History of Reiki

Reiki’s beginning is characterized by a lack of hard evidence and written documentation probably due to World War II.  It is believed to have had its roots in Japan prior to the war with Dr. Mikao Usui as its founder.  His founding of the practice of Reiki was prodded by his search for truth regarding the healings done by Jesus of the Christian faith as well as Buddha of the Buddhist faith.

Dr. Usui’s ability to heal came about after years of diligent study and upon attainment of a deep understanding of these studies.  He used his ability to help people through healing physical ailments but soon came to the conclusion that complete healing is only possible if it includes spiritual matters.  With this is mind, he developed precepts and traveled around the countryside teaching and healing, both physically and spiritually.

It was during one of these travels that he met Dr. Chujiro Hayashi who became his companion in teaching and healing.  Dr. Hayashi became the leader of Reiki upon the death of Dr. Usui.  It is believed that Dr. Hayashi developed the practice of treatment by specific hand placements over the body.  He passed leadership of Reiki to Mrs. Hawayo Takata who was of Japanese descent but was born in Hawaii.

Mrs. Takata was one of Dr. Hayashi’s clients who became well because of Reiki.  Dr. Hayashi trained her in Reiki, though unwilling at first because she was a foreigner.  She brought the practice to Hawaii where she learned the importance of having the recipient perceive value in receiving treatments, thus the tradition of charging for Reiki treatment.  It is quite notable though that there are Reiki practitioners in Japan who learned from Dr. Usui but does not involve in any way Dr. Hayashi nor Mrs. Takata in their lineage.