Reiki 'Styles' - a look at some of the primary evolutions of Usui-sensei's Gift... by James Deacon NOT FOR SALE Copies of this E-Book may be distributed WITHOUT CHARGE to anyone you wish. It may also be distributed WITHOUT CHARGE in printed form - providing it is done so in its entirety (including end-pages). Permission is NOT given to add to, subtract from, or otherwise modify this document in any way, shape or form. [See foot of document for further details re: Use of Materials from this E-book] THANK YOU [Version 1.06] Copyright 2009 James Deacon http://www.aetw.org
THE USUI REIKI RYOHO GAKKAI [Copyright 2002/3 James Deacon] While some sources maintain that the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society) was founded by Usui-Sensei himself in 1922, it is generally accepted that the Gakkai was actually founded by Rear Admiral Juusaburo Gyuda (Ushida) and other students around 1926/7. It is also said that they posthumously honoured Usui-Sensei by naming him as the first kaicho (president / chairman) of the society, Ushida himself being classed as the second. Prior to the Japanese entering W.W.II, Hayashi-Sensei had committed suicide, and with Takata-Sensei returning home once more to Hawaii, all contact between Japanese Reiki practitioners and the West was, it seems, lost. [Well, almost all - fourteen years after Hayashi Sensei's death, Takata-sensei made a return visit to Japan and met with his wife Chie, who was also a Reiki Master] Certainly, in later years, it seems to have been the general consensus amongst Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki practitioners that the practice of Reiki had eventually died out in Japan, and that (up to 1976 when she began initiating masters) Takata-Sensei had been the only living Reiki Master on the planet. However, as journalist and "Radiance Technique" Reiki practitioner Mieko Mitsui was to discover on returning to Japan in 1985 to research the origins of Reiki, this was not the case. Not only was Reiki alive and well, but so, it seemed, was the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. [Though it has been suggested that the current Gakkai (if in fact it exists at all) might actually be a recently 'restablished' society - in much the same way that, in the West, long-defunct esoteric orders have been re-established by those with no direct connection to the originals] The current president of the Gakkai is said to be a Mr. Masayoshi (or Masaki) Kondo. Between Ushida (who held the office from 1926 to his death in 1935) and Kondo (1999 to date) there have apparently been four other presidents: Kanichi Taketomi; Yoshiharu Watanabe; Hoichi Wanami; and Kimiko Koyama. At one time there were supposedly more than 80 branches of the Gakkai, though at present there are only 5, with a combined membership in the region of 500 people, only 12 of which are of Shinpiden level. According to Hiroshi Doi [who claims to be a member of the Gakkai] at the Gakkai's headquarters in Tokyo, weekly meetings referred to as shuyo kai are held, during which the students chant the gokai (the Reiki Precepts), practice the Hatsurei-ho and sing Gyosei - poetry penned by the Emperor Meiji. [These poems are in a style known as waka, ('Japanese Song') - short poems with lines containing fixed numbers of syllables. The familiar Zen haikyu are a form of waka] 2
Reiki Ryoho No Shiori Members of the Gakkai are given a Reiki manual entitled: Reiki Ryoho No Shiori or: 'Guide to Reiki Ryoho'. This is a booklet compiled by two Gakkai presidents: Koyama & Wanami. Amongst other things, the Reiki Ryoho No Shiori covers the history & purpose of the Gakkai, and sets out its administrative system. It outlines the characteristics of Reiki Ryoho, deals with the how to strengthen Reiki, & includes a number of techniques such as: koketsu ho, byosen, nentatsu ho, etc. It also contains comments by mainstream Medical Practitioners, lists 11 of Usui-Sensei's shinpiden students; and instruction from Mikao Usui. Reiki Ryoho Hikkei Another document, the Reiki Ryoho Hikkei (Reiki Treatment Companion) - a 68 page manual - is given to Level 1 (Shoden) Gakkai students The 'Hikkei comprises of an introductory explanation & Reiki Q & A section (- supposedly in Usui Sensei's own words), a healing guide (Ryoho Shishin), & Gyosei. The 'Hikkei' was compiled in the 1970's by Kimiko Koyama. Current membership of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai is, so we are told, intentionally limited, and is by invitation only... * * * * * * * 3
HAYASHI REIKI RYOHO KENKYU-KAI & HAYASHI SHIKI REIKI RYOHO (Hayashi Reiki Treatment Research Association & the 'Hayashi Style Reiki Treatment/Healing Method') Copyright 2005/6 James Deacon Chujiro Hayashi, a Medical Doctor, graduated at the Japanese Naval Academy in 1902, and in 1918 was appointed Director of Ominato Port Defense Station, at the foot of Mt Osore, Northern Japan. Hayashi-Sensei has been described by Shou Matsui* as "a warm-hearted yet serious man". In May 1925, he apparently began studying at Usui-Sensei's dojo (training centre) in Nakano, outside of Tokyo, progressing rapidly and competently through the grades to Shinpiden level. A few months after Usui-Sensei's death in 1926, Hayashi-Sensei is believed to have been instrumental in having the dojo moved to Shinano Machi (where apparently his own clinic was). Shou Matsui (writing in 1928) mentioned that Hayashi-Sensei would give Reiki treatments to clients in the mornings, and also taught Reiki Ryoho for five days each month. (It seems that in the late 20's, Shoden level training was for an hour and a half a day over the five day period) In 1930, so we are told, Hayashi-Sensei had begun modify his approach to Reiki (presumably to bring it more in line with his own understanding of clinical methodology/practice) and it was some time around this period that he established the Hayashi Reiki Ryoho Kenkyukai (Hayashi Reiki Treatment Research Association). Hayashi-Sensei eventually left the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in 1931. One of Hayashi-Sensei's students - Chiyoko Yamaguchi (-founder of Jikiden Reiki), referred to his system as Hayashi Shiki Reiki Ryoho (Hayashi Style Reiki Treatment/Healing Method) We know from Takata-sensei that her training with Hayashi-Sensei took the form of an internship at his clinic - her own apprenticeship for Reiki levels 1 and 2 lasted well over a year. However, she also tells us that initial tuition for the first level or grade consisted of four days of training - a separate initiation being given on each day. Day 1 dealt with treatment of the head and neck, and related medical conditions Day 2 - treatment of the front of the body Day 3 - treatment of the back, spine and nervous systems Day 4 dealt with treatment of accidents and acute illnesses; and also with the spiritual aspects of Reiki - including the Principles *See: 'A 1928 Reiki Article by Shou Matsui ' - also available as a free.pdf file from www.aetw.org 4
