New Age Additions to Reiki Systems: Understanding the Evolution of Reiki

New Age Additions to Reiki Systems.

The Origins of Reiki

Reiki, or Usui Reiki Ryoho (Usui Reiki Healing Art or therapy), is a healing art founded in Japan by Mikao Usui. Over the past 100 years, its practice and teachings have evolved as it spread through Western countries and back to the East. Hawayo Takata introduced Reiki Ryoho to Hawaii in 1936 and later to mainland USA. Subsequent teachers incorporated other modalities, often seen in modern Reiki images online. Traditionally, Reiki Ryoho was simpler and a complete system for the mind and body.

The journey commenced in March 1922 when Mikao Usui first experienced Reiki on Mt. Kurama. According to legend, he lost consciousness upon being struck by 'Great Reiki', often interpreted as enlightenment. Upon regaining awareness and descending the mountain, he injured his toe. He placed his hand on the injury, and remarkably, his toe healed. Subsequently, he shared Reiki Ryoho with others and established the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai association in Tokyo approximately a month after his enlightenment.

The Mystery of Mikao Usui's Teachings

We lack precise knowledge of what Mikao Usui taught, as he did not advertise. Any documents at the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai headquarters were destroyed during the World War II bombings of Tokyo. Over time, information has emerged from the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, revealing some traditional Reiki practices, including a small book known as the Hikkei. This book contains Usui Sensei's words recorded by his students in a question-and-answer format, representing the sole written account of the founder's teachings. Recently, documents and old photographs have been discovered, compiled, and published by Olaf Bohm. In his book, "Reiki - A Journey of Oneness with the Universe," evidence is presented regarding practices in the 1920s and 1930s by other Japanese Reiki teachers, along with anecdotal accounts of Usui Sensei's methods. Nonetheless, Mikao Usui remains an enigmatic figure, and speculation continues to fill the gaps of the unknown.

The Growth of Reiki Lineages

As the Reiki lineages grew, Reiki teachers began to incorporate other modalities into Reiki treatments and teachings. Although these add-ins may offer certain benefits, they were not part of the original Reiki practice and did not originate in Japan.

Common Add-Ins in Modern Reiki

Below are some of the add-ins you might encounter online:

• Smudging.

Smudging is a purification ritual that involves cleansing a person or place using smoke from burning herbs, resins, wood, or incense. This practice has diverse origins: Indigenous peoples of the Americas use smoke in cultural ceremonies; the Catholic Church employs incense to purify and sanctify, with the smoke symbolically carrying prayers to God; and pagan and Wiccan traditions use it to dispel negative energies and purify spaces. Some Reiki practitioners incorporate smudging in their healing rooms and classrooms. However, in traditional Reiki practice, smudging is not included. Reiki Ryoho employs specific techniques to purify spaces, individuals, and others.

• Crystals.

Ancient civilisations, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Chinese, utilised crystals for protection, strength, health, and adornment. In the 1980s, the New Age movement introduced the practice of crystal healing. Some Reiki practitioners incorporate crystals by placing them on specific chakra points or arranging them around the client's body, with the belief that crystals can enhance or amplify the effects of Reiki. However, Reiki Ryoho possesses symbols that serve the same purpose.

• Chakras.

The earliest references to chakras date back to around the 10th century, originating in India. At that time, there were no associations with internal organs, as the ancients lacked knowledge of human internal physiology. Additionally, the colours of the chakras were different from those recognised today. The New Age movement later adapted the chakra colours to the current rainbow spectrum. In Yogic texts, chakras are cleared or balanced through yoga asanas, pranayama, and chanting. Some Reiki practitioners and teachers focus on these energy centres as a healing method using Reiki. Reiki Ryoho aims to balance the human body's energetic system, including chakras, meridians, nadis, and/or sens.

• Sound Healing.

Sound has been employed as a healing technique across various ancient cultures, utilising instruments such as drums, singing bowls, didgeridoos, and chants. Tibetan Buddhist monks continue to use singing bowls and chants for healing purposes today. Additionally, some Reiki practitioners incorporate singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments into their Reiki sessions, using them before, during, and after the sessions.

• Psychic Readings.

Psychic readings originated from Beth Gray, a student of Hawayo Takata Sensei, who introduced Reiki to Australia in the 1980s. According to the late Phyllis Furumoto, Takata Sensei's granddaughter, Beth Gray incorporated these readings into Level 1 and Level 2 of Reiki Ryoho. Although Reiki Ryoho classes can enhance a student's intuition, this intuition is intended solely to identify bodily imbalances. Reiki Ryoho emphasises energy experiences to support the client during hands-on sessions, rather than analysing mental impressions. Traditionally, Reiki practice focuses on embodying Reiki rather than engaging the mind.

• Spiritual Guides.

During the New Age movement, Reiki Masters incorporated Spiritual Guides into their Reiki systems. Traditional Reiki systems did not involve the invocation of Angels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Animals, the Ancients, or Jesus. The sole aim was to embody Reiki and enable Reiki to perform its function.

The Essence of Traditional Reiki

Traditionally, Reiki practices are designed to purify, realign, and balance the human condition, encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. Reiki Ryoho is not solely a physical practice; it is also a practice for the mind. Therefore, when encountering social media posts or websites of Reiki practitioners and teachers employing any of the aforementioned methods, it is important to recognise that these represent a hybrid Reiki system, not rooted in the traditional Reiki Ryoho methods from Japan. While hybrid Reiki systems may appear to offer extra value, they often dilute both the additional modality and Reiki Ryoho itself, rather than providing a thorough understanding of the modality and the full scope of the more traditional form of Reiki.

Conclusion: Embracing the True Spirit of Reiki

While there are many Reiki styles, it can be challenging to distinguish between traditional Reiki and non-traditional Reiki. Traditionally, Reiki Ryoho is a minimalist and straightforward practice designed to improve both the mind and body. Reiki Ryoho emphasises personal transformation and discipline to support the healing journey of both oneself and others.

In conclusion, understanding the evolution of Reiki and its various interpretations is essential for anyone seeking to engage with this healing art. By recognising the differences between traditional practices and modern adaptations, practitioners can better appreciate the true essence of Reiki and its potential for personal and collective healing.