History of Reiki
The earliest archeological findings related to Reiki have been discovered in Tibet and were dated over 10,000 years ago. Evidence suggest that Reiki was also known in India, approximately 2,500 years ago as well as in Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Reiki knowledge is said to have been popular among indigenous groups all over the world. When the western era began it was lost due to the constant battles of conflicts.
Dr. Usui
Reiki is believed to have been rediscovered in the mid 1800's by a Japanese born Buddhist monk, Dr. Mikao Usui. While teaching in a collage, Dr. Usui was asked by a student how Jesus facilitated the healing miracles that he performed. The question had planted a seed and set Dr. Usui out on a path to answer that question. During his journey Dr. Usui travelled to the holy mountains of Kori Yama where he fasted and meditated for 21 days in order to attain a high altered state of consciousness which he believed would empower him with the healing energy. On the morning of the 21st day, Dr Usui was beginning to become frustrated with his situation. As he was about to give up and leave, that a great spiritual energy came down into the top of his head and he became enlightened. The energy also brought with it Reiki Ryoho, which is the ability to heal.​Dr. Usui returned to his monastery but decided after a few days to go to a beggar city, in the slums of Kyoto, to treat beggars and help them lead a better life. He spent 7 years in the slums, treating many illnesses. However, he noticed that the same individuals were returning. When he asked one of them why they had not started a new life he was told it was much easier to go on begging than carry the responsibility of starting over.​As a result, Dr Usui learnt two VERY important elements: healing of the spirit and the responsibility of the healee in the healing process. He had realized that while concentrating on healing the body, the spirit was remained unhealed. He believed that Reiki could only truly benefit those who could embrace a live of complete healing. Therefore, he made a decision that those who wanted to receive Reiki needed to be willing to make a mental commitment to healing as well as a physical commitment. It is this premise, on which Dr.Usui Reiki principles are based.
Dr. Chujiro Hayashi
One of Dr. Usui's pupils was Dr. Chujiro Hayashi who continued in the steps of Dr.Usui by opening a Reiki clinic which remained opened until 1940.
Dr. Hayashi developed a new style of Reiki, which has the same energy and lineage as Usui Reiki, and many of the original techniques but is also responsible for the formal aspects of Reiki which are taught today-namely the hand positions and the science-based practices held within Reiki. The fame and popularity of Dr. Hayashi's clinic spread throughout Japan, and it was quite successful at bringing healing energies to many people.
Mrs. Hawayo Takata
Mrs. Hawayo Takata was a Hawaiian women of Japanese descent born in 1900. After the death of her husband and sister, she became sick and decided to travel to Japan in search of a doctor who could perform she felt strongly that the operation (for tumor, gallstones, and appendicitis) would be unnecessary, and she inquired if there was any alternative way for her to be healed. The doctor referred her to Dr. Hayashi's clinic. drastically. She was amazed and asked Dr. Hayashi to teach her how to transmit Reiki energies to others.
He agreed to teach her Reiki I and II. After a year, Mrs. Takata returned to Hawaii where she began to practice Reiki. Two years later, she convinced Dr. Hayashi to come visit her in Hawaii so he could see her Reiki clinic. Mrs. Takata began giving treatments and teaching Reiki students. In 1970's she began training masters. It is from these original masters that Reiki spread in the world outside of Japan.
