The Evolution of Reiki

Throughout history, Spiritual Healing has been recognised across diverse cultures globally. The origins of Reiki also come with numerous interpretations. Having studied under three different Reiki Masters, I have been told three different narratives. So, where does the truth lie? Perhaps it remains a mystery! However, this CHOOSEDAY, I thought I would try to explore the evolution of Reiki.

The Roots of Reiki: Back to Atlantis

To begin our journey, we must travel back to Atlantis. This Great City is believed to be the cradle of human existence, known for its wonder, beauty, and healing practices. Sadly, as often happens, some leaders became consumed by power and let their egos cloud their judgment. They manipulated and controlled others, prompting the Great Spirit/Universe/Source Energy/The Divine to intervene. This resulted in the catastrophic destruction of Atlantis through earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. A few groups managed to escape and spread across the globe, giving rise to ancient civilisations we recognise today, such as the Egyptians, Native Americans, Aborigines, and Celts. Each group developed its own belief systems, yet they retained only fragments of Atlantean magic, as much of that power was reclaimed by the Universe. Humanity had to earn the right to wield it again.

The Emergence of Mikao Usui

Fast forward to the late 1800s, when a remarkable man named Mikao Usui from Japan emerged as a spiritual healer and teacher. During a 21 day retreat of fasting, meditation and prayer on Mount Kurama, it is said that while washing under a waterfall, a brilliant beam of light descended from the sky and struck Usui. This light was a divine gift from the Universe, granting Usui all he needed to know about Reiki. Excited, Usui rushed down the mountain to share his story. However, he stumbled and injured his toe. As he held his foot in pain, he noticed energy flowing into his body, easing his discomfort. The Universe had communicated with him, providing the knowledge and ability to harness this new system of healing. Upon returning home, Usui conducted numerous healings using his newfound gifts, naming this system “Usui Reiki Ryoho” to distinguish it from other spiritual healing methods. He founded the “Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai” and opened several clinics, treating many and conducting workshops to share his wisdom. He also attuned 16 individuals to Master level. As Reiki passed through generations, it evolved and adapted. While Reiki Masters honor Usui’s original teachings, they have incorporated new elements, allowing the practice to evolve.

The Contributions of Chujiro Hayashi

One of Mikao Usui’s original Reiki Masters, Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer, opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. He meticulously documented treatments and their outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of Reiki in addressing the root causes of physical conditions. By filling these conditions with healing energy, he facilitated wellness for clients. Hayashi developed the hand positions we use today and created the structured degree system for initiation or attunement. And so, the evolution of Usui Reiki Ryoho had begun!

Hawayo Takata: Bringing Reiki to the West

Living in Hawaii, Mrs. Takata traveled to Japan for treatment of a tumor. Minutes before her surgery, she heard a voice telling her the operation was unnecessary. After four months of Reiki treatments at Dr. Hayashi’s clinic in Tokyo, her tumor was completely healed. Mrs. Takata stayed with Hayashi for a year, where she became his thirteenth and final Reiki Master. Mrs Takata significantly influenced Reiki's development, introducing it to America. Following World War II, when tensions were high between the West and Japan, Mrs. Takata realised she had to adapt some aspects of the healing system for it to be accepted. She created a narrative of Usui as a Christian monk at Doshisha University and claimed he attended the University of Chicago for a degree in Theology, despite neither institution having records of his attendance. She also believed that the true value of Reiki might be overlooked by Westerners, leading her to charge substantial fees for training, reportedly up to $10,000 for Master Attunements. Teaching Reiki from 1938 until her passing in the 1980s, she was a n accomplished healer and teacher, preventing Reiki from fading into obscurity after World War II. It is said she even taught Reiki over the phone, sending notes to her students through the post. And just like that, another evolution of Reiki was underway!

The Legacy of William Lee Rand

Next, we meet William Lee Rand, who dedicated his life to learning about Reiki. He trained under several Reiki Masters and in 1995 released Karuna Reiki®, followed by the introduction of Holy Fire® Reiki in 2014. While teaching a class, he began to experience a shift. After working with Usui and the Ascended Masters through a Spiritual Advisor, he sought a deeper connection to an energy that could benefit the world. During this class, he received the Holy Fire® symbol and the knowledge to teach this new level of energy. Holy Fire® Reiki was born, revealing that, whilst keeping the core teachings of Usui, Reiki, as both energy and practice, is continually evolving. From 2014 to now, William has refined this Holy Fire Energy, and we currently work with Holy Fire® III. The Ascended Masters conveyed that the Universe/God/Source Energy is always expanding, and as extensions of this energy, we too are in a state of continuous evolution, so don't we need our healing energy to match?

A New Era of Understanding

Today, more individuals are awakening to the realisation that life encompasses more than mere power. We are shifting toward vibrational thinking, consciousness awareness, and seeking deeper meanings in our human experience. Though it may not be apparent to everyone, humanity is on the brink of a significant shift in consciousness. As we evolve, explore, and discover more, the planet's vibration rises, leading us to a more Divine way of living. So, doesn't it make sense that the energy we use and the practices we adopt should also be evolving? If we cling to traditional methods established hundreds of years ago, how can we keep pace with the expansion of consciousness and the vibrational shift of humanity? Are we not limiting ourselves in doing so? And that I will leave with you!

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Credit to Shelley Murray and William Lee Rand