Hawaiian healers believe that illness is caused by breaking spiritual laws. Ho’oponopono is believed to allow the reconciliation and release of accumulated karma. The word Ho’oponopono translates as ‘correction’. Historically, the Hawaiian Ho’oponopono healing system was delivered alongside a senior family member or priest to guide the healing process.
Healer Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona adapted this traditional Ho’oponopono practice of family mutual forgiveness. This meant that the transformational process no longer required the presence of a trained practitioner and could be conducted alone. For this contribution, she was recognized in 1983 as a living treasure of Hawaii.
Therapist Dr. Hew Len was an avid student of Morrnah’s adapted technique until her passing in 1992. He was convinced by the healing of his daughter’s decade-long suffering from shingles. So much so, that he subsequently used it in 1984 with inmates at a high-security psychiatric facility. The use of the adapted Ho’opononopono was so successful that the inmates were moved to lower security alternatives and the facility was closed.
Ho’oponopono Prayer
Adapted Ho’oponopono is conceptualized as repetitions of the following mantra:
- I am sorry
- Please forgive me
- Thank you
- I Love You
Dr. Hew Len’s method of therapeutic application was to look at the inmate file and use Ho’oponopono on himself. He stated, “I didn’t heal them. I healed part of myself that created them”. In essence, he accepted 100% responsibility for every aspect of his experience. If he became consciously aware of something he was able to choose to clear out the wound by directing the phrases to himself.
Dr. Joe Vitale heard about this urbane legend and with skepticism followed up with Dr. Hew Len to find out more. This is documented in their co-authored book Zero Limits which has now made the technique publicly available to all. The book includes a shift in perspective in which the objective of the Ho’oponopono prayer is to get to “zero state”. This is a state of no memories and no identity.
If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to pass it on and let me know how this practice has been healing for you.
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