[Chiyoko Yamaguchi (founder of Jikiden Reiki) claimed that, in 1938, her training with Hayashi-sensei took a form not dissimilar to this initial 'seminar'-style teaching (though perhaps of a somewhat simplified nature) - as apparently it consisted of both Level 1 and 2, presented over a single five-day period.] Takata-sensei tells us that Haysahi-sensei's clinic was quite small, with 8 treatment couches; and that generally at least two practitioners/students would give treatment to each patient. (Not counting Haysahi-sensei and his wife Chie, there were apparently 17 other practitioners at the clinic when Takata-sensei began her apprenticeship there) Hayashi-Sensei is credited with the introduction of the formal set of treatment handpositions taught in 'western' Reiki. [Though, as Chiyoko Yamaguchi was apparently not taught formal positions when she studied with him in 1938, it seems likely that he either modified his teaching to suit particular types of student, or else had decided to revert to Usui-Sensei's more intuitive approach to hand-placement.] Hayash-Sensei's system focussed primarily on Reiki as a practical method of handson treatment, playing down some of the more spiritual elements of the Usui system. He used and taught the 4 symbols as a central component of his system, and - though we cannot be absolutely certain about this - he is possibly also responsible for the creation of the denju attunement format taught in 'western' Reiki. We are told that in the early 30's Hayashi-Sensei taught Reiki in four levels named: Shoden, Chuden, Okuden and Shinpiden, though by the time he taught Takata- Sensei, the system had only three levels. He also created a 9-section 'treatment guidelines' booklet - known as the Hayashi Ryoho Shishin which was given to his students. [It is possible that he was also responsible for creating a similar guide known as the Usui Ryoho Shishin ] During 1935-6 Hawayo Takata studied at Hayashi-Sensei's clinic and it seems both Hawayo Takata and Hayashi-Sensei's wife: Chie, received the master level initiation some time near the end of 1936. After Hayashi-Sensei committed seppuku (suicide) at his Villa in Atami, near Mt. Fuji in 1940, his wife Chie took over the running of his Reiki clinic. (Even though Hayashi- Sensei's daughter had accompanied him on a tour to promote Reiki in Hawaii, it seems she had no interest in becoming involved with the clinic. The same was true for Hayashi-Sensei's son) It was Hayashi-Sensei's modification and development of the Usui system [evolving it into a clinically-presented hands-on healing practice] that Takata-Sensei would later present to the West as 'Usui Shiki Ryoho' (Usui Style Treatment/Healing Method). * * * * * * * 5
USUI SHIKI RYOHO ('Usui Style Healing Method') Copyright 2002/3 James Deacon 'Usui Shiki Ryoho' refers to the system of Reiki that has come to us via the lineage: Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata. While on several occasions Takata-Sensei referred to Reiki as 'Usui Reiki Ryoho' she used the name 'Usui Shiki Ryoho' on her certificates. When asked what 'Reiki' meant, Takata -Sensei frequently gave a very simplistic answer, along the lines of "...Rei means 'Universal', and Ki means 'Energy'..." [Yet it has been said on more than one occasion that this particular explanation was something that only came to prominence, probably during the latter 60's, to fit a more generalised 'frame of reference' of the people drawn to her as potential students] However, in attempting to transmit a deeper understanding of the meaning of Reiki to her students, Takata-Sensei spoke of Reiki as: "...a universal force from the Great Divine Spirit" and "...a cosmic energy to heal the ill..." and yet more specifically, as: "God Power". " It is not associated with any visible material being.", she said of it, "It's an unseen spiritual power that radiates vibration and lifts one into harmony. This power is incomprehensible to man, yet every single living being is receiving its blessings. "Reiki helps attain health, happiness and security which leads to the road of longevity..." Usui Shiki Ryoho is taught in 3 Degrees or Levels. Being tailored to suit western students, Japanese terminology is not used to describe these Levels - infact, beyond the symbol names and the terms: 'Reiki', 'Usui Shiki Ryoho' and 'Usui Reiki Ryoho' there are no Japanese terms used at all. [Since Takata-sensei's death, numerous modifications have been made to Usui Shiki Ryoho. What follows is an example of the contents of each level as currently taught by many Reiki Masters] First Degree Reiki training covers the following topics: What is Reiki? How Reiki works What can Reiki heal? The 'history' of Reiki ( i.e., the 'parable' or 'teaching story' about Usui-Sensei, his quest, his experience of the phenomenon that is Reiki, and the response that his gift of healing elicited from those he sought to share it freely with) The Five Reiki Precepts The Reiki Degrees A discussion on the Reiki Attunements The 'Healing Crisis' Grounding 6
Self-treatment Treating others Finishing a session Lineage. Four Attunements are given in the First Degree. Second Degree Reiki training covers the following topics: A review of the First Degree What is Second Degree Reiki? The three Second Degree symbols - how to draw them, their names, and significance Various ways of using the symbol. Distant healing - various methods Self-treatment using the symbols Treating others using the symbols. Lineage. One Attunement is given in the Second Degree. Third Degree Reiki (Master -level) training covers the following topics: Review of First & Second Degrees What is Master Level Reiki? The Usui Master symbol - how to draw it, its name and significance Discussion and demonstration of the Reiki Attunements. A breath empowerment technique Lineage. One Attunement is given in the Third Degree - after which students practice giving (and receiving) Attunements. * * * * * * * 'TAKATA REIKI' (or: What Takata-Sensei really taught) Copyright 2005 James Deacon Of late there seems to be a (growing?) trend amongst some sections of the Reiki community (well, amongst sections of the online Reiki Community at least): it seems that amongst many who consider themselves practitioners of 'proper' Japanese Reiki, there is a need to express a somewhat less than 'Reiki-like' attitude - ranging from simply dismissive to strongly derogatory - towards Takata-sensei and her teachings. Some of these people almost fixate on the 'errors' in Takata-sensei's 'Story of Reiki' - how several details in her account are 'untrue' - i.e., at odds with currently 'accepted' versions of the tale [though these people completely overlook the fact that there is 7
