Secret has many meanings.  If you think of those plants with remarkable healing energies growing in the hidden spots in the forest, you will be on the path to Mikao Usui’s intended meaning.   Mikao Usui connecting to the vibrations of love and harmony of universal energy, and being able to initiate others into being the vessel through which universal energy flows is incredible. There may be a beyond belief mystery about the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, but there are no hidden dark secrets.  Then again mystery varies with each person’s reality.

Reiki is energy; energy is light.  As you scroll down you will see two photographs that are visuals of that light. Examples of energy/light stretch from modern science to Ayurvedic healing, which Dr. David Frawley says began in 4000 B.C.  Looking beyond E=MC², you see that light is energy, and life is light, which is also love.  While might get a bit complicated/heavy, the practice Mikao Usui founded, is not complicated.  The vibrations of love and harmony when allowed to flow uninterrupted create complementary healing for the whole person/animal/bird/all.

How to make your conscious mind step aside is not only an important thing to learn when studying Reiki, but one that requires discipline.  You are the only person that has control over what you do and think.  Consequently, you are the only person that can bench your mind in order for universal energy to flow without interruption.  The Gokai, and various exercises in Gendai Reiki-ho and Komyo Reiki can help you move beyond the obstacles.  Think of the Gokai as the solution and when you focus on that, you do not see the problem.

Mikao Usui was Buddhist, his Buddhist posthumous name being Reizaninshuyotenshinkoji. Rev. Hyakuten Inamoto, a Japanese Buddhist monk and one of my Reiki Shihans (teachers), gave me this information. Nevertheless, I think of a quote from Abraham Lincoln, one president of the United States, when I think of Mikao Usui’s meditation that allowed his second awakening to happen.  “If you want something you’ve never had before, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done before.”  And so it is, if you want love and harmony to emanate from you, you must allow an energy new to you to freely flow through you once your channel has been opened. 

The quantity ofReiki symbols used in the world today is a long way from the three teaching tools Mikao Usui created.  Reiki symbols are pointers to some of the infinite number of cords within the vibrations of universal love and harmony. Symbols are tools, a form of communication that has been used for centuries. Think for a moment about the peace symbol commonly use in the nineteen sixties/seventies.  World peace is something most everyone wants; if the peace symbol had made that happen, today would be an angelic world.  A perfect example of how symbols only point in the direction of an energy form.

When I first began studying Reiki, I was anxious to uncover more and more symbols.  Then I learned Reiki symbols are only training wheels; unlike bicycle training wheel each person can create his or her own.  One symbol drawn in numerous ways remains the same pointer to the same cord(s) within the vibrations of love and harmony.  I still smile at the way Hiroshi Doi pointed out the similarity of Reiki symbols to bicycle training wheels, especially in being problematic when trying to go fast or turning sharp corners.  Visualize, and you will know what I am talking about.  
Reiki symbols come from many sources. Rev. Hyakuten Inamoto said in class that the symbol often referred to as one of the master symbols appears on the walls of many of the temples in Japan for all to see.  Some people visualize symbols in meditation, dreams, visions, and connecting with their inner-self.  In meditation, as with visions, each person receives what is right for him or her to aid in moving forward on his or her path.

Once the training wheels (Reiki symbols) are left behind, you can move forward to the next level.To be the clear vessel through which universal energy can flow without interruption requires mindfulness in different areas for each individual.  In each level I teach, pages of exercises are given so that each person can focus on what feels right. Everyone begins his or her journey with his or her own life experiences -- his or her own reality.  Regardless of how many empowerments/attunements you receive, each is only the beginning.  If you are use now using symbols, try connecting to the whole of what your channel has been opened to and experience the freedom of trusting in the universe.

One of the exercises I teach in Shoden encourages each student to create his or her own pointer/training wheels (symbol).  Students of all levels have created their own symbol that represents an energy focused on during the exercise.  Some students do not use training wheels.  Each person has his or her own way of learning, which is why I offer private or semi-private classes.

