T=True, F=False
Myth#1: Reiki Originated in Tibet
F: Reiki is a cosmic energy, and it is one of the oldest hand-healing techniques originating in Tibet. Usui Sensei re-discovered its existence.
T: Healing techniques that utilizes the Universal energy has been in existence throughout the world since prehistoric times, and it is not necessary to limit its origin to Tibet. Reiki is a cosmic energy, but not all cosmic energies are Reiki. Reiki is simply a healing technique developed by Usui Sensei in early 20th century.
Myth#2: Usui Sensei actively sought Reiki in the 19th century.
F: Usui Sensei re-discovered Reiki in mid (or at the end of) 19th century.
T: Usui Sensei was born in 1865 but he taught Reiki Ryoho only for four years during early 20th century (1922 – 1926).
Myth#3: Usui Sensei was a Kyoto university professor.
F: Usui Sensei was president/dean of the department of theology of Doshisha University (or a small Kyoto university), or president of a seminary.
T: Usui Sensei was not a university graduate and he did not have a doctorate. He engaged in various occupations, but there is no record of him engaging in the teaching profession.
Myth#4: Usui Sensei was a Christian clergyman.
F: Usui Sensei was a Christian clergyman (or president of a seminary).
T: Usui Sensei was a Shinto missionary for some time, but never a Christian missionary. It would be strange for a Christian clergyman to train at a Zen temple or fast in a Buddhist sacred ground, Mount Kurama.
Myth#5: Usui Sensei searched for a healing method for many years.
F: A student asked him to show him the miraculous healing Christ performed if the story was true, and Usui Sensei gave up his position and went on a quest for a healing method. Or, as some say, he sought the mysteries of life and utilization of cosmic energy for many years.
T: Usui Sensei himself explained in Reiki Ryoho Hikkei that he never endeavored to attain healing ability and that it was bestowed on him accidentally while fasting, and that its true nature is a mystery.
Myth#6: Usui Sensei saw the symbols during his fast.
F: There are beautiful accounts of Usui Sensei witnessing golden Sanskrit symbols after being pierced in his forehead by a bright light, on the 21st day of his fast at Mount Kurama.
T: Reiki Ryoho Hikkei records Usui Sensei’s experiences, but he never mentions the symbols. Additionally, the Sanskrit symbols were said to have appeared consecutively, but actually there is only one symbol based on Sanskrit. (the second symbol)
Myth#7: The Symbols were derived from Sanskrit
F: Usui Sensei found the symbols and mantras that are important in Reiki Ryoho in a 2,500 year old document written in ancient Indian (Sanskrit).
T: As in #6, the only symbol related to Sanskrit is the second symbol. It is not a special symbol, but Kiriku that can be seen in any Japanese Buddhist temple. Usui Sensei introduced the symbols to Reiki Ryoho because healing could be practiced more easily with the symbols are resonated with the cosmic energy.
Myth#8: Usui Sensei offered treatment in Kyoto for several years.
F: Usui Sensei is said to have offered treatment in the Kyoto slums for 7 years.
T: Usui Sensei completed his training at Mount Kurama in March 1922, and in April of the same year, he founded Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai inTokyo. Since he passed away four years later (1926) it is physically impossible for him to offer treatment for 7 years.
Myth#9: Usui Sensei formulated the Five Precepts after reflecting on his experience at the Kyoto slums.
F: During his 7 years’ experience in the Kyoto slums, Usui Sensei realized that though he was able to treat the body, he did not teach the way to change the patient’s lifestyle. From this perception he formulated the principles (the Five Precepts) of Reiki way of life.
T: When Usui Sensei started teaching in Tokyo in April 1922, Usui Sensei formulated the Five Precepts as the foundation of his teachings and then established the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.
In Reiki Ryoho Shishin it is written: “First heal the soul, and then heal the body” “Make the whole human being healthy.” From the time he started teaching, he already instructed the way to change one's way of life, and he did not make the treatment of disease the primary goal of Reiki Ryoho. Additionally, it is written: “Promote happiness for yourself and others” (Seek happiness for all).
Myth#10: Hayashi Sensei became the second President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.
F: Chujiro Hayashi Sensei succeeded Usui Sensei, becoming the second Grand Master. After Hayashi Sensei's demise, Hawayo Takata Sensei succeeded him to become the Grand Master.
T: Without doubt, Hayashi Sensei and Takata Sensei are great Grand Masters. However, Usui Sensei did not designate Hayashi Sensei as his successor, and Hayashi Sensei did not succeed him.
Copyright(c) 2003 Yumiko Natori. All rights reserved.