Short History and Meaning of Gassho.

There are two different spellings of this word: Gassho or Gasshou. Word Gassho translates as bring your palms together or praying hands. We can find this hand position in almost every culture, from the West to the East. Most of us are familiar with this gesture as part of a greeting or a prayer. In several countries, this gesture could mean “hello,” “goodbye,” or “thank you.” They hold significant meaning and represent not just tradition but ancient wisdom. Gassho becomes an essential part of Reiki, meditation, martial arts, or any spiritual practice. We always start and finish our sessions with Gassho.

Why We Do Gassho

Traditionally, we do Gassho before we start and when we finish the session. We practice in the beginning to separate this moment from our daily chores, to slow the waterfall of thoughts, to be fully in the present, in the moment.

In some Reiki schools, it is used as time for short meditation, in others as a prayer to show appreciation and gratefulness for the opportunity to help others. Some lineages practice two Gassho hand positions: the First one on the level of the heart center. During which we do meditation/pray to express our gratefulness. In the second position, we bring our hands to the third eye level. In this position, we are asking for guidance and assistance from a higher power.

We conclude the session with Gassho after Kenyohu Ho (Dry Bath) with thoughts of gratitude and thankfulness for this opportunity and experience.

Classical Hand Placement

In Buddhist practice, we place our hands at the heart area level, about 7-8 centimeters or 3 inches in front. Our fingers are touching and pointed at a 45-degree angle upwards.

Esoteric Symbolism Behind the Gassho

This hand position goes back thousands of years. Two hands, left and right, join together in the middle, Yin and Yang. There are several symbolisms in practicing Gassho according to Eastern traditions:

1. The left hand holds the feminine representation, and the right hand holds the masculine representation. By bringing them together, we create balance. There are no preferences, no domination one over another. There are no more left or right, they are both left and right at the same time.

2. A practice that helps us unite our mind and body.

3. The left hand represents the past, and the right represents the future. By bringing them together, we anchor ourselves in the present. Only in the present can we find our power.

4. By putting our hands together, we are saying there is no separateness in us. It signifies submission and unity with the divine; it is entering the realm of nonduality.

5. When we do Gassho our palms are slightly bowed, creating space or “vacuum” between them. It is a representation of emptiness, freedom from attachments, a return to our original self.

6. Five fingers correlated with five elements: fire, air, ether (space), earth, and water. When we bring them together in Gassho, we invoke the assistance of all these elements. In some esoteric traditions palms represent universe.

Final Thoughts

Gassho is a very slow movement because it is a very loaded action. Do not take lightly simplicity of this movement. Gassho helps us harmonise and balance our energy. We bring connections and awareness between our body, mind, and spirit into the present moment. It shifts us from our self-centeredness to the oneness with the universe. Performance of Gassho could become nonverbal communication with universe. 

Symbolism of this gesture crosses cultural boundaries and social customs. It signifies respect, humility, gratitude, and reverence. It reflects our desire for wisdom, humility, and the enlightenment.  

With love,

Roman

December 1, 2025

P.S. If you practice Reiki or are interested in energy medicine, my book “Reiki: Energy of Love, A Practical Guide and Tips” is a valuable resource to deepen your practice. Available on all Amazon marketplaces. ISBN: 9798339239178.