The Power of Prayer: As Within, So Without – Lessons from Anime & Real Life

Anime often serves as more than just entertainment; it can be a vessel for deeper philosophical and psychological insights. One such example is the iconic battle between Netero and Meruem in Hunter x Hunter. This fictional showdown encapsulates profound truths about endurance, discipline, and the power of prayer—lessons that extend beyond animation and into real life. Through this lens, we will explore how anchoring, neural linguistic programming (NLP), and mental conditioning shape both fictional and real-life characters.

The Fictional Context: Netero’s Prayer-Powered Technique

In Hunter x Hunter, Isaac Netero is an elderly martial arts master who wields an extraordinary ability: a technique that allows him to summon an enormous, Buddha-like statue to strike his opponent. However, there’s a crucial prerequisite—he must pray before every attack. This unique training method, rooted in meditation and relentless repetition, transforms his prayer into a psychological trigger. Over years of conditioning, his mind and body become so attuned to this routine that he can execute thousands of punches in mere seconds.

What makes this concept fascinating is how it mirrors real psychological techniques. Netero’s ability is not simply about physical speed—it’s about conditioning his body to respond automatically to a mental cue, in this case, prayer. The faster he trains, the more he can meditate, reinforcing the cycle until his technique reaches near-superhuman levels.

The Science Behind the Fiction: Anchoring & NLP

The concept of anchoring in psychology refers to associating a specific stimulus with a particular state of mind. This is a core principle of NLP, a psychological approach that links thought patterns with behavioral responses. In Netero’s case, prayer becomes his anchor. Every prayer he utters is not just a ritual; it’s a psychological trigger that activates his training and combat effectiveness.

This principle is not confined to anime. In real life, elite athletes and endurance performers employ similar mental conditioning techniques to push beyond physical limitations. A prime example is the mental training of long-distance swimmers.

Real-Life Example: The Channel Swimmers’ Mental Conditioning

Imagine swimming across the frigid waters of the English Channel—an endeavor that requires immense physical and mental fortitude. One psychological technique used by these swimmers is creating an internal “anchor.” Before braving the cold, they sit in front of a roaring fireplace, deeply absorbing the sensation of warmth. By repeatedly associating a specific physical gesture—such as touching their chest—with this feeling, they train their minds to recall that warmth during the swim, counteracting the effects of icy waters.

This practice mirrors Netero’s method. Just as he conditions himself to link prayer with rapid movement, these athletes link a physical action with an internal state that aids their performance. The mind, when properly trained, can override discomfort and push the body beyond perceived limits.

Another Real-World Example: A Deep-Sea Diver’s Devotion

A strikingly similar story unfolds in the real-life account of a skilled deep-sea diver tasked with retrieving the remains of a drowned child. Despite the perilous sea conditions, he embarks on a treacherous journey, driven by purpose and resilience. But amid the raging waters, something extraordinary happens—he pauses to pray.

This act, much like Netero’s ritual, is more than a display of faith; it is an anchor. Even in the face of overwhelming fatigue and danger, the diver’s prayer centers him, reinforcing his determination and guiding his actions. His survival and success are not solely the result of physical prowess but also of the mental clarity and endurance that his spiritual practice provides.

The Hidden Power of Rituals & Mental Training

These stories—both fictional and real—highlight an essential truth: mental conditioning and spiritual practices are more intertwined than we often realize. Whether it’s an anime warrior summoning strength through prayer, a swimmer using psychological anchoring to endure the cold, or a diver relying on faith to push forward, the mind holds incredible power over physical reality.

What may seem inefficient or even irrational—such as praying before striking—often carries deeper significance. These rituals serve as mental frameworks that allow individuals to transcend normal human limitations. In a world that often dismisses such practices as superstition, these examples remind us that the greatest strengths sometimes lie in what we cannot immediately see.

While this post only scratches the surface, it serves as a testament to the hidden lessons embedded in both fiction and reality. If nothing else, it invites us to look deeper into the seemingly mundane habits, rituals, and practices that shape our potential. Whether in anime or in life, the power of prayer—be it religious or psychological—can be a game-changer.

So next time you watch an anime battle or hear about an incredible real-world feat, take a moment to reflect: what unseen forces are at play? What mental frameworks enable the extraordinary? Sometimes, the greatest power isn’t just within—it’s also without.