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The Book of Ho'oponopono: The Hawaiian Practice of Forgiveness and Healing
A simple practice to heal your past and cleanse negative memories to live a more peaceful and harmonious life • Details how to apply Ho'oponopono to deal with traumatic past events, destructive thought patterns, family dynamics, daily annoyances, or any other disagreeable event in your life, from traffic jams to relationship break-ups • Draws on the new science of epigenetics and quantum physics to explain how Ho'oponopono works • Explains how the trauma of past events can cloud your perceptions and reveals how to break free from the weight of your memories Based on an ancestral Hawaiian shamanic ritual, the healing practice of Ho'oponopono teaches you to cleanse your consciousness of negative memories, unconscious fears, and dysfunctional programming and grant yourself forgiveness, peace, and love. The process is deceptively simple--first you must recognize your own responsibility for creating the events in your life, then you are ready to apply the mantra of Ho' I’m sorry, Forgive me, Thank you, I love you. Repeated several times over a dedicated interval, the negativity is replaced with inner peace, love, and harmony--and, as the stories in this book show, sometimes even miracles take place. In this step-by-step guide, the authors explain how to apply Ho'oponopono to traumatic past events, destructive thought patterns, family dynamics, daily annoyances, or any other disagreeable event in your life, from traffic jams to relationship break-ups. Drawing on quantum physics and epigenetics, they explore how Ho'oponopono works--how thoughts and consciousness can affect the expression of your DNA, the materialization of your goals, and the behavior of those around you. They explain how negative thought patterns and memories unconsciously guide your life and draw more negativity to you, perpetuating the cycle of bad events and clouding your recollection of the past. By apologizing to yourself, your memory, and the event in question, you can forgive yourself, heal your memories, and cleanse your perceptions. By reconciling with yourself, you open your heart to love for your experiences, yourself, and others and bring harmony to your mind, body, and the world around you.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
195 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 22, 2017
I live in Hawaii, so I am interested in learning about anything that has to do with the Hawaiian culture. Hooponopono is the Hawaiian practice of forgiveness and healing. I understand that when I am feeling a negative emotion such as anger or fear, I can use Hooponopono to replace that fear by saying four simple phrases. These phrases are I'm sorry, I love you, thank you and forgive me. This is something that would be very hard for me to do when I am angry and scared, but it is something that I should strive to do more. Hooponopono does not replace medical treatment or therapy. I should not expect a miracle and be relieved of all negative emotions, but I truly believe that I can feel more at peace with myself and my coworkers by using Hooponopono in stressful situations.
I really like the concepts of unihipili, uhane and aumalua. Unihipili is the unconscious mind. Uhane is the conscious mind. Aumalua is the soul or divine intelligence. These are all parts of an individual person. When Hooponopono is used, then all of these parts of a person is balanced. This book motivates me to learn more about Hooponopono and become more balanced in my life. I want to learn how to develop these Hawaiian aspects of myself more/ I enjoy expanding my Hawaiian vocabulary, and I appreciate this information very much. I believe that a separate book could be written about each of these concepts. This book is missing stories of people who have used Hooponopono, but hopefully I can find that in another book or discover it for myself. This book motivates me to do more research on Hooponopono.
I really like the concepts of unihipili, uhane and aumalua. Unihipili is the unconscious mind. Uhane is the conscious mind. Aumalua is the soul or divine intelligence. These are all parts of an individual person. When Hooponopono is used, then all of these parts of a person is balanced. This book motivates me to learn more about Hooponopono and become more balanced in my life. I want to learn how to develop these Hawaiian aspects of myself more/ I enjoy expanding my Hawaiian vocabulary, and I appreciate this information very much. I believe that a separate book could be written about each of these concepts. This book is missing stories of people who have used Hooponopono, but hopefully I can find that in another book or discover it for myself. This book motivates me to do more research on Hooponopono.
July 8, 2020
I received this book as a gift, and it was just not for me.
