The History of Reiki - Panhellenic Reiki Association
  • Mikao Usui sensei, founder of Reiki

The History of Reiki

Mikao Usui sensei was born in the village of Taniai Mura in Gifu, Japan, on August 15, 1865. In his youth he travelled to China and Western countries to broaden his knowledge and experience. He changed professions several times and eventually devoted himself to spiritual search and practice.

He decided to study Zen Buddhism in an effort to attain complete peace of mind. In March 1922 he withdrew to Mount Kurama near Kyoto for fasting and meditation. After three weeks he experienced a powerful illumination and the flow of energy.

Discovering Reiki

After this experience, Usui sensei discovered that placing his hands on pain and wounds brought relief and healing. He began helping others and founded the method known as Usui Reiki Ryoho, a practice for improving body and mind.

Chujiro Hayashi sensei, forerunner of Western Reiki

Chujiro Hayashi sensei was one of Usui sensei’s best students. He completed all three Reiki levels in 1925 and practiced Reiki in his clinic in Tokyo, where many practitioners offered sessions.

The journey of Reiki from Japan to the West

Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American born in Hawaii, brought Reiki to the wider world. In 1935 she travelled to Japan for health reasons and received Reiki treatment at Hayashi sensei’s clinic.
Through her own healing, Mrs. Takata understood the effectiveness of Reiki. She studied with Hayashi sensei, returned to Hawaii, and later began teaching. By the time of her death in 1980, she had trained 22 Reiki masters.