The History of Reiki

Mikao Usui

Mikao Usui (1865–1926), a Japanese Buddhist monk and spiritual teacher, is best known for creating the Reiki healing practice. Born in the village of Taniai, Japan, little is known about the details of his early life, though it is believed that he experienced a strong spiritual calling from a young age. His curiosity and devotion led him to pursue studies in a variety of fields both in Japan and abroad, including theology, medicine, and metaphysics.

In 1921, driven by a desire to uncover deeper methods of healing, Usui traveled to Mount Karuma, where he spent 21 days fasting and meditating. It was during this time that he is said to have had a profound spiritual experience, receiving the knowledge of Reiki through a divine revelation. This transformative moment marked the beginning of the Reiki system—a way to channel universal life force energy for the healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

Usui dedicated the rest of his life to teaching Reiki to others, passing on the practice to a growing number of students and establishing a lineage of practitioners throughout Japan. His teachings continue to inspire people worldwide, offering a method not only for physical healing but for spiritual growth and self-improvement. Though Usui passed away in 1926, his legacy lives on through Reiki, a healing practice that has positively impacted millions of lives.

Mount Kurama

Mikao Usui is said to have had a profound spiritual experience on Mount Karuma, a sacred site in Japan that played a pivotal role in the development of Reiki. In 1921, Usui embarked on a transformative journey of deep meditation and self-reflection, seeking to understand the origins of healing practices and the mysteries of energy.

According to legend, Usui spent 21 days fasting and meditating on Mount Karuma, a mountain known for its powerful spiritual energy. During this time, Usui is said to have received a divine revelation, unlocking the secret of healing through the universal life force energy. This transformative experience led to the creation of Reiki, a practice that channels this energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

The rugged and serene environment of Mount Karuma provided Usui with the clarity and insight he sought, marking a life-changing moment on his spiritual journey. It was here that the foundation of Reiki was laid, and from that moment, Usui dedicated himself to teaching others how to tap into this healing energy. Today, Mount Karuma is not only a place of natural beauty but also a symbol of the profound spiritual awakening that gave birth to Reiki.

Philosophy of Mikao Usui

Mikao Usui’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of compassion, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. At the heart of his teachings was the belief that healing is not just about physical well-being, but also about restoring balance in the mind and spirit. Usui emphasized the importance of living in harmony with oneself and the universe, advocating for a life of peace, kindness, and mindfulness. His Five Reiki Precepts—principles of being present, letting go of anger and worry, and practicing gratitude and kindness—serve as a guide for daily living, aiming to elevate one's consciousness and inner peace. Usui’s philosophy is not just about the act of healing others, but about healing oneself first, aligning with universal life energy, and radiating that energy into the world through acts of love, compassion, and integrity.

Practice of Reiki

Mikao Usui’s practice of Reiki was based on the idea that universal life force energy (known as "Reiki") flows through all living things, and it is this energy that sustains health and vitality. This method of healing involved channeling this energy through the hands to clear blockages and promote balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Reiki, as Usui taught it, was a hands-on healing technique, but it was also deeply spiritual, involving the use of symbols and mantras to focus and direct the energy. His practice included techniques for self-healing, emphasizing the importance of meditative practices, and spiritual disciplines to enhance one’s ability to connect with Reiki energy. Usui’s training also encouraged personal growth, encouraging his students to develop their spiritual awareness and to live a life in alignment with his Five Reiki Precepts, ensuring a harmonious balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.

To be able to hold space for healing we remind ourselves with these five principles:

Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Legacy of Mikao Usui

Mikao Usui’s legacy is far-reaching and profound, with Reiki continuing to be a globally practiced healing art, influencing millions of people around the world. After his passing in 1926, his system was carried forward by his students, notably Chujiro Hayashi, and later Hawayo Takata, who helped bring Reiki to the West. Usui’s teachings have evolved into different lineages, yet the core principles of healing through energy, spiritual development, and personal empowerment remain intact. His legacy is not only found in the practice of Reiki but also in the broader movement toward holistic health, which focuses on the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Usui’s commitment to self-improvement, compassion, and healing serves as an enduring inspiration for Reiki practitioners and spiritual seekers worldwide, making his impact still felt in modern wellness practices today.

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