Reiki History.
In Japan, Reiki is described as the healing work based on life force energy. It is not exclusive to the system of healing based on Dr. Usui's method is called the Usui System of Natural Healing of Usui Shiki Ryoho.
Dr. Mikao Usui
The Usui System of Natural Healing has evolved over time. The ancient method of healing was rediscovered in the middle of the 19th century By Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was the Principal of a Christian seminar in Kyoto, Japan. One day, some students asked him about the healing methods used by Jesus Christ and whether he can carry out such healing for them. He was unable to answer such questions and he resigned from his post and determined to find the answers of this mystery.
He went to America and in University of Chicago he became doctor of theology. He couldn't find anything in Christian writing and not finding anything in Chinese scripts, He came to north India, and studied holy writings. He then went back to Japan, where discovered some Sanskrit formulaes and symbols in old Buddhist sutras which seemed to hold the answers to the questions.
Realizing the key to the method, He started to meditate. He meditated and fasted for 21 days on Mount Kuriyama which is 17 miles from Kyoto. On the 21st day he saw a flicker of light appear. It moved rapidly towards him and it became bigger & bigger and finally hit him on his forehead. Dr. Usui thought he was dead but he had just lost his consciousness. He saw millions of rainbow bubbles. Soon, they became white glowing bubbles each one containing a three-dimensional Sanskrit character in gold and he said : "Yes, I remember." Dr. Usui left Mount Kuriyama knowing how Buddha & Jesus Christ had healed.
Then, he began to teach Reiki throughout Japan, during this time the purpose of the symbols experienced in his vision become clear. He used them to attune people so that they could take responsibility for their own well-being. He trained other teachers, young men who would join line in his travels. He laid down five principles of Reiki which are :
Just for Today, I will not be angry.
Just for Today, I will not worry.
Just for Today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for Today, I will be kind to my Neighbour and every Living thing.
Just for Today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
To see Handwritten five Principles of Dr. Usui.
Shortly, before his death, Usui charged Dr. Chujiro Hayashi with the responsibility of carrying on the traditions of Reiki, Dr. Usui died in 1930.
Dr. Chujiro Hayashi.
Dr. Chujiro Hayashi was influential and highly regarded Naval officer. He was the first lucky person to receive Reiki Mastership from Dr. Usui. After meeting Dr. Hayashi, Dr. Usui became popular amongst lower classes to the rich & elite classes in Japan. Dr. Hayashi divided the Reiki Healing system into three categories i.e. First, Second & Third degree. He also devised proper postures of hands during Reiki Healing System.
Dr. Hayashi founded a Reiki clinic in a city. In a short time it became very popular amongst all the people there. Since neither Dr. Usui nor Dr. Hayashi left written instruction about Reiki, the only available information on the System is the verbal instructions Mrs. Takata passed on to the students.
To see Handwritten book of Handpositions in Reiki By Dr. Hayashi.
Mrs. Hawayo Takata
In western countries, Reiki was introduced by Mrs. Hawayo Takata who was an American citizen of Japanese Origin. She was suffering from many serious diseases, and according to doctors the only alternative was operation. The preparations for the operation was going on. Suddenly, Mrs. Takata listened a voice telling her that you don't need operation. She asked her doctor about another alternative and she came to know about Dr. Hayashi's Reiki clinic.
She met Dr. Hayashi and had her treatment. In a month, the serious diseases disappeared. She became physically, mentally &spiritually strong. She became a follower of Reiki and after taking training she went back to her hometown and started practicing Reiki there. Before his death, Dr. Hayashi gave all the authority of spreading Reiki to Mrs. Hawayo Takata. She worked until her death for the cause of spreading Reiki all over the globe. Before her death, she trained about twenty two Reiki Masters. Every Reiki Master all around the world are somehow linked to Mrs. Takata and her students.