Origins of Reiki
A little History about Usui Reiki
Mikao Usui
Considered to be the founder of the Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki system, Mikao Usui was a Buddhist scholar born August 15, 1865, in a small village of central Japan. It has been said that Usui may have been a descendant of the Chiba Clan, in which some of those members served as Hatamato Samurai. During childhood Usui was raised Samurai, specializing in the martial arts techniques of Aiki. As Usui grew older he began studying abroad visiting many countries to further his education. Usui excelled in studies of medicine, psychology, religion, and even divination. Usui reportedly became a member of Rei Jyutu Ka, a psychic abilities development group. Not only was Usui extremely intelligent, but he also dedicated his entire life serving others. Usui had worked as a journalist, civil servant, secretary to Gotō Shinpei, who later became Mayor of Tokyo, and helped to rehabilitate prisoners. Usui had worn many hats; yet he longed for a deeper understanding of his true purpose in life.
For years Usui deepened his spiritual research, desperately struggling to realize his true calling; when he decided to try a very strict spiritual retreat. In February 1922, Usui climbed Mount Karuma to fast and meditate alone, without any sustenance to nourish his body. Sometime on the 21st day alone on the mountain, Usui encountered a miraculous spiritual experience. It was reported that Usui felt a powerful light enter the top of his head; this light was supposedly similar to lightning. As the light overcame Usui, it rendered him unconscious.
When Usui woke up he felt rejuvenated, with a heightened awareness of new strength and vitality. Usui finally sensed he had become one with all that is (the universe). It is said sometime during this enlightening experience Usui attained/ envisioned the Reiki Symbols as we know them today.
Renewed and eager to share his experiences, Usui descended the mountain. As Usui hurried down, he stumbled and struck his toe on a rock. Usui quickly placed his hands over the injury as it was painful; in doing so, he felt powerful energy flowing from his hands. When Usui removed his hands, the toe was completely healed.
This extraordinary chain of events led Usui to pursue studies in Reiki. Usui later founded The Usui Healing Society and set up the first healing clinic in Tokyo, where he established the 5 principles of Reiki. For many years, Usui taught thousands of students the healing art of Reiki; but only 16 attained mastery level.
After Usui’s death March 9, 1926, one of his trusted Master students; Chujiro Hayashi became his successor. Hayashi started a Reiki clinic in Japan and formed his very own Reiki Society. As Hayashi streamlined the Reiki process, he created detailed hand positions for treating a wide array of ailments. Hayashi held seminars to promote Reiki throughout Japan and taught many students as well. Sadly, in 1940 Hayashi committed suicide, some speculate his motive was to avoid leaking intelligence or serving in WW2. Sometime before his passing, he asked one of his Master students Ms. Hawayo Takata (who had been healed of medical issues due to Reiki) to be his successor.
Takata was born December 24, 1900, in Hawaii. She was a homemaker who lived a peaceful life until her husband passed away, then worked on a plantation to support her two daughters. After a while, Takata developed serious medical issues which worsened after the death of her sister. Doctors recommended surgery for Takata; and since she had to travel to Japan to deliver the terrible news of her sister’s death to the rest of her family, she took time to search for alternative health treatments which didn’t involve surgery. Takata’s doctor referred her to Hayashi’s clinic where she was treated, and later healed. Takata went on to open the very first Reiki clinic outside Japan, she is credited with bringing Reiki healing to the Western world. Takata trained multitudes of students and attuned 22 Masters. One of which being her granddaughter, Phyllis Furumoto.
Chujiro Hayashi
Hawayo Takata
*It should be noted, you can find other detailed accounts on the history of Reiki online and in books, as there are many other accounts and examples of Reiki practices that may predate the Usui methods.