Top 10 Quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh from Savor

In the early 1900’s, a Japanese lay Buddhist practitioner of the Jodo-Shu or Pure Land sect named Mikao Usui set out to discover Satori or “enlightenment” and Anshin Ritsumei or “absolute inner peace.”

His search led him down many avenues, but each one left him unfulfilled. Eventually, he decided to go on a spiritual quest by meditating and fasting on the sacred mountain of Kurama near Kyoto and either achieve enlightenment or die trying! In 1922, after enduring 21 days of fasting and intense meditation, Usui Sensei experienced a state of consciousness that he characterized as “One Great Reiki.”

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a Japanese term used by Usui Sensei (the founder of Reiki Ryoho) to describe ‘cosmic energy.’ This cosmic energy has been called a variety of names by people in many countries from ancient to modern times. It is called “Chi” in China, “Ki” in Japan, in India “Prana”, in Hawaii “Mana”, etc. It is the essential energy for all beings to live healthy and happy lives.

The word “Reiki” isn’t an actual word at all, but rather a combination of two kanji. Kanji can take on different meanings depending upon what other kanji it is combined with. Possible meanings of Rei and Ki are:

霊 “Rei”: 1. A spiritual entity existing within or without our physical body 2. The soul, spirit or a ghost 3. Invisible, wondrous and infinite power, that which possesses an invisible, wondrous and infinite power, or the source of it. 4. Reverence, Sacredness, or Blessing

気 “Ki”: 1. Something unseen 2. Atmosphere 3. The energy of the universe

So, the kanji 霊 気 (for Reiki) can possibly be defined as the miraculous and sacred energy of the Universe, which infuses and sustains all life.

The spiritual enlightenment Usui Sensei experienced on the mountain revealed a realization of what the Buddhists call ‘the true nature of all things.’ This realization can be said to be an awareness of the “Ocean of Oneness*” that permeates and connects everything in the Universe to everything else in the Universe.

Along with Usui Sensei’s sudden “enlightenment” of the ‘true nature of all things’, was the understanding that this realization also awakened his natural ability to heal himself and others. What followed was the creation of a system that Usui called “Usui Reiki Ryoho.” This system was designed to lead individuals to attain the enlightened state of consciousness that he himself experienced, as well as (re)activate and enhance the innate healing ability that everyone possesses.

霊 Rei ~ means something mysterious, miraculous, and sacred.

気 Ki ~ means the atmosphere or something unseen or the energy of the universe. *****************************************************************************

What is Reiki Ryoho (Reiki healing art)?

There is a difference between the terms “Reiki” and “Reiki Ryoho.”

Reiki = Energy of the Universe

Ryo = Healing

Ho = Art/Method

Reiki Ryoho is the term that Usui Sensei devised or “coined” to describe the hands-on healing art he created after his enlightenment on the mountain. This method is meant to improve first the mind and then the body (not the body, then the mind); and to guide the practitioner on the personal path to enlightenment, or “Satori.” This is accomplished by ‘re-membering’ our innate connection to the inexhaustible and unlimited energy of the Universe.

Reiki Ryoho is relatively easy to learn and very simple to use. Anyone can be initiated into Reiki Ryoho and become a Reiki practitioner to heal themselves and others. This is done by means of a ritual called “Reiju” or “attunement.” We begin by rediscovering our natural healing ability. We start by healing ourselves first. We can then share this healing ability with others, developing in us a sense of love and compassion.

In western countries, when people use the term “Reiki,” they are usually actually referring to the practice of “Reiki Ryoho” or the hands-on healing practice of Reiki. “Reiki” refers to the inexhaustible energy of the universe, which cannot be defined or confined, while “Reiki Ryoho” is the hands on healing method. This is why Reiki can be said to be a two-fold practice: both a path to self-realization and an energetic healing art.

Gradually, with continued practice, Reiki can guide us to higher levels of mental clarity, physical wholeness, and a harmonious integration of our own being that leads us to experience our true disposition: unconditional joy, inner peace, wisdom and compassion for all life.

“Reiki” = energy of the universe

“Reiki Ryoho” = hands-on healing practice

In the following video Hyakuten Sensei describes the difference between Reiki and Reiki Ryoho