What the three symbols that Mikao Usui created are based upon has been studied by some dedicated Reiki Shihans.  I have heard different theories, disagree with none, but do not think it matters as they are only teaching tools. Some say the original symbols Usui-Sensei used came from old Taoist texts in China. Mikao Usui was a traveled man with job experience in various areas. Like any teacher, he would have used whatever tools worked best to help each student to learn. Like all people, his reality came from his life experiences and that which he chose to retain from what he read, heard, and sensed around him.

The kotodamas or jumons (power through words) repeated with each symbol can also be chanted or sung.  Sometimes these words are referred to as mantras.  Mantras, kotodamas or jumons have been used for centuries in various ways. They are also pointers/training wheels that can be used with or without the symbols.  Connecting to the light of Reiki within and feeling that vibration in your inner-self that resonates with cords of love and harmony becomes the power within.

Below is a visual that I have finally decided to share with more then a select few.  It is a visual that reinforces the power/strength/intensity of universal energy.  Both this and the photograph at the top of my Reiki healing sessions page come from a roll of film I shot using the self-timer on my camera, and a tiny candle upstairs in my Center. What appeared in the photograph to your left is something that was beyond my control.  My intent was for the flame of the candle to represent the heat/light of Reiki that flows through such places as the palms of the hands. This photograph overwhelmed me as I sat in my car looking at the prints I had just picked up from the film processor/printer. This form boldly appearing in front of my hands is the same color as the form that appeared in a vision I had a few years earlier.  Even though I was thrilled because I knew what this is a visual of, I grew up in the part of the world where everything must be proven.  I chose to follow the example of one of my Reiki Shihans, Richard Rivard, and diligently researched all possibilities. I began my research immediately by going back into the film processor, checking all negatives on that roll, and then having my camera checked for any light leaks. Just as with Usui Reiki Ryoho, the only answer to all the research is that it is a form created by Universal Energy.

This is not a photograph of Reiki, this is a reflection of my reality, my connection to universal energy and each person’s will be different. Create your own situation to give universal energy the opportunity to reflect your reality.  Connect to Reiki, believe, allow, bench your thinking mind and the results may well be nothing less then awesome.

One of the things I teach in Gendai Reiki-ho (modern Reiki method for healing) is the secret of daily energizing and awakening the healer within.  As with a Reiki healing session, the results can surprise even medical professionals, if the healee wants to be healed.  If the person receiving, believes deep within that he or she will never be healed then Reiki will not challenge that belief.  The higher-self of each individual decides whether to accept or reject the balance and harmony offered. Many of the exercises from Shoden, the entrance level, forward can help you to release negative beliefs holding you back from being the true universal you.  Healing the whole you is an important step in accomplishing anything in life that you want.   Several exercises in Okuden help you to move forward by identifying those hidden stresses within and releasing them.

Karma is a Sanskrit term meaning action.  Action is part of all life; action within and action surrounding each person.  Both good karma and bad karma can be created.  One exercise I teach in the third, spiritual level of Gendai Reiki-ho burns away any unwanted karma.  Each level contains many exercises to cleanse your whole self and objects.  Aura and chakra cleansing is easily done and taught in the first level. 

The ability to allow Reiki to flow through you (your channel) begins as soon as you receive your first attunement/empowerment/invitation in the light.  However, the ability improves not only by having your channel opened wider, but by self-purifying combined with practice.  Self-discipline is important.  The further a Reiki practitioner or teacher grows spiritually the stronger Reiki within becomes.  

The many variations in the ways in which Usui Reiki Ryoho has been taught since the 1930s might seem confusing as to which style is best. Once we remember Mikao Usui was Buddhist, things become a bit clearer because of the Buddhist ability to embrace change.  Each person has his or her own reality, and in every language one phrase can have numerous meanings depending on how it is used.  The doctrine of “no-self”, explains why there are no ill feelings among Reiki Shihans (teachers) when a student wishes to study different styles. While various Reiki teachers have changed the way in which he or she was taught, anyone having completed the spiritual level prior to the teacher's level has no wish to claim he or she is better then another.  Simply trust in yourself and trust in Reiki to guide you, and you will find the style and Shihan (teacher) that is right for you.

