The Gassho Meditation

This is a foundational exercise said to have been given by Usui Sensei to his students.  It was reintroduced into Western Reiki lore by Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, the original Reiki school in Japan.  It can be used in a group setting, as a personal meditation practice or prior to a healing session.

Begin by assuming a meditative position.  In Japan, students sit in the kneeling position.  However, most Americans find this position uncomfortable, so sitting on the floor or in a chair is an acceptable substitution.

Back should be straight.  Hands are held a prayer-position either in front of your heart or throat a few inches from your body.  Personally, I keep my fingertips and the outsides of my hands pressed together, my thumbs side-by-side and facing me, with a small amount of room between the palms.  Some practitioners recommend palms lightly together.  Practice both ways until you determine which works best for you.  Just remember, light pressure on where your hands come together.  Don’t force it.

Begin by breathing slowly, in through the nose, out through the mouth.  For this meditation, it is recommended that you close your eyes.  Focus your attention on the point where your fingertips meet.  With each breath, feel the energies in the room coalesce around you, enter your body through your crown chakra. If thoughts come to the surface, objectively notice them and let them go.  Return your attention to the point where your fingertips meet.

If you have a Reiki attunement, you may feel the heat in your hands.  Breathe in the energies that are gathered between your hands.

Practice daily.  I recommend more more than 30 minutes per day, although you can break this meditation into small, relaxing sessions of about 5 minutes several times a day.