What is Hands-on Reiki?

Reiki (/ˈreɪkiː/) is an ancient Japanese technique rediscovered in the 1800s by a Buddhist, Dr. Mikao Usui (Usui Sensei), founder of the Reiki System of Healing. Even though he has been the originator and recognized for developing Reiki energy it has been around at least for thousands of years. In fact, some people feel it has been around since the beginning of time. Rei, means, "Soul or Spirit" or “God’s Wisdom on the Higher Power” and Ki means, “Life Force Energy.”  Reiki has been adapted to diverging cultural traditions across the world.  Reiki is a channeling energy technique called, palm healing or hands on universal healing. Healing energy is transfer from the palms of the practitioner through the patient fully clothed body.

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Reiki is not a religion but it comes from the highest spiritual source, “God's Wisdom on the Higher Power is the Life Force Energy.” The study of Dr. Mikao Usui's mission is to promote healing the body, spirit, mind, and understanding of one’s life purpose. Dr. Mikao Usui created a powerful universal ideal and developed daily principles, see below.  This history of Usui was reported by Madam Takata, Reiki Master/Teacher.  However, because of conditions in Japan after World War II and the fact that Hawaya Takata had brought Reiki to the west, Usui Reiki became the predominant form of Reiki practiced throughout the world. Because of this, a thorough understanding of Usui Reiki is important as it will give us a foundation for understanding Reiki, making it easier for us to connect with its essence.  The stories were told over and over and passed down word of mouth to her students. As per sources, there is some type of records of Hawaya Takata telling the stories in details in the 1970s. 

Dr. Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865, Taniai-village, Yamagata-District, Cifu Prefecture. Having learned under difficulties in his childhood, he studied hard with efforts and he was by far superior in ability to his friends. After growing up, he went over to Europe, America and also studied in China. In spite of his real ability, however, he was not always successful in life. Although he was compelled to lead an unfortunate and poor life so often, he strove much more than before to harden his body and mind without flinching from the difficulties. He had an avid interest in learning and worked hard at his studies. As he grew older, he traveled to Europe and China to further his education. His curriculum included medicine, psychology, and religion as well as the art of divination, which Asians have long considered to be a worthy skill. Usui also became a member of the Rei Jyutu Ka, a metaphysical group dedicated to developing psychic abilities. He had many jobs including civil servant, a company employee, journalist, and he helped rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually, he became the secretary to Shinpei Goto, head of the department of health and welfare who later became the mayor of Tokyo. The connections Usui made at this job helped him to also become a successful businessman.  Dr. Mikao Usui was the principal, Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. There are speculations that he also was a Christian missionary and teacher. One of the stories was that Dr. Mikao Usui furthers his Christian training at the University of Chicago in the United States. There is no verification of his Christian teaching connections or any theological studies in the U.S.

 

The depth and breadth of his experiences inspired him to direct his attention toward discovering the purpose of life. In his search he came across the description of a special state of consciousness that once achieved would not only provide an understanding of one’s life purpose but would also guide one to achieve it. This special state is called An-shin Ritus-mei (pronounced on sheen dit sue may). In this special state, one is always at peace regardless of what is taking place in the outer world. And it is from this place of peace that one completes one’s life purpose. After returning to the Zen temple in Kyoto he meditated, prayed, read the Sutras at the top of a mountain outside of Kyoto for 21 days. Suddenly on the twenty-first day from the start, he felt a great Reiki over his head, and at the same time as he was spiritually awakened he acquired the Reiki cure. He was shown how to activate and give the gift of Reiki healing with laying on hands. 

 

Dr. Mikao Usui taught and initiated Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, a physician and retired Military commander from Tokyo, Japan and became Master practitioner in 1940. He opened up a school and clinic called Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai. Dr. Hayashi allowed Hawayo Takata to work and train in his clinic until she received the Shipiden level, Reiki Master. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki to the Western people and strongly believed in money as valuable and highly respected. It is believed that she was charging a lot of money for teaching students from different countries. Some students became teachers and throughout time; Reiki was changed and some people believed that it was lost. For several decades in history, this sole knowledge of Dr. Mikao Usui in the West came from the late Mrs. Hawayo Takata.  

 

Dr. Mikao Usui original teaching was modest, tranquil and his mission was to promote a peaceable wellbeing. His divine purpose was to improve and intend to align our spiritual balance with the Life Force Energy. The Five Reiki Principles was created by Dr. Mikao Usui to promote guidance in a happier balanced life.

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Just for today, 
I will not worry.
I will not anger.
I will do my work honestly.
I will be kind to every living thing. 
I will be grateful for my many blessings. 

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By Dr. Mikao Usui