Rethinking The Ho’oponopono Prayer: A Deeper Understanding

As we delve into the vast ocean of spiritual wisdom, it’s imperative that we explore the beautiful and transformative practice known as ho’oponopono more deeply. This age-old Hawaiian tradition has touched countless lives, encouraging practitioners to embark on a journey of self-healing and acceptance.

In this article, we will probe the ho’oponopono prayer—a revered aspect of this practice—and consider its broader implications. Much like the calm surface of the Pacific reflects the depths below, these simple phrases encompass an intricate ideology which extends far beyond their initial appearance.

The Essence of the Ho’oponopono Prayer
The ho’oponopono prayer, sometimes assumed to be synonymous with ho’oponopono itself, commonly manifests as four concise phrases:

Thank you
I am sorry
Please forgive me
I love you

Although these words may be chanted in any order, they all gravitate towards a single entity within us—the subconscious-inner child. This is the part of us that travels alongside us throughout our lives, the one that crafts our unique perspective of the world until we can emerge as crystal clear beings.

This prayer is often viewed as a method for becoming clear, a way of engaging in a gentle dialogue with our inner child who, out of unwavering loyalty, often takes on the brunt of our burdens, namely, our Karmic-Data.

Addressing Our Inner Child: The Loyal Companion
The inner child is akin to a toddler who, despite being loyal and sensitive, may not always make the wisest decisions. Think of a child attempting to clean a car with dirt—it may seem intuitive to the child, but it doesn’t yield the desired outcome. This inner child, however, serves an important purpose: it’s the catalyst that triggers our emotions based on our Karmic-Data.

When we find ourselves grappling with challenging situations, such as illness or difficult relationships, it’s not merely a result of external circumstances, but rather a manifestation of our Karmic-Data. Our subconscious-inner child helps us to precipitate these scenarios, enabling us to weave our narratives around them.

Therefore, the ho’oponopono prayer is directed towards our inner child, a heartfelt expression of apology for burdening it with our Karmic-Data, and a recognition of its efforts to carry them. We thank this loyal part of us, express remorse for the past decisions that have led to the creation of this Karmic-Data, and request its forgiveness for our transgressions. Finally, we affirm our love for our inner child, acknowledging its role in guiding us, whether through divine inspiration or based on what it perceives as ‘right’.

The Importance of Word Choice: Love or Gratitude?
Interestingly, it’s been suggested that Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, the founder of the SITH school of ho’oponopono, didn’t incorporate the word ‘love’ in the prayer. Instead, she expressed ‘gratitude’. This slight modification yields:

Thank you
I am sorry
Please forgive me
I am grateful

Gratitude here serves a dual purpose: it acknowledges the intangible nature of ‘love’ and thanks our subconscious for the invaluable gift of life, including the management of our bodily functions and the maintenance of our physical form. This isn’t merely a polite gesture or a psychological acknowledgement—it’s an expression of genuine appreciation that can enhance the effectiveness of the ho’oponopono practice.

The power of gratitude is further illustrated by the thoughts of Br. David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine Friar, who emphasizes joy as “the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” His idea of gratitude is not a simplistic, superficial form of thanksgiving—it’s a robust, reality-based practice and choice. This gratitude mirrors the one referred to by Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona in her practice of ho’oponopono.

Contemplating the Fifth Phrase of Ho’oponopono
An intriguing aspect of the ho’oponopono prayer is the proposed ‘Fifth Phrase‘. Some practitioners assert that this phrase is ‘I forgives myself’. However, this can be viewed as a misdirection. Divine energy, or Divinity, is impersonal—it cannot be directed by us consciously, and the ho’oponopono prayer is not a statement of what we might believe, like the Christian’s Creed.

Individuals who have experienced near-death episodes often encounter a transformative, all-encompassing white light. This light isn’t perceived as a personal attribute, but a universal phenomenon.

Others believe that the Fifth Phrase should be addressed to the Deity or God of their parent religion. A Hindu may seek Krishna’s forgiveness, a Jew may turn to Yahweh, a Christian to God, and a Muslim to Allah. While this interpretation aligns well with the inclusive nature of ho’oponopono, which doesn’t infringe upon an individual’s religious beliefs, it’s essential to remember that the message of the prayer is intended for our inner child.

