What Is Reiki?
Reiki, the word, is Japanese in origin, and is comprised of two kanji: rei, meaning “spiritual” and ki, meaning “energy”. Reiki can also refer to a system of healing and spiritual development that was established in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui, a Tendai Buddhist and renowned healer. Usui referred to his system as Usui Reiki Ryoho, meaning “Usui’s spiritual healing method” in Japanese.
In the West, the word Reiki may be used to describe spiritual energy itself, or a system which works with that energy for the purpose of enhancing well-being. Most Western variations of Reiki as a system are rooted in the teachings of Usui, though this is not the case with all methods.
The therapeutic application of Reiki, known as tenohira (hands on healing) in Japanese, has been gaining popularity in recent years as a complementary therapy. This is the aspect of Reiki that is generally the most familiar to people in Western societies, and many people find it beneficial to see a Reiki practitioner for treatments. Reiki treatments from a qualified and experienced practitioner can be an incredibly positive experience, resulting in deep relaxation and often a marked improvement in one’s overall well-being.
Reiki as a concept can be defined in many ways, and opinions among Reiki practitioners may widely vary as far as its nature is concerned. Ki can be understood as a vital force which animates all of existence, and flows through all living creatures. Many Eastern cultures are familiar with the concept of ki: it is known as chi or qi in Chinese and as prana in Sanskrit.
Reiki’s approach to the understanding of ki is a simple one. When ki is allowed to flow freely and unimpeded through one’s body, then a natural state of of well-being is experienced. The strong and unrestricted flow of ki throughout one’s body results is good health, a calm mind and high energy levels. However, due to the stress of modern living, it is easy for one’s ki to become weakened and blocked, resulting in poor health, anxiety, depression and exhaustion.
As a system, Reiki is simple, yet highly effective practice that can be easily learned by anyone. Traditionally, the practice is centred on building awareness of one’s ki and working with different methods (meditation, breathing and hands on healing) to ensure health and vitality on all levels. Different people may be drawn to Reiki for various reasons, and the practice has a positive impact on one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
While there is a spiritual element to the system of Reiki, it is non-religious in nature, and there are no beliefs nor any dogma that practitioners must subscribe to in order to have an effective and positive practice. The teachings of Usui-sensei have their origin in Tendai Buddhism and Shinto, but are accessable to persons of any or no faith. Most practitioners find their Reiki practice very helpful in understanding their spirituality in a unique personal context, as well as being beneficial for their physical or mental / emotional health.
The Kanji shown on this page is by Eri Takase, a master calligrapher who is ranked as such in Japan’s most prestigious calligraphic society, the Bokuteki-kai. She has won several national calligraphy competitions and has works have been displayed in the Osaka Museum of Arts.
This work is copyright Eri Takase and Goran Sandwall and is used with kind permission by www.reiki.nu.