The History of Reiki
The history of reiki differs amongst many books as there had been little known about Dr. Usui and the origins of reiki.
The system of reiki contains many different aspects which can sometimes be overlooked as they appear to be ‘simple’.
The reiki principles are often seen as the foundation of the system which help to bring reiki awareness into everyday life, the true meaning of reju and how it came to be called ‘attunement’, embodying the symbols traditional meanings through our self practice and meditation and of course, the important of daily self practice .
There is a depth to reiki and we can cultivate a relationship with our reiki practice which can keep teaching and guiding us.
Dr Mikao Usui 1865 – 1926
Reiki was rediscovered in the mid 1800’s by a Japanese born Buddhist monk, Dr. Mikao Usui. While teaching in a college, Dr. Usui was asked by a student how Jesus facilitated the healing miracles that he performed. The question had planted a seed and set Dr. Usui out on the path to answer ‘that question’. Dr. Usui was determined to learn the secret healing so that he may help others and his journey took him to many countries.
During his journey Dr Usui travelled to the holy mountains of Kori Yama where he fasted and meditated for 21 days in order to attain a high altered state of consciousness which he believed would empower him with the healing energy. On the morning of the 21st day, Dr. Usui was beginning to become frustrated with his situation. As he was about to give up and leave, that a great spiritual energy came down into the top of his head and he became enlightened. The energy also bought with it Reiki Ryoho, which is the ability to heal.
Dr. Usui returned to his monastery but decided after a few days to go to a beggar city, in the slums of Kyoto, to treat beggars and help them lead a better life. He spent 7 years in the slums, treating many illnesses. However, he noticed that the same individuals were returning. When he asked one of them why they had not started a new life he was told that it was much easier to go on begging than carry the responsibility of starting over.
For Usui, reiki was a spiritual practice – an opportunity for each person to awaken their true nature. He adjusted the teachings to each students. Some students would have received symbols to study and chant, others may have be given the task of contemplating a reiki principles etc.
The system of reiki contains many different aspects which can sometimes be overlooked as they appear to be ‘simple’.
The reiki principles are often seen as the foundation of the system which help to bring reiki awareness into everyday life, the true meaning of reju and how it came to be called ‘attunement’, embodying the symbols traditional meanings through our self practice and meditation and of course, the important of daily self practice .
There is a depth to reiki and we can cultivate a relationship with our reiki practice which can keep teaching and guiding us.
Dr Mikao Usui 1865 – 1926
Reiki was rediscovered in the mid 1800’s by a Japanese born Buddhist monk, Dr. Mikao Usui. While teaching in a college, Dr. Usui was asked by a student how Jesus facilitated the healing miracles that he performed. The question had planted a seed and set Dr. Usui out on the path to answer ‘that question’. Dr. Usui was determined to learn the secret healing so that he may help others and his journey took him to many countries.
During his journey Dr Usui travelled to the holy mountains of Kori Yama where he fasted and meditated for 21 days in order to attain a high altered state of consciousness which he believed would empower him with the healing energy. On the morning of the 21st day, Dr. Usui was beginning to become frustrated with his situation. As he was about to give up and leave, that a great spiritual energy came down into the top of his head and he became enlightened. The energy also bought with it Reiki Ryoho, which is the ability to heal.
Dr. Usui returned to his monastery but decided after a few days to go to a beggar city, in the slums of Kyoto, to treat beggars and help them lead a better life. He spent 7 years in the slums, treating many illnesses. However, he noticed that the same individuals were returning. When he asked one of them why they had not started a new life he was told that it was much easier to go on begging than carry the responsibility of starting over.
For Usui, reiki was a spiritual practice – an opportunity for each person to awaken their true nature. He adjusted the teachings to each students. Some students would have received symbols to study and chant, others may have be given the task of contemplating a reiki principles etc.
