Usui Reiki Ryoho?

[meljen]

hello all,

I once delved into one of the many Western versions of Reiki, including one that was called something like Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, which is supposedly heavily dependant on symbols. I like the ideas of symbols, but I'm not too fond of being too dependant upon them, as I believe Reiki *is* no matter what, so I'm looking for a bare-bones Reiki system.

I've read (somewhere) that Usui Reiki Ryoho is the original form of Reiki as started by Usui himself...is this true? I also heard that he used Reiju (there is a thread in this section called 'Reiju' that goes into it a bit deeper), and I've heard that Reiju is simply how Usui used to connect his students to Reiki instead of doing attunements.

Is this also true?

I've just always been drawn to Usui's original methods...I am trying to find a way to get the closest possible information to what he started as far as Reiki goes...I am really anxious to learn more.

I am hoping that Usui Reiki Ryoho is the style I am looking for...I keep trying to learn the differences between the types and whatnot...

Thanks, everyone!

meljen

[Nick]

Funny you should bring this up. I've just started reading a book called The Spirit of Reiki by William L. Rand, Walter Lubeck and Frank Arjava Petter.

In the first few chapters, Rand works to dispel a number of myths regarding Dr. Usui. He backs up what he writes with research, something that has been lacking in other books that I've come across.

Regarding the good Dr. Usui, Rand writes that Usui did not want Reiki to be the exclusive practice of just one group or to be controlled or limited in any way. Rather, he wanted it to be available to everyone and to spread throughout the world. He thought Reiki was a way for anyone to experience the divine, and because of this, people would then be more willing to create a better world.

According to Rand's research, Usui sensei moved to Tokyo in April, 1922 and started a healing society he named "Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai". In English this means "Usui Reiki Healing Society".


Regards,
Nick

[bikermiker]

Hi
The Spirit of Reiki is such a good book. It really digs in deep and it shows the good heart Arjava has for Reiki. I really like his teachings alot.

I believe a great way to get the basics of Reiki is at Reiki - Plain and Simple by Vinnie Amador.

This is where I found a view on Reiki that reasoned with my heart. Maybe it will come to your heart aswell.

On symbols... they are of great value in training how to focus your intent and the energy so...don't skip the practice In time you might be comfortable without using them, but on the other hand, using them might make you love them so much you wouldn't want to be without them. They sure are special.

love
Michael

[Featherpoint]

Hi meljen,

The training I received was Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki.  I was taught that this simply means Usui Reiki.  Here is a link that you may find helpful:

http://www.reikiassociation.org.uk/definition.html

The symbols are a tool which help us to learn focus in Reiki.  I firmly believe that no matter what way you are taught, you should learn the symbols, what they are for and how they can be used.  The reason you need to learn the symbols is to have the knowledge necessary to hand down complete information to your students or anyone who asks you about Reiki.  But equally important you should learn to follow your own instincts as to how/when/if to use the symbols. What you are taught from your Master are the general guidelines.  So much of Reiki is based on instinct, and each individual treatment session.

Reiju is a method of empowerment.  Basically it is the same as an attunement.  It is said Usui did offer Reiju to his students throughout their learning.

There is a lot of information available with regard to Traditional versus Western Reiki.  If you feel compelled to study the more Traditional lines, then focus your searching there.  Be prepared though, there is much overlap between the two and it is sometimes hard to discern which is which.

As for a 'style' of Reiki to learn, I truly believe that Usui Reiki is the best place to start.  Whether it is dubbed Usui Shiki Ryoho, or Usui Reiki Ryoho, the basis is the form of Reiki that was brought to the public by Mikao Usui.  I would always advise people to learn this first, then when enough time has elapsed and they wish to explore more, to go on to other modalities. 

Have fun on your search meljen!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

[meljen]

Hello all,

Thank you, Nick, for clarification in your findings. That helped me understand things a bit more. Thank you too, Michael, for the link...it looks promising, but the links to the actual books and articles seem to be broken for now! Ah well, I bookmarked the link to go back to it later when it is hopefully working.

And Featherpoint, you really made a lot of sense in what you had to say. I'm glad to know that there is no real difference between Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki and Usui Reiki Ryoho. That helped me to also see things more clearly.

My thing now is that I have started out learnin Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki from someone I met on the internet a while back...seems promising, but each time I get so far in the first set of lessons, I can only go so far and then I stop. I really feel that is because of the person I am being taught under...she's not a 'bad' person by any means, I just don't feel connected to what she says or the manual she wrote up.

I will have to find someone else that can teach me once I am ready to learn a new form of Reiki. I will definately do my searching here on the boards!

Love you all,
meljen