If you are looking to connect more to the present and cleanse your mind, then there are a few beginner-friendly meditations that are as effective as Gassho Meditation.
Connecting yourself with this meditation practice is relatively easy. But if you want to master your Reiki energy and take the full benefit of Gassho meditation, then you need to learn the proper ways to perform this meditation pose.
That is exactly what we will discuss in this guide on Gassho meditation. We’ll go through the steps you need to follow, some useful tips to improve the effects, and why we think Gassho meditation is a great choice.
So, without delay, let’s dive into the guide!
What Is Gassho Meditation Practice?
Gassho meditation is a form of Japanese Reiki meditation practice. The term ‘Gassho’ means two hands coming together, and that is exactly what a practitioner focuses on when performing Gassho meditation.
Gassho is also a common Japanese gesture that is popular throughout Asia.
Compared to other Japanese Reiki techniques, the Gassho pose stands out the most as it allows us to harness Reiki blessings. This is crucial if you want to harness the universal energy and energize your heart chakra.
The Gassho meditation was founded by Mikao Usui sensei, a well-known Reiki expert and trainer. In his Reiki workshop, Mikao Usui described how many Reiki blessings could be obtained by holding the Gassho position once or twice on a daily basis.
That is why in his Reiki practice sessions, he has included Gassho meditation at the beginning and end of each session. Such meditation allows its user’s mind to find inner peace easily and in a more subtle way than the others.
There isn’t any difficult meditation position or breathing technique that one needs to master in order to benefit from this practice.
For this reason, Gassho meditation is one of the most recommended meditations for beginners which is effective for veteran meditative experts as well.
The Benefits of Gassho Meditation?
Gassho meditation comes with quite a few handful benefits that can be a bit difficult to gain from other forms of meditation. Here are some of the pros that you will enjoy if you can resonate with such a form of reflection
Clears Your Mind
Holding the Gassho position allows one to easily let their mind wander without anything holding them back. As the mind wanders, we start to let go of the stress and issues that are holding us back which eventually leads to a clear mind and soul.
Opens the Heart
It is second nature for the heart to follow the mind. And that is exactly what happens when your mind starts to clear due to Gassho meditation.
For this reason, Gassho meditation is also regarded as a heart-opening meditation activity. An open heart is also part of the many blessings of practicing Reiki.
Strengthens Your Reiki
If you are a Reiki practitioner then performing these poses will allow you to traverse the path of universal energy much more fluently.
From mastering the Reiki symbols to using Reiki on the physical body, you will see a significant increase in your Reiki strength if you practice Reiki through Gassho meditation.
That is why Reiki practitioners include Gassho meditation in their regular routines to enhance their Reiki strength.
Deeper Understanding of Oneself
Practicing Gassho meditation will allow you to understand yourself better. One of the main goals of Gassho meditation is to live in the present moment.
And focusing your attention on one single portion of your body permits the mind to go deeper and be more universal.
How to Practice Gassho Meditation?
Now that you have an understanding of what Gassho meditation is let’s take a look at how you can practice it in the proper way. Just follow these given steps
Step 1: Relax and Sit Straight
First things first, you need to get into a comfortable position before you can start your practice. For this, sit in a cross-legged prayer position while keeping your spine straight.
Getting comfortable is crucial but do keep in mind if your chest is not in an upright position then your form is weak and you won’t be able to benefit from your session.
Step 2: Bring Your Hands Together in Prayer Position
Once you have relaxed and sat properly, now and it’s time to keep your eyes closed and bring your hands close as if you are praying.
Start by connecting your two middle fingers first and then the rest. This hand position is regarded as ‘Gassho Rei.’
Step 3: Concentrate on Your Palms
Now that you are in the perfect Gassho position, it is time to start meditating. Keep your palms pressed and focus solely on the space where your middle fingers meet.
Take a few deep breaths and make that space where the palms are touching the sole focal point. Concentrate all your intentions in the space between your hands and nothing else.
Make sure to keep your hands together in prayer positions all the time. If you let go, then that’s the end of your meditation.
Step 4: Start Building Up Your Reiki By Following the 5 Principles (optional)
If you don’t want to improve your Reiki then you can ignore this step. But as Gassho meditation is part of the three pillars of Reiki, it is recommended that you see how Reiki precepts daily life.
So, as your thumbs are touching, keep the hands relaxed and focus and try to explore the thoughts on the following 5 principles of Reiki
- Just for today, I will not worry
- Just for today, I will not be angry
- Just for today, I will do my work honestly
- Just for today, I will be grateful for my many blessings
- Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and all living things
Focus your attention on these throughs while keeping the thumbs touching. To make it easier, simply repeat the 5 principles as you meditate.
These principles are focused on everyday life and if you abide by them, you can mark your Reiki session as a success.
Step 5: Try to Focus on the Present
While you are repeating the five principles, try to let go of all worry and thinking. Just let your mind wander and the thoughts come alive one by one.
And focus on the things happening in the present. Try to see the world while your eyes are closed. This allows your mind to clear up easily and helps you to reach the deeper parts of your soul.
Tips to Follow While Practicing Gassho Meditation
Here are some useful tips that will help during your Gassho meditation sessions
Time Your Sessions
One of the biggest issues that beginners run into is keeping their hands together in prayer positions for a set amount of time. Once you have practiced enough you will be able to hold it for a long time, but till then it is better to time your meditation sessions.
Meditate Twice a Day
To get more out of Gassho meditation, we recommend that you meditate two times a day. The more the merrier, but at least meditate at the beginning of your day and before you fall asleep.
Use Pillows and Music If You Need to
In order to focus during your meditation, you can take the help of calming music. It is quite common to introduce music in meditation sessions, so if you are having trouble then maybe music is the answer.
Also adding a few pillows can also help you to focus. Remember, you won’t be able to focus on healing yourself if you are not fully comfortable. So, do anything necessary to make yourself as cozy as possible.
Reiki Mastery Is Optional
Many think that you need to understand Reiki completely to utilize Gassho meditation. No, that is not the case.
You can still benefit from this form of meditation even without focusing on Reiki. But you will get more out of Gassho meditation if you try to include Reiki practice too!
Here is a guided Gassho Reiki Meditation video:
Final Thoughts
Like any other form of meditation, Gassho meditation also requires regular practice, so don’t lose hope if you do not see immediate results.
But it is quite rare not to feel the changes in your body and mind once you start to properly practice Gassho meditation. So, follow the steps mentioned in this guide on Gassho meditation and you will do just fine. Good luck!
