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Anjali Singh November 3rd, 2023 · 8min read

Ho’oponopono Technique: The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness| Try NOW

“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.”

~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Forgiveness is like a present that we love receiving but don’t really know how to ask for it from others. For some of us even getting this present for oneself seems difficult, which is okay! Often this weight of seeking forgiveness from others or practicing self-forgiveness can become a bit of a struggle!

But, what if I tell you that there is one such technique of forgiveness that will not only make this act of forgiveness easy for you but will also initiate deep healing in you. This practice is called Ho’oponopono (sounds gibberish or like a tongue twister?), well once you understand the beauty and power behind this practice, it will all start making sense to you.

So are you ready to begin your healing journey through this Hawaiian practice of forgiveness?

Ho’oponopono Technique of Forgiveness:

Ho’oponopono Meaning: What Does  Ho’oponopono Means

The meaning of this powerful practice of forgiveness is beautiful in itself. The word “HO’O” means “Cause” in Hawaiian, and “PONOPONO” means “perfection.” This translates the term “Ho’oponopono” to “correct a mistake” or “make it right.” It is a forgiveness technique that cleanses an individual from within and helps them to get rid of negative memories and mistakes.

Also Read: 7 Habits That Causes Low Self-esteem (Watch Out) | Ways To Overcome Them

History Behind Ho’oponopono Technique

Ho’oponopono for forgiveness came into existence after a live experience of the therapist and teacher Ihaleakala Hew Len. He used this Hawaiin forgiveness technique to cure an entire pavilion of mentally ill criminals without even interacting or talking to them in person. Sounds surreal?

Well, that’s the truth, power, and beauty of this Ho’oponopono technique of forgiveness. Ihaleakala Hew Len analyzed each patient’s records, applied the Ho’oponopono keywords, and repeated the technique. It changed the mood, mental activity, and bad memories of the detainees. The results clearly showed that Len was able to heal the prisoners and healed himself as well (true to our opening quote).

How to Use Ho’oponopono Technique: Your Complete Guide

    You might be thinking that practice so powerful and beautiful might be a difficult one or will require a lot of practice. But the best part of the Ho’oponopono technique is that you can practice it yourself, plus it is super simple. This Hawaiian technique of forgiveness is like chanting a prayer or a mantra, it resembles meditation to an extent.
  • Sit in a quiet and comfortable place.
  • Close your eyes (optional).
  • Start by taking a few deep breaths
  • Now repeat willingly and with truth…
  • I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you.”

  • It is completely up to you how many times you want to chant this Ho’oponopono mantra.
  • Take a few moments of silence and let these words heal you.
  • Open your eyes.

Also Read: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- Things to Know

Ho’oponopono Technique: If it is directed towards self

Your name, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I am grateful. I love you.

Anjali, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I am grateful. I love you.

Ho’oponopono Technique: If it is directed towards someone else

Another person’s name, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I am grateful. I love you.

Geet, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I am grateful. I love you.

Interesting Fact: Joe Vitale suggests repeating Ho’oponopono 108 times for the effect to happen faster and you can try.

Why Ho’oponopono Works: Unveiling The Magic

The reason why Ho’oponopono Mantra works so effectively is that instead of just focusing on forgiveness it works on three other aspects that are crucial for complete healing. This includes repentance, gratitude, and love (along with forgiveness). Let us understand the wholesomeness and healing power of Ho’oponopono.

1. I am Sorry: Repentance:

Here you take responsibility for the situation or event and accept that it is okay to feel sad and sorry. Pick the issue that is bothering you and tell yourself that you are sorry for what has happened, you take the responsibility of the same and choose to heal from the same.

2. Please Forgive Me: Forgiveness:

This clarifies that you are seeking forgiveness and look forward to being forgiven. Irrespective of the fact that from whom you are seeking forgiveness, say it repeatedly.

3. Thank You: Gratitude:

Thank the other person, your God, the universe, and even yourself. Be grateful to everything and everyone who has forgiven you. It doesn’t matter to whom you pass your gratitude, just practice it.

Also Read: Best Gratitude Journals to Transform Your Life

4. I Love You: Love:

Love is definitely a powerful tool. That is why showering love is also a part of this forgiveness technique. Here you tell yourself, the other person, and everything around you that empowers you, that you love it.

That is why the final Ho’oponopono Prayer goes like…

I am sorry. Please forgive me. I am grateful. I love you.

When to Use Ho’oponopono

You can use Ho’oponopono for forgiveness all the time, while walking down the street or cleaning your space, literally anytime you want, you can use this beautiful technique of forgiveness. Here are some other instances where you can use the Ho’oponopono mantra:

  • When you find yourself being occupied with negative thinking.
  • When you watch the news that disturbs you in one way or the other.
  • When you perceive that others around you are behaving off lately.
  • When you think you are involved in situations that don’t promote your growth (like, gossiping).
  • When something makes you feel sad, gives rise to fear, or creates doubt in you.
  • And most importantly before going to bed, cleanse yourself of all the bad feelings that you have come across on that particular day.

Benefits of Ho’oponopono Technique of Healing: Beyond Forgiveness

You might be thinking that Ho’oponopono is for forgiveness what other benefits it has to offer? Well, the Ho’oponopono technique has other benefits to offer, this includes:

1. Ho’oponopono for forgiveness helps in making HAPPY MEMORIES

Often we hold onto certain memories that bring feelings of remorse, fear, shame, pain, or worries to us. These are the memories that keep on playing in a loop in our head, disturbing our peace. Through the Ho’oponopono technique, one can cleanse and neutralize these memories to create new ones.

2. Ho’oponopono for forgiveness makes your RELATIONSHIPS BETTER

While often conflicts leave us thinking that it was the other person’s fault, our relationships get sour. Through the Ho’oponopono technique, we understand and take responsibility for our part in the problem. With this change in our perception, we change for a better version of ourselves.

3. Ho’oponopono for forgiveness brings EMOTIONAL STABILITY in your life

Negative energies leave our way and emotional balance is regained through the Ho’oponopono technique. It has been found that Ho’oponopono practitioners enjoy a sense of fulfillment and freedom in their life by breaking their ties with negativity and joining hands with new insights.

4. Ho’oponopono for forgiveness gives you a SENSE OF POWER

Our mistakes and situations that weigh us down often leave us feeling powerless. Because we assume that we have little or no control over the situation, and our condition is the outcome of the external factors. It is through Ho’oponopono practice that we are the controller of our situations and we have the power to change the outcome. The practice helps you enjoy a sense of independence.

Your Audio Guide To Ho’oponopono Technique:

1. What Does Ho’oponopono, the Hawai’ian Phrase, Mean?

2. Ho`oponopono – Mantra Prayer Meditation 4

3. HO’OPONOPONO MANTRA – 108 Repetitions for Deep Healing

Books on Ho’oponopono Technique for you to Read

1. Ho’oponopono: The Hawaiian Forgiveness Ritual as the Key to Your Life’s Fulfillment

2. The Book of Ho’oponopono: The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness and Healing

Now it is time for you to make a list of things that you need forgiveness for and apply the Ho’oponopono technique of forgiveness, to see the magic happening.

Do share with us in the comments section how your experience with the Ho’oponopono prayer ritual.

You can also download this, Ho’oponopono prayer or pin it to strengthen your practice.

Good luck on your way to healing!

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