Reiki, Reiki, Reiki, What is Reiki?

Reiki … translates as “Universal Life Force.” The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power ” and Ki which is “life force energy.” So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

Reiki, the practice, is a technique of energy healing utilizing mindfulness to channel spiritual energy to promote balance and harmony in body, mind, spirit. It is not a medical treatment, per se, but rather a complementary therapy for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases.

This technique of energy healing was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui, born on 15 August 1865 in the village of Taniai (Miyama cho) in the Yamagata district of the Gifu Prefecture, Japan located near present day Nagoya.

Dr. Usui was an 18th century scholar. He earned his doctorate of theology at the University of Chicago, in the theological seminary. (The Reiki handbook, copyright 1982, second edition 1985, by Larry E. Arnold and Sandra Nevius all rights reserved. PSI press 1025 Miller Lane Harrisburg, PA 17110-2899.) Additionally, Dr. Usui traveled much and was a lifelong student of history, medicine, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and Taoism. He was raised as a samurai, specifically in the martial arts techniques of aiki.

Reiki differs from other hands-on healing methods in that Dr. Usui used reiju or attunements (also known as initiation) to remind students of their spiritual connection. Reiki, as a practice, is the development of the innate abilities of all beings, through mindfulness meditations and disciplines that increase the individual’s ability to harness and control or channel the universal, spiritual energy. All students of Usui Reiki Ryoho received five (5) precepts which are used as ritual prayer-meditations at morning and night.

Loosely translated …

Teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho for Improvement. The secrets of inviting happiness, the spiritual medicine for all illnesses.

☯ Do not be angry today.
☯ Do not be anxious.
☯ Be grateful.
☯ Be diligent.
☯ Be kind to others.

Just for today …

☯ no anger;
☯ no worries;
☯ be grateful;
☯ work honestly;
☯ be kind to neighbors and all living things.

In simplest terms, Reiki is living in awareness, mindfulness in practice, active compassion and gratitude, self-control and self-governance through cultivated awareness and discipline.

When we apply these basic precepts to our daily lives, we fine-tune our connections and relationships and hone our skills which enhance the wealth of being. The purpose of Usui’s Reiki Ryoho is to help people overcome illness of body and mind by utilizing the intuitive power in the universe to enhance happiness and peace of mind.

So, in essence, we have the ability to self-heal and to assist others to heal through awareness and clearing. We honor divine energy through authentic appreciation and gratitude. In doing so we invite the sacred into our life experience. When we make the invitation, we open ourselves to receive in abundance the gifts of the universe. By inviting happiness into our lives, we raise our vibrations and elevate our life experience to being well and joyful.

Are your channels clear and open to receive or are your channels obstructed and closed?