History of Reiki

Mikao Usui was born in Taniai, Yamagata, Gifu Prefecture. He left home at a young age to pursue study and work. He also travelled to Europe, America, and China to further his studies and work abroad. He was a knowledgeable and highly accomplished person who worked in many different professions and gained a wealth of life experience.

After experiencing different work and travelling around the world, Usui Sensei began searching for a state of “Anshin Ritsumei” - a profound sense of inner peace and complete trust in the course of life. He practised Zen meditation at a temple in Kyoto, but after three years he had still not attained what he was seeking. With the determination of giving up his life, he then went to Mount Kurama to fast and meditate.

On the 21 day, he suddenly felt a powerful energy enter through the top of his head and flow throughout his entire body, causing him to lose consciousness. When he awoke, he realised that the energy within him - Reiki was resonating in harmony with the Reiki of the universe. He realised that “I am the universe, and the universe is me,” thereby attaining the state of “Anshin Ritsumei”.

Later, Usui Sensei discovered that this state of resonance between his own energy and the universe possessed healing abilities. He believed that this ability should not be kept as a private family tradition but should be shared with everyone. He therefore founded the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai and began teaching Reiki openly to the public.