What is Reiki?
The word Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy. It is defined as that power which acts and lives in all created matter. The word Reiki consists of two parts. The syllable REI describes the universal, boundless aspect of the energy while KI stands for the vital life force energy which flows through all living beings. It is one of the highest forms of energy in existence.
Everyone is born with Reiki for it is the energy of life itself. What Reiki is Not
Reiki is not a religion, as it holds no creed or doctrine. It has nothing to do with spiritualism or the occult in any shape or form. It has nothing to do with the invoking of ghosts or demons, nor is it concerned with hypnosis or any other psychological technique. To practise Reiki, no special kind of faith or belief is required.
In Reiki treatment, use is made solely of natural but concentrated form of cosmic energy.
History of Reiki
Throughout the history of mankind, healing methods have always existed which were based on the transfer of universal, all pervading, life energy, the same energy which brings forth all life in the universe and nourishes it. Even thousands of years ago, the Tibetans had a deep understanding of the nature of spirit, energy and matter. They used this knowledge to heat their bodies, harmonize their souls and lead their spirit to experience of unity.
This knowledge was guarded and preserved by the mystery school of most ancient cultures and was available in its entirety only to very few people, usually priests or spiritual leaders who in turn passed it on to their disciples by word of mouth. The knowledge of Reiki would have remained hidden forever had not Dr. Mikao Usui rediscovered the key which led to the recovery of a thousand-year old tradition of healing in 2500-year-old Sanskrit Sutras at the end of the 19th century.