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Writer's pictureLeonie

THE ORIGIN OF REIKI

Reiki, usually translated as "universal life energy", was rediscovered by Mikao Usui at the end of the nineteenth century. Rediscovered because Reiki is related to Buddhist Qigong, which is used to attain higher self-awareness, develop higher potential of mind and body, and attain better health. It is a practice in which breath, movement, and consciousness are brought into harmony to both practice and heal.


Usui was a very educated man who studied psychology, history, medical sciences, and various religions such as Christianity and Buddhism.

At some point he realized that he was looking for something other than the material gain he had, so according to historical information, he meditated near a waterfall on Mount Kurama, in Japan. One day, while meditating there, he suddenly received an experience of healing energy. He realized that it was his task to use this received energy and to heal and train others who were open to it.


In 1922, he founded the Reiki Association to preserve and promote the teachings of Reiki. Usui trained more than 2,000 people, but only 21 of them reached the highest degree. One of them was Captain Chujiro Hayashi, who was an officer in the Japanese Navy.

After Usui's death, Hayashi actively worked in a Reiki clinic in Tokyo under Usui's instructions to develop Reiki.

At the clinic, he met a woman named Hawayo Takata, who was sent to his clinic for various illnesses. Takata received Reiki treatments and recovered completely. Takata then wanted to study Reiki and did so with Hayashi. After one year, she then returned to her home in Hawaii and founded a Reiki clinic there. Until she died in 1980, Takata trained 22 Reiki teachers and is considered to be the one who brought Reiki to the West.


Since 1990, there have been successful efforts by several Western Reiki teachers, for example, William Rand. In addition, Japanese Reiki Masters are encouraged to spread Reiki in Japan. As a result, Reiki is becoming more and more popular.


It's important to note that the history of Reiki is somewhat shrouded in myth and legend, and there is limited historical documentation to verify the exact details of its origin. Additionally, Reiki has evolved with various branches and interpretations. Regardless of its origins, Reiki has become a popular holistic healing practice, involving the laying on of hands to channel healing energy, and it is used by many people around the world for relaxation and stress reduction.


(source of information: Reiki in Clinical Practice: A Science-Based Guide, Originally published January 20, 2020, Ann Baldwin)

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