Reiki’s 85th Birthday
Kyoto is a Japanese city teeming with gorgeous temples, shrines and refined gardens. Settled in a bowl shaped valley, the surrounding hills have a special, refreshing quality. Little known to many Western tourists, however, is a near by mountain with a most amazing history and vibration – Mt Kurama.
30 minutes, due north of Kyoto, Mt Kurama has long been a favoured destination for the Japanese. Traditionally, Buddhist pilgrims have walked from Kyoto since the time of the first temple's construction in 770 AD, although these days the train and connecting cable car are much more popular. Mt. Kurama has been the location of many important events, not the least being the tremendous gift of enlightenment and Reiki to Mikao Usui in March 1921. Perhaps the abundant healing energy on Mt Kurama has much to do with this.
According to the Buddhist monks on Mt Kurama, Mao son a deity (great conqueror of evil and the spirit of the earth) descended on a mini flying ship from Venus six million years ago to a saddle near the summit. His mission was to rescue mankind and they say his loving spirit emanates to all living beings. Although this story may be myth, to many people, the designated site of his landing has a tangible and uplifting quality. It's rated as one of the top four energy points in Japan. Mt Kurama is also the home of the infamous mountain tengu – a kind of supernatural spirit. A renowned 12th century warrior and hero, Minamoto Yoshitsune, studied military arts under the tengu for many years. His story was popularised by a samurai drama on Japanese TV last year, drawing lots of admiring fans to the mountain recently
I’m a Reiki practitioner living in down town Kyoto and a day trip to Mt Kurama is always a pleasure. I feel the energy there is Reiki – vibrant, healing and loving. In March this year, I joined a party of local channels, organised by Jennifer Thibodeau, to celebrate Reiki's 85th anniversary at its birthplace.
Usui sensei’s story is well known in Reiki circles. A well educated Japanese man at the turn of the 20th century, Usui sensei had an inquiring mind and was driven to find the purpose to life. Still searching in his later years, he studied Zen Buddhism intensively. Not finding true enlightenment, he asked his teacher for guidance. “Die one time” was the answer. So in 1921, Mikao Usui travelled to Mt Kurama, determined to meditate with out ceasing until he found his answer.
One midnight in March, after 21 days of retreat, Usui sensei felt “a great shock at the centre of his brain as if struck by lightning” and fell unconscious.
At dawn he gained consciousness. It is said he felt incredibly refreshed as he had never felt before. ‘Reiki in the universe, [had] pierced his mind and body, resonating with his [own internal divinity]’. He had realized his aim and reached enlightenment and true unity with the universe.
Highly delighted, he raced down the mountain path, but stubbing his toe on a rock, he accidentally tore his toenail and reacted by covered it with his hand. The pain immediately disappeared and the toe healed. Usui sensei realized he had been given a healing gift (Reiki) and began to apply it. Although the culture of the time was to keep skills within the family, Mikao Usui decided that ‘It is much better to give this power widely to a lot of people in the world and enjoy it among them’.
Reiki history and quotes from “Modern Reiki Method For Healing” By Hiroshi Doi
Mikao Usui developed a system of transmitting the healing energy he was given and Reiki as we use it today was born.
Our Reiki anniversary party met in Kyoto. There appeared to be heavy rain further up the valley, but pulling into Kurama village, we saw that it was spring snow. Seeing it softly fall on plum blossom was quite a lovely sight. We gloved up then wandered up Mt Kurama, exploring the Reiki in everything using Jessica Millers bouncing and comparison techniques. She encourages people to put Reiki hands over the rivers, sacred trees and foreign objects at the base of the hill, to feel the difference in energy. Particularly on Mt Kurama, imported objects have a remarkably different vibration. As you walk higher, there are also some amazing power spots where the Reiki feels much stronger. It is possible to turn your hands to face an object and then feel behind you to note the difference.
You can bounce the Reiki against the ground like an imaginary ball and test the vibration underneath as you move around. Jessica also recommends scooping up a ball of air, throwing it against an object and observing how the energy is absorbed. Reiki seems to coat imported objects, but indigenous natural things like soil and trees absorb your Reiki ball and connect you to a deep corridor of energy between heaven and earth.
At the top, we had a lovely time talking and receiving reiju (temporary attunment). With masters from 2 different lineages present, it was lovely to receive Reiju from both – branches of the Reiki family reuniting at the source. It’s always a privilege to go to Mt Kurama but especially so in a Reiki group so you can share the healing quality there. I had a little miracle. Around the area thought to be where Usui sensei sat, is a sacred tree (said to be the reincarnation of Mao son). My hands had become painfully cold and numb, but when I put them to the tree, there was such warmth in the air they defrosted in about two seconds and remained so for the rest of the day. The snow on the ground made us appreciate Usui sensei’s discipline in meditating outside for 21 days in early spring.
After Reiju we wandered down to a warmer altitude in the village below. We dawdled in the organic tearooms enroute to the outdoor springs. They are lovely, with assorted comfortable chairs, books to browse and angel cards.
The day ended at the rotemburo (outdoor hot springs), soaking off any remaining layers of stress, while looking out over the forest. I have always wanted to soak in a rotemburo with snow falling on my head. Therapeutic and very hot!
A visit to Mt Kurama – in any season - is highly recommended to any visitors to Japan! Mt Kurama can be reached from Demachianagi station on the Eizan line in north Kyoto. There is an entrance fee of 200 yen (approx $1.90). Kurama onsen can be contacted at http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm
By Jenny Lyons
Jenny Lyons is a Gendai Reiki Master living and working in Kyoto, Japan. She is on the Gendai Reiki Network Australia board and can be contacted at: jennylyons9@yahoo.com.au
References:
Gendai Reiki Network Australia - http://www.gendaireiki.org.au
Hiroshi Doi – Modern Reiki Method for Healing (Fraser Journal Publishing 2000), pages 47 & 48.
Jessica Miller – jess@reikimastery.com
Mt Kurama visitor's pamphlet (English translation Jan 1 2003). Available at the ticket offices.
Jennifer Thibodeau – http://www.mountainskyreiki.com
Hiroshi Doi – Modern Reiki Method for Healing (Fraser Journal Publishing 2000), pages 47 & 48.
Text and photographs: Copyright 2007 – Jennifer Lyons