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Reiki - Universal Life Force - Ever Evolving . Reiki has a deep unique history. Although the Reiki energy itself goes back over 2500 years, as evidenced in Sanskrit Sutras, and the writings of Tibetan Monks and Enlightened Masters, the history of Reiki at taught today is much more modern. It begins in the early 1900s.
. Usui Mikao was the founder of what is known as the system of Reiki today. No-one will ever know the full story of Usui's life. The
remnants that still exist can be pieced together but they can`t provide a totally clear picture. But neither do
we need to know his full history. We know he was a man on a spiritual quest ... and that he found Reiki. Through
his efforts to pass on his insights and knowledge the Reiki connection can be shared by all.
. THE USUI SYSTEM OF REIKI: USUI SHIKI RYOHO . Usui Shiki Ryoho (the Usui System of Natural Healing), known as Reiki, is a form of healing and spiritual awakening, received and developed 100 years ago by a Japanese man, Mikao Usui, and brought to the West via Hawaii in 1937.It is passed on from one person to another through specific initiation rites, teachings and defined forms of practice. The Japanese word reiki can be translated as 'universal or spiritually guided life force' and the Usui System is a way of working with reiki for healing of self and others. The word healing is used in the sense of regaining harmony and wholeness and Usui Shiki Ryoho addresses the whole person, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The integrated way of Usui Shiki Ryoho has four Aspects: healing practice, personal development, spiritual discipline and mystic order. For the gifts of the whole to be realised they need to be held in a balanced way, not allowing any to overshadow the others. The Aspects spring from a central core of practice and philosophy called the Form, comprised of nine Elements, each bringing unique lessons. The combination of all the Elements and Aspects and their inter-relationships creates the system which has a proven, predictable capacity to take people along a profound path of healing, growth and spiritual deepening. The importance and deeper meaning of the elements and aspects and the whole system is mainly beyond words and gradually unfolds through personal experience. Elements and Aspects The Elements and Aspects are summarised below, but please bear in mind that it is just a rudimentary attempt to convey something that is spiritual in nature and can only really be embraced through a connection with the essence behind the intention that such Elements and Aspects are merely the words used to name a deep and profound experience and knowing.  Four
Aspects
. Healing Practice: Usui Shiki
Ryoho has as its basis a hands on healing practice for regular self treatment and a form of treatment which helps others to
use universal life energy for their own healing. Personal Development: Giving and receiving Reiki through Usui Shiki Ryoho stimulates a process that brings
a clearer sense of one's own true self and humanity, with a deepening self love. Spiritual Discipline: Inherent in the regular practice of the Form is the awakening
of a spiritual practice, spiritual development and awareness of the sacred in daily life. Mystic Order: Practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho brings mystic experiences and a sense of connection
and common purpose with others following this path.
Nine Elements
. Oral Tradition: The ability to practice Reiki is received only through face to face relationship with a Reiki Master, and involves
verbal and non-verbal communication and an energetic transmission. Spiritual Lineage of Usui Shiki Ryoho is Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata and Phyllis Lei Furumoto. The living lineage
bearer embodies the essence of Reiki and carries out a central role for the Reiki community which includes leading, teaching,
and inspiring. History: This is shared in Reiki classes as part of the oral tradition.
Although it tells the origin and key events in the nurturing of Reiki, it is told not as information but as a lesson containing
parable. Initiation is the ritual passed down from Reiki Master to Master. When performed
with a student, this ritual results in the capacity to practise Reiki. Symbols: There are three symbols that are presented to the student in second degree classes as received
from Mikao Usui, together with a specific ritual and form of practice. They are energetic keys which access communion with
self, others and the mystery of life. Treatment: The basic
treatment of self and others is the foundation practice of the Form and is simple and clear, with hands held still for several
minutes in a sequence of positions on the head and body. Form of Teaching: This covers both the energetic and physical structure of the classes. First Degree is taught in four 3
hour sessions, with an initiation in each session. Students are introduced to the elements and aspects of Reiki and learn
how to treat themselves and others. Second degree takes people deeper into the System and requires greater commitment. Practices
taught at First degree prepare the student for this next step and it is recommended that there be a minimum of three months
between the classes. There is one initiation and the student receives the three symbols and learns how to use them as sacred
tools. Mastery is for those who realise they have a
calling to accept this far greater, lifelong commitment to the practice and teaching of Usui Shiki Ryoho and are willing to
take on the challenges and responsibilities this involves.
The Ethos of Reiki Pathway * Our relationship
with Reiki, the practice, the attunements, the personal development, is fundamentally to do with intuitive guidance and intention.
There are processes and do`s and don`ts to learn, but rather than relying on rigid rules
to maintain integrity, we should adopt a continuous healthy humility and allow our understanding and connection
to blossom from the centre of our being, not the mind. O In my opinion, the best Reiki Master Teachers will focus on conveying the holistic and multi faceted
nature of the energy, and on leading and encouraging their students to build a deep personal relationship with Reiki on all
levels. O Do this
and the Reiki energy itself will flow freely and be the directing force. The flexibility
of the Usui system bears testament to the personal nature of our relationship with this universal energy.
OThe Universe is evolving, we are of
the Universe and so evolvement through self awareness is inevitable for all those who open up to their potential. Reiki is
here to support and guide you on your journey... and so are we :)
Caroline Rowlands
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