Gassho position
This text is an excerpt from my book The Secret Book of Zen.
(Note: The images shown here were taken exclusively for this website © 2011 Jan Hendriksson, publication and duplication not allowed)
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The gassho position is a hand gesture accompanied by a slight bow. It always represents an expression of inner gratitude or collegiality, so it is more than a simple greeting.
How it’s done
Place both hands lightly together with your palms facing each other. This already symbolizes the merging of two opposites - ego and emptiness - into a single unit, which is exactly what you want to achieve in Zen. The edges of your hands and you fingers are touching each other. Your fingertips are pointing upwards, and the thumbs are not spread, but are naturally somewhat separate from the index fingers. This position is similar to the position of Christian prayer, only without interlocking or folding the fingers. Hold your hands at about chest-height, with the base of the thumbs being held against the breastbone. In this posture you can easily bow to someone - perhaps another sentient being -- or to something, e.g. your practice spot, that you are facing; or to express your bond, your respect, or, with your posture, humility. In the process, keep your hands in front of your rib cage and tilt your upper body slightly forward. While doing this, keep your gaze lowered towards the ground.
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