Black and white portrait of an Asian man with short hair, round glasses, and a beard, wearing traditional clothing.

Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century, founded by a man named Mikao Usui. The practice's story blends spiritual insight, personal dedication, and a desire to alleviate suffering.

Mikao Usui and the Beginnings of Reiki

Mikao Usui (1865–1926) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, scholar, and spiritual seeker. The legend of Reiki’s origin tells of Usui’s quest to understand the nature of healing. According to popular accounts, Usui experienced a spiritual awakening during a 21-day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama near Kyoto around 1922. During this time, he reportedly received a profound revelation that included the ability to channel healing energy, which later became known as Reiki.

The Development of Reiki

After his experience, Usui began practicing and teaching Reiki in Kyoto, opening a clinic called the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society). His methods emphasized spiritual development and self-healing alongside hands-on healing for others. Usui's teachings were grounded in his own spiritual philosophy, which combined elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and martial arts principles.

The Five Reiki Principles

Mikao Usui developed the Five Reiki Principles as ethical guidelines for living a balanced, mindful life. These principles are often translated as:

  1. Just for today, do not worry.

  2. Just for today, do not anger.

  3. Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.

  4. Earn your living honestly.

  5. Show gratitude to every living thing.

Spreading Reiki

Before his death in 1926, Usui trained several Reiki Masters, including Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer. Hayashi played a significant role in formalizing Reiki practice and teaching. He established a clinic in Tokyo and refined the hand positions used in Reiki sessions.

One of Hayashi’s students, Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman, is credited with bringing Reiki to the West. After receiving healing from Hayashi’s clinic in the 1930s, Takata became a Reiki Master and began teaching in Hawaii, eventually spreading Reiki throughout the United States and beyond.

Reiki Today

Reiki has since diversified into various styles and interpretations worldwide, but its essence remains the same—using universal life force energy to promote healing, balance, and spiritual growth.