Traditional Usui Reiki
Usui Shiki Ryoho
Reiki is a simple, natural, safe holistic therapy which brings about healing on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level, with the aim of bringing the client back to a state of balance and harmony. Reiki is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “Universal life force energy” flows through every living thing. If our “life force energy” is blocked or low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Reiki can do no harm, and anyone who has been attuned to Reiki can use it. It promotes relaxation and healing and has a beneficial effect on the mind and body. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an “attunement” given by a Reiki Master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of “life force energy” to improve one’s health and enhance their quality of life.
This energy, has been used for centuries for healing, and bringing the body, mind and soul back into balance. The energy was also used and experimented with, by such doctors, scientists & scholars as Pythagoras, Hippocrates, Paracelsus, Mesmer, Reichenbach, Quimby and Edgar Cayce, to name but a few, but was known under several different names such as Orgone.
How Does Reiki Work?
Using the traditional Usui method, Reiki life energy is channeled through the hands of the practitioner to the client whilst you are fully clothed. When the practitioner does Reiki on himself/herself or others, the energy blockage is cleared, allowing the mind-body-soul system to return back into homeostasis, which then speeds up the healing process and return back to health and balance once more. The Reiki practitioner is simply the channel or hollow reed, through which the energy flows. It is drawn by the client/patient to use for their highest good, whether that is for physical, mental, emotional or spiritual purposes, or a combination of any of these levels. There are many applications for this form of natural therapy.
You may experience the transfer of the Reiki energy as a warm tingling sensation, tingling, coolness or other sensations. Distant healing can also be done by a Level 2 Reiki practitioner or higher, who is trained to do so, to send Reiki Healing to others who are not physically present. This is similar to Prayer Power and can be accurately shown to work, which has been validated by scientific testing.
Healing is aimed at a full and complete resolution of the causes of the dis-ease. Healing is returning to a state of alignment with your Higher Self or true way of being. Reiki also works well with conventional medical treatments.
When we have emotional issues going on in our lives it can cause a block in the flow of our energy field or aura. If we are unable to deal with these issues, the block may move through the layers to manifest as illness or injury. When the practitioner does Reiki on himself/herself or others, the energy blockage is cleared, allowing the mind-body-soul system to return back into homeostasis, which then speeds up the healing process and return back to health and balance once more. The Reiki practitioner is simply the channel or hollow reed, through which the energy flows. It is drawn by the client/patient to use for their highest good, whether that is for physical, mental, emotional or spiritual purposes, or a combination of any of these levels.
Reiki is based on the premise that universal energy flows through all living things. When we have emotional issues going on in our lives it can cause a block in the flow of our energy field or aura. If we are unable to deal with these issues, the block may move through the layers to manifest as illness or injury. When blockages occur this energy cannot flow freely through the body resulting in a range of disorders – emotional, physical and spiritual.
Even our Aboriginal Traditional Healers, known as the Ngangkari, use a form of energy medicine, in fact Carol did some Reiki on a couple of these amazing healers when they came to Dubbo in 2019 to work with other indigenous people.
The Benefits of Reiki
Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-intrusive touch therapy, which restores the natural energy balance of the body, promoting harmony in all areas of one’s life and bringing wholeness to the recipient and giver.
Here are some of the benefits of Reiki:
Treats symptoms & causes of illnesses & heals holistically.
Strengthens life force energy & immune system.
Relieves pain and stress.
Provides deep relaxation, evoking a sense of peace and well being.
Clears away energy blockages in the body, to increase the rate that it heals and returns to wellness.
May bring clarity and insights helping to improve one’s outlook on life.
Strengthens creativity, awareness and intuition, and promotes creativity.
Helps meditative states.
Compliments the healing properties of traditional medicine, naturopathy, massage, shiatsu, bowen, meditation and other healing modalities.
We do not encourage anyone to discontinue any form of modern medicine or treatments, we offer our practice of complementary therapies as a way of working with your existing program to enhance your healing process.
Is NOT a religion and holds no creeds or doctrines.
Anyone can do Reiki!
The Reiki Precepts
These are the Reiki Ideals which were developed by Sensei Mikao Usui, inspired by the Meji Emporor of the time, to act as principles to live by. Students were encouraged to kneel to meditate with hands in Gassho (Prayer Position) twice a day, and recite these words. Read below for the traditional Precepts as a way of life. Read more below.
Just for Today, I let go of Anger
Just for Today, I let go of Worry
Just for Today, I count my many Blessings
Just for Today, I do my work Honestly
Just for Today, I will be kind to my Neighbour and Every Living Thing
(Note: every living thing includes YOU. Be kind to YOU!)
The History of Usui Reiki
In 1922 Mikao Usui discovered Reiki after meditating on Mt Kurama for 21 days, when he experienced his satori or enlightenment. After this experience, he attuned thousands of people into his Reiki system, then attuned 13.Masters who shared Reiki with the world.
One of Usui Sensei’s students was Chujiro Hayashi. Hayashi attuned 16 people to the level of Reiki Master, and one of them was Mrs Hawayo Takata, a Hawaiian woman of Japanese descent.
Mrs Hawayo Takata is credited for bringing Reiki to the West. Mrs Takata was born on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, on Christmas Eve 1900 of Japanese descent. She became a Master in 1938. Mrs Takata attuned 22 Reiki Masters, and from there it spread like wild fire to the rest of the world.
Carol was trained by Zetta Michaels in 1998 and Merilyn Bretherick (now McKenzie) in 1999 when she became a Reiki Master. Zetta was trained by 2 others who had trained under Mrs Takata’s Master Students.