A Reiki Mawashi preformed during a Reiki gathering brings practitioners of all styles together to share energy.  Mawashi means circle or circulation.  Each person begins in the form that is light, does gassho, bends hands to the left and with fingers kept straight slides his or her hands over those of the person to each side, either touching lightly or not touching.  As love and harmony circulates uninterrupted, it builds to an amazing strength. 

Reiki is universal love and harmony.  It is not fretful worry about whether the glass is half-full or half-empty, but accepting what is in the glass.  Once the acceptance happens, it is allowing that which no person can control to do what is best.  The universe is the collection of all knowledge.  Accordingly, it is best for our conscious mind to step aside allowing Reiki to flow to places we might not even know exist, regardless of our formal educational level.  Reiki allows those with physical challenges that medical science lists in the 'cannot be cured' category to experience happiness in the manner best for him or her. Curable from within can take many forms.

Reiki works with medical professionals giving support and bridging gaps.  To cope with daily living, Dr. Mel Glenn of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School said, “sometimes brain cells can be coaxed into doing jobs they were not originally designed to do”.  Inharmonic vibrations are created if a person tries to direct universal energy. On the other hand, universal energy allowed to flow uninterrupted into any medical coaxing/treatments/medicine can achieve astonishing results.  

As a Reiki practitioner cultivates his or her mind and learns to trust in Usui Reiki Ryoho the world can become an endless source of rewarding experiences.

There is no force greater then universal energy. That said it is obvious why no one’s channel since Mikao Usui has opened fully in a short period of time.  Each time a person’s channel is opened a bit wider, by a qualified Reiki Shihan, the whole person assimilates with those vibrations of a very powerful energy new to him or her.  One of the things that helps with assimilation is to know in your heart that you are being opened to that which is new to you and give thanks for the shifts (healing crisis) that take place.  With each of the many attunements I have received, I have noticed at least one shift taking place at some level within my whole person.  Reiki is a blissful journey that makes reaching the destination insignificant.

One goal connected with photography is to see light in its variations.  The photograph below taken by one of my students shows a variation of light not expected.  At first glance, this photograph that should have been tossed.  At second glance, what appears above my upward turned palms makes it a perfect photograph.  

That white circle above my hands is an energy circle.  Many forms of energy create visuals. Because Reiki flows through me, that form would b e a safe guess.  Even so, it is the message within the photograph that makes it perfect.  I am out-of focus, even though the camera used was set on automatic focus.  Despite the fact that I cannot be recognized in the photograph, I am thrilled at the way in which the universal energy we call Reiki glows. The focus of life is not on a person’s features or hair, nor is it on the clothing she or he wears. We each have our own life force energy and when Reiki blends with it, balancing and replenishing as needed, it can be magnificent.

If you think back on the various teachers in your life, it was the energy flowing from her or him that made thedifference.  This is also visual proof that physical limitations cannot stop a person from being opened to universal energies through the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho; I have injuries to my Central Nervous System.

I did not intend the energy circle to appear in this photograph.  My student taking the photograph and I both intended this to be an in-focus photograph of me in my healing room. Energy gives off light and heat.  Heat can be felt if the person receiving has a need for energy. An energy circle appearing in photographs, like everything else with universal energy, happens when the time is right. This   visual that shows physical appearance is far less important then the energy that flows through a person is an important reality check for everyone.

Reiki is often described as hands-on-healing, but look beyond.  Reiki goes beyond what is thought of as healing in the medical sense.  Advanced Reiki is actually cultivation of the mind.   It takes time and practice to bench your mind and trust in universal energy to flow in the manner that is best.  However, when you do, you will find yourself in that warm, harmonious, safe place.  Once in that place hold onto the feeling, make it your reality.