I did appreciate some of the viewpoints that related to things like mindfulness and being loving and forgiving to yourself and others. A lot of the ideas were really problematic to me, however, like the idea that everyone is personally responsible for everything that happens to them, down to saying that someone with an abusive family is reaping the effects of their behavior in a past life. I also found upon researching that many of the scientific studies and theories referenced were very flawed or even discredited.
I did appreciate some of the viewpoints that related to things like mindfulness and being loving and forgiving to yourself and others. A lot of the ideas were really problematic to me, however, like the idea that everyone is personally responsible for everything that happens to them, down to saying that someone with an abusive family is reaping the effects of their behavior in a past life. I also found upon researching that many of the scientific studies and theories referenced were very flawed or even discredited.
August 19, 2021
I think it’s of most importance that I put in practice what this book represents and what it offers. I think it’s obvious that everyone should read this book. Thank you, I love you!
March 11, 2022
J'ai commencé à lire ce livre, il y a quelques mois et j'ai dût arrêté car je n'était pas en accord avec ce qu'il dissait. Exemple : Quand une jeune femme se fait voler son collier en marchant. Cette jeune femme devrait pratiquer de se dire : pardonnez-moi d'avoir inspiré la tentation en portant ce bijou, pardonnez-moi de m'avoir laissé être victimiser. Il avait la même exemple pour une femme victime d'abus.
Nous éprouvons déjà beaucoup de culpabilité dans ce monde, pourquoi en rajouté lorsque l'acte a été fait par un autre individu?
Peut-être j'ai mal comprie ou je ne suis pas rendu à ce niveau de pardon encore.
J'ai terminé le livre en esperant comprendre pourquoi mais Malheureusement je n'est toujours pas comprie
D'une autre côté j'aime bien la pratique de pardonnez-moi, merci et je t'aime, j'esseyerai de l'utilisé quotidiennement
Nous éprouvons déjà beaucoup de culpabilité dans ce monde, pourquoi en rajouté lorsque l'acte a été fait par un autre individu?
Peut-être j'ai mal comprie ou je ne suis pas rendu à ce niveau de pardon encore.
J'ai terminé le livre en esperant comprendre pourquoi mais Malheureusement je n'est toujours pas comprie
D'une autre côté j'aime bien la pratique de pardonnez-moi, merci et je t'aime, j'esseyerai de l'utilisé quotidiennement
January 4, 2023
Book that makes you smile as it allows you to see unpleasant situations or thoughts and shows ways to overcome them. That inspires you to learn more in wanting to self develop with growth and love.
May 9, 2019
DNF @ 50%
I like the ideia of hoponopono. I started to read the book to understand what it meant to say those short sentences to yourself. I understand now and that’s the only reason I’m not giving 1 star.
I absolutely hated that they say you are responsible for everything that happens to you. It’s actually disgusting that someone deeply believes in that. They go as far as saying if your family isn’t good to you, it’s your fault or if you keep getting in relationships where your partner isn’t great to you then it’s your fault. Absolutely disgusting.
I will save you time and tell you all you need to know from this book:
1. We create thoughts in our minds because of experiences, situations, fears, preferences,...
2. When we think a lot of one thing say “I’m not worth having someone who loves me” we are manifesting. The same way you can manifest good things into your life, you can also manifest bad things.
3. Hoponopono helps you eliminate those thoughts that make you sad, uncomfortable, afraid,... and it’s 4 short sentences you say to yourself when those thoughts come to mind. You can repeat the sentences as many times as you like.
4. Here are the sentences:
I am sorry.
Forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
5. You are suppose to say them in this order and here’s the meaning of each sentence:
- “I am sorry” I am sorry I had that thought or carried that memory, I am sorry it keeps coming back into my mind.
- “Forgive me” Forgive me because I didn’t realise I had this thought before and forgive me because I didn’t realise how badly it was affecting me. This is self forgiveness.
- “Thank you” thank you for allowing me to release and cleanse this memory. Thank you for helping yourself free yourself.
- “I love you” I love myself. I deserve better thoughts, memories for myself. Also using love to accept your memories to let them go.
6. My personal opinion is that you aren’t going to let go of memories but just accept them and put them as part of your past. I think when we use hoponopono is to change our thoughts to better/happier thoughts and to try to accept some memories and believe that the past doesn’t have to repeat itself in the present.