still no documentary substantiation for most of the purported 'facts' presented as the 'new', 'true', history of Reiki either!] However, the important point which has been completely missed by these and great many other Reiki practitioners is that Takata-sensei's 'Story of Reiki' was not meant to be a concrete, factual, 'history'. Rather it was first and foremost a 'teaching-story' - part of the process of making an 'emotional connection' with new or prospective students; that it was intended as a parable to engage and teach the Heart. And, as is the case with all good Teaching Stories, what was important in the sharing of the 'Story of Reiki' was the inner meaning - the moral - the essential truths regarding human nature that it sought to convey. In almost every culture, it is a common feature of the Teaching Story that 'factual' details are freely modified - especially if it is felt that such modifications may help enhance the hearer's 'emotional connection' with the inner meaning of the tale... Another major point of fixation seems to be the numerous 'original' techniques which we now 'know' to be part of 'proper' Japanese Reiki - but which, for some reason, Takata-sensei neglected to teach. But the fact is that Takata-sensei did teach many of the socalled 'original Reiki techniques' - it was simply that she did not use Japanese terminology in speaking of them. (And we have to remember that there has been much confusion as to which techniques are meant to be Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai techniques, and which are from Hiroshi Doi's modern, Gendai-ho Reiki system. And of those that are said to be Gakkai techniques, which are 'original' Reiki ones. For example, Doi tells us that the 'Reiki Undo' practice, was introduced to the Gakkai by former president Koyama-san. [In fact it is actually derived from 'Katsugen Undo' - a practice from the healing art of Noguchi Setai]) Now, probably the main reason for the misunderstanding as to what was part of what I will call 'Takata Reiki' and what was not, stems from the fact that not long after Takata-sensei's death, some of the 22 masters she had created began making modifications (some subtle, some notso,) to the way in which they taught Reiki and also, to the content of what they taught. Many of their students in turn made further modifications in what they passed on to their students, and so on, to the extent that there are probably relatively few amongst the newer 'generations' of Reiki masters (be they practitioners of 'Western' or 'Japanese' Reiki) who are aware of precisely what Takata actually did teach. To some extent, Takata herself might be hardpressed to recognise her teachings amongst what passes for Usui Shiki Ryoho today! The following are examples of versions of some of the 'original' techniques taught by Takata-sensei: Byosen Reikan-ho: In one of her diaries Takata-sensei writes:"going through the body in minute detail, the hands become sensitive and are able to determine the cause and to detect the slightest congestion within, whether physical or mental, acute or chronic." and also "During the treatment, trust in your hands, Listen to vibrations or reaction. If there is pain, it registers pain in your finger tips and palm. If the patient has itch, it reacts the same; if deep and chronic, it throbs a deep pain; or if acute, the pain is a shallow tingle. " 8
Enkaku Chiryo: 'Distant Treatment' methods. Takata-sensei referred to it as 'Absent Healing' Ketsueki Kokan-ho: A further diary entry: "I finish the treatment with a nerve stroke which adjusts the circulation....i place my thumb and fore finger on the left side of the spinal column and the three fingers and palm flat on the right side of the spinal column. With a downward stroke, 10 to 15 strokes to the end of spinal cord." [She sometimes referred to this as the 'Reiki Finish'] Koki-ho: Level 2 students were taught how to heal with the breath. Kokyu ho: Master students were taught breath empowerment techniques. In a 1935 diary entry, Takata-sensei actually mentions this technique using a variant 'romanisation' of its Japanese name: kokiyu-ho Reiji-ho: "Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, concentrate on our thought and relax. Close your hands together and wait for the sign...listen to your hands and allow them to guide you." In the above-mentioned 1935 diary entry, Takatasensei also mentions this technique using a variant 'romanisation' of its Japanese name: Leiji-ho. Reiki Mawashi: The 'Reiki Circle' Renzoku Reiki: Takata-sensei referred to this as the 'Reiki Marathon', [though perhaps 'Reiki Relay' might have been more fitting] Seiheki Chiryo-ho: Takata-sensei referred to it as a means of changing bad habits and concepts, and for removing addictions Shuchu Reiki (Shudan Reiki): the 'Group Treatment' And, as well as this matter of Takata-sensei's use of 'original' Reiki techniques, there are also other elements of 'Takata Reiki' that people are generally misinformed about. For example, much hype has surrounded the recent 'discovery' in Japan of Hayashisensei's 'treatment manual' - the Hayashi Ryoho Shishin - in which he lists specific hand placements to treat certain diseases. But Takata-sensei had been in possession of Hayashi's Ryoho Shishin since somewhere between 1938 & 1940 - the booklet was given to her by Hayashi himself. And we know she gave the booklet (written in Japanese,) to at least a few of her master-level students, though exactly how many received it is unknown*. Almost all those who did, it seems, treated it as a curiosity, 'shelved' it - possibly forgot about it. Why? Were they uninterested in Hayashi-sensei's knowledge? Was it some sort of ego thing? We cannot say. It is possible that Takata-sensei gave them the booklet - in part at least - as a test: Would they appreciate its significance? (It was a tangible link back to their teacher's teacher.) 9
