What is Reiki ?

Reiki literally means Universal Life Force and its foundation is accredited to Mikao Usui (1865-1926), a Tendai Buddhist. It is a way of working with and channelling universal energy in order to bring about increased energy levels and healing. In other systems, this energy is also referred to as Chi or prana. A Reiki practitioner connects with and channels this universal energy and transfers it through their hands to the person, animal or object which they are working on.

Anyone can gain benefit from a Reiki treatment and anyone can learn how to tap into this wonderful, loving and healing energy.

Mikao Usui was a Tendai Buddhist and had dedicated his life to the study of healing and self development. It is reported that after a 21-day period of fasting and meditating on the top of Mount Kurama near Kyoto Usui saw the symbols which we currently use in attunements and healing.

However, we need to acknowledge that Reiki is not something new and conceived solely during Usui’s visit to Mount Kurama. It has its roots in lots of existing Oriental traditions that had been around for centuries.

It draws on Martial arts and energy cultivation techniques, and Usui was well practiced in these. It also draws on Teate, an ancient tradition of Japanese Palm Healing. It uses attunements similar to those used in Tendai Buddhism - a Japanese form of Buddhism. Reiki also involves ways of controlling the energy that come from Shintoism, the religion of Japan.

What is clear is that Usui’s enlightened experience on Mount Kurama contributed to the development of Reiki. His teachings and developments have made it possible to become an adept and competent Reiki practitioner simply and easily – by being attuned to channel the energies and by dedicating part of our daily routine to practicing Reiki.

At the heart of Usui Reiki are the Reiki Precepts or Reiki Principles. They are a set of 'rules to live by' that were an important part of the system taught by Mikao Usui. As you research Reiki for yourself you will see different variations and translations of this. However this is one which I follow :