History of Reiki

The story begins in the mid-1800s with Dr Mikao Usui, then Principal of a Christian College (some say Doshisha University) in Kyoto Japan. Dr Usui, also a Christan Minister, was challenged by his students about the veracity of the healing miracles described in the Bible, and asked to explain how they were performed. Because he could not answer these questions he set out on a quest for this lost knowledge.

He travelled for many years in search of this knowledge. During this time his quest took him to The University of Chicago Divinity School in the United States, where he studied for and was awarded, a doctorate in Theology. Even then he still could not explain the healing miracles so he continued his search back in the Far East, visiting monasteries and Buddhist Scholars.
Eventually, after much learning, he made a Spiritual Pilgrimage to a Holy Mountain in Japan (some say Mt. Kurama, Mt. Kurayama or Mt. Koriyama - approx. 17 miles from Kyoto) to fast and meditate for 21 days.

He placed 21 stones in front of himself, with which to count the days. Each day he threw away one stone. On the 21st day the sun rose and he threw away the last stone. He was then struck by a bright projectile of light that progressed towards him, striking him between the eyes and causing him to lose conciousness for some time. During this time Dr Usui saw visions of the Reiki symbols. As he saw each symbol he became attuned to it, it's name was revealed to him and he received knowledge about how to use the symbols.

About Reiki

Reiki is a healing technique that utilises universal energy. Rei refers to the spiritual/cosmic intelligence or wisdom that guides the ki to where healing is needed. Ki is the life force energy also known as 'chi' or 'prana'. Reiki is therefore a spiritually-guided life force energy.

Reiki is non-religious and has been around for a long time in various cultures. Reiki was however lost through the years and was 're-discovered' in the 1800s by Dr. Mikao Usui. It is said that Dr. Mikao Usui had embarked on a journey to find how Jesus and Buddha healed, and was blessed with this healing technique which he termed 'Reiki' after fasting and meditating for 21 days on Mount Koriyama.

Amongst the many benefits that are conferred by Reiki is the acceleration of healing, reduction of pain and stress, alleviation of headaches, colds, flu fatigue, stomach upsets and other illnesses or disorders. Reiki can also aid in the relief of addictions.

Reiki healing/treatment sessions are also being offered in Spas as its beneficial effects are gaining more and more recognition. Obtaining treatment from a Reiki practitioner is one way of enjoying Reiki.

Reiki Attunements

Another method is to become a Reiki practitioner by undergoing Reiki attunements by a Reiki Master. Once attuned (even with just level 1 attunement), one can then Reiki himself/herself as well as other people.

There are three levels of Usui Reiki attunements:

• Level 1 - Opening the crown chakra to establish the direction connection to Reiki energies.
• Level 2 - Learning the use of the Usui Reiki symbols.
• Level 3 - Learning the Master symbols and being attuned as a Reiki Master.

Reiki is a non-invasive form of complementary medicine with many therapeutic benefits. Learning Reiki is therefore a self-help process that allows you to take charge of your own health and well-being.

Ethical Principles of Reiki

1. Just for today, do not worry.
   (Be in the NOW, live one step at a time.)
   
2. Just for today, do not anger.
   (Yet, remember that all feelings are fine, anger,
   depression, sadness, happiness. They give us messages
   telling us there is something to look at. They are
   part of ourselves, do not push feelings away. Love
   them as you would yourself.)
   
3. Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.
   (We honor the spirit of our parents, teachers, ex
   partners etc who we brought into our lives for
   whatever learning we required. We honor the person
   behind the actions.)
   
4. Earn your living honestly.
   (Not only do not steal but whatever you do in your
   life, do beacuse it makes you happy. It is your
   choice. Otherwise, you are not being honest with
   yourself. Honor yourself always.)
   
5. Show gratitude to everything  
   Dr Mikao Usui
   
   "Love is the reason that the healing takes place. When
   the receiver feels enough love to be sufficiently
   secure to face what needs to be faced - he will
   receive healing & begin his spiritual evolution..."