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WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki (pronounced ray – key) is a Japanese word, and it is most often translated as Universal Life-force Energy; ‘Rei’ meaning Universal, and ‘Ki’ meaning life-force energy. However, it is not as simple as you might think to find a satisfying direct translation of some Japanese words, especially one such as ‘Reiki’, which is an old word, and not in common usage today. The translation to Universal Life-force Energy is an over-simplification.
The Japanese characters that are put together to form words can take on different meanings or nuances when combined with other characters to form a singlekanji (character). Added to this, many kanji also operate as pictographs, the image of the kanji giving as much information as to the meaning as the individual radicals. It is not unusual in Japan for a conversation to divert into a discussion of the meaning of a single kanji, even when the conversation is amongst adults!
So whilst ‘Rei’ most directly translates as ‘universal’, depending upon context it can also mean ‘sacred’, ‘wisdom’, ‘divine essence’ or ‘mysterious power’. And ‘ki’ when used generally most directly translates as ‘life-force energy’, but can also mean ‘universal energy’ or ‘cosmic’, and when used in referring to an individual can mean ‘intention’, ‘mood’ or ‘character’ (as in a person of good character). Most interesting of all, both ‘Rei’ and ‘ki’ can be translated in particular contexts as ‘spirit’ and ‘soul’.
The word ‘Reiki’ written in Japanese kanji.
But perhaps rather than words, it is more important to understand the concept of Reiki. We use the word ‘Reiki’ today to describe both the healing system devised by Sensei Usui (and the subject of this book), and as the name of the energy used in this healing method. In the energetic sense, Reiki is both simply and profoundly the energy that surrounds, connects and is within every thing in the Universe; it is the force that, in 1944, Max Planck named the ‘Divine Matrix’.
Reiki the energy is as old as time itself. You may already know it by other names such asPrana (India) orCh’ i/Qi (China). It is also the energy of quantum physics. It is in and around all things. All things are made of energy; all things are made of Ki.
‘There is only one life force in the Universe.’1
Chuang-Tzu
In order to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, the Ki in and around our bodies needs to be clean, clear, vibrating at the appropriate level and constantly moving in and around our bodies and interacting with our surrounding environment. Many illnesses and diseases are caused by negative energy or by energy blocks in the body and the aura. With a gentle laying on of hands, anyone with Reiki training can use Reiki to clean and clear the Ki, to remove any blockages, to restore the natural flow of Ki in and around the body and to adjust our energetic vibrations. Our physical bodies are then able to heal themselves. This ability of our bodies to self-heal is also enhanced by the state of relaxation that is induced by Reiki. Because Reiki enables the body to heal itself, Reiki can be used to heal all diseases at all levels; physical, mental and emotional.
The word ‘Ch’i’ or ‘Ki’ written in calligraphy.
Although Reiki is powerful, it works very gently, and so can be used in healing all people from babies to the very old. Nobody and nothing is too fragile to receive Reiki. You can also give
