The simplest translation of the Japanese word Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is Universal Life Energy--that energy that enlivens and animates matter. It is boundless, transformational and knows no denomination. The practice of Reiki focuses this energy and directs it through the hands of the practitioner. The concentrated flow of this energy accelerates the healing and balancing of body, mind and spirit.
Reiki is not a spiritual belief system and in no way contradicts any individual religious beliefs. It is instead, a simple and gentle transfer of energy that accelerates the body's ability to heal physical and emotional disorders. Reiki energy also opens the mind and spirit to the causes of disease and pain, the necessity for taking responsibility for one's life and the joys of balanced wellness.
Healing methods involving the use of subtle energy have existed throughout time. Historically, the knowledge of this healing was carefully guarded and preserved. It was often passed on by oral tradition to those chosen for
their purity of motive and integrity of spirit.
The gift of healing by the laying on of hands was rediscovered in the 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was a Christian minister in Japan. He devoted many years of his life to discovering how Jesus, Buddha and their disciples were able to offer healing with their hands.
Dr. Usui searched for years through Christian scriptures and Buddhist sutras. He learned several languages in the process. At last he found the knowledge he sought in a Sanskrit sutra written by a disciple of Buddha 2500 years ago. He gave it the name Reiki. The word REIKI embodies the concept of the transformation that occurs when the REI or universal boundlessness of energy meets the KI or vital energy flowing through all living things.
The Usui System of Natural Healing is also known as Usui Shiki Ryoho. A translation of that is "the understanding of healing both transcendental and physical".
Reiki is not just a healing modality, but a way of life. To help his followers to live in integrity with this energy, Dr. Usui shared some simple truths.