Deep Dive into the Meaning of Ho’oponopono
At its core, ho’oponopono translates to ‘correct an error’. It is a practice designed to restore harmony and balance, a process geared towards feeling ‘right’ or ‘pono’. It’s important to clarify that ‘pono’ does not denote the superiority of one’s correctness over another’s—it’s a sense of being in sync with nature, society, and oneself.

The state of ‘pono’ is characterized by a deep-seated sense of peace, comfort, acceptance, and appreciation for all aspects of life. When one is ‘pono’, one is connected to their heart, their decisions and actions stem from a place of integrity and awareness of collective well-being. ‘Ponopono’, thus, encapsulates the feeling of being doubly alright in the world.

To err is to step out of this balance, and to engage in ho’oponopono is to correct this misstep. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Dr. Hew Len‘s work at the Hawaii State Hospital. His mission was not to heal the patients directly, but to address the negativity he felt towards the institution and its residents. By correcting his own perception, he catalysed a healing process that impacted all those with whom he shared Karmic-Connections.

The Process of Seeking Forgiveness
One pivotal aspect of ho’oponopono is the act of seeking forgiveness. In the Hawaiian language, expressing sorrow doesn’t involve saying ‘I’m sorry’. Instead, one asks for forgiveness, embodying the phrase ‘E kala mai ia‘u’, which translates to ‘Please forgive me’. This reflects the understanding that forgiveness is a process, not a finite state.

However, for many, this step can be challenging, particularly when there’s a significant emotional hurdle involved. As Morrnah Simeona advised, if you don’t feel ready to forgive while practicing ho’oponopono, it’s likely that you haven’t sufficiently nourished yourself with positive energy.

The Role of Love in Ho’oponopono
Lastly, it’s important to revisit the concept of love in the context of ho’oponopono. Although we express ‘I love you’ as part of the prayer, it’s not Divinity that requires our love—Divinity is love.

We are the ones in need of love to truly thrive. This need for love, or attachment as referred to by physician John Bowlby, is integral to our health and well-being. Infants without this vital emotional bond tend to fall ill or exhibit disturbed behaviour.

We humans are conduits of love or Divinity, if you prefer. Our existence’s purpose is to channel this divine love. Any divergence from this path can be considered a self-serving distraction. However, herein lies an intriguing paradox, beautifully exemplified by Dr. Hew Len’s work. By sharing Divinity’s love—its light—it becomes visible to others. Consequently, we receive what we need to fulfil our task, our purpose.

Conclusion
Ho’oponopono is a journey into the self—an exploration of our deepest corners and crevices where we store our Karmic-Data. It’s a practice that teaches us to cleanse our subconscious mind, unburdening our inner child of the weight it carries. We are asked to extend love, express regret, seek forgiveness, and express gratitude, fostering an internal dialogue that promotes healing and clarity.

However, the effectiveness of ho’oponopono is contingent on sincerity, self-reflection, and an understanding of the words we utter. Whether we say ‘I love you’ or ‘I am grateful’, it’s the underlying emotion that gives the prayer its potency. Furthermore, the introduction of a ‘Fifth Phrase’ should be guided by personal preference and respect for Divinity.

As we tread the path of ho’oponopono, we endeavour to correct errors and realign ourselves with the state of ‘pono’. This practice doesn’t merely serve to reinstate our individual peace—it fosters a sense of balance and harmony that ripples into our relationships, community, and our place within nature. Thus, the practice of ho’oponopono is an invitation to experience an elevated form of existence, characterized by love, understanding, and interconnectedness.

In the end, ho’oponopono is more than a prayer or mantra—it’s a spiritual technology for fostering internal harmony and influencing the external world in a profoundly positive way. Through it, we learn the power of love, forgiveness, gratitude, and the joy of feeling ‘right’ in the world, ultimately guiding us towards a path of clarity, peace, and purpose.