Would they have 'kansha'- be grateful for this special gift? Would anyone make the effort to get it translated? Then to actually use it; and in time, pass it on to their own students? Or did they want everything 'handed to them on a plate' - did they want Takatasensei to do it all for them? [the Hayashi Ryoho Shishin was also later included in Leiki: a memorial to Takatasensei', a compilation by Alice Takata-Furumoto (Takata-sensei's daughter) and made avaiable to all of Takata-sensei's '22'] Then there is the issue of Chakras - Takata-sensei did NOT teach the chakra system! Though a great many people believe she did. Rather, Takata-sensei taught the concept of the Japanese hara system and the lower (seika) tanden point (though not by that name): "In order to concentrate, one must purify one's thoughts in words, and to meditate to let true "energy" come out from within. It lies in the bottom of the stomach about 2 inches below the navel." However, unlike many who profess to teach original 'Japanese' practices, Takatasense did not teach the three-tanden ('belly', 'heart' and 'head') system - which is actually a Chinese conceptualisation, not a Japanese one. It is also commonly claimed that Takata-sensei removed the spiritual element from the Reiki system, but on the contrary, she emphasised the Primary importance of the spiritual element - this was one of the core morals of her version of the 'Story of Reiki'. In 'Takata Reiki' the Five Principles were key - and of the five, Takata-sensei, it seems, placed greatest importance on kansha: gratitude: "The patient who is about to receive this treatment must purify one's thoughts, feel comfortable, and a desire to get well. One must not forget to feel grateful. Gratitude is a great cure for the mind..." And amidst the 'hype' surrounding the 'rediscovery of Japanese Reiki', it seems, many other misunderstandings about what Takata-sensei said, did and taught have also arisen: It was from Japanese sources we learnt about Hayashi-sensei's wife: Chie who was also a Reiki master - and how she took over the running of her husbands clinic after his ritual suicide, wasn't it? No actually - it was from Takata-sensei. She mentions this in one of her recorded talks. Well, we know that it was from Japanese sources that we learnt that the 'Master' level was properly called 'shinpiden'? No - it was from Takata-sensei. She first made menton of this in a 1935 diary entry. Ah - but at least we can say that it was only after western Reiki practitioners visited Japan that we discovered that not all Japanese Reiki Masters had died during WWII? No - Takata-sensei again. In one of her recorded talks, Takata Sensei states that about fourteen years after Hayashi Sensei's death, she made a return visit to Japan and met with Reiki master Chie Hayashi. Japanese sources assure us that Usui-sensei DID NOT discover the Reiki symbols in bubbles of light on the last day of his meditation on Mount Kurama - as Takata had 10
claimed? In yet another of her recorded talks, Takata-sensei tells the 'Story of Reiki.' In it she states that on the last day of his meditative fast, Usui-sensei saw a vision of millions of multi-coloured bubbles; then he saw a great white light; and then he saw appearing before him: "what he had studied in the Sanscrit" in glowing, golden, Sanscrit letters. [i.e. Usui-sensei had a vision of a piece of text he had read in a Sanscrit sutra.] This is what Takata-sensei tells us - that he saw Sanscrit text - not the four Reiki symbols - be it in bubbles or otherwise... * * * * * * * HEKIKUU REIKI Copyright 2005 James Deacon "Reiki is a life-enhancing art. For those suffering from illness, it is a means of returning to health. For the healthy it is a means of refining mind, emotions and body; calming the soul, clarifying the thought-processes and powers of perception; assisting suppressed creativity to awaken and blossom; and of revealing glimpses of our essential nature. With Reiki we can free up trapped emotions. With Reiki we can dissolve and transform through the patterns of these freed emotions - transmuting them, giving them new patterns - new forms of expression..." - Kenji Hamamoto Originally based in Sapporo, Japan, Kenji Hamamoto lived for a time in Brazilia, Brazil, before moving to South Korea where he currently resides. Since 2002, he has been practicing and quietly teaching what he has just recently begun referring to as Hekikuu Reiki - his personal 'understanding and expression' of the therapeutic art, based on almost two decades of practice. Hamamoto-san's initial introduction to Reiki (the 'Barbara Ray' variety) was thanks to Mieko Mitsui (who also taught Reiki to Hiroshi Doi), however he actually went on to train to master level in Usui Shiki Ryoho via apprenticeship with the Reiki Alliance, rather than via Barbara Ray's organization. Later, he also trained in Reido Reiki, and has, over the years, studied with a number of other Japanese Reiki Teachers. He has also been particularly inspired by the Reiki-related insights of a healer named Karasu-san. Hekikuu Reiki (Hekikuu translates as 'Azure Sky') is strongly informed by elements of Japanese 'Folk Spirituality', including a pragmatic, empirical belief in kami; and an understanding of the role of ancestral and other noncorporeal spirits as possible influencing factors in the manifestation of illness and dis-ease. 11
This latter conceptualization gives rise to the practice within Hekikuu Reiki of frequently offering treatment for the particular ancestral or other spirits recognized to be associated with the presenting condition, prior to actually treating the client directly. Hekikuu Reiki is not about attunement to a different 'Reiki Energy'. In fact: "Reiki is only 'energy' in the sense that all things are energy - your thoughts, a flower, the moon... Reiki is a power of the human spirit, a power of the human soul. It is the power, the ability to influence the flow of (life) energy to transform and heal." - Kenji Hamamoto Hekikuu Reiki does not pretend to be "Reiki exactly as Usui-sensei taught". At the same time, it does not teach chakras, crystal work, or any other new age 'add-ons'. Rather, it teaches 'healing' and personal/social transformation from a perspective of traditional Japanese spiritual practices. It is: "Reiki of the Spirit, Reiki of the Heart, Reiki of the Body." "First we must cultivate mindfulness. In order to manifest and emanate Reiki, we must focus the mind, purify the mind: we must