Western Reiki & Jikiden Reiki
- vibereition
- Mar 14
- 7 min read
As part of our ongoing commitment to our teachings, we are always working on ways to refine and evolve our connection to Reiki. In recent years this has led us to further our personal studies and deepen our knowledge and understanding of its origins in Japan. This has led to an exciting few years of new (yet old!) discoveries and perspectives within the traditional Japanese system of Jikiden Reiki in Kyoto. As we begin to share these teachings we hope this article helps to answer one of the main questions we are commonly asked -"What is the difference between Western & Jikiden Reiki?"
A SHORT HISTORY LESSON...
MIKAO USUI: FOUNDER OF SHIN SHIN KAIZEN USUI REIKI RYOHO (1865-1926)
"Usui Reiki" is a generic term generally used to reference most Reiki systems taught today that link back to its original founder- Mikao Usui. He founded his system of Reiki in 1922 and named it"Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho." During his time he was known to have helped and taught 1000's of students, and selected around 20 inner students to continue his life purpose of sharing Reiki to all. He founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai which still exists today.
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DR CHUJIRO HAYASHI: FOUNDER OF THE HAYASHI KENKYUKAI (1879-1940)
Hayashi sensei was perhaps one of the last teachers to receive his shinpiden (1925) before Usui sensei passed the following year. Usui sensei encouraged him to set up his own clinic and evolve Reiki according to his own knowledge. As a doctor he naturally had a strong focus on healing the physical body. He made several changes such as standardizing hand positions. He taught around 13 Teachers and played an important role in introducing Reiki to the West.
HAWAYO TAKATA: FOUNDER OF USUI SHIKI RYOHO REIKI (1900-1980)
Takata sensei is known as a key figure in Reiki history for bringing Reiki to the West. She was of Japanese American descent and travelled to Japan in 1936 where she met Hayashi sensei and proceeded to study with him. Over the years she taught Reiki in Hawaii and invited Hayashi sensei on several occasions to also teach. She continued to spread Reiki over the years. 2 years before her passing she taught 22 Masters so they could continue sharing Reiki with others.
CHIYOKO YAMAGUCHI: FOUNDER OF JIKIDEN REIKI (1921-2003)
Chiyoko sensei was another direct student of Hayashi sensei. Many of her family were practitioners including her uncle Wasaburo Sugano who was a Shihan (teacher) of Dr Hayashi. In later years an article about her was published in the West, and many people began to realize that Reiki was still active in Japan. In 1999 she set up The Jikiden Reiki institute with her son Tadao Sensei to preserve the teachings. Jikiden translates to "direct teachings" passed down this line.
EVOLUTION OF WESTERN REIKI
After Takata sensei passed many changes took place. Some of her remaining teachers got together in 1981 to standardize her teachings. Eventually her grandaughter Phyllis Furomoto was appointed as her successor. Those who follow this direct lineage fall under the Reiki Alliance. Unfortunately not all agreed. One of her teachers Barbara Ray proclaimed Takata had named her as successor. This led to her creating her own association under the "Radiance Technique." and was the start of many changes to come. Over the years other masters also began to change and adapt teachings, often incorporating other methods such as crystals, energetic practices and chakras. They then taught there own students who also continued to make changes, gradually paving the way for "Western Reiki" today.
Many systems today may not fall directly under the Reiki Alliance yet still teach under Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki (such as ourselves) or Usui Reiki. These systems (in theory) should follow the main principles of Usui Senseis teachings, but may also include additional training support/skills to assist the students growth. Evolution is necessary and a natural result of growth. There will always be differences in teachings (as demonstrated by the old Teachers) that are influenced by an individuals experiences, understanding, background and knowledge. A good system is one that allows fluidity to grow so one can reach its true potential, whilst maintaining the original essence and teachings of Reiki.