I like the ideia of hoponopono. I started to read the book to understand what it meant to say those short sentences to yourself. I understand now and that’s the only reason I’m not giving 1 star.
I absolutely hated that they say you are responsible for everything that happens to you. It’s actually disgusting that someone deeply believes in that. They go as far as saying if your family isn’t good to you, it’s your fault or if you keep getting in relationships where your partner isn’t great to you then it’s your fault. Absolutely disgusting.
I will save you time and tell you all you need to know from this book:
1. We create thoughts in our minds because of experiences, situations, fears, preferences,...
2. When we think a lot of one thing say “I’m not worth having someone who loves me” we are manifesting. The same way you can manifest good things into your life, you can also manifest bad things.
3. Hoponopono helps you eliminate those thoughts that make you sad, uncomfortable, afraid,... and it’s 4 short sentences you say to yourself when those thoughts come to mind. You can repeat the sentences as many times as you like.
4. Here are the sentences:
I am sorry.
Forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
5. You are suppose to say them in this order and here’s the meaning of each sentence:
- “I am sorry” I am sorry I had that thought or carried that memory, I am sorry it keeps coming back into my mind.
- “Forgive me” Forgive me because I didn’t realise I had this thought before and forgive me because I didn’t realise how badly it was affecting me. This is self forgiveness.
- “Thank you” thank you for allowing me to release and cleanse this memory. Thank you for helping yourself free yourself.
- “I love you” I love myself. I deserve better thoughts, memories for myself. Also using love to accept your memories to let them go.
6. My personal opinion is that you aren’t going to let go of memories but just accept them and put them as part of your past. I think when we use hoponopono is to change our thoughts to better/happier thoughts and to try to accept some memories and believe that the past doesn’t have to repeat itself in the present.
March 4, 2024
I wish this book was written in the context of the way they note Ho'oponopono was historically used. It's like the author took the original communal use of the theory and twisted it in a Kaleidoscope to fit our Western hyper-individualistic notions and added in a huge helping of spiritual bypassing via the Law of Attraction.
I want to read a book that talks about how we can use Ho'oponopono the way it was used in the past. I'm not interested in this version that talks about how all 7 billion of us exist in separate self-controlled worlds that have no impact on each other. Where everyone can just decide that they will be happy to attract happiness. Where they blame themselves for the systemic injustices visited upon them. It sounds sad and lonely. It seems like the original version where it was practiced in a group setting would be healing and hopeful.
In a world where we cannot control one another, the author posits that we can so control ourselves that we keep ourselves outside the world and happy and joyful and nothing bad only good. It is a sad way of dealing with the systems around us that isolate us and make us feel out of control.
Note: Watch out for the awful and extremely inappropriate analogy on page 162 about living in a ceaselessly bombed city.
I accessed this book through my local library.
I would recommend Naomi Klein's book "Doppleganger" instead. Or at least first.
I want to read a book that talks about how we can use Ho'oponopono the way it was used in the past. I'm not interested in this version that talks about how all 7 billion of us exist in separate self-controlled worlds that have no impact on each other. Where everyone can just decide that they will be happy to attract happiness. Where they blame themselves for the systemic injustices visited upon them. It sounds sad and lonely. It seems like the original version where it was practiced in a group setting would be healing and hopeful.
In a world where we cannot control one another, the author posits that we can so control ourselves that we keep ourselves outside the world and happy and joyful and nothing bad only good. It is a sad way of dealing with the systems around us that isolate us and make us feel out of control.
Note: Watch out for the awful and extremely inappropriate analogy on page 162 about living in a ceaselessly bombed city.
I accessed this book through my local library.
I would recommend Naomi Klein's book "Doppleganger" instead. Or at least first.
October 4, 2017
The most interesting chapter was the second chapter, written by Dr. Luc Bodin--fascinating history of Ho'oponopono and practical implications for its impact on your life based on extensive research related to different fields: medical, biological, religious, etc. The first chapter was trite (could have skipped it myself). The third and fourth chapters, written by Bodin's wife, were okay but not as intriguing as the second.