Countless people over the years have written about how a person’s thoughts create circumstances in his or her life. Think of the universal law of attraction, which is what you send out returns to you.  As Reiki is flowing through you, you are in balance and surrounded by harmony.  From that warm, harmonious, secure place nothing but positive thoughts are sent out.  Think for a moment about what will return to you the more you practice and surrender yourself to universal love and harmony.

The other day I saw an advertisement that began, “Method Proven To Stop Panic, Anxiety, and Phobias Without Drugs”.  This had no connection to Reiki, yet it describe many Gendai Reiki-ho and Komyo Reiki exercises.  A few examples are Ken’yoku (dry bathing) and Hikari no Kokyu Ho (breathing of light method), which are taught in the first level.  Simply repeating the five short lines of the Gokai stops many negative vibrations.

With other practices, purchasing technical devices might improve on the desired outcome. There is no need for any such things with Reiki; universal energy has such power that it needs no improvement.  The practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, in all styles, is simple yet profound.  When allowed to flow uninterrupted Reiki is a vibration with an unbelievable strength/power.  You have all the tools within yourself to allow Reiki to flow uninterrupted once your channel has been opened, and your teacher has pointed the way.

Reiki will flow even if the person receiving does not believe in universal energy.  Balance does not always flow to where a person thinks it should.  In Reiki the “shoulds” are best thrown away. Reiki flows to where is best for that life form, or event, at that junction in time.  We cannot see all that is within each of the billions of atoms within the mind, body, and spirit, We cannot know the source of all symptoms the body chooses to show.  Reiki practitioners/teachers have no need to worry about this because Reiki knows where to flow.  If this sounds a bit magical, universal energy is the unexplained that only requires belief.

That part of the Gaien called the Gokai is the backbone of Reiki.  It is based upon three precepts, which are simple yet the basic way to a life filled with happiness.  It is also called five admonitions, five precepts, or five principles.  It has been repeated in hundreds of ways, but all reflect the state of just for today anger and fretful worry do not exist, giving thanks, being diligent in one’s business/work, and extending kindness to all.   Study of the Gokai gives understanding to even the strength of today.   I like the Zen saying, “Now, it’s all you have.”   In the manuals I have written, the meaning behind each of the five short lines is given its own paragraph.  As simple as the Gokai is, you may be amazed at the knowledge within you once you allow yourself time to assimilate.

To practice Reiki is to live in the higher dimension where anger and fretful anxious worry do not exist.  Flipping to psychology 101 let your mind focus on anger for a moment. If an individual’s words or actions trigger you to “tell’em a thing or two”, what happens?  It might be a release for you, but what reaction is created in the other person?  What thoughts are being sent out to the universe? The Gokai gives an alternative solution.

Reiki techniques vary greatly. Techniques do not increase the power of Reiki. Techniques are different ways in which the energy is allowed to flow through the practitioner/teacher to the receiver.  Reiki requires a body to flow through, which is what makes the Reiki practitioner/teacher such an important tool in healing of the mind, body, and spirit.  The one technique shown to me by all three of my teachers that I find very powerful is a smile that comes from the heart.  Reiki flows through the eyes and breathe, so a smile and words that come from the heart are vehicles that can carry a lot of power.  Doi-sensei’s words that a Reiki practitioner can form blocks in his or her channel so that the Reiki flowing through is tainted were excellent advice.  The solution is to keep your thoughts positive and benchyour ego until needed for survival.

Some techniques such as Gendai Reiju depend upon a pure connection and intent.  It is only taught to those having completed the highest level of some styles of Usui Reiki Ryoho.  Reiju’s meaning can be broken down as giving or accepting (ju) a spiritual property or knowledge (rei).  The Reiju used by the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai is based upon the original way in which Usui-Sensei opened others’ channels to the light.  The form of Reiju used by the Gakkai is shared only within the society itself.   I practice Gendai Reiju, which was created by one of my Reiki Shihans Hiroshi Doi, a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.  Reiju should not be confused with what is known as an attunement/empowerment.   An attunement is a ritual to open another to the light.  Gendai Reiju is most commonly used to keep a practitioner’s/teacher’s channel clear, so that what flows through is not tainted.

