The legendary Kuji~In
(Kuji~Kiri can be found here)

The nine finger "cuts" that give the Ninja their power.

Although believed to be a Ninja secret the Kuji~In was also used by the Samurai. Where it came from no one is sure but it does have similarities to Hindu and Tibetan Mundras. The Kuji~In is more a way of concentrating the mind than weaving magic with ones hands despite many Sensei and movie companies attempts to prove otherwise.

Below you will find a series of pictures showing the hand and finger positions for the "popularised" version of the Ninja Kuji~In. There are several different versions of these finger symbols that are used by the Ninja and Samurai. I have chosen only to show the basic form as I believe the secret forms should only be passed on to ones highest ranked students.
It should be stressed that it is more important to get the mind correct than it is to have the exact finger positions.
Each cut represents one of the Nine levels of power. I leave it to the student to decide what is meant by "power" but it has been proven to me time and time again that as a student progresses so does his level of thinking. I will hint at this during the description of each cut.

The Nine Levels Are :-

RIN - STRENGTH of mind and body
KYO - DIRECTION OF ENERGY
TOH - HARMONY with the universe
SHA - HEALING of self and others
KAI - PREMONITION of danger
JIN - KNOWING THE THOUGHTS OF OTHERS
RETSU - MASTERY OF TIME AND SPACE
ZAI - CONTROL of the elements of nature
ZEN - ENLIGHTENMENT

When you practice the cuts you may wish to concentrate on one at a time or you may feel able to string all nine together. It is suggested that once you are comfortable with the finger positions that you take each cut one at a time and contemplate the meaning of that particular cut.
The meaning will be different for each student. For instance the meaning of RIN for one student may mean being very strong and capable of executive decisions while for another it may be as simple as being physically well and having a positive attitude.
As usual, I leave it to the reader to decide which is the better explanation.

It is a good idea to use the breathing exercise mentioned on the meditation page when you practice the Kuji~in as without the correct breathing you will not realise your full potential.



rin RIN
STRENGTH OF MIND AND BODY
At first this may appear to be physical strength and mental intellect but maybe we can think of this as being physically well and having a positive outlook.
Middle fingers extended, others interlocked



kyo KYO
DIRECTION OF ENERGY
To begin this may seem to refer to directing your energies into work but later it could be that you see it as a way of directing your internal energy to increase your inner power.
Index fingers and thumbs extended, middle fingers curled over index fingers. Others interlocked

toh TOH
HARMONY WITH THE UNIVERSE
This can work on many levels from learning to live in peace with mankind and the animal kingdom to being at one with yourself.
Last two fingers extended to form a V (tips touching). Thumbs extended, others interlocked

sha SHA
HEALING OF SELF AND OTHERS
The ability to heel is more powerful than the ability to kill.When you sense your inner power you will no longer succumb to viruses and other ailments.A word to those that would use their powers to harm others
"It is easy to kill a man, but could you watch one die?" Index fingers and thumbs extended, others interlocked

kai KAI
PREMONITION OF DANGER
If this cut is fully achieved you may find that you can feel the emotions of others (even at a distance) which can aid in knowing how others will react in a given situation.
All fingers interlocked

jin JIN
KNOWING THOUGHTS OF OTHERS
I believe that this cut increases your ability to "feel" the thoughts of others. When your are adept at this power you can hide your thoughts and feelings from others.
All fingers interlocked inwards

retsu RETSU
MASTERY OF SPACE AND TIME
Think of this...Have you ever noticed how the day has passed quickly for others but has taken an age for you? Everybody has the ability to control their own "time" With this power one could use it to easily defeat an opponent.
Index finger of left hand pointing up with the fingers of the right hand curling round it. The thumb of the right hand should be pressed against the outside edge of the nail on the index finger of the left hand).


zai ZAI
CONTROL OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Can one truly control nature? Maybe the real answer is that a Ninja understands nature and works with it.
Fingers outspread, palms out. Index fingers and thumbs touching

zen ZEN
ENLIGHTENMENT
Know yourself before you ask "Who are you?"
Right hand covering Left hand. Thumb tips touching