Ho’oponopono- Hawaiian Mantra for Internal and External Harmony
“When things change inside you, things change around you.” - Unknown
I’m a big fan of mantras and meditations. I have a solid daily practice and teach others these powerful techniques. Recently, I was exposed to “Ho’oponopono,” which is a Hawaiian prayer that is being used as a mantra meditation. Since my mantra practice has been based on Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, I was skeptical of using an English translation. Still, I committed to my new practice, curious about the results.
The translation I used may be found below.
I love you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you.
For my practice, I committed to repeating this mantra 108 times each day for 40 days. One hundred eight is the number of beads on a mala and the rosary. It is said that this is the number of nadis (energy channels) surrounding the heart.
Surprisingly, I found immediate and lasting benefits from this simple practice. At first, I was drawn to individuals I may have wronged in some way - my parents for not being the perfect daughter, my children for not being the ideal mother, my friends, my colleagues, etc. The list went on & on. This acknowledgment alone, as I let feelings and memories come forward and release, was cleansing and left me feeling lighter and more free. The biggest revelation came when my thoughts began to dwell on myself - versions of myself from early childhood, my teenage years, and as a young mother - I found myself loving and asking for forgiveness from me to me. It was a profound experience and very challenging to describe. The results have been a deep sense of love and compassion for myself and others and a greater sense of peace and harmony in both my internal world and my interactions with the external world.
I am compelled to share this practice with you, hoping you may want to try this mantra for yourself. You don’t need any fancy equipment. If you don’t have a mala, you can set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. To get started, pick a time that you won’t be disturbed. Take a comfortable seat - on a chair or a cushion. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Begin to repeat to yourself silently or say out loud the mantra:
I love you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you.
Repeat the mantra for a set time (5 or 10 minutes) or the length of a mala (108 beads). Notice any images or emotions that may pop up, but don’t hold on to them - acknowledge them and let them pass through you. After completing your chanting cycle, take a few deep breaths before opening your eyes and continuing your day.
I hope you all enjoy this practice and that it brings you healing and peace.
With love and gratitude,