In today’s world attunements being rituals vary greatly.   It is the focus and intent of the qualified Reiki Shihan (teacher) giving the attunement that results in a person’s connection.  

A ritual only requires, an intention, a plan that can be remembered, something material or visual that has meaning to you, a designated space, and an ending meaningful to you.  The next time your family has dinner or friends have tea, make it a ritual and enjoy.   Do a ritual just for you to end your day in a pleasant relaxing way.   Run a bath, do the Reiki technique to cleanse the bathroom (or the whole house), do such techniques as Hatsurei-Ho,  light some scented candles, allow Reiki to flow into the bath water, add whatever else feels right, then simply soak away all imbalances of the day and end with repeating the Gokai.  One of the nice things about studying each level over days or weeks is learning all the different ways in which Reiki can flow daily into all areas of life.

Reiki can be allowed to flow into everything. Sculpting is one of the things I enjoy.  I begin with a block and remove exposing the form that is within.  At the bottom of this page are photographs of one of my sculptures.  My focus with this sculpture was on the vibrations of love and harmony named Reiki.  I had no preconceived idea of what would be revealed once I removed.   I sat peacefully for three hours blending with the energy directing my hands to remove.  When I stepped back and looked at the form the words of one of my college professors came to mind, “form does not have to resemble details of life.  Form flows, that is art.”  Reiki is not any preconceived symbol, energy has no form as we know form. Daily practice allows Reiki to flow in a pure way that can enhance all your skills and relationships, even those in the work place.  As an Herbalist, I have found poultices work twice as well when Reiki is allowed to flow into them, and tinctures have extra energy.

Gendai Reiki-ho and Komyo Reiki , the styles I enjoy teaching, are often called Japanese Reiki.  At URRI 2002 in Canada, I met approximately eighty other Reiki Shihans (master/teachers) from around the world, each with their own chi/qi/ki/prana going along with Reiki to share with others.  I am comfortable knowing that no style honoring the tradition of Usui Reiki Ryoho is better then any other.

I would like to share with you the words of one of my teachers Doi-Sensei, Hiroshi Doi.  These words are copyright 1998, 1999 Hiroshi.   He speaks Japanese, but one who understands the meaning behind the words translated this.

“We are not Reiki, we are not the author of Reiki, we are simply and always the empty vessel (flute, tube, whatever) through which Reiki flows into another. We cannot control it, we cannot demand it, command it, or even deny it as it comes for the Universal Author (Authoress) of Life – God/Goddess. We are truly the instruments and as such we cannot claim to be better, wiser, or anything else than any other practitioner or teacher. That determination is left up to those who come to us for assistance or teaching, and to Creator who knows all.”  

Each Sensei (honorable teacher) I studied under is a wonderful person and has helped me on my path, but none is better then the others.  Each is unique and shared a irreplaceable gift with me for which I give thanks, and honor each one.  I also honor other Reiki Shihans I have met that have shared with me what was needed at that time on my Reiki journey.

Reiki is energy from the timeless universe and cannot be rushed.  Each person’s channel will only open as much as he or she is ready for at a given junction in time.   Each of us must trust in Reiki to know when the time is right.  When each individual is ready is not determined by age, sex, educational level, or religious background.  I agree with the tradition of giving multiple attunements with each level to ensure that the person’s channel will be clear and ready to be open wider in the next level. 

Since Usui-Sensei’s passing in 1926, people have blended various tools and energies into their Reiki practice.  Some commonly used tools include acupressure, acupuncture, crystals, mudras, chakra healing, light body, herbs, guided journeys, and tarot cards.  Reiki will blend with and enhance everything positive. In spite of this, each tool/practice  must be a completed study in its own right.  When one reaches into the collection of tools gathered there is a tingle as the heart, mind, and soul form a triangle to express the pure white light of love and harmony, healing in new ways.   Light body, guided journeys, nature’s energy, and herbs are what I most commonly blend with Reiki.  When blending things into one’s Reiki practice it is good to remember that while different combinations can be an excellent synergy in one situation they can be inappropriate in another.   Massage therapists and medical professionals blending Reiki into his or her practice is perfect, or as the saying goes, "just what the doctor ordered".

