Reiki is the wonderful energy that one experiences when a practitioner or Master lays hands on a person, animal, situation or thing. Reiki energy is triggered by intent (to transfer the energy) and also by using certain symbols learned in Second and Third degree Reiki.

    Little was actually known about Reiki prior to World War II. Mrs. Hawayo Takata, third in line from Dr. Usui, verbally spoke about Reiki and thus information was obtained that gives us the history.

    A Christian scholar of Japan named Dr. Mikao Usui is credited with rediscovering Reiki in the late 1800's. Some of his students inquired as to whether he believed in the miracles that  JESUS CHRIST   performed. He answered in the affirmative. But when his students asked Dr. Usui if he knew how Christ performed his healings, he replied in the negative. This question struck Dr. Usui with such force that he went out into the world to find the answer. This experience was to take many years.

    Dr. Usui studied with Buddhists, with fellow Japanese and with others, his studies even bringing him to America. When he visited with the Buddhist monks and inquired about how Buddha healed, their reply was that they did not know, as they concentrated more on the spiritual side of life rather than the physical. Dr. Usui meditated about the future of his endeavors to find the answers to what his students had asked him. He advised the monks that he was going to fast for 21 days at Mount Kuriyama as well as meditate. He further made it known that should he not return from the mountain, the monks should retrieve his body.

    Upon ascending the mountain, he had to keep track of the days that elapsed, so he gathered a stone for each of the 21 days he had resolved to spend there. Each day he threw a stone over the mountain to count the number of days spent. When the 21st day finally arrived, he said to himself that today was the day. Either the answer would come or not. Suddenly, he saw a clear light coming in his direction. He felt like jumping aside to avoid the impact, but realizing this could be the answer to why he was there, he decided to remain. The light came speeding towards him and struck him on the face. At this point, Dr. Usui saw many bubbles of different colors. Each bubble contained the symbols he had previously studied. Back at that point in his studies, he could not decipher their meaning, but suddenly, it all became quite clear.

    This most profound experience initiated Dr. Usui into Reiki. He began performing healings after this. He healed himself from a stubbed toe and ate a hearty meal which was not highly recommended after his intense fasting. He also healed the daughter of an innskeeper who was suffering from an ailing tooth, by placing his hands around her face in the mandible area. Later, as he returned to the monastery, he healed an Abbot who was ill.

    Dr. Usui then resolved himself to heal the beggars of the Tokyo slums and assist those less fortunate. This took about seven years. He then noticed people whom he had helped previously. They were out in the slums again. Puzzled, he inquired as to why. They informed him that it was easier to beg than to work. This shocked Dr. Usui into the realization that his help in healing these people and helping to find them jobs had not been appreciated, and in essence, had been taken for granted. He further realized that without some kind of (money) exchange, the people would not fully appreciate his efforts of healing and assisting them. Thus, the monetary exchange for Reiki was created. This revelation holds true even today.

•     FIRST DEGREE REIKI - In this class that can be termed "introductory into Reiki", the Reiki student learns the history of Reiki, the attunement to the Reiki I energy, the basic hand placement positions and is given the opportunity to practice exchanging Reiki and participates in discussion and other aspects of the First Degree. At the conclusion of this class, the new initiate is presented with a certificate in First Degree Reiki. Bear in mind, that when a Reiki practitioner places his or her hands on a person for Reiki, the touch is most light. There is no manipulation of skin or tissue. Reiki is not to be confused with a massage modality. Reiki is purely spiritual in nature. It is not a religion and one need not have faith in that it works. It just does. But since Reiki comes from God, only the subject(s) and God know to what degree they are to receive his healing energy. Indeed, there are some people who would prefer to remain ill, on a much deeper level. This is their choice, since God has given mankind the gift of choice. If they prefer to "rise and take their bed and walk", then God is always there to facilitate this wonderful occurance as well. Reiki can also work if the hands are held a few inches above the body. So contact is not always necessary. Once you have received First Degree Reiki, it is for life! No one can take from you the gift that comes from God! Please remember that.