Besides the five REIKI principles, Dr Usui taught his REIKI system, which is based on these pillars: GASSHO, REIJI-HO and CHIRYO.
GASSHO literally means “two hands coming together” and Dr Usui taught a meditation by the name of GASSHO MEDITATION. This meditation was practised each time at the beginning of his REIKI workshops/meetings. It is meant to be practised for 20-30 minutes after getting up and/or in the evening before going to sleep. Gassho can be done alone or in a group. Group meditations are a wonderful experience since the energy increases far beyond the sum of the individual participant’s energies.
The Gassho Meditation is so simple that individuals of any age can do it. After three days of practise, you will know on the basis of feelings whether it is “right” for you. Then, if possible, you should practise it every day for at least three months.
However, if after one or two days you have a feeling of restlessness, irritability or some other form of annoyance, this mediation may possibly not be suitable for you. Not every medicine works for each patient. Then you can simply try it again after a few weeks.
• When doing Gassho, sit down with closed eyes and hands placed
together in front of your heart chakra. Focus your entire attention at the point where the two middle fingers meet.
• If it is painful for you to hold your hands folded together in this way for twenty minutes or so, then let your hands (keeping them together) slowly sink down to your lap into a comfortable position and continue to meditate.
• Energy phenomena may also occur, such as your hands or backbone becoming very warm: observe this but don’t let yourself be influenced by it. Always return your focus to the point where your two middle fingers meet.
• If you must change your sitting position, then move in slow motion: deliberately and consciously. It is easier to meditate when the spinal column is as straight as possible, and the head doesn’t tilt either forward, backward or to the side. Imagine that your head is attached to a balloon filled with helium, which gently keeps it in the perfect position. If you have back problems or are not used to sitting, you can sit on a chair with a back, with a cushion or pillow behind you, or with your back leaned against a wall. There are basically no objections to meditation while lying down, except that it invites us to fall asleep!