rid ourselves of greed, of resentment, of vengefulness, of anger, of worry - of hesitation... Receiving and giving Reiki is bound up with our own spiritual purification - the experience of receiving and giving Reiki enhances our own spiritual purification, and working on our own spiritual purification enhances our Reiki ability." - Kenji Hamamoto While Hekikuu Reiki does not profess any particular Buddhist affiliations, practitioners make use of what may be described as a special, 'secular' version of Buddhist prayer beads or nenju* as a 'focussing device'. This (for want of a better term) 'Reiki nenju' - a tasseled string of 55 small beads - is also worn over the hand while giving treatment, and as is the case with its 'religious' counterpart, is considered to also manifest a protective influence for its owner (no doubt as a result of its continual exposure to the phenomenon that is Reiki). [ *The term nenju refers to 'beads used for mindful practice'] There are no extra symbols taught in Hekikuu Reiki - there are the 'standard' three symbols given at level 2, for use in a therapeutic context (Yet in Hekikuu Reiki, the HSZSN is not taught as a 'Distant' symbol but rather as one pertaining to the mental faculties); and the fourth 'standard' symbol is introduced at level 3, (however, while this is indeed the regular DKM symbol, in Hekikuu Reiki the symbol has a subtly 'nonregular' three-tiered significance). Recognizing the profound importance of physical contact between teacher and student, Hekikuu Reiki does not hold with the practice of 'Distant Attunement': "To effectively assist the student to awaken to Reiki, the teacher needs to be present, needs to be able to watch for the physiological signs that the process is actually unfolding; to receive tangible energetic feedback. It would be disrespectful to the student to merely raise the hands at a distance, take their money, and hope." - Kenji Hamamoto 12
Hekikuu Reiki has a 4-level structure: Level one training, which focusses on hands-on therapy, is open to all. While none of the 4 Reiki Symbols are explored at this level; the student is introduced to the first three in a series of kanji which Hekikuu Reiki uses purely for meditation purposes. [These are not ever classed as 'Reiki Symbols', and not used in giving treatment]. The student is also introduced to a number of other concepts including the importance of being 'fully present'; the significance of bowing; and they begin working with the Reiki Principles, learning to integrate them into their daily life from the outset. Level 2 is open to those who are seen to have immersed themselves fully in the experience of Level 1 - having significantly developed the 'potentials' conferred via the Level 1 'attunement/initiation' and training. As well as being introduced to the three Level 2 Reiki symbols, the student also begins to learn about the possible influence (not necessarily malefic) of spirits in the manifestation of illness and disease, and ways of therapeutically interacting with such influence. At Level 2 the student is introduced to a further three meditational kanji, and to further spiritual concepts which assist the student in deepening their 'awakening to Reiki'. Level 3 training is only open to those who are seen to have immersed themselves fully in the experience of Level 2 and have significantly developed the 'potentials' conferred via the Level 2 'attunement/initiation' and training. Level 3 in Hekikuu Reiki is not presented as a 'Master' level. It is rather a 'spiritual' focussed level, wherein the student continues to work with and fully incorporate all that they have previously learnt and experienced. The 4th Reiki symbol and its particular significance within Hekikuu Reiki is introduced at this level; and the student is introduced to yet a further three meditational kanji. The journey that is level 3 takes the form of an apprenticeship - a Sensei-Deshi relationship. Level 4 - the Teaching Level of training - is presently only a theoretical level. Speaking in early 2004, Hamamoto-san said it will only be available by invitation and then only to very exceptional students, whom he will take as uchideshi (live-in students). He stated that he forsees that he will 'develop' only a very limited number of Instructors/Teachers: "Though Usui-sama chose to share his Reiki-centred healing method with the world, permitting all to study and receive the gift that is the Usui Reiki healing ability, it can be seen that he did not intend for all people to learn all that his method entailed. All were taught Shoden, but only those who proved worthy were allowed to progress to Okuden; fewer still were considered suitable to enter into the Mystery Teachings. Today, it seems everyone wants to be a 'master' without even having begun to explore the surface, let alone grasp a glimpse of the depths and potentials that Shoden entails. My vision for Hekikuu Reiki is to facilitate and nurture the development of skillful, experienced and effective therapeutic practitioners, not create a new business opportunity for Spirit World* seminar salesmen..." - Kenji Hamamoto [ * 'Spirit World' is a Japanese term for 'New Age'] * * * * * * * 13
REIDO REIKI Copyright 2006/7 James Deacon Reido Reiki is the system as created and taught by Fuminori Aoki, of the Nagoya Reiki Lab (formerly the "Human & Trust Institute" - founded in 1990). Reido claims to be true to the origins of Reiki, and is essentially a combination of Western-style Reiki and various Japanese techniques. It is strongly influenced by Barbara Ray's modified and augmented version of Reiki; and, somewhat reminiscent of Barbara Ray's system, Reido also consists of several additional levels beyond the three found in Usui Shiki Ryoho. [ Reido has the following levels: 1, 2, 3a, 3b, - then three 'master' levels: 4a, 4b, 4c,] In Reido there is an emphasis on regular Reiki practice, meditation, and a need to live life with sincerity. Level 1 is presented as a 1-day 6-hour course. This foundation level includes a discussion on the history of Reiki. The student receives two basic attunements, is taught a symbol unique to Reido Reiki, and receives two attunements to this symbol (called 'koriki'*). As with other styles, the focus of Reido Level 1 training is on practical elements of Reiki. Students are taught the basic techniques, including feeling the energy, and how to do self-treatment. Time is also allotted for actual treatment practice. [* 'Koriki' ='force of happiness' or 'power of happiness'. The