NEW SYSTEMS
In recent years newer systems have emerged such as:Tibetan Reiki, Seichim Reiki, Karuna Reiki, Holy Fire Reiki, Rainbow Reiki, lighterian Reiki, kundalini Reiki, Animal Reiki, Medical Reiki and even Money Reiki! This growing list often creates more confusion for those genuinely looking for a good practice to follow. External methods and ideas are often added, or a specific focus emphasized to create a whole new system. Many unfortunately are often driven by ulterior motives. Reiki works on all aspects and naturally benefits both outer and inner conditions. The original system contains all the components needed. So although your interest may lie in some of these areas, it is not necessary to take a specific "Reiki" course to work on it. The potential of Reiki is infinite so do not limit yourself to one area. As a practitioner develops more experience and works on their self growth, they will find many of these areas often naturally appear at some stage of the training to help build or work through the necessary experiences. Reiki is a long term practice which requires time and effort to find these elements. It will always bring the necessary life experiences to us when we are ready.
TRADITIONAL REIKI
The term traditional Reiki is used to describe systems that have been directly passed down from Usui Sensei to his direct students. Jikiden Reiki is one form of traditional Reiki, however it is not the only one. Most Reiki we encounter today comes from the line of Master Usui- Hayashi sensei. However 19 other inner students also taught and spread Reiki to others in Japan. He taught 1:1 and passed on different knowledge, techniques and methods according to their level of spiritual development. This is at least 19 other possible variations of traditional Reiki. The Gakkai institute continue to practice Usui Reiki Ryoho, however there are likely more that still quietly practice and remain unknown today in Japan.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES?
Both derive from the same line yet are treated as two systems. The differences in approach and techniques are generally a result of external influences such as culture and times. Here are a few:
Western Reiki
Focused on identifying and understanding the source of energetic imbalances in the body.
Emphasis on soul psychology and how it impacts our energy system.
Works mainly with the chakra system and bodies.
Energy is often sent to cover all parts of the body/chakra points.
Practitioner may interpret subtle guidance that maybe felt to try to assist the client better.
Practitioner plays an active support role. Light guidance and advice maybe given to help the client better understand patterns, traits, situation and create change.
Additional elements often integrated such as crystals/pendulum to give an extra layer of insight.
Additional practices and techniques to assist self development.
Generally given on the front of the body (unless specified)
Jikiden Reiki
Rooted in its simplicity and grounded approach. No external influences.
Works with detecting and releasing byosen (toxins) in the body.
Often works on fewer (key) areas for extended periods of time.
Strong emphasis on curing physical & psychological issues.
Practitioner remains neutral and does not analyze or attempt to read into the process. Allows the client space to connect to their own inner Reiki to develop their own inner understanding.
Client takes an active role to become aware of any subtle guidance that may arise.
Specific techniques/methods for: psychological issues, physical issues, spiritual growth.
Energy often described as more direct. Often a faster release of toxins or stronger detox process.
Front and back of the body is generally treated.
WHICH PATH DO I CHOOSE?
Whichever system you decide- ultimately all lead towards the One True Path. Our best advice is to spend time to find a good teacher or system that is well balanced and provides guidance and support for the 3 main levels- mind-body-spirit. Choose one that aligns with your values and needs with the potential to help you grow in all areas. Although an initial reason to learn maybe for health, once the benefits are felt it is natural that a deeper part of yourself will also feel the results. It is therefore important to find one that can support all levels in the long run, to avoid unnecessarily jumping from one system to the next. A good system is not about how many skills it offers or how "powerful" it claims to be- rather it is one that has a long history and proven results, and provides a solid framework for students to build upon, refine and evolve over a lifetime. Reiki is a life time commitment to inner growth.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are interested to learn with us but unsure of which system, we recommend to experience both before making a choice. Regardless of which you learn we guarantee to pass on the same level of authentic and committed teachings each time to the best of our knowledge.
We teach separately to respect both lineages and to not mix methods and teachings. However our teaching perspectives will always integrate our experiences and understanding of both so that students receive a much deeper and broader perspective of Reiki as a whole. (These can always be explored more in-depth in our additional support and mentor programs too!) Most of our students and clients benefit from receiving treatments regularly in both ways. There is no one size fits all approach.
Our main purpose is to share the universality of Reiki to assist others on their personal journey.
We hope to see you all soon on the Path!
Please click the following links to learn more about our Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho or Jikiden Reiki training!
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