Moves to the West

There followed a sequence of events involving one of Usui Mikao's students Chujiro Hayashi. A Japanese resident of Hawaii who had been treated by Hayashi had been able to become a student of his. This person, Hawayo Takata, took these teachings back to Hawaii and began teaching it as system that was to become Usui Shiki Ryoho. It spread to mainland USA and other areas around the western world.

Over time the simple, flexible, intuitive method practised by Usui Mikao became rigid as the Reiki Alliance in the USA endeavoured to bring the many disparate groups that had developed to core techniques.

In the aftermath of Takata's teachings the System of Reiki became little more than palm healing. There was little or no personal practice taught, no ki work and no emphasis on personal spiritual formation.

Besides this misreading of the original system the symbols and their mantras were misinterpreted as was their use within the system. If we add to this the major influence that the New Age movement has had then it is no wonder that people were starting to question the efficacy of Reiki.

We are fortunate that Takata brought Reiki to the west. We are more fortunate that researchers are now taking us forward to the fundamentals (back to the basics).

The most important developing understanding is the need for the Reiki student/practitioner to be constant with their own personal practice and that Reiki teachers/masters must do the same ... even if it means going back to the basics.

Researchers like Frans & Bronwen Stiene, Petter, Taggart King,  and others continue to bring Reiki home to its roots. They are to be applauded for their grounded efforts.

This research has brought to light many of the original Japanese techniques and teachings.

Chujiro Hayashi

Hawayo Takata