Book SummaryThe Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui, by Mikao Usui and Frank Arjava Petter

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui

The background and conceptual framework pertaining to Reiki.

Reiki's tenets are closely intertwined with Buddhist teachings, especially the concept of shunyata, which denotes emptiness.

The section of the book delves into the profound historical context and investigates the roots of Reiki, tracing them back to the practices of Esoteric Tantric Buddhism, while also thoroughly analyzing the fundamental Buddhist tenets that form its core. By understanding these profound relationships, we enhance our understanding of the spiritual underpinnings of Reiki and its fundamental aim to align with the universal life energy.

Reiki's origins are deeply connected to the mystical traditions found in Tantric Buddhism, as taught by Kukai and Saicho.

In the early 800s, Japan observed the rise to prominence of Vajrayana Buddhism following the return of the revered monks Kukai (Kobo Daishi) and Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) from China. The two monks, while in China, adopted a practice that traced its roots to the Indian monk Amoghavajra, inheriting a legacy deeply connected with the essential teachings of the Mahavairocana Sutra and the Kongocho Gyo, which are key scriptures in Esoteric Buddhism. Upon his return, Kukai initiated the Shingon sect and Saicho set up the Tendai school; both incorporated teachings typically linked with Mikkyo, which are the secret traditions of Buddhism in Japan. These historical figures and their teachings implanted the seeds of spiritual practice that would eventually give rise to Reiki as we know it.

Esoteric Buddhism seeks to surpass the realm of dualistic experiences and achieve oneness.

Petter highlights that the ultimate goal in Esoteric Buddhism is to attain the state referred to as "shunyata," commonly interpreted as "emptiness." This idea should not be misinterpreted as an emptiness or a condition of non-being. Instead, shunyata embodies the concept of moving beyond the illusion of separation that exists between oneself and others. Our comprehension leads us to believe that the apparent separation is merely a construct of the mind, a result of how we think, and that our true nature is fundamentally intertwined with the oneness that encompasses all that exists. Reiki underscores the concept of unity, striving to establish a balanced integration into the cosmic whole and to reinstate our natural condition of being part of a collective whole.

The Heart Sutra is pivotal as it expresses Buddhist teachings that are integral to the underpinnings of Reiki.

Petter illustrates that this perspective, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of all entities, is embodied in a sacred text often called the Heart Sutra. This esteemed scripture, held in high regard within Mahayana Buddhism, gracefully expresses how the notion of voidness shapes our perception of reality. The teachings derived from the Heart Sutra guide us in releasing our misconceptions of being separate entities and help us grasp the interconnected nature of all that exists. A profound...

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui Summary Dr. Usui was the originator of the core techniques that form the basis of Reiki practice.

We now turn our attention to the essential techniques at the heart of Usui's instruction, following an examination of the historical and philosophical backdrop that encompasses these therapeutic approaches. The section explores the core components of Gassho, Reiji-Ho, and Chiryo, providing comprehensive guidance on executing these practices and their benefits, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating these techniques into a consistent and mindful Reiki practice.

Meditation constitutes a fundamental practice.

Mikao Usui highlighted the Gassho meditation, characterized by the pressing together of palms, as a crucial element in the practice of Reiki. This beautifully straightforward method profoundly soothes the mind, fosters tranquility within, and links us to the omnipresent energy that infuses all that exists. Incorporating this practice into our everyday lives creates an environment that nurtures and promotes the growth of Reiki.

The objectives and advantages associated with the practice of Gassho Meditation.

Usui, as conveyed by Petter, deemed the Gassho method crucial for attaining deep tranquility, a state vital for accessing and channeling the vital...

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui Summary The significance of respiratory techniques and their application within Reiki.

In this part, we explore the often overlooked importance of breath work, which acts as a technique to enhance our engagement with the energy of Reiki, thus amplifying its impact. We delve into Joshin Kokyuu-Ho, Usui's distinctive breathing technique that markedly strengthens our ability to connect with and influence the Reiki power.

Usui's technique for maintaining vitality is referred to as the Breath of the Spirit.

Central to Usui Reiki Ryoho is the Joshin Kokyuu-Ho technique, a breathing exercise designed for the purification of the spirit. This potent method, as characterized by Petter, goes beyond simple breathing, acting as a channel to attract, gather, and distribute the essential energy of life within ourselves.

One channels the energy of Reiki into the Tanden.

The technique known as Joshin Kokyuu-Ho utilizes breath control to enhance our connection with the universal life energy. Petter instructs us to inhale gently and profoundly, while visualizing the intake of not only air but also the Reiki force, imagining it flowing through the crown of the head and filling our Tanden, the crucial energy center located below the navel. We rejuvenate and fortify our...

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui Summary The specific techniques for administering healing and the placement of the hands.

In this section, we delve into the manual authored by Usui, which meticulously outlines the system of hand placements integral to the practice of Reiki. We will explore the detailed explanations and visual illustrations provided, recognizing their importance as a fundamental guide for therapy, while emphasizing the need to adapt to the instinctive guidance and individual needs of every client.

Usui's comprehensive system of hand positions for treating the body

Petter's book uncovers a crucial element of Usui's instruction, emphasizing a comprehensive approach for the placement of hands across various parts of the body to address specific health concerns. Usui's manual provides a comprehensive guide for navigating and engaging with the body's energetic landscapes, presenting a versatile structure for practitioners.

The manual offers detailed descriptions and illustrative aids to show the correct positioning of the practitioner's hands for various physical regions and particular health conditions.

In the manual as presented by Petter, Usui's method outlines a detailed series of positions for the hands, targeting specific areas of the body such as the head, torso,...

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui Summary Reiki is utilized as a technique to tackle a range of health issues.

The final section of the book presents Dr. Usui's core Reiki tenets, recognizing a holistic view that merges aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health into a cohesive healing methodology.

The healing approach developed by Dr. Mikao Usui is comprehensive and based on intuition.

Petter describes Usui's approach as one that fosters a holistic view, acknowledging the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms as potential indicators of underlying imbalances and stresses that genuine healing involves treating the fundamental source, not merely the external symptoms of illness. This comprehensive viewpoint encourages us to consider Reiki as more than merely a collection of practices, but as a call to enhance consciousness and equilibrium throughout every facet of our existence.

Addressing the underlying causes, rather than just the external symptoms.

Petter highlights that at the heart of Usui's method is the understanding that a variety of illnesses originate from disturbances within the body's energetic framework. These imbalances, he suggests, can be triggered by a multitude of...