What is Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
During a meditation several years after developing Reiki, Mikao Usui decided to add the Reiki Ideals to the practice of Reiki. The Ideals came in part from the five principles of the Meiji emperor of Japan whom Mikao Usui admired. The Ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.
FOUR ASPECTS OF ETHICAL IDEALS:
Healing Practice - Usui Shiki Ryoho has as its basis self treatment and a form of treatment to be used as a way to treat others. This is achieved through a series of laying-on-of-hands treatment positions.
Personal Development – Through the practice of this system, the student is presented in everyday life with choices. These choices address underlying principles and beliefs that the student has acquired over the years of life. These principles and beliefs are often challenged as they may not be beneficial for the student’s path toward authenticity.
Spiritual Discipline - inherent in the regular practice of the Form is the connection to spirit within each of us as a human being. This connection to spirit can result in students considering this practice as a spiritual path.
Mystic Order - practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho brings mystic experiences and a sense of connection and common purpose with others following this path.
