A Brief History of Reiki
Reiki healing was rediscovered in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui towards the end of the 19th century during his research into Buddhist healing methods.
Usui studied original Buddhist scriptures and found the symbols and mantras that are at the heart of the Reiki system of healing.
As part of his research, he spent some considerable time in a Buddhist monastery. This led him to embark on 21 day meditation and fast on a holy mountain near Kyoto.
During the last day of the fast, Usui had a deep meditation experience during which the meaning and purpose of the symbols and mantras became clear and he felt charged with a powerful healing energy. On returning to civilization, Usui began practicing and teaching Reiki throughout Japan and created the five principles of Reiki:
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Just for today, I will live the attitude of gratitude
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Just for today, I will not worry
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Just for today, I will not anger
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Just for today, I will do my work honestly
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Just for today, I will show love and respect for every living thing
Shortly before his death around the turn of the century, Dr. Usui initiated one of his most devoted students, a retired Naval officer called Dr. Chijiro Hayashi, into the Reiki healing method and declared him his successor. Dr. Hayashi founded the first Reiki clinic in Tokyo.
In 1935 a young Japanese-American woman from Hawaii called Hawaya Takata received treatment at Dr. Hayashi's Reiki clinic. She was so impressed with Reiki healing that she studied it herself and went on to become a Reiki Master, teaching others in the USA.
Reiki healing is now practiced and taught by Reiki Masters throughout the world.
