The History of Reiki

MIKAO USUI (1865-1926) was born into a merchant family with Samurai ancestry, descended from the Chiba clan. Though much of his early life remains shrouded in mystery,
Usui is remembered as a humble, spiritually inclined man
whose quest for healing and enlightenment led to the creation of the Reiki system.
A practice now embraced worldwide.

Driven by a deep curiosity about spiritual healing,
Usui embarked on a cross-cultural exploration of religious texts.
He traveled to the United States to study the Bible and Christian scriptures,
hoping to uncover the secret behind Jesus’s miraculous healings.
When these texts offered no clear answers, Usui turned to Buddhism,
knowing that the Buddha too was said to have healed the sick.

After seven years of study, Usui returned to Kyoto, Japan, where he immersed himself in Sanskrit,
the sacred language of ancient India and the birthplace of Buddhism.
It was in these ancient scriptures that he discovered symbols believed to hold the key to healing.

To unlock the power of these symbols, Usui undertook a spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama,
a sacred site located seventeen miles from Kyoto.
There, he meditated and fasted for 21 days, seeking divine insight.
On the final morning, just before dawn, Usui witnessed a flickering light on the horizon.
As it approached, the light transformed into a brilliant white beam that struck him between the eyes,
rendering him unconscious.

When he awoke, the sky was ablaze with rainbow colors.
A vast white screen appeared before him, displaying golden Sanskrit symbols that vibrated with energy.
Their meanings and uses were transmitted to him in a moment of profound clarity,
accompanied by the message: “Remember, remember, remember!”

Usui emerged from his meditation filled with light and vitality, despite having fasted for three weeks.

This was the start of Reiki.

Descending the mountain, Usui stubbed his toe, causing it to bleed.
Instinctively, he placed his hand over the injury and the pain and bleeding vanished.
This spontaneous healing was the first confirmation of the energy he had received.

Later, at a roadside snack bar, Usui insisted on a full breakfast despite warnings to break his fast gently.
The owner’s granddaughter, suffering from a painful toothache, caught his attention.
Usui placed his hand over her swollen face, and the pain disappeared.
Not only did he heal her, but he also digested his meal without discomfort,
another sign of the energy’s potency.

These experiences solidified Usui’s belief in the healing power he had received.
He dedicated the rest of his life to sharing Reiki, teaching others how to channel this
universal energy for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Gratitude was central to Usui’s teachings.
He encouraged practitioners to begin every Reiki session with thankfulness
for themselves, their teachers, their clients and the energy itself.
This sets a powerful tone for healing and connection.