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In medieval Japan, ninjas or Shinobi were professional assassins and spies. These were dexterous warriors who mastered ninjutsu, one of the martial arts. In fact, physical prowess was not the only distinguishing feature of ninjas. The latter paid much attention to the mental aspect of their job, doing their best to reach a balance between their body and mind. Read about ninja meditation below.
Ninjas were rather mysterious people; sometimes others did not consider them human at all. They were associated with spirits, and some believed that one could see a ninja only after a three-day fast. Another condition on which people could meet a ninja was meditation. Indeed, through achieving peace, people cleared their minds and entered the dimension in which spirits, or ninjas, could be seen (6).
Ninjas also went in for meditation, which was a vital part of their religion and lifestyle (4). This was a special type of mindfulness, which went under the name ninja meditation. Nowadays, despite the gradual decline of the ninja culture, ninja meditation remains relevant and still being practiced in different parts of the world.
The original name of ninja meditation is kuji kiri, which can be translated as “the nine hands seal.” Kuji kiri is a descendant of Shingon and Mikkyo Buddhism, which are practiced in Japan (1). The paramount goal of kuji kiri is to stay grounded and connected to the earth. However, there are more behind ninja meditation than forming signs, or seals, with your fingers. This wellness practice also involves breath meditation and focuses on the circulation of Ki energy, which gives your body life (2).
So, let’s look into each aspect of ninja meditation and explore its benefits.
Read More: How To Lead A Guided Meditation: Put All Those Buzzing Thoughts On Hold And Let Yourself Breathe
Ninja meditation is a multifaceted practice whose goal goes beyond mere riddance. Besides, staying mindful, the ninja style can benefit your body and soul in different ways.
Among the basic parts of ninja meditation are (2, 5):
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As mentioned before, kuji kiri is “the nine hand seal,” which is a set of finger gestures used in ninja meditation. Each of these gestures is linked to a certain energy type responsible for a particular task.
Here is the list of the 9 ninja meditation hand positions (3):
At first, you might think that these hand gestures known as seals in ninja meditation are meaningless. Indeed, it seems to be nothing more than an exercise for your fingers. Yet, it is your mind and effort that sends you to the meditative state during kuji kiri. What the seals do is trigger certain memories in your mind, which will make new sources of energy available for you (1). As a result, you will be open to mindfulness.
Ninja meditation is an old wellness practice that used to be associated with the supernatural. Nowadays, it is no longer that mysterious but is still popular worldwide. The cornerstone of this meditation is the kuji kiri and it’s 9 ninja meditation hand positions. In which, performing them will help you reach the meditative state. Kuji kiri can benefit you in various ways, helping you find stillness within your body and mind. Furthermore, practicing this type of meditation is said to make you see what you failed to see before.
Overall, the meditation is a relatively simple mindful activity, which, however, might not be easy for people without the corresponding background. Nevertheless, meditation is a learned skill, which you can master with regular training.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.