What is Reiki

Reiki pronounced, "ray-key," is a form of healing touch that conducts energy from one person to another or to oneself. It is a gentle and non-intrusive Japanese healing modality that can be used alone or in conjunction with other programs. It complements holistic medicine, growth therapy and helps restore balance in the body. Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced. Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing universal life energy, and increases the vibration frequency of the body.

The laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field places his or her hands above a particular part of the recipient's body in order to release energy into it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing.

Reiki from a Historical Approach

Historically Reiki’s foundation was built on Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Philosophy of Tendai Buddhism. The strongest things he drew from Chinese medicine were the concepts of the meridians (acupuncture guide) and Chi Gung (breathing techniques) as a means to energize the individuals system more readily. The Tendai influence can be seen in the Chinese Kanji that he used to focus his intent.

Mikao Usui was a devout Pure Land Buddhist practitioner, who had become familiar with eastern and western methods of healing, and synthesized these; along with other data into what is now known as Reiki. He followed the spiritual traditions of his family, which were Tendai, but soon took a turn towards a different path, as he sought out the way of healing more intensely. This path opened to him with the assistance of a Shingon Priest who was understanding and supportive of his pursuits. As he continued reaching into the Esoteric doctrines and mysteries of this sect, it caused a rift between his family and himself, as to change "sects" was to go against the "family tradition" and their ancestors. Nonetheless, Usui did eventually become a follower / disciple of Shingon.

He then decided that perhaps there were parallel teachings in other traditions, and is reported to have ventured into the Tibetan teachings of Vajrayana and Tibetan Medicine wherein he found similar teachings to those of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. The Tibetan influence can be seen in some of the symbols that he uses to attune a persons energy field. Mikao endeavored to synthesize all he had learned into a more formal structure for himself. As a result, he began to codify the teaching and methods into a personalized system, which included using symbols, esoteric dharani and methods of "tapping in" to "bestow power." In the traditions that he had drawn on, a living teacher - known as an “Acarya,” usually facilitates the “conferring of power.” Since he had not a living Master teacher / Acarya, for this new synthesis, he decided to meditate, fast, and pray - seeking a line of "direct empowerment" and blessing from the higher spiritual realms. It is said, Usui chose a sacred mountain abode called Kurama, which was outside of Kyoto. Kurama had been a Tendai temple for many years, yet visited by monks of differing sects. The temple on the mountain had been dedicated to Mao-son, Bishamon-ten and Senju-Kannon (also known as Kwan Yin); who represent the light of the universal soul. Thus, it was a most auspicious location for his discipline.

Mikao Usui's "empowerment" came during his practice, in alignment with the Buddha's and Bodhisattvas of the realm upon which he was focused. By gaining a complete and "realized" understanding, he further developed and refined the system into a healing and spiritual practice - part of which we today know as Reiki. Usui is said to have taught many the form that he developed for the "layperson", but did not teach nearly as many the more "esoteric" form, which was held for those who desired a deeper understanding; and consequently made a deeper commitment to the "path.”