The History and Principles of Reiki: Where It All Began

Reiki isn’t just a healing technique, it’s a practice rooted in connection, balance, and intention. Whether you’re curious about how Reiki works or already exploring its benefits, understanding where it comes from can deepen your experience. In this blog, we’ll take a personal and easy-to-follow journey through the history of Reiki, its founder Mikao Usui, and the five guiding principles that continue to shape its practice today.

The Origins of Reiki: Mikao Usui’s Legacy

Mikao Usui was born on 15 August 1865 in Taniai village, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. From a young age, Usui was known to be an inquisitive and dedicated student. He pursued a wide range of interests, both spiritual and academic, reflecting his deep curiosity about life and human nature.

Usui’s studies included medicine, psychology, martial arts, theology, and philosophy. He was particularly influenced by both Buddhist and Shinto teachings, and he often sought wisdom in ancient spiritual texts and practices. This diverse education gave him a strong foundation for what would later become the Reiki healing system, a practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit.

Although much of Usui’s early career is shrouded in mystery and speculation, it’s widely believed that he worked in several roles, including as a public servant, businessman, and lay monk. His life path was not linear, but it was clearly driven by a search for deeper understanding and purpose.

The Journey To Mount Kurama

In 1922, at a turning point in his spiritual journey, Usui undertook a 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain just north of Kyoto. Known for its spiritual energy and historical temples, Mount Kurama has long been associated with meditation, enlightenment, and energetic transformation.

During the retreat, Usui engaged in fasting, meditation, prayer, and deep contemplation. On the final day, he reportedly experienced a profound spiritual awakening, a moment of deep connection with universal life force energy (known as Ki in Japanese). In that moment, he received insight into a healing method that could be taught and practised by anyone.

This revelation became the foundation of Usui Reiki Ryoho, which means “Usui’s Method of Spiritual Energy Healing.” Usui believed that this healing energy could be accessed by anyone willing to learn the techniques, and that it could help restore energetic balance, reduce stress and anxiety, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Following his spiritual awakening, Usui returned to Tokyo, where he established a healing clinic and began teaching Reiki to others. He founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Spiritual Energy Healing Society) to support the training and development of Reiki practitioners. This organisation still exists in Japan today and continues to uphold Usui’s original teachings.

Usui treated hundreds of people using Reiki and taught over 2,000 students during his lifetime. He saw Reiki not just as a healing technique but as a way of life. His teachings were holistic, combining hands-on healing methods with ethical principles and daily practices designed to cultivate inner peace and emotional clarity. To ensure the continuity of his teachings, he trained several Reiki masters, including Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who played a pivotal role in the system’s development and dissemination.

The 5 Reiki Principles: A Path to Daily Harmony

At the heart of Reiki are five guiding principles, known as the Gokai, which Mikao Usui introduced to promote spiritual and personal development:

Just for today, I will not be angry.
This principle encourages us to let go of anger, recognising it as a temporary emotion that can cloud judgment and harm relationships.
Just for today, I will not worry.
By releasing worry, we focus on the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future and regrets about the past.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Cultivating gratitude shifts our perspective, helping us appreciate the positives in our lives and fostering contentment.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
This principle emphasises integrity and dedication in our daily tasks, promoting a sense of purpose and self-respect.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living being.
Kindness towards others and ourselves nurtures compassion and strengthens our connections with the world around us.

These principles serve as daily affirmations, guiding practitioners towards a balanced and harmonious life.

The Spiritual and Philosophical Foundations of Reiki

Reiki is deeply rooted in the belief that an unseen life force energy flows through all living beings. When this energy is low or blocked, it can lead to physical or emotional imbalances. Reiki aims to restore this energy flow, promoting healing and well-being.

The practice also draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Shintoism, emphasising mindfulness, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all life. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion and requires no specific belief system, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.

How Reiki Spread from Japan to the World

Usui’s teachings gained popularity in Japan, and he established the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society) to train others. One of his prominent students, Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer, further developed the practice by creating a more structured approach and establishing a Reiki clinic in Tokyo.

In the 1930s, Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman from Hawaii, visited Hayashi’s clinic seeking healing. Impressed by the results, she became a dedicated student and eventually a Reiki Master. Takata played a pivotal role in introducing Reiki to the Western world, particularly in the United States, where she trained 22 Reiki Masters before her passing in 1980.

Reiki’s Evolution and Global Recognition

Since Takata’s efforts, Reiki has spread globally, with various lineages and styles emerging. While the core principles remain consistent, different schools have introduced unique techniques and interpretations. Organisations like the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP) and the Reiki Alliance have been established to support practitioners and uphold standards.

Today, Reiki is practised in hospitals, wellness centres, and private practices worldwide. It’s recognised as a complementary therapy that can support traditional medical treatments by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

Embracing Reiki Today

Reiki’s journey from ancient energy practices to a globally recognised healing modality underscores its adaptability and relevance. Whether you’re new to Reiki or a seasoned practitioner, understanding its rich history can deepen your appreciation and connection to this transformative practice.

Why Understanding Reiki’s History Matters

For modern practitioners, delving into Reiki’s history enriches the practice by providing context and depth. Recognising the origins and evolution of Reiki fosters a deeper appreciation and respect for its traditions, enhancing the effectiveness and authenticity of one’s healing journey.