symbol is said to grant peace and serenity] Level 2 is also presented as a 1-day 6-hour course Again, as with other styles, Reido Level 2 is about building on the abilities gained at Level 1. It includes the teaching of the 3 Usui-Reiki symbols and mantras. There are a total of 6 attunements at this level. Focus is on the treating of others (in a non-professional capacity), mental-emotional work, and distance treatment. Japanese Traditional Reiki techniques including Hatsurei-ho are also taught. Level 3a is presented as a 2-day course This level brings a further increase in connection with the Reiki ability and amongst other things, goes deeper into self-healing and purification (including soul-level healing/healing the past/clearing of karmic influences?), and the awakening of the creative influence of our true self. There are three attunements, and the Master symbol is introduced at this level, as are various additional healing techniques, meditation practice, and practices to help achieve specific goals.. Level 3b is presented as a 2-day course One attunement is given at this level. 3b rounds out and completes training in Reiki therapy. The student needs to show a comprehensive understanding of methods and techniques such as scanning, 14
beaming, working in the aura, etc. There is emphasis on deepening ones self-reliance, and of integrating Reiki practice and understanding into daily life. Level 4a is presented as a 2-day course This level is the first level of training for those who wish to teach Reido Reiki. The initial attunement process is taught here Students are expected to undergo an internship before going on to run their own courses. Beyond this are levels 4b and 4c - training in which involves working closely with Reido Reiki's founder Fuminori Aoki * * * * * * * REAL REIKI: THE RADIANCE TECHNIQUE Copyright 2002/3 James Deacon The Radiance Technique (TRT ), also known as: 'The Official Real Reiki', 'Authentic Reiki', 'The Official Reiki Program', 'Radiant Touch', & 'Real Reiki', is the system of Reiki presented by Barbara Ray (/Webber) Ph.D. - one of the 22 Reiki Masters trained by Takata-sensei. TRT purportedly is - in contrast to other systems of Reiki - the "unpolluted" art/ science as developed by Usui-Sensei, in its entirety. From 1978-1980, Barbara Ray studied Reiki extensively with Hawayo Takata at Takata-Sensei's home in Iowa, during which time, she maintains, Takata-Sensei instructed her in: "... the entire, intact Seven Degrees of the Usui System of Natural Healing...", and passed, "... the complete Keys..." to the system to her. Barbara Ray is of the opinion that the only way to activate and transmit Reiki is through these: "...correct, intact and non-polluted Keys." Barbara Ray began using the expression "The Radiance Technique" in 1986. While TRT can not be said to be amongst the more 'popular' forms or styles of Reiki 15
( - in terms, I hasten to add, of discussion in the more prolific online newsgroups and communities, and for that matter, in terms of coverage on Reiki-Information websites), it is none-the-less of major significance in terms of the re-establishment of communication between Western Reiki traditions and those surviving in Japan. TRT is the form of Reiki practiced by Mieko Mitsui, a New York- based journalist, who, in 1985, went back to Japan to see what she could discover about Reiki's origins. While there, she began teaching TRT (though at the time it was apparently known as: 'Real Reiki') - and also translated Barbara Ray's book: "The Reiki Factor" into Japanese; and in the process, could be said to have been single-handedly responsible for sparking the revival of interest in Reiki as a medium for Healing and Spiritual Development in Japan. It was Mieko Mitsui who first reported to the somewhat stunned 'Western' Reiki community that, contrary to the then accepted version of the 'History', the Art of Reiki had seemingly not died out in Japan at all. [Interestingly, Mieko Mitsui - who apparently also received training from a Japanese lineage Reiki Master: Goro Myazaki - stated that 'Japanese' Reiki had (as is the case with Barbara Ray's system) more than the standard three Levels or Degrees found in familiar Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki.] One of the first people to learn TRT from Mieko Mitsui, was Hiroshi Doi - who went on to found the Gendai Reiki Ho system. However, due to the nature of the training structure utilised in TRT (see below), Mieko Mitsui was, at the time, only permitted to initiate practitioners to the Second Degree level (- apparently a contributing factor which led to Hiroshi Doi attempting to seek out a survival of the original Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in an attempt to further his training). Mieko is also said to have taught TRT to Toshitaka Mochizuki - founder of the Vortex school of Reiki in Yokohama* The "Traditional Japanese Reiki" system (created in Canada in 1995 by Dave King) is based on Mochizuki's Vortex Reiki, which, as well as teachings from TRT, professes to also incorporate pre-existing Japanese practices. [*However, I have a rare English translation of Mochizuki's 1995 book, iyashi no te, and in it there is no mention of this training - Mochizuki states his first encounter with Reiki was not until 1988 ] TRT is a system of Reiki divided into seven Degree levels. First Degree TRT is said to activate and expand the student's 'Radiant Power' - for healing, abundance, creativity, personal growth and transformation. Training covers the following topics: History of Reiki The Reiki Precepts / Principles 16
12 Hand Positions for giving Reiki treatment [- the first four cover: eyes, sinus tract, brain, pituitary & pineal glands, throat, thyroid gland; the next four cover: lungs, heart, liver, gall-bladder, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines, bladder, reproductive organs; the final four cover: heart, lungs, adrenals, kidneys, spinal cord, lower back, & intestines.] On-the-spot stress release Reiki first aid Centering technique. Four Attunements are given in the First Degree. Second Degree TRT is said to increase and deepen the student's 'Inner Plane' (psychic) capacities. Training covers the following topics: The three Second Degree symbols - how to draw them; and their significance* Methods to transform anger & negative behavior patterns, expand intuition and creativity Use of Positive Affirmations in conjunction with hand-positions for head-treatment (- compare with 'original Reiki technique' called 'Nentatsu Ho') Distant healing Healing Self, Others, & Relationships - past, present and future Breath-empowering process. One Attunement is given in the Second Degree. *[Unlike many other, later, reworkings of Usui Shiki Ryoho, in TRT while the level two student is still introduced to the three Reiki symbols, the Japanese mantra-names of the symbols are not given at this level - the symbols are referred to as: Cosmic Symbol (or Cosmic Pattern) One [power symbol], Cosmic Symbol (/Pattern) Four [mental/emotional symbol] and Cosmic Symbol (/Pattern) Twenty-two [distance symbol]. The actual mantra-names are only given at a higher Degree level. It is interesting, I feel, to note that later, when Hiroshi Doi (a TRT level two student) claimed to have made contact with a survival of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, he also claimed (for a time at least) that the Gakkai referred to the symbols, not by their mantra-names, but simply as Symbol 1, Symbol 2, etc...] Third Degree TRT is said to bring increased Radiant Power, for Awakening to the Cosmic Symbols & for Expanded Service, Growth & Joy. At the Third Degree level the student is taught a fourth 'Cosmic Symbol' ( the Usui Master Symbol) - again the Japanese mantra-name of the Symbol is not given at this level - and the student "... explores the radiance" of the symbol, and new ways to advance their service to "...self, the planet and all other living beings." In TRT, the Third Degree is divided into three parts - 3, 3a & 3b. With the Third Degree comes a dynamic increase in the student's Radiant Power - for transformation and stress management on multi-dimensional levels. The Third Degree (3b) gives the student the capacity to use an Attunement to: "...cocreate Light energy" [i.e. initiate students]. A Third (3b) Degree practitioner can teach First and Second Degree classes and pass initiations to these two levels; however they can not teach/initiate students to the three-part Third Degree itself. 17
A Fourth Degree practitioner can teach First, Second and Third Degree classes and pass initiations to these levels; but can not teach/initiate students to the Fourth Degree itself. A Fifth Degree practitioner can teach First, Second, Third, and Fourth... And so on, up to the Seventh Degree, which can teach every level. * * * * * * * USUI TEATE Copyright 2003 James Deacon Usui Teate, propagated by Chris Marsh and Andy Bowling, is said to constitute the Spiritual Teachings of Mikao Usui. According to Usui Teate, Usui Sensei spoke of these teachings as the "Method to achieve Personal Perfection". We are now (mid 2003) being told that these teachings are purely about spiritual practice [which can be undertaken regardless of the student's religious leanings] and do not actually equate with what we generally understand by the term 'Reiki'. Rather, to quote Andy, Usui Teate is "the Spiritual Path undertaken by Usui Sensei which resulted in the birth of Reiki." They tell us that the Usui Teate teachings are about 'Personal Mastery' and 'healing of the self' - as opposed to healing others - which is a little confusing as the term teate specifically refers to a hand/palm based treatment modality with a focus on healing others... Chris and Andy's source for these Spiritual Teachings is - so we are told - a Buddhist nun: Suzuki-san, who it is claimed, was a student of Usui Sensei's. [Though it must be stated that concerns regarding the authenticity of Suzuki-san's teachings have been raised in some quarters, some even going so far as to question the very existence of this Buddhist nun who is shielded from the public apparently in order to respect her privacy.] We are told that, although studying these Spiritual Teachings with Usui-Sensei, Suzuki-san was only introduced to the 'palm healing' (teate) as a secondary practice. The information and teachings that constitute Usui Teate seem to be in a ongoing state of flux - continually being modified and updated. According to Chris and Andy - this is necessary as they learn more about Usui Teate from Suzuki-san. The teachings of Usui Teate are held to be 'Special' but not 'Secret', and are only taught directly on an ongoing one-to-one basis - no manuals are provided, not even course guidelines. 18
Apparently the teachings [Based on Buddhism and Shinto] are adapted and tailored to meet the needs of each individual student, with each student only being taught what they are considered ready to comprehend and appreciate at any given time. The initial Spiritual Practices of Usui Teate focus on 'cleansing', 'opening' and 'Mindfulness' as a precursor to self-healing. The receiving of Reiju may also be a feature of the initial stages. Usui Teate is not something which can be learnt in a couple of days, or even over the course of a year. Gradually, over time students are introduced to, and work with, an open-ended series of meditations aimed at the deepening/developong of their spirituality. According to Usui Teate, the ability to heal others is considered a relatively minor byproduct of the Self-development process. In Usui Teate, Reiju is not considered an empowerment for developing healing abilities (ie. for healing others), but rather for deepening ones own spiritual development and discovering ones own true essence. NOTE: As of 2006, Andy Bowling has dismantled his website and has apparently decided to distance himself from Reiki. One can only speculate as to what discoveries led him to take this action... Chris Marsh has apparently now given up teaching the 'Usui Teate' materials. However, it is perhaps interesting to note that, back around early/mid September 2004, Dave King of 'Usui-do' (see below) had begun referencing 'Usui Teate' on his Usui-do website. By March 2005 a statement had appeared on Dave's site to the effect that only Laurie Anne King and Dave himself had been authorised to teach Usui Teate outside of Japan. However, some what confusingly the 'Usui Teate' as offered by Dave and Laurie is, according to Dave, not the same as the 'Usui Teate' taught by Chris Marsh(!) * * * * * * * USUI DO Copyright 2003 James Deacon Usui Do [Usui's Way], propagated by Dave King, is said to constitute: "an authentic reconstruction" of the "meditative, Spiritual system" of Mikao Usui. According to Dave King, Usui Do, is about "Unity of self through harmony and balance" and is a means of achieving "Empathic connection with the self and all of creation." Usui do does not focus on healing others. While, from this, one might initially be forgiven for believing that Usui Doi and Usui Teate are almost identical, Usui Do practitioners are at pains to point out that the system has no connection with any other interpretation of Usui-Sensei's teachings. 19
