Traditional Japanese Reiki
This page explains the difference between Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki.
Reiki's true translation is 'Spiritual Energy', it is all around us and within us. Reiki is a method of channelling this energy through the hands to benefit a person on an emotional and physical level. It is not a belief system, it is not a religion and does not contradict any religious faith- it works with them.
Everything has energy or 'ki' in it. There is an unlimited amount of energy even though it may seem invisible, it is encompassing. It is the fuel that drives humans and the world, fiving us the ultimate structure and purpose in life. this is Reiki.
If we already have energy or 'ki', why do we need the practise of Reiki? to help us understand, visualise a free flowing river. This beautiful river is like energy flowing easily down through the body. Occasionally a pebble or even a rock will fall into this river, making the flow of the water a little more difficult. These pebbles are human worries, fear, anger and grief. These pebbles begin to build on top of the other and soon only a trickle of water running in that once beautiful free flowing river. And so it is with energy in the human body. Energy flow can be obstructed so much that at this point physical pain may be experienced.
Mikao Usui drew on his experience with martial arts and energy cultivation techniques and studied connection rituals from Tendai Buddhism, a mystical form practiced in Japan and the art of controlling the energy. After spending time on Mount Kurama in deep meditation. On the 21st day he had a moment of enlightenment and at the same time he was spiritually awakened. and finally understood.
He practised on himself and his family who all felt great benefits from the healing power of his hands.
Mikao Usui progressed from family and friends to the general public. He was so successful he devised classes for people who wanted to learn about this system. this is where the system of Reiki began.
Western Reiki
Mrs Takata's Version:
Hawayo Takata 1900-1980 was born in Hawaii and brought Reiki to the West.
She discovered her life's purpose when she went to Japan for an operation, and apparently heard a voice telling her not to have the operation.She met Chujiro Hayashi through his wife who was a receptionist at the clinic, Hayashi was a retired Naval surgeon and was a student of Mikao Usui, (as many were). Mrs Takata studied with Hayashi and he apparently asked her to take Reiki to America and 'protect' it and 'take care of it' this was, we believe, written in her diaries. She also stated that there was no Reiki in Japan and that she was the only Reiki Master left in the world! This statement was not correct as The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai still existed and still exists today.
Mrs Takata also changed the way Reiki was originally taught, introducing hand positions, instead of using intuition and intent as Mikao Usui taught.
However the system of Reiki is used it is
ALL REIKI: ALL ENERGY: we are all connected and at one with the universe. There is no-one more powerful than anyone else: No-one better than anyone else: No Grandmaster titles: A Teacher needs to instruct the student and set them on their way to enlightenment, this is of course, very necessary, being a teacher doesn't make them any better. One of The Usui Precepts says "Just for today be
HUMBLE".
It it is up to the individual to decide which method is best for them, and which teacher is chosen, after all it is a personal journey and remember Reiki is never wrong!
We must all in this restless world, unite, live harmoniously and expand our consciousness to the rest of humanity. We can do this in a collective way by pursuing our spiritual growth, self-realisation and by embracing and respecting this wonderful energy.