If you indulge yourself in Japanese history you will see why poems were read at each of the Reiki gatherings Usui-sensei held.  You will also see why the receiver laying down and receiving through hands-on was added into the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho at a later time.   While Usui-sensei became one with the light and lived in higher dimensions spirituality his body, relatives, and friends were still subjected to follow the political rule of the day.   Stories are a wonderful way to get one’s point across, and the imagination is a wonderful gift.  Each person has the right to believe whatever he or she wishes.  Whatever a person chooses to believe about the history of Usui Reiki Ryoho it cannot take from the fact that the gift of connecting to a vibration of love and harmony that Mikao Usui passed on is among the ultimate of gifts.

Various people have done extensive research speaking with surviving students of Usui-sensei, and question the actual place of his meditation and the length of time before he connected with the vibration of love and harmony. I have links to other websites on my bio page that I invite you to visit.

Byosen Reikan-ho releases the need for any hand positions, but each practitioner may begin with a system that is comfortable for him or her.   Hand positions are like symbols, there are none that must be used.  The hands of a practitioner scanning a person or animal will automatically stop with the feeling of pressure, heat, coolness, tingling or simply an internal knowing.  Trusting in Reiki to guide us, we do not need to know medical details, pressure points, the recognized 32 chakras, meridian (nadia) channels, colors, etc. to allow Reiki to flow to where the body’s, mind’s, or spirit’s need(s) exist.  Most practitioners share the practice of sweeping their hands down, cleaning the aura of the client before and following a session.  During post-session cleansings, a shiver of excitement from either the practitioner or client might spontaneously happen if the removal of a block, that has been released, is felt.

Can you catch an illness from the person you have your hands on?
Many  Reiki practitioners say I felt  that person’s sore muscles, etc. in my own body.  Felt is the operative word. Some people naturally feel where another’s illness in their own body.  This is not catching the illness but rather having the gift of knowing where and what another feels; often referred to as empathic. When a person’s channel has been opened it is possible to gain this ability.   To let go of this feeling is a simple matter of expressing gratitude for being shown that which another is going through and the feeling within you vanishes.  No rituals are required, only acknowledgement that it is not an imbalance within your physical or mental.  If you believe you have the imbalance the universe might honor you belief and allow you to have it.  The choice is yours. 

That is not to say that Reiki practitioners and teachers are always in perfect health, because viruses and accidents neither discriminate nor play favorites.  Additionally, Reiki practitioners do not give of their own life force energy.   Sometimes the practitioner’s life force energy can blend with Reiki flowing to another, but being the vessel through which Reiki flows her or his life force is replenished.  This is another reason to do exercise daily to keep yourself clear of negative energy.

I offer something to ponder.   Many people can have negative reactions to chemicals, various plants, dust, etc.   Have never heard of anyone having a negative reaction to unconditional love and harmony as comes from the universe?

One that has studied and practiced Reiki enough to trust in it to flow will often allow Reiki to flow with no visible movements.  Your connection becomes on autopilot as you trust enough to allow your body to be the vessel though which universal energy flows as needed.  With that said, the next time you give anything to another person think of that extra gift that goes with it.

At first glance, these might look like two separate sculptures.  However, they are shots taken of the same sculpture from different sides. The vibrations of love and harmony are always the same.  Different Reiki Shihans/practitioners go into the light and connect to the energies within in his or her own reality.  No side is better then another, simply different and once all the training tools and personal aids are put aside the unencumbered energy is the same. Mikao Usui lost consciousness and then continued to expand his connection and practice to the extent where it is possible that centuries will pass before another person gains the knowledge he did.   In the meantime, we can all enjoy the journey as we toss any obsolete training wheels and props along the way.

Contact me if you have any comments.