What is Reiki?
Reiki is a very ancient science and has been documented in 2500 year old Sanskrit sutras. “Rei” means universal and “ki” is the vital life force energy which flows through all living beings ( like Qi in Chinese medicine).
The Reiki energy enters the healer through the top of the head and transfers through the hands of the Reiki healer.
The Reiki process is a simple method of hands-on healing. Reiki balances your energy, releases blockages and supports body’s natural ability to heal itself.
How does Reiki work?
We are all born with Reiki. This universal life energy (“ki”) is all around us and we can channel it. The ki flows within the physical body through chakras and meridians. Chakra is a Sanskrit word for wheel. Chakras are wheels of energy, or energy centers, located in different areas of the body and connected to specific body organs and to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual being. When ki flows freely through our chakras and meridians, our energy is balanced and we are healthy. When the flow of ki is disrupted, it interferes with the functioning of the organs and it can cause an illness. Our attitudes, thoughts and feelings are connected to our ki. Negative thoughts or attitude can create dis ease in the mind and the physical body might be affected.
When we have positive thoughts and attitude, we increase our flow of ki and we feel better. The negative thoughts and feelings are blocking the flow of the ki. When a person receives a Reiki treatment, it releases those blockages, by directing the healing energy to the place that is in need. Reiki heals the energy pathways. Once ki is flowing naturally, the body is able to heal itself.
The attunement
The attunement to the Reiki energy is a powerful spiritual experience which makes Reiki a unique healing technique. The Reiki Master initiates the student to Reiki and opens his chakras to connect to this special energy. The student will be a channel for Reiki energy for life. It does not wear off and you can never lose it. The Reiki Master does not direct the process and is simply a channel for the attunement energy flowing from the Higher Power.
The History
Dr. Mikao Usui- Founder of the Reiki system of Healing
In 1914, Mikao Usui had received a wonderful gift- the ability to give healing to others without depleting his own energy! It was though a special time of meditation that the great Reiki energy entered his crown chakra. He started a healing society in Tokyo, and he taught more than 2000 students and initiated 16 teachers across Japan. He died on March 9, 1926.
Usui asked Chujiro Hayashi to take the leadership of Reiki after he will die. Hayashi opened a clinic in Tokyo where 16 practitioners could treat at the same time. It was to this clinic that Mrs. Takata was directed in 1935.
Hawayo Takata brought Reiki from Japan to USA in 1936.For 35 years she was the only master teaching. She took the responsibility of seeing that Reiki was taught in the tradition in which she had been taught Mrs. Takata died in 1980. Through her dedicated teaching and her spirited words, she left a deep impression on the hundreds of students and the 22 Masters whom she trained.
Recommended books and favorite quotes
The history of Reiki, the way it was re-discovered and brought to the world is a fascinating story and a very important part of Reiki studies. To start educating yourself about Reiki, I would recommend 2 books:
Reiki, Hawayo Takata’s story, by Helen J. Haberly
Living Reiki, Takata’s teachings,as told to Fran Brown.
Favorite quotes form the “living Reiki” book:
Dr. Usui became known throughout Japan as a great healer. But he always acknowledged that it was not he who did the healing but God’s energy passing through him. He was only the vehicle being used for this purpose. (p. 53)
Reiki is unconditional love and when offered from one person to another, healing can occur. Tokata taught us to invoke the Reiki energy, to pay attention and give a good treatment, then to release it to God. Leave it to God how the healing will come about. In other words, don’t tell God how to run his business. (p. 95)
Reiki ideals
Just for today, do not worry
Just for today, do not anger
Honor your teachers, your parents, your neighbors, your friends
Just for today live honestly
Just for today be kind to all living things
Disclaimer – Reiki treatments are not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment, and no medical claims are made regarding these treatments. People with serious conditions should consult their doctor.
