for as long as you feel drawn to so do.