Module 6

Hatsurei Hō, Gasshō & Inner Practice

Moving from learning about Reiki into a deeper experience of stillness, self-practice, breath and presence.

Welcome to Module 6

The deeper we travel into Reiki, the more important our personal practice becomes.

It is possible to know the history, remember the symbols and understand the techniques while still not giving ourselves enough time simply to sit, breathe and practise.

Hatsurei Hō provides one traditional framework for cultivating a regular Reiki practice.

The purpose of deeper practice is not to become more complicated. It is to become more present.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Describe the purpose of Hatsurei Hō within Reiki practice.
Understand the role of Gasshō.
Explore breath and centred awareness.
Practise elements associated with Hatsurei Hō.
Develop a sustainable personal Reiki routine.
Recognise the importance of stillness and observation.
Reflect on how your personal practice has evolved.

1. What Is Hatsurei Hō?

Hatsurei Hō is a Japanese Reiki practice associated with cultivating and developing one's Reiki practice.

The name is commonly translated in different ways, but the practice is generally understood as a method involving elements such as posture, Gasshō, breathing, centring and meditation.

Different Reiki lineages teach Hatsurei Hō in slightly different ways. Therefore, the precise sequence and terminology can vary.

Lineage awareness:
The practice presented here is an educational framework for this Academy course. Where your own Reiki lineage teaches a particular sequence, continue to honour and practise that lineage method.

2. Gasshō — Bringing the Mind Together

Gasshō is the gesture of bringing the palms together, commonly associated with Buddhist and Japanese contemplative traditions.

Within Reiki practice, Gasshō can become much more than a physical gesture.

It can become a reminder to bring ourselves back to the present moment.

Hands together. Breath becomes quiet. Attention comes home.

When you bring your hands into Gasshō, notice whether your mental activity begins to settle.

3. Posture & Presence

A deeper Reiki practice does not require an elaborate environment.

What matters is creating conditions in which you can remain alert, comfortable and present.

Consider:

A stable seated position.
A relaxed but upright spine.
Shoulders free from unnecessary tension.
A relaxed jaw.
Hands resting comfortably.
Natural breathing.

Comfort matters.
There is no requirement to sit in a particular posture if that causes pain or discomfort. Adapt the practice to your body.

4. Breath & Kokyū

Breath awareness is an important part of many contemplative traditions.

In Reiki practice, gentle attention to breathing can help us settle and become aware of the present moment.

The goal is not to force the breath.

Allow the breath to become natural before trying to make it deeper.

Notice the beginning of the inhalation. Notice the end of the inhalation. Notice the exhalation. Notice the pause before the next breath.

You are not trying to control the experience. You are learning to observe it.

5. Seishin Toitsu — Unifying the Mind

The term Seishin Toitsu is often associated with unifying or concentrating the mind.

In practice, this can be explored as developing a steady, undistracted quality of attention.

The objective is not to eliminate every thought.

A quiet mind does not necessarily mean a thought-free mind. It can mean learning not to follow every thought.

Thoughts can arise. Sounds can arise. Sensations can arise.

Notice them — and gently return.

6. Exploring the Components

Depending on lineage, Hatsurei Hō may include a sequence incorporating several elements.

1. Preparation

Settle into a comfortable posture and allow the body to relax.

2. Gasshō

Bring the palms together and allow attention to gather.

3. Mokunen / Intention

Establish a simple intention for the practice.

4. Kenyoku

Some lineages incorporate a form of dry bathing or symbolic cleansing before or within the practice.

5. Joshin Kokyū Hō

A breath-based practice involving attention to the breath and the centre of the body.

6. Seishin Toitsu

Settling into unified attention and quiet awareness.

Different Reiki schools organise these elements differently. Practitioners should follow the sequence taught within their own lineage when undertaking formal practice.

Practice — A Simple Hatsurei Hō Session

Allow approximately 10–15 minutes for this practice.

Sit comfortably and allow your body to settle.
Close your eyes if comfortable.
Take several natural breaths.
Bring your hands into Gasshō.
Set a simple intention: "I am here to practise."
Become aware of your breathing.
Allow the breath to remain natural.
Bring gentle awareness towards the centre of your body.
Notice sensations without trying to change them.
When the mind wanders, gently return to the breath.
Remain quietly present for several minutes.
Finish by bringing the hands into Gasshō once more.
Offer a moment of gratitude.

7. Creating a Daily Reiki Practice

One of the most important lessons of Deepening Reiki is consistency.

A five-minute practice performed regularly can be more meaningful than an hour-long practice that happens only occasionally.

Try the 5–5–5 Approach

5 minutes of stillness.
5 natural breaths with conscious awareness.
5 minutes of Reiki self-practice or meditation.

The aim is not perfection. The aim is relationship.

Returning to practice again and again gradually changes our relationship with stillness, awareness and Reiki.

8. When the Mind Wanders

Your mind will wander.

This is not failure.

It is part of practice.

Each time you notice that the mind has wandered and gently return, you are practising awareness.

Notice → Accept → Return.

There is no need to criticise yourself. Simply return.

Deepening Reflection

Take your time with these questions.

How has your personal Reiki practice changed since you first learned Reiki?

What tends to interrupt your practice?

What small daily commitment could you realistically make to deepen your Reiki practice?

Module 6 Knowledge Check

Test your understanding of Hatsurei Hō, Gasshō and inner practice.

Question 1 of 6

Key Takeaways

Hatsurei Hō is a traditional Reiki practice associated with cultivating and deepening personal practice.
Gasshō can become a powerful reminder to gather attention and return to the present moment.
Breath awareness does not require forcing or controlling the breath.
Seishin Toitsu can be explored as the cultivation of steady, unified attention.
A wandering mind is not a failure. Returning is part of the practice.
Different Reiki lineages may teach Hatsurei Hō differently.
Consistency is often more valuable than complexity.
Deepening Reiki is ultimately about developing a deeper relationship with practice, presence and self-awareness.

Ready to Continue?

You have now explored Ki, sound, Kotodama, intention, Hatsurei Hō, Gasshō and personal practice.

Next we return to one of the foundations of Reiki itself:

Module 7 — The Reiki Precepts & Personal Development

We will explore the Five Precepts, their deeper meaning, gratitude, anger, worry, honesty, kindness and how the Precepts can become a living practice rather than simply words recited at the beginning or end of a Reiki session.

Learn. Deepen. Practise. Grow.