The Founder of Reiki: A Closer Look at Mikao Usui

Reiki, a Japanese healing technique that has gained popularity worldwide, was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. Usui’s journey towards the creation of Reiki was filled with fascinating discoveries, spiritual quests, and dedication to helping others heal. In this article, we will delve into the life and teachings of the remarkable founder of Reiki.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865, in the village of Taniai in Japan. His upbringing was strongly influenced by the values of the samurai warriors and the teachings of Buddhism. Usui had a curious mind and always sought answers to life’s deeper questions.

At the age of four, Usui was sent to a Tendai Buddhist monastery school in order to receive education and spiritual guidance. He studied Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and other ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Usui became a successful businessman and opened a thriving trading company. However, his true calling lay elsewhere, as he felt an inner urge to discover a healing method that could unlock the potential of the human body and mind.

The Quest for Healing Knowledge

In his pursuit of healing knowledge, Usui turned to various disciplines, including martial arts, ancient scriptures, and meditation. It is said that he travelled extensively in China and Europe to gain deeper insights into different healing practices.

After years of seeking, Usui started a personal journey of fasting and meditation atop Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain near Kyoto. It was during this 21-day period in 1922 that he experienced a powerful spiritual awakening, leading to the birth of Reiki.

Legend has it that during his meditation, Usui was hit by a divine light, which transmitted to him the sacred knowledge of healing. He developed a deep understanding of how to channel universal life force energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Creation of Reiki and Its Teachings

Following his awakening, Usui was determined to share his newfound healing method with others. He established the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society) in Tokyo, where he began teaching the principles and techniques of Reiki.

The core teachings of Reiki focus on the belief in the existence of life force energy, which flows through all living beings. Usui taught that by channeling this energy, individuals can enhance their overall health and well-being. He developed a system of hand positions that practitioners use to access and direct this energy.

Moreover, Usui emphasized the importance of self-healing and personal growth. He believed that true healing required addressing the root cause of physical and emotional imbalances. Usui’s approach to healing was not limited to the physical realm alone, but also incorporated mental and spiritual aspects.

The Legacy of Mikao Usui

During his lifetime, Usui taught Reiki to hundreds of students, who then passed on the teachings to others. His impact on the world of healing continues to be felt today, as Reiki has spread across the globe and is recognized as a respected healing modality.

Following Mikao Usui’s passing in 1926, his teachings were carried on by his successors within the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. The society has preserved Usui’s original teachings and continues to offer Reiki training to those seeking to learn this powerful healing technique.

It is important to note that although Usui’s teachings remain at the core of Reiki, various branches and interpretations of Reiki have emerged over time. These different approaches reflect the evolving needs and beliefs of practitioners, but all share the foundation of Usui’s original teachings.

In Conclusion

Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, was a visionary who dedicated his life to discovering and sharing a powerful healing technique. His spiritual journey and subsequent awakening on Mount Kurama brought forth the essence of Reiki, a practice that continues to provide healing and transformation to individuals worldwide.

Usui’s teachings continue to inspire practitioners to explore their own potential for self-healing and personal growth. The story of Mikao Usui serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity, dedication, and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.