April 14, 2016
I'm sorry, forgive me, thank you and I love you can be some of the hardest words to say.
This book will guide you through the practice of Ho'oponopono to establish a sense of peace and reconnect to our true nature.
This book will guide you through the practice of Ho'oponopono to establish a sense of peace and reconnect to our true nature.
May 31, 2019
This book has some useful tools, as well as some areas that are way too out there for my taste.
There are sections that are simply scientifically false, such as the section on behavioral epigenetics giving credence to Jean Baptiste Lamarck's discredited theory of acquired characteristics (which is not to discredit true scientific epigenetics), quantum healing, and information traveling faster than the speed of light. There is also a lot of religious stuff which is not to my liking.
Positive aspects include how the process really can alter your view on the world and in turn affect the behavior of others. Of course I don't believe it works in the magical way described in the false anecdote about Dr. Hew Len, but it has been shown that we communicate a lot with body language and being calm and at ease will create a body language that can be read by others.
It also has practical advice on how to deal with minor troubles that we often stress over too much (e.g. spilling coffee on oneself).
While I do not believe in the hippy dippy stuff about changing the entire world and universe and everyone in it by doing Ho'oponopono, nor do I believe that every incident is some mystical message from the universe, I do believe I can use this tool to feel better about things and have a bit more of a positive outlook on things.
There are sections that are simply scientifically false, such as the section on behavioral epigenetics giving credence to Jean Baptiste Lamarck's discredited theory of acquired characteristics (which is not to discredit true scientific epigenetics), quantum healing, and information traveling faster than the speed of light. There is also a lot of religious stuff which is not to my liking.
Positive aspects include how the process really can alter your view on the world and in turn affect the behavior of others. Of course I don't believe it works in the magical way described in the false anecdote about Dr. Hew Len, but it has been shown that we communicate a lot with body language and being calm and at ease will create a body language that can be read by others.
It also has practical advice on how to deal with minor troubles that we often stress over too much (e.g. spilling coffee on oneself).
While I do not believe in the hippy dippy stuff about changing the entire world and universe and everyone in it by doing Ho'oponopono, nor do I believe that every incident is some mystical message from the universe, I do believe I can use this tool to feel better about things and have a bit more of a positive outlook on things.
September 17, 2022
I intended to read this book so I could rekindle the magical Ho'oponopono energy which helped me to heal in the past.
I'm no expert in this technique; however, compared to other texts and books I've read, this one fell a little short unfortunately, even though I can recommend it.
I've really enjoyed reading the first chapter which is more practical: what, how, when and why. It helps us to make Ho'oponopono work in our everyday life.
I've found the second chapter interesting and I think it's nice to see the research that was done to make this book come alive - even though, I didn't check on the mentioned articles yet. I also feel as this session goes too far to prove a point, for example, explaining why the world we live is all a creation in our minds, which didn't help in my case and left me feeling confused. I'm also not very keen of the reincarnation talk which can be important in the responsability teaching. I think they could have explained better the split between "blame" and "responsability".
The third chapter shines a light on love, religion, spirituality and how life gets better with this tool - but sometimes it gets a little too blinding for my taste. Life feels seen through a rose colored glass in which you can be robbed and thank your burglar for waking memories in your unconscious mind. Maybe I only need to practice more to let go of this sour and see all events this way!
Overall, it's a light reading but sometimes you got to internalize all the content which is being exposed. I suggest some pauses so you can better grasp the concepts.
I'm no expert in this technique; however, compared to other texts and books I've read, this one fell a little short unfortunately, even though I can recommend it.
I've really enjoyed reading the first chapter which is more practical: what, how, when and why. It helps us to make Ho'oponopono work in our everyday life.
I've found the second chapter interesting and I think it's nice to see the research that was done to make this book come alive - even though, I didn't check on the mentioned articles yet. I also feel as this session goes too far to prove a point, for example, explaining why the world we live is all a creation in our minds, which didn't help in my case and left me feeling confused. I'm also not very keen of the reincarnation talk which can be important in the responsability teaching. I think they could have explained better the split between "blame" and "responsability".
