What is Reiki?

What is Reiki?

"Reiki is universal love. What you send out comes back to you infinitely more." (Source: The Essence of Reiki.) Reiki is a simple and loving treatment method that uses the laying on of hands. A major advantage of Reiki is that you don't take on the other person's symptoms during a treatment. Think back to your last pain or complaint. What was the first thing that went to that spot? A touch is accompanied by love; it creates peace and receives your attention at that moment.

Every body (both human and animal) radiates warmth and energy. Everything is energy. Energy is the life force, also called Prana; Ruach; Baraka; Ch'i (Qi); Mana; and Orgone. In Japan, it's called Ki, which is where the name Reiki comes from. Reiki isn't associated with a religion, but represents life itself and is much older than any existing religion. Reiki heals the entire person, at every level: physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual. Reiki also treats the underlying cause of a complaint or pain. Reiki cleanses and activates the self-healing capacity. Reiki goes to the right places, where it's needed. "Reiki follows its own path!"

You can't turn Reiki on or off; it's simply there. The practitioner acts as a conduit for energy, and you, as the practitioner, are a medium. If the other person refuses Reiki, you, as the practitioner, can't do anything for them. You don't have to believe in it; just be open to it and see or feel what happens.

The history of Reiki

Mikao Usui, a Buddhist, is the founder of Reiki. Today, the Usui system is still used worldwide. Reiki is present in everyone's life, but the information about it has been lost.

The story begins in the mid-19th century. Usui was born on August 15, 1865, in the village of Yamagata, in southern Japan. Usui spent 10 years researching the healing power of Buddhism and Christianity in various countries. Usui encountered the healing energy during a fast on Mount Koriyama in Japan. He meditated, fasted, and prayed for 21 days. On the final morning, he was visited by a projectile of light and lost consciousness; he fell into a trance. During this trance, he received the reiki symbols and accompanying information needed to activate the healing energy. On his way home, he healed himself by placing his hands on his stubbed toe and other people with his hands through the laying on of hands.

Usui named this healing energy Reiki, which means "universal life force." He healed many different people, but noticed that these people always returned after a while. He discovered that people only heal if they truly want to; it is their own responsibility. Usui ensured that Reiki was learned and taught intensively. Usui died on March 9, 1926, was buried at the Saihoji Temple in Tokyo, and ultimately initiated between 16 and 18 Reiki Masters.

Chuijro Hayashi is one of the people trained by Mikao Usui. He has trained several teams for Reiki treatments in Japan. Hawayo Kawamuru (Takata) receives Reiki attunements from Hayashi. Takata spreads this knowledge like wildfire throughout the world. After Usui, Hayashi, and Takata, Reiki has changed and developed considerably. For example, Reiki is often presented differently in the West than in Japan.

What Reiki attunements are there?

Reiki I (attunement) focuses primarily on the physical level and on yourself. Your health will often improve significantly within the first few months after the attunement. You may also treat others. Each attunement you receive after the first increases your positive power to transmit Reiki. The attunement always takes place between a teacher and student; it doesn't resemble a treatment. Reiki II focuses primarily on the emotional, mental, and karmic levels; you can also treat remotely. You will use three Reiki symbols that you will learn during the attunement. Reiki III (master) focuses on the spiritual level, and you will receive spiritual healing during the attunement. With Reiki III, you will also learn two Reiki symbols. An additional attunement is required for the Reiki trainer so that you can also attune others.

What are Reiki principles?

Reiki uses five simple Reiki principles. These are described in various ways and are said to originate from Mikao Usui. These principles are the cornerstones of Reiki practice. They can be a valuable support during your spiritual growth and various developments. By starting and ending your day with these positive principles, you become much more aware of Reiki, the present moment, and yourself.

Today in particular I am loving.
Today of all days I am carefree.
Today in particular I am grateful for everything that comes my way.
Today, in particular, I do my work with dedication.
Today, in particular, I am kind to everyone (myself and others).