USUI REIKI
Background...
The word Reiki originally derives from the Japanese characters for REI 靈(Universal Life) and KI 氣(Energy). In its most basic understanding, it is often loosely interpreted as"Universal Life force or Energy. Its original terms "Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho" 心身改善臼井氣療法 translates to “Usui Reiki Therapy for Improving Body and Mind'. This simple translation can begin to help us understand the many depths and layers of Reiki as a healing system to unite mind, body and spirit. It is a universal system that brings us into alignment with our higher self, and a tool for our own self mastery and self development.
DR MIKAO USUI
(1865-1926) Japan
Brief History
Usui Reiki Ryoho (Usui Reiki Healing method), is a hand healing method that originated in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui in 1922. His discovery of this system was a result of an intense 21 day meditation practice on Mount Kurama, following many years of dedicated spiritual practice and effort. Upon discovery Master Usui began to spread his system throughout Japan before his passing in 1926. During his time, he taught between 20-22 Masters, one of them was Hayashi Chujiro (1880-1940).
In 1925 Dr Hayashi established “The Hayashi Reiki Research Institute” it was here that Hawayo Takata (1900-1980) came as a patient suffering from a number of serious disorders including tumors. As a result of her treatments she was completely cured. Takata was initiated by Hayashi as a Reiki Master of the Usui system. After his death, Takata became his successor. She later took the Usui system back to Hawaii initiating 22 Reiki Masters before her death in 1980. Thanks to Takata, Reiki become known in the West and gradually spread across the world.
As Reiki continued to spread in the West, many were unaware that it was still strongly thriving in Japan. During this time many practitioners practiced behind closed doors away from the public eye. This included the"Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai" an organization founded by Mikao Usui, which remained mainly closed and unknown to the world even till today. Chiyoko Yamaguchi (1921-2003) was one of these original practitioners who learnt with Dr Hayashi in 1938. She came from a dedicated family of Reiki practitioners who also all learnt with Dr Hayashi, including her uncle Wasaburo Sugano who was a teacher.In 1999 Chiyoko Yamaguchi founded "The Jikiden Reiki Institute" with her son Tadao Yamaguchi in an attempt to pass down the untouched original teachings from Master Usui and Dr Hayashi.
There are many other lineages that have evolved from Master Usui's teachings. The experience and knowledge we share come from both lineages of: Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki & Jikiden Reiki.
JAPANESE GOKAI
5 PRECEPTS OF MASTER USUI
THE SECRET ART OF INVITING HAPPINESS
THE MIRACULOUS MEDICINE OF ALL DISEASES
"Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people."
"Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth.
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind."
The founder
Usui Mikao
5 Precepts/Principles
One of the main aspects of Reiki are the Five Precepts/principles- "Gokai" developed by Master Usui. Often seen as a philosophy of life for Reiki practitioners, these principles are a vital part of the system to help direct individuals to a deeper and more harmonious state within. Apply these simple principles to your daily life.
"Is Reiki a spiritual method?"
“Yes it could be called a spiritual method, however you could also say it is a physical method of treatment. Practitioners radiate ki and light from all parts of their bodies, especially their eyes, mouth and hands.”- Mikao Usui
Excerpt: Reiki Ryoho Hikkei (handbook) Kokai Denju (Q&A ) given to students.
Many take this to imply Reiki as a method mainly for physical benefit. Reiki is applied in a physical sense, however the true purpose is reflected in its original name- “Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho.” (Usui Reiki Treatment method for the Improvement of Body and Mind.) The physical self-healing benefits were only discovered after Master Usui attained An-Jin-Ryu-Mei (State of complete peace of mind.) The primary goal behind the system of Usui Reiki. Although the physical side benefits are important, it is ultimately part of a larger system to redirect us back to our true nature. Master Usui understood in order to achieve a healthy body, a healthy mind was also needed. Reiki is a complete system to work on all levels of our being.
How does it work?
A Reiki treatment works by receiving and letting Reiki energy flow continuously through the practitioner and receiver through hand placements on the body to improve body and mind. This energy is received from the "天 tian" (universe, heaven, nature). When you receive a treatment or learn, the Reiki energy stimulates the receivers own innate connection to Reiki which in turn awakens the body's own natural healing process. All humans in their original state have the ability to connect with Reiki energy. When reconnected with this lost ability anyone can learn.
Reiki is a natural method that works on balancing the mind, body and energy levels. It automatically flows to where it is most needed, detecting areas of imbalance or stagnant energy during the process. During the treatment the flow of energy helps to intensify the vibrational frequency of the recipient (Qi), promoting a healthier mind, body and spirit and awakening the individuals own healing system or 'inner Reiki.' Treatments are beneficial in identifying toxins and stagnant energy in the body, as well as assisting in developing a deeper understanding and awareness of our inner nature. When we create a clear path in our energy system this allows our Qi to flow more freely so we can feel more in harmony and alignment. Reiki is available to anyone who is open to it, regardless of age, gender, race and religion. Even if you are skeptical Reiki will still flow as long as you are willing to receive it.
No special training is required to practice Reiki, however your initial connection to Reiki is merely the beginning. The maximum benefits of Reiki can only be reached through daily practice and integration of the full system which goes beyond just hand treatments. Each treatment is a personal, unique and insightful experience, and differs greatly from one individual to another. Defining Reiki in words is a difficult task, which is why we encourage you to experience it for yourself.