Hatsurei ho is the Jewel of Reiki. It is one of the most powerful Reiki meditation techniques. This technique is part mindfulness meditation, part strengthening the Reiki channel, and part self empowerment. It is said to be the cornerstone of Usui’s practices.

Preparation – Clearing the mind

The first part of doing Hatsurei ho is to clear the mind. In Usui’s Reiki Ryoho this was done by singing Gyosei. These were the stylized poetry as composed by the Meiji Emperor. They were chanted/sung in a very specific way. The chant, cadence, and rhythm help develop mindfulness and clear the mind.

Kihon Shisei

Kihon Shisei is the beginning position. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your eyes gently closed. Your focus is into the lower abdomen, also called the Hara. You hands are placed gently in the lap.

Mokunen

Mokunen sets the intent of focus. To do Mokunen clear the mind and say silently to yourself “I am starting Hatsurei ho now”.

Kenyoku-ho

Kenyoku-ho (dry bathing) is a technique to clear and strengthen the energy channels. This is a technique is part of healing for self purification and growth.

Place your right hand on the left shoulder so that the right fingertips are on the left shoulder. The hand is open, the fingers held together all point upwards. The hand (palm down) is against the body.

Slide the hand downward toward the right hip. Move the hand, going across the chest and ending up fingers down at the right hip. The hand (palm down) stays in light contact with the body the entire movement.

Repeat this process starting with the left hand on the right shoulder and going down to the left hip.

Repeat with the right hand on the left shoulder going down to the right hip a second time.

Place the right hand again on the left shoulder. Slide the right hand down the left arm (inside or outside, each will cover different meridians – see below) all the way to the finger tips.

Repeat this with the left hand on the right arm.

Repeat again with the right hand on the left arm.

Joshin Kokyu-ho

The bridge between the body and consciousness is the breath. In all esoteric traditions, there is knowledge of the special meaning of the breath. Just as we breathe in oxygen for basic survival, we also inhale the universal life force which nourishes and cleanses our mind, body, and spirit.

Joshin Kokyu-ho means the Breathing to cleanse the spirit. This is a method for reducing your stress and purifying your mind and body.

Hold your hands above your head, palms facing up, finger tips pointed towards each other. Feel the vibrations of Reiki showering into the whole of the body.

Slowly move your hands downwards to your lap, palms facing up and keeping the hands relaxed as if you were holding eggs. Bring your mind to the Tanden (3 – 5 cm. below the navel) and listen to your breathing.

While you are breathing in, visualize that Reiki white energy is filling your head, and down the center (Hara) line through the body to the Tanden.

During the pause between inhalation and exhalation, the energy spreads to all parts of your body. Feel that the healing process is happening.

As you breathe out, visualize that the light filling your body is emanating in all directions, out to infinity.

Continue these exercises for a while.

Gassho

Gassho is a common practice in many eastern traditions. It is called “Namaste” in the Indo-Tibetan traditions. Gassho is holding the hands clasped in a prayer position at about the level of the chest. The middle fingers touch as this completes the meridians that terminate in the hands, your focus should be on this point. If you would like, silently recite the 5 Reiki Principles.

Just for today, I release anger

Just for today, I release worry

Today, I am grateful

Today, I work with integrity

Today, I am kind to all living beings

Seishin Toitsu-ho

Seishin Toitsu-ho means to concentrate the mind. This is a technique for clearing your mind and keeping your consciousness high and stable. This is also a good technique to help a practitioner connect to Reiki and move the energy in and out of their hands when unable to perform treatments.

Keep your hands in Gassho. Bring your mind down to the Tanden (3 – 5 cm below the navel) and try to keep your mind still.

While breathing in, visualizes the Reiki energy running down to your Tanden from your palms, and feel the energy in your Tanden.

While breathing out visualize that the energy coming out from your Tanden and moving up into the palms, then release the energy out in a burst.

Continue these exercises for a while.

Mokunen

Mokunen sets the intent of focus of concluding Hatsurei ho. To do Mokunen, shake your hands out while you say silently to yourself “I am finished with Hatsurei ho now”. This is said to the mind and subconscious, but let it reverberate everywhere.

Try to incorporate the Reiki meditation Hatsurei Ho into your daily practice and you will see great results.