There are many varieties of Reiki that have come to the West since Mikeo Usui first introduced the system in the early 1920s. He originally put the system together for his own use realising the benefits of simplifying Buddhist precepts, practicing various meditation techniques, and added hands on healing which was already widely used in Japan.
After his death in 1926, his students continued his legacy. Depending on their individual experiences and interests, some focused more on hands on healing while others on the more spiritual teachings and meditation techniques.
Hawayo Takata, who first brought the system to the West, was taught by Chirjiro Hayashi. Her teacher Hayashi was a medical doctor in the Navy for many years and his clinics focused on group hands-on healing for students.
Hawayo, who was Japanese but had been living in the USA (Hawaii), became very ill on a trip back to Japan. She went to Hayashi’s clinic in Tokyo, received 4 months of reiki treatments and was completely healed from her illnesses. Afterwards she wanted to learn his healing methods so she could teach Reiki when she returned to Hawaii.
Upon reflection, it is not surprising that when Takata bought the reiki system to America, her focus was mainly on hands-on healing and using the precepts. She considered that the breathing techniques and meditations too ‘spiritual’ for westerners at that time.
In her diary, Hawayo Takata describes Reiki as an “unseen spiritual power that vibrates and all other powers fade into insignificance beside it.” This power or force is believed to be within all of us, but those who study and apply it correctly can use it to heal.1
Reiki and Meditation
Nowadays meditation has become widely accepted. People in modern day life (especially those with anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected to themselves) benefit from the various ‘meditations’ on offer. Most people start with fully guided meditations, which are very relaxing, but don’t always facilitate real growth and awareness.
Japanese reiki meditations are a much deeper experience. They take you to a place where you can observe the mind, let go of the many thoughts that arise, and keep returning to a safe place. A place that quietens the more we practice. The outcome is that you soften your attachments to worries and anger and rediscover your true nature.
It’s the place of real growth and real awakening.
Sitting in silence is tough for busy people 😀. Our modern society often over-stimulates the mind with world news, music, and digital distractions. How many friends do you have who can’t sleep at night? The mind can be a very busy place at night.
‘A peaceful mind is the great infinite’. How true this is ❤️🙏.
The idea of a calm mind is very attractive, but it takes work and perseverance for most of us. Many abandon their practice because focusing on the breath, something that seems incredibly easy, is hard. However, if we are willing to commit to regular practice, the rewards are wonderful.
Meditation returns us time and again to the present moment. It is here that we find joy, genuine happiness and connection.
This is one of the reasons I love Reiki. In a class we try out various techniques and focus the mind on deeper breathing. Students are often surprised that the changes they notice happen relatively quickly. It gives them incentive to keep practicing at home.
Are you interested in learning reiki and beginning a regular meditation practice? I look foward to meeting you in Cairns.
Julie xx
Learn Reiki in Cairns
Why not begin your own journey into healh and inner wellbeing. Julie teaches all three levels of Japanese reiki, beginning with Level 1 Reiki Shoden. Here are the latest course dates for Reiki beginners.
Events
References
Quote 1: Hawayo Takata Papers (Santa Barbara Library)