In the traditional Japanese system, Gassho is a foundational practice. The word literally translates to “two hands coming together”. It is a way to find stillness and return to your centre. Consistent practice of Gassho is essential if you want to deepen your connection to Reiki.

Why We Practice Gassho

Bringing the palms together is a sign of respect that symbolizes balance and unity. It represents the merging of different parts of yourself—mind and body, or the inner and outer self. From a physical perspective, the focused stillness of the posture helps regulate the nervous system and encourages the body to move toward a restful baseline.

How to Sit in Gassho

The effectiveness of the practice comes from the quality of your internal focus.

• The Position: Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Place your hands together with palms touching and fingers pointing straight up.
• The Location: Hold your hands at the Heart Center. Keep your elbows loose and away from your ribs.
• The Release: Consciously drop your shoulders away from your ears.
• The Gaze: Close your eyes or keep them partially open with a soft gaze downward.

The Focal Point While in Gassho, focus your entire attention on the point where your two middle fingers meet. Staying with this specific point of contact helps keep the mind from wandering. If thoughts come up, acknowledge them and return your attention to the touch of the middle fingers.

The Energetic Map

Gassho works with the three primary energy centers, often called the Three Diamonds:

• The Earth Diamond (Hara): Located below the navel, this center relates to grounding and the physical body. Gassho helps anchor your awareness downward into this center.
• The Heart Diamond: This middle center relates to feeling and compassion. Placing your hands here focuses your intention in a place of benevolence.
• The Heaven Diamond (Head): This upper center relates to wisdom. By focusing on your fingertips, you withdraw attention from the analytical mind and become more receptive to spiritual guidance (Rei).

A Container for the Precepts

In the original society founded by Usui Sensei, practitioners sat in Gassho while reciting the Precepts (Gokai). The precepts are meant to be lived rather than just thought about. Sitting in Gassho provides a “container” that helps you integrate these principles into your body.

Gassho Meiso: The Daily Meditation

You can use Gassho Meiso (Gassho Meditation) to strengthen your Reiki channel at any time.

1. Sit comfortably in a chair or in seiza (kneeling).
2. Bring your hands into the Gassho position.
3. Breathe deeply through the nose and out through the mouth, letting the breath settle into the Hara.
4. Stay in this stillness for 15 to 20 minutes.

Regular practice turns Reiki into a way of living. You can start with five minutes a day and let the stillness do the rest.