History of Reiki
Below is an outline to help you gain a basic understanding of the History of Reiki.
Reiki began in the early 1900s. It is recorded that a Japanese man, Mikao Usui, through study, research and meditation had an experience of empowerment that led to the development of his healing style – The Usui System of Reiki. His method addresses the whole person on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Usui devoted the rest of his life to practising and teaching this art of living and healing.
Reiki's Usui system is now practised worldwide, and there are many versions of Reiki practised today. The variations vary in minor ways, including variations in hand positions, the inclusion of crystals, music, or other healing modalities.
‘The true purpose of the Reiki method is to correct the heart-mind, keep the body fit, and lead a happy life using the spiritual capabilities humans are endowed with since birth.’
Reiki began in the early 1900s. It is recorded that a Japanese man, Mikao Usui, through study, research and meditation had an experience of empowerment that led to the development of his healing style – The Usui System of Reiki. His method addresses the whole person on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Usui devoted the rest of his life to practising and teaching this art of living and healing.
Reiki's Usui system is now practised worldwide, and there are many versions of Reiki practised today. The variations vary in minor ways, including variations in hand positions, the inclusion of crystals, music, or other healing modalities.
‘The true purpose of the Reiki method is to correct the heart-mind, keep the body fit, and lead a happy life using the spiritual capabilities humans are endowed with since birth.’
Mikao Usui (Usui Sensei), founder of the Reiki System of Healing
Reiki Meaning
Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage, nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free-flowing. When this is true, a person’s body and mind are in a positive state of health.
- Rei – Spiritual wisdom, mysterious power, essence.
- Ki – (Chi in Chinese) Vital life force, light.
Reiki reaches all levels of existence and strives to bring these differing levels back into a balanced alignment.
When our energy becomes weak or blocked, it may lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalances. A Reiki session can help to ease tension, stress, release blocks from all levels of consciousnesses (conscious, subconscious and unconscious), aligns and strengthens the chakras and auric fields and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional.
The 5 Precepts of Reiki
A common element of the many forms of Reiki is a set of principles or precepts. While there are variations in the expression and interpretation of the precepts, they are all based on the original teachings of Mikao Usui.
The precepts form a code of practice and fundamental beliefs and directions that guide a Reiki practitioner on their spiritual journey.
What they are not is an affirmation. The precepts are about being in the here and now and start with “just for today” to urge you to focus on taking just one step today and then repeat tomorrow, and so forth. In short, the only time that exists is the “now”.
Definitions:
The Reiki Precepts are said in the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer. You can think this in your mind or say out loud:
Just for today:
The precepts form a code of practice and fundamental beliefs and directions that guide a Reiki practitioner on their spiritual journey.
What they are not is an affirmation. The precepts are about being in the here and now and start with “just for today” to urge you to focus on taking just one step today and then repeat tomorrow, and so forth. In short, the only time that exists is the “now”.
Definitions:
- Precept - A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
- Affirmation - Something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.
The Reiki Precepts are said in the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer. You can think this in your mind or say out loud:
Just for today:
- Do not anger
- Do not worry
- Be humble
- Be true to yourself and others
- Be compassionate to yourself and others
