The word
'Reiki' is often translated as 'universal life energy'. However the word 'Reiki' has also come to refer
not only to this energy, but also to the way or system of practicing.
All Reiki
ways of practice begin with the founder of this healing art: Mikao Usui. He offered Reiki healing to beggars in Kyoto,
but discovered that some of them became sick again. This led to one of the first understandings
about the Reiki way: that the healing of the mind, emotions and spirit are
important for lasting healing. So Usui
developed the Reiki principles, to remind us to pay attention to our
non-physical aspects. These principles have
also become part of the Reiki way.
An essential
part of the Reiki way Usui developed subsequently was the initiations (or attunements)
by which the connection to the Reiki energy and way can be given by one person
to another.
The next
person in my lineage (line of teachers) is Chujiro Hayashi who developed a sequence
of hand positions that offer a comprehensive treatment. His successor Hawayo Takata brought this
teaching out of Japan, creating another aspect of the Reiki way: that it is
available to anyone who wants to learn.
She gave us her interpretation (rather than translation) of Usui's
meaning and intention behind the Reiki Principles.
After Takata's
death, the Reiki way evolved further: some chose to maintain unaltered the
system she had taught, others made changes such as re- translating the Reiki
Principles. One thing that remains
common to most Reiki systems, however, is an understanding that Reiki practice
is guided by spiritual principles.
In all Reiki
ways people's hands are used to apply the energy of Reiki to the recipient
(unless the practitioner has no hands in which case the feet can be used). Frequently, including the Reiki system as
Takata taught it, the healing is delivered through touch - although it can also
be given with hands off the body for particular circumstances. In other Reiki systems the treatment is given
without touching the body.
There is no
right or wrong Reiki system: each one has a particular quality. It seems that Reiki wants to connect with as
many of us as possible, so is available in a variety of flavours that can meet the
wide range of people's attitudes and beliefs! My personal taste is for simple Reiki practice,
honouring tradition (like a Sunday Roast!).
Others may like their Reiki flavour to have added spice, such as the
Indian chakra system, angels or crystals.
If it were not for the appeal of different Reiki systems, Reiki might be
ignored by people who can benefit from it.
The Reiki
way common to most (if not all) Reiki systems is the intention to live healthier
lives through natural healing. People
who come together to share Reiki often notice a feeling of connection that goes
beyond our differences. Perhaps this is
because we are caring people, wanting to live better lives, to help others and
to see more healing in the world.
So the word
Reiki refers not only to the energy but also the way that it's practiced. When you are deciding who to receive a treatment
from or learn Reiki with it's important to find the right flavour for you: a
way you feel inspired by, so that Reiki (the energy) can support you in living
a long happy and healthy life!
