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A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF REIKI
There is much written about the origin of Reiki and in common with all other histories things may have been changed in translation and the passing of time.
No matter what the version is, there seems to be common information which agrees that Reiki is an ancient healing technique that dates back thousands of years.There are some that believe it originated in India and others in Egypt or Tibet.
It seems that Reiki was lost and 'found' again and then re introduced in the mid 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui during a 21 day spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama, Japan.
Dr. Usui received a vision of symbols, their names and knowledge of their usage and it is said that a voice told him "These are the keys to healing. Learn them and do not allow them to be lost".
On his way down the mountain he successfully treated an inn keeper's daughter who was in pain with toothache and later back at the monastery the head monk who was in pain with arthritis.
Dr. Usui continued in his healing quest and initiated a few followers, one a retired naval officer who was seeking to serve others. When Dr. Usui's life was drawing to an end he charged Chujiro Hyashi with keeping the essence of his teachings intact. Dr.Hyashi founded a clinic and it was there that he met Hawayo Takata, a young woman from Hawaii who is credited with initiating twenty-two people into Reiki Mastership and introducing Reiki to the West.
Anyone practising Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho today can trace their lineage back to Dr. Usui through Mrs.Takata and Dr.Hyashi.
Important information about the origins and practise of Reiki in Japan were uncovered by Frank Arjava Petter and his Japanese wife Chetna. They traced Reiki back to it's roots in Japan and discovered factual historical information along with 'new' healing techniques. It was thought that Reiki was an oral tradition but they demonstrate that Dr. Usui gave training manuals to his students and that written material was and is important.
Today Reiki is practised all over the world and by receiving an attunement you become part of a circle of people who are using Reiki to heal themselves, each other and our planet.
Original water colour by Liz Nelson
© Pauline Parker - reikiinspain.com 2008-2010