The third chapter shines a light on love, religion, spirituality and how life gets better with this tool - but sometimes it gets a little too blinding for my taste. Life feels seen through a rose colored glass in which you can be robbed and thank your burglar for waking memories in your unconscious mind. Maybe I only need to practice more to let go of this sour and see all events this way!
Overall, it's a light reading but sometimes you got to internalize all the content which is being exposed. I suggest some pauses so you can better grasp the concepts.
June 18, 2019
I enjoyed this book and while I disagreed with a few things, overall, I do feel there is a good message. This book helps you "clear old data" such as past traumas in your life. The idea is that you take responsibility for all that has occurred in your life and learn to forgive yourself for placing yourself in those situations, love yourself and express gratitude for lessons learned.
While I do believe in taking responsibility for your actions and situations surrounding you, I believe there are exceptions to this rule (i.e. rape, mass shooting, shootings, etc). I think the book does a good job by addressing several beliefs in order to reach a broader audience. I also agree with negativity attracting more negativity. All in all, I would recommend this book for those struggling with grudges and/or traumas.
While I do believe in taking responsibility for your actions and situations surrounding you, I believe there are exceptions to this rule (i.e. rape, mass shooting, shootings, etc). I think the book does a good job by addressing several beliefs in order to reach a broader audience. I also agree with negativity attracting more negativity. All in all, I would recommend this book for those struggling with grudges and/or traumas.
September 1, 2019
This is a beautiful and very interesting book.
It explains how every thought and emotion contribute to your DNA expression and how by a mindful practice of noticing the moments were your thoughts become unkind and destructive, owning them and taking the step of understanding how the practice of cleaning up your traumatic memories can liberate Your mind to create and contribute to a healthier DNA expression, mental peace and overall calm in your life to apreciate everyone and everything that exists in it as your mirroring expression of Self.
Excellent!
It explains how every thought and emotion contribute to your DNA expression and how by a mindful practice of noticing the moments were your thoughts become unkind and destructive, owning them and taking the step of understanding how the practice of cleaning up your traumatic memories can liberate Your mind to create and contribute to a healthier DNA expression, mental peace and overall calm in your life to apreciate everyone and everything that exists in it as your mirroring expression of Self.
Excellent!
May 27, 2018
I will definitely recommend this easy and practical book to anyone and everyone. The practice of Ho’oponopono is part of the Hawaiian culture, but can be easily implemented anywhere, anytime, in any negative situation and society. The phrases sound so simple, yet may seem so frightening at first, until you truly want what you say and are ready to forgive yourself. With practice we can all put positive energy and peace in place everywhere by starting within.
February 16, 2019
While I had a bit of difficulty with the idea that all of the difficult things in my life were called to me by my own erroneous memories, I did find that by doing the very simple practice that the book teaches, I achieved a new sense of peace and was able to quiet many of the upsetting thoughts my mind produces. I definitely recommend this book and the practice of Ho'oponopono to people who are looking for peace and a pathway to self love and forgiveness.
January 21, 2024
The ho’oponopono mantra is, “I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” While I can see the benefits of the ideas in this book, I felt that the authors’ presentation of the principles were a bit simplistic. I did appreciate that they integrated ho’oponopono as a spiritual practice that would be compatible with different religions. This was a quick, light read and as with any self-help book, there are some nuggets of wisdom that the reader can bring forward.
December 1, 2024
The book has good information and I loved the topics they connected Ho'oponopono with. Loved Chapter 2.
However, it doesn't feel structured or step-by-step for a beginner in Ho'oponopono. Despite reading this book, Ho'oponopono is not very clear to me.
I would have liked it if the process of Ho'oponopono was explained step by step with the how-tos and each of the phrases explained more thoroughly.
All I know about Ho'oponopono through this book is the phrases and how much it can help.
However, it doesn't feel structured or step-by-step for a beginner in Ho'oponopono. Despite reading this book, Ho'oponopono is not very clear to me.
I would have liked it if the process of Ho'oponopono was explained step by step with the how-tos and each of the phrases explained more thoroughly.
