August 15, 1865 – March 9, 1926
Reiki, properly pronounced in Japanese as Lay-Key, is one of the offspring of Qigong with added Shontoist influence. Its focus is feminine (Spiritual/ Receptive) in nature and centers on the receptive influences of Spiritualism with the added benefit of Physical health. Reiki was re-discovered and revived at the end of the 19th Century by Mikaomi Usui of Kyoto, Japan. It was he who gave this Loving the energy the name Reiki.
After Mikaomi’s business failed and left him in great debt, he desired to seek something other than material gain. He did a great deal of inner work through meditation near a waterfall on the Holy Mountain of Kuriyama. It was there that he decided to fast and meditate in solitude for 21 days. During this time, he received a “satori”, or sudden understanding in enlightenment.
On the last day, during the satori, he saw a shining light moving toward him at a great speed. It became larger until it hit him in the middle of the forehead. He saw millions of little colored bubbles of blue, lilac, pink and all the colors of the rainbow. A great white light appeared, and he saw the symbols (we now use in Reiki) in front of him glowing in shining gold. This was the birth of Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki (Usui System of Reiki.)
It is said that Sensei Usui went into the Beggar city to offer Reiki to the sick and ailing. After seeing many of the same faces over and over, he realized there must be gratitude in all things, and through further meditation, created the Principles of Reiki:
Dr. Usui is now buried in a Saihoji temple in the suburbs of Tokyo, with the story of his life written on his Memorial. It is said that he was honored by the Meiji Emperor of Japan.
Dr. Mikao Usui Reiki Ideals
As Dr. Mikao Usui developed his Reiki practice and teaching methodology he determined that to achieve the correct (spiritual) path for humanity, specific principles should be followed. He utilized a poem from the Meiji Emperor as Reiki Ideals as a model to follow and to improve the spirit and make the body healthy. Dr. Mikao Usui incorporated many spiritually based poems into his teaching handbook. Each Reiki practitioner was taught to meditate on the Ideals each morning.
The following is the original Kanji and English translation of the Reiki Ideals from Dr. Mikao Usui.
The Original Reiki Ideals
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
Correct Succession of Holders of The Intact Master Keys of Reiki (sm) Dr. Mikao Usui, Dr. Jujiro Hyashi, Hawayo Takata
