R52 Team
Everyone Does What They Are Good At
REIKI
THE ORIGIN OF REIKI
Reiki healing system originated in Japan. It was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui (1865 - 1926).
The word Reiki is derived from Rei (universal spirit) and Ki (life energy).
The practice of Reiki is founded on the ancient notion of Life Energy, which has been called Ki, Chi and Prana.
It is a simple yet profound method of aligning an individual with his or her Life Energy to promote relaxation, healing, holistic well-being, and spiritual growth.
Mikao Usui (1865 - 1926)
Where It All Began
In 1922 the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, meditated for 21 days on Mt. Kurama and received the Reiki healing energy and became an enlightened person and thus also true insight into the wisdom of life.
Mikao Usui meditated near the top of the mountain it a site called Osugi Gongen, at the site of a great sacred tree (kami) said to be an incarnation of the god Maoson.
Mount Kurama (鞍（くら）馬（ま）山（やま）, Kurama-yama is a mountain to the north of the Japanese city of Kyoto. It is the birthplace of the Reiki practice, and is said to be the home of Sōjōbō, King of the Tengu (Goblins).
- Usui was a seeker of knowledge and spiritual understanding. He studied disciplines such as history, religion, medicine, psychology, metaphysics, and broadened his world view through travel to Europe / China.
- Although he faced many challenges in life, he is said to have met them with equanimity and perseverance. Students described him as a gentle man who was always smiling.
- Usui Sensei (Teacher Usui, as he was called by his students) established clinics in Tokyo and traveled throughout Japan healing the sick and teaching his healing method.
- He became known throughout the country for his service to the injured following the massive Tokyo earthquake of 1923.
- Usui initiated more than 2000 students into Reiki and trained
twenty Shihans (teachers) prior to his death in 1926 at the age of 62.
Emporer Meiji Influence On Reiki
The Reiki Five Principles were created based on the teachings and spirit of Emperor Meiji, and the Reiki practitioners at that time were chanting the five principles and Emperor Meiji’s Gosei (emperor’s poem) in the morning and evening every day.
Initially in Reiki practice, the poems of Emperor Meiji were recited in the morning and evening along with the Reiki Five Principles.
By using them as nourishments of life and to correct one’s mind, the Reiki practitioners were devoted to healing self and others. Here are some other poems written by Emperor Meiji.
Poems of Emperor Meiji
つもりては 払ふがかたく なりぬべし
ちりばかりなる こととおもへど
（Don’t leave the dust lying around for too long. It becomes hard to get rid of）
思ふこと おもふがままに なれりとも
身をつつしまん ことを忘るな
（Even if things go in your way, don’t forget to be modest）
目の見えぬ 神に向ひて 耻（はじ）ざるは 人のこころの まことなりけり
（if you are not ashamed of yourself in front of God, you have a true sincere mind）
ともすれば 思わぬ方にうつるかな
こころすべきは心なりけり
（People’s minds are easy to change and get lost. It is the state of mind that need to be considered carefully and should not be neglected）
心ある ひとのいさめの言の葉は
やまいなきみの薬なりけり
（Thoughtful advice and criticisms from retinues are the best medicine for you : It is wise to listen to people’s advice ）
われもまた 更に磨かむ曇りなき
人の心をかがみにはして
（I will polish my mirror like other’s mirror which has no frost : You will learn yourself by looking into someone else）
いささかの 傷なき玉もともすれば
塵に光を失いにけり
（Even the crystal ball without a scratch can lose shine in the dust : Nobody is perfect
About the Author
R52 Team
Everyone Does What They Are Good At
R52 team is made up of wellness enthusiasts / travelers / nature lovers / helpers / specialists and people who want to make a difference...