It is generally accepted that Mikao Usui who was born in 1865 was the founder of Reiki. Shortly after his birth, Japan began a transformation. Christianity was declared illegal and those who refused to renounce it were executed. The majority of Japanese had to register at Shinto temples. The ban on Christianity was only lifted in 1873 after Japan was forced to open her borders. Industrialisation led to great change and people sought ways to keep hold of traditions and cultures.
Usui grew up in a village which is now called Miyamo Cho. Originally from a Tendai Buddhist background he had a sister and two brothers. As a man Usui was said to have been large and powerful. Not willing to tolerate fools easily he could be harsh and critical at times, but he was also kind and compassionate to others. Usui’s family were very poor indeed and throughout his life Usui was said to have placed little importance on material goods. As time moved forward Usui settled down, married and had a son and a daughter. In order to support his family, he took a number of jobs ranging from public servant, office worker and eventually he became a politician’s secretary. It was at this point that Usui was afforded the opportunity to travel to Europe, the USA and China. During these visits it must have been absolutely fascinating for Usui to observe the manner in which others lived their lives, their customs and even the opportunity to taste a variety of very different foods to that which he had been used to.
It is said that Usui loved to study, and he read books on many subjects including medicine, numerology and astrology. Usui was searching for the ultimate purpose in life. After many years of studying and seeking the advice of monks he was told that in order to find out the purpose of life you must die. It is said that Usui took himself off to Mount Kurama in order to fast. This was not the first time that he had done this. During the fast he was said to have become enlightened, and this was how the ideas and concepts of reiki came to him. This is highly unlikely. What is more probable is that Usui developed his system over a period of time. In fact, the original system did not have a name at all. The name was given by the Usui Reiki Ryocho Gakkai (roughly translated as The Usui Reiki Healing Method). The Gakkai was set up by a group of Usui’s students in 1926 after his death.
The technique allows the practitioner to channel Universal energy to facilitate healing for the highest good of a person, animal, or situation. Reiki can do no harm.
Some people learn reiki in order to treat others, some learn for their own personal development, others for both of these reasons.
Many people who practice reiki will say that reiki comes from “the source”. The source is whatever you believe it to be; some believe that this is God, some the universal energy that surrounds us. Nobody really knows but your personal beliefs are as important as anyone else’s.
Learning to channel or work with reiki can change your life. Reiki can help you feel more connected to your environment, to nature and the Universe itself. Many people say that reiki has changed their life, it did for me, perhaps it will for you too?
Where Does Reiki Come From?
