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The Ancient Healing Practice of the Ho'oponopono


sunset on a beach

As the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean scattering the last rays of the day across the dimpled sea, villagers leave their huts to gather around a fire on the darkening beach. A transgression has occurred that requires everyone’s participation to set right. There is no lawyer to argue the defendant’s innocence, no jury to assess blame, no judge to mete out punishment commensurate with the crime. The tribe’s kahuna will oversee the proceedings and everyone is being called upon to reconcile the dispute in their midst. Before the sun returns equanimity will be restored through an ancient ceremony of atonement and forgiveness—the Ho’oponopono.


All Are Forgiven

The Ho’oponopono (pronounced hoe-oh-poe-no-poe-no) is rooted in the belief that we are all connected through the collective unconscious. Therefore, when a disagreement arises in a community, reconciliation requires that all members atone for their contribution to the situation no matter how small or unintentional. As each individual acknowledges culpability, radiates unconditional love and expresses gratitude, all are forgiven through osmosis.


This perspective represents a paradigm shift for those of us raised in a society that equates justice with assigning blame and calculating retribution. From a quantum physics perspective, however, the energy of my unkind thoughts is bouncing around the collective field—like a ball on the playfield of a pinball machine—wrecking havoc on the psyche of others. It also means that my unkind thoughts did not originate with me but energy that I absorbed from the field or inherited from my ancestors. To the extent that I can transform the energy of unkind thoughts when they bounce into me, I can prevent the spread of hurtful energy to others.


The Evolution to a Modern Practice

Native Hawaiians practiced the Ho’oponopono for well over 5,000 years but the tradition faded as modern culture subsumed the ancient ways. Then in the 1970’s, kahunaMorrnah Nalamaku Simeona blended Hawaiian, Christian, and Indian traditions to create the 12-step self-help program Self I-Dentity through Ho’oponopono (SITH). She was honored as a "Living Treasure of Hawaii" in 1983.


Simeona’s co-teacher and former student, Ihaleakala Hew Len, PhD, applied the process to treating criminally ill inmates at the Hawaii State Hospital in the mid-1980’s. As Dr. Hew Len reviewed each patient’s case file, he identified and released the aspects of himself that perceived illness in the patient—a process that he calls ‘cleaning.’ Although he never counseled any patients directly, all but two of the inmates were cured during the four years Dr. Hew Len worked for the hospital. 


Several years later author Joe Vitale contacted Dr. Hew Len after hearing his remarkable story. They began teaching seminars after co-authoring a book in 2007, which led to widespread recognition of the Ho’oponopono. Detractors assert that the story of miraculous healing was a hoax invented to sell books and classes but Dr. Hew Len passed in 2022 so he is not here to offer a cleaning on the rumors. 


a man sitting on a rock watching the sun set

How to Practice Ho'oponopono

Regardless of the story’s validity, the basic Ho’oponopono practice is highly regarded for its healing effects. There are 4 simple statements in the Ho’oponopono mantra:

I’m sorry.

Please forgive me.

I love you.

Thank you.


The phrases may be stated in any sequence. As you recite these sentences, lean into the energy of the feelings they emote. Accept responsibility for the hurtful energy that we pass along from the field or our ancestors. Express regret for contributing to the disharmony in the world. Radiate unconditional love recognizing that—just as one candle is used to light others—we are all enlivened by the same divine life force energy. Appreciate the opportunity to transform hurtful energy thereby healing the world and yourself in the process.


Ho’oponopono may be used to rectify a specific situation or as a regular practice. As Dr. Hew Len explained in a 2009 interview, the mantra had become ever present in his mind as he incessantly cleaned each thought and interaction. I would love to hear about your experience with Ho’oponopono.


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