The History of Reiki

Long before Reiki was first documented in the early 1900s, the practice of healing through the laying of hands had been embraced by ancient cultures across the world. However, the modern story of Reiki begins with Mikao Usui, a Japanese scholar who is credited with uncovering and formalizing this powerful healing practice. As we explore his journey, it's important to remember that Usui’s story has evolved over time, with many variations. The true, unaltered version may forever remain a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to this fascinating practice.

Mikao Usui’s Quest for Healing Knowledge

Usui’s journey began when his students inquired about the healing practices they encountered in their studies. This question sparked a ten-year quest to rediscover this ancient knowledge. His research led him to discover similar threads throughout many religions. He sought conversations with Buddhist monks, who informed Usui that these ancient methods had been lost.

Undeterred, Usui’s pursuit of this spiritual method took him to the United States, where he studied various philosophies and religions. It has been speculated (though not proven) that he earned a Doctorate of Theology during this time. Reportedly, he also learned to read Sanskrit, the scholarly language of India and Tibet, to deepen his research. Despite these efforts, Usui still found no clear answers.

Discovering the Healing Formula

Upon returning to Japan, Usui immersed himself in Zen Buddhism and lived in a monastery. There, he discovered texts written in Sanskrit that outlined a healing formula. While these texts described the practice, they did not explain how to activate the healing energy. However, they provided enough guidance to direct Usui toward the next step in his journey.

The Awakening on Mount Kurama

Determined to unlock the mysteries of this healing energy, Usui undertook 21 days of meditation, prayer, and fasting on Mount Kurama in Japan. According to the story, on the final morning, a beam of light struck his third eye, causing him to lose consciousness briefly. Upon awakening, he saw vibrant rainbow bubbles and the Reiki symbols, each accompanied by detailed knowledge about their unique activations. This experience is considered the first Reiki attunement.

The Four Miracles

The story continues that on his descent from the mountain, Usui reportedly experienced what are now known as “The Four Miracles”:

1. He stubbed his toe and instinctively placed his hands on it, feeling it heal immediately.

2. He was offered a large meal at a nearby house, which he ate without discomfort despite having fasted for three weeks.

3. The woman serving him complained of a toothache, which subsided when Usui placed his hands on her face.

4. Upon returning to the monastery, he healed an elderly monk suffering an arthritis attack.

   
   

Spreading Reiki Throughout Japan

Usui spent time practicing Reiki in Kyoto before embarking on a journey on foot across Japan to share his teachings. Before his passing in 1930, he attuned around 16–18 Reiki Masters. One of these was Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer who became Usui’s successor. Hayashi went on to train teams of Reiki practitioners, including both men and women, and established a healing clinic in Tokyo.

Hawayo Takata and the Western Expansion of Reiki

In 1935, Hawayo Takata, a woman from Kauai, Hawaii, visited Hayashi’s clinic seeking healing for gallbladder disease and other ailments. After four months at the clinic, Takata experienced profound healing - physically, mentally, and spiritually. She became determined to learn Reiki herself. Initially refused due to her foreign status, she eventually convinced Hayashi to train her.

In the early 1940s, Hayashi, foreseeing the potential loss of his clinic due to the impending war, passed away, leaving Takata to carry Reiki beyond Japan. Takata is credited with introducing Reiki to the Western world, starting in Hawaii and later expanding to the mainland United States, Canada, and Europe. She trained hundreds of practitioners and initiated 22 Reiki Masters. However, her teachings varied with each class, resulting in numerous practice variations.

Reiki Today

Reiki has undergone significant evolution since the time of Usui, Hayashi, and Takata. Each practitioner’s approach is shaped by their lineage and unique personal influences. Despite these adaptations, it remains crucial to honor Reiki’s origins in order to preserve its traditional story and methods as best as possible for future generations.

Sources for this post include: Stien, Diane. Essential Reiki. Crossing Press. 1995