Gendai Reiki Ho

This is Mr. Hiroshi Doi. He is the founder and supervisor of Gendai Reiki Ho.
The Japanese word, "Gendai" means "modern" in English. Mr. Doi's intention in creating Gendai Reiki Ho is to establish a modern system of Reiki that is simple enough for anyone to incorporate and practice in their daily lives, while remaining true to the traditional teachings of Mikao Usui. In this modern Reiki method, he has combined the techniques and traditions of both Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. There is an emphasis on the traditional Japanese teachings. The motto of Gendai Reiki Ho is, "Ayashiku-nai, (Nothing questionable) okashiku-nai, (nothing odd) muzukashiku-nai, (nothing difficult).

In Gendai Reiki Ho, There are four levels of training. In the first level, called Shoden, we are attuned to Reiki and learn the basic healing and meditation techniques needed to heal our own bodies, and to start treating our friends and family.
In the second level, Okuden, we are introduced to the Reiki symbols, the meanings behind them and how to use them in distance healing as well as healing past and future events. At this level, our ability to heal with Reiki is increased as we learn Reiki strengthening meditation practices.
The third level, Shinpiden, is the first of the spirituality based levels. At this level, we begin to learn more advanced techniques to cultivate true happiness in our lives.
The last level, Gokuikaiden, is simply the master level. This is when we we learn to spread the light of Reiki to others by giving attunements. We continue to strengthen our own happiness with Reiki and be a master of our selves with Reiki before teaching it to others.
When one decides to begin on the path of Reiki, it is up to them to decide how far or deeply they want to take their own practice. Only the Shoden level is needed to begin healing ourselves and our friends and family. One can begin healing the very day that they are attuned. This may be enough for some, while others may feel called to continue to the next levels on the path of Reiki. It is entirely a personal journey.

May all beings give and receive love today.
- Whitney

Mikao Usui - Founder of Reiki Ryoho Gakkai

Mikao Usui Sensei (1865 - 1926)

In March of 1922, Usui Sensei Spent 21 days fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama and it was there that he was awakened to know that the universe was within him. It is said that a big Reiki entered him through the top of his head and he acquired the healing power of Reiki. Usui Sensei developed a system to help lead others to the same enlightenment and healing abilities which he had experienced. He named this system Reiki Ryoho (Reiki healing method).

In April 1922, Usui Sensei founded the Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, an institution to teach and promote Reiki Ryoho in Japan. Before his death in 1926, Usui Sensei was able to teach 2,000 students and 21 masters to carry one the lineage of Reiki Ryoho. What a wonderful thing that he wanted to share this gift so freely with the world.

Today, there are two main schools of Reiki. One is called Western Style Reiki which includes Usui Shiki Reiki, the Radiance technique and other forms which have stemmed from these styles. They all have lineage leading to a Hawaiian woman named Takata who brought Reiki to the US around 1970. The second school is called Traditional Japanese Reiki which includes the Reiki practiced within the original Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, Gendai Reiki, Komyo Reiki Kai and Jikiden Reiki. There may be more that I have not been made aware of. The Original Reiki Ryoho Gakkai recognizes only these forms as true branches of Usui Reiki as many of the Western Reiki lineages have been lost.

Due to the modesty of Usui sensei and the fact that he was unknown before his enlightenment, there have been many stories invented about his life and the origins of Reiki. Mostly by the early Western Reiki masters who we can only assume were trying to fill in some holes for their students. Unfortunately, many of these stories are still taught by Western Style Reiki masters across the US and Canada. Traditional Japanese style Reiki Masters are instructed to always remain true to the foundations of Reiki laid out by Usui Sensei himself. Often they adopt an additional philosophy that Reiki must not be made to appear mysterious or miraculous.

There are many who are still thankful for the work of Takata and other Western Reiki masters for bringing the knowledge of Reiki to the world, for it may have remained a closely guarded Japanese secret or even died out due to skepticism.

May the spirit on Mikao Usui Sensei live on in the hearts of every Reiki practitioner.

- Whitney