Lilian, what Japanese words are used to start or end a Do-In class?
Some teachers say "onegai shimasu" at the beginning of Do-In class, usually combined with a gassho (bend). The words have a beautiful meaning and express gratitude for what you are about to learn and experience. However, translating them as "thank you" is too shortsighted. The words also contain the realization that the experience - what you are going to learn or the effect of the exercises - is only like that because you are now together with this group of people. The other student and the teacher are part of the experience. It would be different without them.
You could end your lesson with the Japanese words "arigato gozaimashita". You can translate this as thank you for what I have learned. Here too there is the awareness that any other practitioners or teachers are part of that experience. You thank the fact that it was given to be together. This is also a spiritual feeling: you are together because the Tao has brought you together. That is beautiful and you can experience gratitude for that.
Because foreign words don't always make sense to everyone, many teachers opt for an alternative. For example, you can be silent for a moment and bring your hands together in front of your heart. If you place your thumb tips against your sternum while doing this, you directly give acupressure to Conception Vessel 17, which opens the heart to the experience.