Shorinji
Kempo Greetings - Gassho Rei
The
Shorinji Kempo greeting is the gassho rei. This is a form of greeting
in which the left and right palms are held together in front of the
face. We do not use a Japanese-style bow.
While gassho rei displays the form of equality, this greeting also
expresses an attitude of mutual support and respect. In short, it expresses
physically the thoughts of "self establishment" and "happiness
for self and others."
"Relations among people should begin with ritual (rei) and end
with ritual (rei). If the rei is done properly, then one's posture corrects
itself, and one's heart corrects itself spontaneously. If the heart
is right, dignity will naturally adhere, and the conduct of ritual (rei)
will be a stately and flawlessly splendid thing. Ritual protects the
body, beautifies society, and is an essential element in governing a
country." stated Kaiso in his writings.