All I know about Ho'oponopono through this book is the phrases and how much it can help.
March 11, 2025
A magnificent tool for Love & Peace.
This book helped me improved my understanding of Ho’oponopono. I couldn’t stop reading. If you are ready to do the work with yourself and for yourself this will be a great start. Ho’oponopono works and will definitely improve your life. I love the pure love that flows from me now when I do the work of Ho’oponopono, I now know people are my mirrors and they are a reflection of what’s inside of me. Do the work. Thank you. I love you ❤️
This book helped me improved my understanding of Ho’oponopono. I couldn’t stop reading. If you are ready to do the work with yourself and for yourself this will be a great start. Ho’oponopono works and will definitely improve your life. I love the pure love that flows from me now when I do the work of Ho’oponopono, I now know people are my mirrors and they are a reflection of what’s inside of me. Do the work. Thank you. I love you ❤️
November 21, 2020
It’s a light read. Quite an elaboration for this one phrase: I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
Author attempted to dwell on law of attraction here and there, but with no depth. Will recommend for beginners (those into law of attraction kinda thingy). For intermediate and advanced levels; I suppose it’s a preface kinda book.
Happy reading. 😊
Author attempted to dwell on law of attraction here and there, but with no depth. Will recommend for beginners (those into law of attraction kinda thingy). For intermediate and advanced levels; I suppose it’s a preface kinda book.
Happy reading. 😊
June 12, 2021
Amazing Book
This is a wonderful book, which gives the complete insight what Dr. Hew Len taught me during the course. I recommend to read this book which will definitely change your life for goo.
This is a wonderful book, which gives the complete insight what Dr. Hew Len taught me during the course. I recommend to read this book which will definitely change your life for goo.
February 27, 2023
After just finishing 2 books on Huna I felt the need for more and I wanted to know more about Ho’oponopono. This book did not disappoint me. In fact I’m looking for more, lol. Great easy read. I’m sorry, forgive me, thank you, I love you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
Un guide simple pour pratiquer l'hoponopono dans notre vie quotidienne.... 4 mots simples ont un pouvoir magique à éliminer les mémoires erronées du passé ce qui assure la Guérison de l'âme...
"Désolé, pardon merci je t'aime "...
"Désolé, pardon merci je t'aime "...
January 14, 2024
This is a great book about a very powerful mantra and practice: "I'm sorry; please forgive me; I love you; thank you!" The book contains contributions from several writers and explains the many applications of the practice/mantra.
March 7, 2025
Le concept même du Ho'Oponopono est intéressant mais j'ai trouvé que le livre apporte très peu d'informations complémentaires pertinentes. Il ne fait que ressasser les mêmes phrases et soit-disant vérités absolues.
September 11, 2025
The overall message was really good. Took alot away from the book in terms of self-help and growth. Other parts not so much eg being responsible for your current life/behavior in a karmic sense. good read but just take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't.
July 13, 2017
Good book must read
To increase the understanding of hooponopono better must read this book explain greatly with examples from daily life thank you I love you
To increase the understanding of hooponopono better must read this book explain greatly with examples from daily life thank you I love you
December 29, 2017
This book is great, better than I expected, very interesting.
February 11, 2018
Such a disappointment. This book is full of fluff with no real substance. The authors know all the right things to say without offering any real guidance or practices to help you truly live the mantra they give you. Which I also don’t completely agree with. “I’m sorry, forgive me, thank you, I love you”. They claim all that happens in your life - good AND bad - happens due to your soul choosing it. They even go as far to say that if you have abusive parents your soul chose those parents for you before you were born. Now that’s fucked it. Their ideals put way too much responsibility and pressure on the person reading the book who’s searching for help. Furthermore, it talks a lot about reincarnation. So if that’s something you don’t believe in then definitely don’t bother reading the book.
August 19, 2018
The concept of Ho'oponopono will take some time to adopt, but it is presented very clearly in this book. This is a thought-provoking view, and I am pleased that this was recommended to me.
November 19, 2019
This is one of my favorite spiritual books that focuses on my all time favorite meditation. Reading this book annually is essential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews