Post by Mystik on Jul 3, 2007 23:51:53 GMT -5
What is Reiki Reiki is a system of self development introduced for the first time in Japan early in the 20th century by Mikao Usui. It was brought to the west by Hawayo Takata, a student of one of Usui's students. Since that time it seems that the Japanese system and the western system have diverged in many respects. I think that one of the most important differences is that, in the west Reiki is often emphasized as a way of healing others. People often take courses with the speciific intention of becoming a 'Reiki healer'. On the other hand, the original intent of the Japanese system Reiki was all about healing yourself. However Reiki has undergone changes both in Japan and in the west. It has various "flavors" "Flavors" of Reiki Although Reiki is clearly documented as having originated purely from Japan, it seems that many practitiioners have other ideas about what it is, so there are various interpretations, some including "new age" phenomena such as crystals and chakras, some using Tibetan symbols and any number of other types. Having lived in Japan for 26 years, a Japanese interpretation makes more sense to me. There are a number of schools of Japanese Reiki. "Komyo kai" "Jikiden" and "Gendai ho" are three examples. They differ according to who their founders were taught by. In addition, Frans and Bronwen Stiene of the International House of Reiki have developed a system of Reiki near to the original one taught by Mikao Usui. |