It is not based on Mikkyo Buddhist teachings, has no ritual content, Qi Gung-type practices, etc; and it is not necessary to learn any Japanese terminology in order to practice the system. Usui Do is taught in the traditional Japanese 'Dojo' format - more familiar to practitioners of the Martial Arts - with students (referred to as doka) attending on a regular basis. The original system was divided into 13 levels, apparently based on the grading system divised by the founder of Judo: Jigoro Kano. While, in progressing through each of the 8 lower grades, the Usui Do student will at each stage undergo a rite-of-passage referred to as a 'transformation', this is not an 'empowerment', 'attunement' or 'initiation' process, merely a rite of acknowledgement of the level achieved. The Usui Do teachings were unknown to the western world until December 1971, when - according to Dave - as a result of a chance encounter in Southern Morocco, Dave and a number of other Taoist Qi Gung students (including Melissa ['Shen-lissa'] Riggall and George Mullen) who were holidaying there, received training in the Usui system from a Japanese gentleman named Yuji Onuki. Yuji Onuki, is said to have been born in 1898 and to have been - from 1926 until 1930 - a student of Toshihiro Eguchi [a friend, student and associate of Usui Sensei]. Onuki - apparently dressed only in a simple robe and sandals - and carrying a blanket and a small leather shoulder-bag containing a few hundred Yen - was, so we are told, travelling around the world in order to pass on the Usui system to anyone who was willing to learn it. However, prior to encountering the Qi Gung students in Morocco, Onuki had apparently only taught two other groups since leaving Japan. According to George Mullen, Onuki, accompanied by a Russian friend, had made his way by ship from Yokohama to Russia. There he had boarded the Trans-Siberian railway to Moscow, and from there on to Marseilles, then along the Mediterranean coast to Spain, eventually reaching Southern Morocco where he met Dave, Melissa, George and the others. George also states that, during the time they spent training with him, the septuagenarian Onuki slept nightly on the beach... Dave King also tells us that later, in 1995, another chance encounter - this time in rural Japan with a gentleman called Tatsumi, - presented him with a further opportunity to expand his understanding of Usui-Do. To the information provided by Onuki and Tatsumi, additional information is said to have been provided by a number of Usui-Sensei's (still -surviving) students. One of these long-lived individuals is said to be a Buddhist nun (born in 1897) who had worked with Usui-Sensei from 1920 until 1926. This nun, referred to as 'Mariko-Obaasan', has apparently provided a valuable insight into the day-to-day activities of Usui's dojo, and is a primary source of much of the 'new' history of Reiki... * * * * * * * 20
GENDAI REIKI HO ('Modern/Contemporary Reiki Method') Copyright 2002/3 James Deacon As its name suggests, Gendai Reiki Ho is a modern system of Reiki. Created by Hiroshi Doi, who tells us that he is a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, and studied with the former Gakkai chairperson, Mrs. Kimiko Koyama, Gendai Reiki blends western Reiki with what Doi claims to be the teachings and methods used by the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai - as well as concepts and practices from other therapeutic modalities. Doi, an avid 'collector' of therapy systems [having studied: Shinmeikan Healing, Seiki-ho, The Silva Mind Control Method, Genkyoku Kiko, Dokiho, Crystal Healing, Hypnotic Kiko, Osteopathy, Energy Balancing, Nishino Breathing, Astral Healing, SAS Shinkiko, Kihodo Healing, the Natural Vibration technique, Balance Therapy, Multi-dimensional Body Work and others] had originally learnt the first, modified and augmented, Western style of Reiki to be introduced to Japan, i.e. "Radiance Technique" - as taught by Reiki practitioner Mieko Mitsui. Hiroshi Doi's school, the Gendai Reiki Healing Association, teaches four levels of Reiki: Shoden (Beginners Level), Okuden (Inner Teaching) Shinpiden (Mystery Teaching) and Gokui Kaiden (Highest Level). Shoden Shoden level training includes: an introduction to Reiki; the History of Reiki; three attunements, Reiju; basic healing techniques for people, other animals & plants; aura-purifying technique; energy purification; energy pouring method; self-growth methods; 'Reiki Shower' technique; Chakra Kassei Kokyu-ho [chakra activation]: and 'traditional' Japanese techniques (including: Renzoku Reiki ['Reiki Marathon'], Kenyoku-ho [dry bathing], Gassho Kokyu-ho ['Gassho Breathing Method'], Hikari no Kokyu-ho [Breath of Light] and Nentatsu-ho ['thought-transmission' via the hands] ) Okuden Okuden level training includes: increasing the power and versatility of your Reiki; the first 3 symbols, their significance and use; Kotodama; three attunements; distant healing; healing the past & future; western Reiki techniques; grounding techniques; the 'reiki box'; self-purifying & self-growth techniques; a 'deprogramming' technique; Heso Chiryo-ho [energy balancing]; Saibo Kasseika [cell activating technique]; Gendai Reikishiki Hatsurei-ho [Gendai version of Usui Hatsurei-ho]; and traditional Japanese techniques (including:tanden Chiryo-ho / Gedoku-ho [body detox.], Kokiho [ healing breath], Gyoshi-ho [healing look], and Seiheki Chiryo-ho ['thoughttransmission' via the hands] ) Shinpiden Shinpiden level training includes: the Master symbol, its significance and use; selfpurifying & self-growth techniques; affirmation techniques; three attunements; the 'Reiki Wave' and spiritual growth; the Spirit of Usui Reiki; Reiki meditation; using - and transcending symbols; self-purification with light; making contact with your higher self / 'guides' / higher beings; recognising the Essence of Reiki Healing; Sekizui Joka Ibuki-ho [spinal cord cleansing], Hado Kokyu-ho [Vibration-raising breath]; and traditional Japanese techniques -(including: Uchite Chiryo-ho [patting / palpating], Nadete Chiryo-ho [stroking], Oshite Chiryo-ho [pressing with fingertips], Ketsueki Kokan-ho ['Finishing' or 'Smoothing' technique], Hanshin Koketsu-ho ['Half-body Blood-purifiying Method'], Zenshin Koketsu-ho [Full-body Treatment Method] 21