The Origins Of Reiki
The history and origins of Reiki can be traced back to ancient Tibet thousands of years ago. The Tibetan Lamas possessed a deep understanding of the nature of matter, energy and spirit. Using this profound intelligence they healed their bodies and soul and led their spirit to an experience of unity. This precious knowledge was guarded and preserved by the spiritual leaders of ancient Tibet and other ancient cultures. It was available only to a few people who devoted their life to their spiritual practice and in turn passed it on to others by word of mouth.
Many cultures have always been aware of the existence of a life force energy that moves through and connects everything into a giant cosmic matrix. The Japanese call it “Ki”, the Chinese call it “Chi”, Christians call it “Holy Ghost” and Hindus call it “Prana”. The energy is the same; however, its application and theory in each culture differ greatly.
Mikao Usui was born into a high-ranking Samurai family in 1865. He was a gifted martial artist holding the highest license of proficiency. He was a well-known healer, spiritual teacher and Tendai priest of his time. Through his many studies, travels and meditations he created the most simple and natural method of healing. It is also the most effective and powerful way of transferring pure life force energy in addition to being a guide to reaching enlightenment in this lifetime.
Mikao Usui founded: the ‘Society of the Usui Spiritual Energy Healing Method’ or in Japanese: the ‘Usui Reiki Ryôhô Gakkai’ in the early 1900’s in Japan and shared his wisdom, which is known to the modern world as Reiki.
Traditional Reiki history tells us that sometime between 1914 and 1920 Dr Usui experienced a profound enlightenment while meditating during a 21-day fasting retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan. He received the healing ability he called Reiki, along with the knowledge and ability to impart that to others.
Hawayo Takata was the first foreigner to open a Reiki clinic and school in Hawaii in 1937. Her teacher, Chujiro Hayashi travelled from Japan and lived in America for one year to help her establish her practice. Hayashi then returned to Japan to continue working in his own clinic, the Hayashi Spiritual Energy Society.
When Reiki was introduced to the West by Hayashi and Takata, it was adapted to suit the political situation of the time and the Western mind.
Hawayo Takata continued teaching Reiki in America with her own particular, informal style and is very famous for her unique personality and creative approach to teaching. She was a loving, giving healer and before passing on in 1980, she taught 22 Reiki Masters to carry on her teachings.
In America, Reiki therapy is accepted by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It is widely supported in hospitals for pre and post-operative use and is especially helpful in pain reduction and stress relief. It is available internationally at Health Resorts and Medical Spas and is offered as a therapy for relief of the side-effects of cancer treatment. In less than 80 years, Reiki has emerged from Japan to become a standard holistic therapy worldwide.
