Mikao Usui was a devout Buddhist practitioner who had become familiar with oriental and western methods of healing, and synthesized these; along with other data into what is now known as Reiki. Usui followed the spiritual traditions of his family, which were Tendai, but soon took a turn towards a different path, as he sought out the way of healing more intensely. This path opened to him with the assistance of a Shingon Priest who was understanding and supportive of his pursuits. As he continued reaching into the Esoteric doctrines and mysteries of this sect, it caused a rift between his family and himself, as to change “sects” was to go against the “family tradition” and their ancestors. Nonetheless, Usai did eventually become a follower / disciple of Shingon.
Usui decided that perhaps there were parallel teachings in other traditions, and is reported to have ventured into the Tibetan teachings of Vajrayana and Tibetan Medicine wherein he found similar teachings to those of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. He then endeavored to synthesize all he had learned into a more formal structure for himself. As a result, he began to codify the teaching and methods into a personalized system, which included using symbols, esoteric dharani and methods of “tapping in” to “bestow power”. In the traditions that he had drawn on, the “conferring of power” is usually facilitated by a living teacher – known as an “Acarya”. Since he had not a living Master teacher / Acarya, for this new synthesis, he decided to meditate, fast, and pray – seeking a line of “direct empowerment” and blessing from the higher spiritual realms.
It is said, Usui chose a sacred mountain abode called Kurama, which was outside of Kyoto. Kurama had been a Tendai temple for many years, yet visited by monks of differing sects. The temple on the mountain had been dedicated to Mao-son, Bishamon-ten and Senju-kannon; who represent the light of the universal soul. Thus, it was a most auspicious location for his discipline.
Mikao Usui’s “empowerment” came during his practice, in alignment with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the realm upon which he was focused. By gaining a complete and “realized” understanding, he further developed and refined the system into a healing and spiritual practice – part of which we today know as Reiki. Usui is said to have taught many the form that he developed for the “layperson”, but did not teach nearly as many the more “esoteric” form, which was held for those who desired a deeper understanding; and consequently made a deeper commitment to the “path”
The most significant of those who Usui taught, that we are aware of in the west is Dr. Chujiro Hayashi. The Hayashi line of teaching that proceeded to reach the west through Mrs. Hawayo Takata is the most well known, yet it is not the only line, nor the only source of the original information that Usui utilized.
As far as I understand, Mikao Usui’s deeper teachings were passed on in this sequence:
- Mr. Jusaburo Ushida
- Mr. Iichi Taketomi
- Mr. Yoshiharu Watanabe
- Mr. Toyoichi Wanami
- Mrs. Kimiko Koyama
- Mr. Masaki Kondoh
They are the keepers of the flame in Japan; the Original Reiki Society Usui Kai.
The first levels, which are the levels with which we are familiar with here in the west, comprise the levels for practitioners of any faith or creed. They became known as Reiki 1, Reiki 2 and Mastery. Usui knew this level of energy could calm and assist the body’s natural healing process. It was a simplified system for those who were not particularly Buddhist, religious, or spiritual.
It is reported that another individual may have copies of Mikao Usui’s notes, commentaries, dairies, etc., but I think it is more important to perhaps find the path, than to re-construct what one “believes” the teacher did. For remember, it was an individual and personalized journey that he took, to arrive at his goal. This phrase may be something to think about: “SEEK NOT TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MEN OF OLD; SEEK WHAT THEY SOUGHT.” – Matsuo Basho
It is clear that Mikao Usui was a man of deep conviction, fortitude, and integrity. It is quite possible, had he lived longer he would be disappointed by what some people have done to the purity of what he accomplished. He drew from the disciplines that went before him, not adding things that had nothing to do with the Buddhist doctrines that were timeless and ageless. He sought not fame, nor to be wealthy, – but to be a Buddha … of healing … in his body, in his lifetime.
