Almost all of us are familiar with this Asian sign of thanks and welcome: join hands at chest level and bow.
In many Japanese practices, particularly in the martial arts, before interacting with one’s partner, one makes gassho, a greeting.
This bow is made in a profound attitude of respect, sharing and learning.
It is much more than what it shows: it is more than two people greeting each other. We greet the other in front of us, we greet ourselves in the reflection that the other sends back to us, we greet this unique moment of encounter in a time that can never exist again and we greet the Life that made this encounter possible.
Beyond the gesture, it is a whole attitude that is engaged and above all rooted in the deepest part of each of us.
In a dojo, the greeting must be clear.
In a zendo (a place where Zen meditation is practised), we bow to the assembly before sitting down facing the wall, then we bow to the wall.
We greet each other for the inner journey we have made and the journey we have yet to make; we greet the adversary within ourselves.
This attitude forges a deep sense of gratitude in the face of life’s adversities.
In Buddhism, this attitude of reverence, with hands clasped to the chest, is common and is often depicted on numerous statues.
The joined hands in this position represent unity and non-duality.
The left hand represents God or the universe; the right hand represents the ego.
The idea is not to erase the ego but to unify it with something greater than oneself.
The ego no longer tries to impose itself, the self no longer tries to kill the ego.
Unity is achieved.
The ego harmonises with the universe to fulfil its destiny.
So, in shiatsu, even if the greeting is not very obvious, the inner attitude prevails.
Bowing to the receiver, who surrenders to my hands, in trust.
Bowing to myself and accepting that I can’t fulfil all your expectations (mine and those of the receiver).
Bowing before Life and all that is beyond us to thank and honour the encounter that is taking place.
Notes
Literally, gasshō, 合掌, means ‘hands together’
images: 500px.com and original artwork by Bibheist Art Gallery
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