Los Angeles Koyasan Betsuin : Gassho

GASSHO -- “Light of Buddha”

Before the image of the Buddha, our hands are placed together. The act of placing our hands together in veneration is called “Gassho.” “Gassho” has the following significance: in Buddhism, the right hand represents the Buddha and the world of the Buddha; and the left hand represents ourselves and the human world in which we live.

When the right and left hands are placed together, we are expressing the intimate relationship between ourselves and the Buddha. It is symbolized by “Gassho”; that the serene realm of Buddha is realized in this world itself, the Buddha’s nature in us. In other words, man’s sinful nature which has been caused by ignorance must be the divine Buddha’s nature in itself. In this relationship we live in the world of the Buddha (Nirvana). All sentient beings have the Buddha’s nature and are part of the Buddha’s world.

Shingon Buddhism, which was founded by Kobo Daishi, has a unique form for the placing of “Gassho”. The tips of the fingers slightly cross each other. This unique form is called “Kongo Gassho”. The word “Kongo” means strength or solidity. “Kongo Gassho” is meant to designate the stable and peaceful world of the Buddha.

Let us then remember the significance of the form of the veneration when reciting “Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo” (Taking refuge to Kobo Daishi, full of compassion and wisdom). Kobo Daishi will always be with us through its recitation. Our daily life will be lived with Kobo Daishi when we voice our veneration. Our heart that yearns for the serene happiness, peace and well-being of mankind must be pure. Let us recite “Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo” with the “Kongo Gassho”, not only before the image of the Buddha but, also, in moments of happiness, and in times of grief and suffering, as well.

There are well over two billion people living on Earth. However, each individual is completely unique and therefore each life is priceless and irreplaceable. The life of each individual originates in the Universal Buddha; as does the existence of the entire universe. Kobo Daishi teaches us that “Since we all have the Buddha’s Nature: people must live harmoniously in the spirit of Gassho.” The peace of our lives, as well as the peace of the world stems from the spirit of “Gassho”.

“Gassho” (1961)