WHAT IS REIKI?

DEFINITION

• KI is usually translated from the Japanese as meaning, 'life energy'.  The usual translation of REI is 'of the spirit'.  Some REIKI masters use the working definition for REIKI - 'universal life force' or 'universal energy'.  Personally, I use the definition:  'divine energy'.

• REIKI therefore, connects our body, mind and spirit so that we function as a whole.  

• REIKI is divine energy that when experienced, promotes positive creative energy that restores and rejuvenates.  REIKI is pure and can only be used for good.

• REIKI can be a lifestyle choice.

• REIKI is used to balance body energies that further stimulate that body's natural energy healing systems.

This is a simplified definition of REIKI.  Some REIKI masters have written books, fully explaining REIKI, its foundations and functions as it applies to their own training and experience.  Once you have found a REIKI practitioner that you are comfortable working with, seek his or her advice as to which materials to read.

HOW REIKI IS USED

• REIKI is based on the belief that we, as matter, are energy, and that we, energy, are connected to the energies in the world around us.

• REIKI is a system of hand placements on or near the body that balance the natural energy centers in the body to promote harmonious working of the energies within the body itself and also with the world of energies around us.

• The REIKI practitioner is committed to the well-being of herself/himself and to that of those around her/him.

• REIKI can only be used for 'good'.  The 'intention' of REIKI is to promote harmony and well-being.

• REIKI can be done by oneself on one's own body.

• REIKI can be done by a person on/towards another.

• Some REIKI practitioners use REIKI on pets, etc.

• REIKI can be sent long distance to someone in need.

• REIKI energy can be shared in groups.

• REIKI training or practice is open to people of all ages, religious and cultural beliefs, to those in varied states of health, etc.

• REIKI supports the practice and use of traditional and modern medicine.

• REIKI stimulates the body's own healing properties which enables the person receiving REIKI to be an active participant in her/his well-being.

BRIEF HISTORY OF REIKI

REIKI'S EARLY BEGINNINGS IN JAPAN

• REIKI was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese physician who traveled throughout Japan, Europe and China, seeking healing knowledge.

• Dr. Usui spent time at a Buddhist temple on Mount Kurama, in Japan, learning healing methods from the monks there. 

• In 1922, Dr. Usui began his REIKI practice in Tokyo in the 'Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai', which translated into English, means, "Usui Reiki Healing Society".

• After the Kanto earthquake in 1923, the demand for REIKI was so great that Dr. Usui and his students worked day and night, helping victims from this disaster.

• During this challenging time, Dr. Usui taught and trained over 2000 students and 16 teachers.

• After Dr. Usui's death in 1926, REIKI work continued under the guiding hand of Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who further developed his own special hand positions for treating illnesses.

REIKI GOES WEST

• Hawayo Takata was responsible for bringing REIKI to the West.  A sugar-cane worker in Hawaii, Takata suffered a difficult life which eventually gave way to her having lung and abdominal disorders.  Circumstances led her to Japan to visit her parents, where she also sought medical help.

• In Japan, Takata went to Dr. Hayashi's REIKI clinic and after several months of 2 treatments daily, she was completely well.

• In turn, Takata learned REIKI from Dr. Hayashi.  She remained in Japan doing REIKI at the clinic for some time before returning to Hawaii.

• Dr. Hayashi went to Hawaii and with Takata, traveled giving treatments and teaching REIKI.

• Takata eventually established two REIKI clinics in Hawaii where she also trained students.

• Takata traveled to the United States and to other countries in the world, training others in REIKI.

• At Takata's death, the 22 masters she had trained continued to spread REIKI training, and in the 1980's, REIKI was growing strong throughout North America and Europe.

STUDYING REIKI

• REIKI is traditionally passed on from a teacher to a student.

• Finding the right REIKI teacher can make a difference in how the technique is taught and also to what degree REIKI is then incorporated into the practitioner's life.

• Today, there are more than 30 different kinds of REIKI being practiced.

• USUI REIKI RYOHO is the unique technique Dr. Usui taught and practiced.

• REIKI can become a lifestyle choice.

REIKI LEVELS of STUDY [as taught in Ana Riley's Courses]

• There are 3 levels of REIKI study, the final level having two components.

• LEVEL I REIKI Ryoho is where one learns the history of REIKI, how REIKI works and how to give REIKI treatments to oneself and to others.

• LEVEL II REIKI Ryoho is where the student learns how to send REIKI long distance.

• LEVEL III REIKI Ryoho has two parts.  Part I is the Master Practitioner training and Part 2 is the Master Teacher training.

• The cost of REIKI training varies from master to master.

Thank you for your interest in REIKI.  Using healing energy, we can contribute to renewal and regeneration in our world.   - Analynn