Read below to learn more in depth History and Lineage of Reiki. If you train under Carol, you will then be a part of this Reiki traditional lineage, and be able to channel this wonderful “life-force energy” to help yourself and others.
Usui Shiki Ryoho - Modern History
Usui Shiki Ryoho – the Usui System of Natural Healing – is a Japanese Healing Art. This form was founded in Japan a little over 100 years ago a by Mikao Usui, whose personal search to understand healing led him to Reiki. In our western world Reiki is a form of hands-on healing using Universal life force energy, also known as Ki, chi or prana, to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and bring about a state of balance and harmony.
He developed his practice in Japan after his Spiritual experience on Mount Kurama in 1922. Usui Sensei travelled the country and personally trained 16 Master. One of these was Chujiro Hayashi, who trained 13 Students to the Master Level. Mrs Hawayo Takata, a Hawiian woman of Japanese descent introduced Reiki to Hawaii 1937. It is passed on from Master to student through teachings, a defined form of practice and initiation.
The Japanese word ‘Reiki’ can be translated as ‘universal life energy’ and the Usui System is a way of working with reiki for healing of self and others. The word healing is used in the sense of regaining harmony and wholeness. Usui Shiki Ryoho addresses the whole person on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels and those that we cannot identify at the present.
Phyllis Lei Fuumoto, Mrs Hawayo Takata’s granddaughter, was the Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Lineage Bearer after Mrs Takata’s death. Phyllis was a wonderful lady and one of my Facebook friends. Phyllis carried on the work of Takata, sharing and promoting it worldwide till her death in 2019. She also further developed Reiki during this time, as her grandmother would have wanted.
Phyllis handed over the title of Lineage Bearer to her loyal student and friend, Johannes Reindle just before her death. She personally mentored Johannes for 4 years before her death, and he is a gentle soul who leads with integrity. Johannes has also presented for Reiki Australia for our 20th Anniversary in October 2022. Carol is currently the Deputy Chair for Reiki Australia, and has been on the Board of Directors since 2021
Usui Shiki Ryoho has been defined by the former lineage bearer, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, as having Four Aspects: healing practice, personal development, spiritual discipline and mystic order. The Aspects accompany a central core of practice and philosophy referred to as the Nine Elements. The combination of all the Elements and Aspects and their inter-relationships creates the system which has a proven, predictable capacity to take people along a profound path of healing, growth and spiritual deepening. If any part is changed or left out, the form is no longer recognized and is considered to be another form of Reiki practice.
The importance and deeper meaning of the elements and aspects and the whole system is mainly beyond words and gradually unfolds through personal experience. The following is a brief outline.
Healing Practice – Usui Shiki Ryoho has as its basis self treatment and a form of treatment to be used as a way to treat others. This is achieved through a series of laying-on-of-hands treatment positions.
Personal Development – Through the practice of this system, the student is presented in everyday life with choices. These choices address underlying principles and beliefs that the student has acquired over the years of life. These principles and beliefs are often challenged as they may not be beneficial for the student’s path toward authenticity.
Spiritual Discipline – inherent in the regular practice of the Form is the connection to spirit within each of us as a human being. This connection to spirit can result in students considering this practice as a spiritual path.
Mystic Order – practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho brings mystic experiences and a sense of connection and common purpose with others following this path.
Carol's Reiki Lineage
CAROL’S REIKI LINEAGE #1
When training in Reiki, your lineage is important. The closer you are to the top, the more you will be in alignment with the traditional teachings.
1. Dr Mikao Usui- Discovered Reiki, March 1922 during a mystical experience
( 1865 – 1926) on Mt Kurama.
2. Dr Chujiro Hayashi- One of Dr Usui’s students. Founded a clinic in Japan. Developed
(1878– 1940) the standard hand positions and divided Reiki into Levels 1, 2 & 3.
3. Mrs Hawayo Takata- Learnt Reiki form Dr Hayashi and brought Reiki to the West. (1900-1980)
4. Beth Gray- One of Mrs Takata’s 22 Masters. Initiated between 1970 and 1980 and spread Reiki to the rest of the world.
5. Denise Crundall- Beth Gray’s Student
5. Also William Rand- William has also taken Reiki from Diane McCumber, Marlene Schilke, Harry Kuboi, Bethel Phaigh and Phyllis Furumoto
6. Zetta Michaels- My Reiki Master
7. Carol Macrae– Your Reiki Master
8. YOU– If you attend a Reiki Workshop with Carol, you will be at number 8.
This workshop is the start of a life long opportunity to practice, apply, contemplate, live, honour, choose and love working with Reiki / Life Force Energy.
CAROL’S REIKI LINEAGE #2
1. Dr Mikao Usui- Rediscovered Reiki, March 1922 during a mystical experience
( 1865 – 1926) on Mt Kurama.
2. Dr Chujiro Hayashi- One of Dr Usui’s students. Founded a clinic in Japan. Developed
(1878– 1940) the standard hand positions and divided Reiki into Levels 1, 2 & 3.
4. Iris Ishikura– 1973-1980. One of Mrs Takata’s Masters
5. Arthur Robertson– 1982
6. Jeanie Sande– 1982
7. Judith Tripp Chasin– 1992
8. Anna Khan Isis– 1993
9. Shirley Britton– 1997
10. Merilyn Bretherick– 1998
11. Carol Macrae– 1999– Your Reiki Master
12. YOU
KOMYO REIKIDO LINEAGE
1. Mikao Usui
2. Chujiro Hayashi
3. Chiyoko Yamaguchi
4. Hyakuten Inamoto Founded Komyo ReikiDo and began teaching in 1998
CAROL’S KOMYO REIKIDO LINEAGE
1. Hyatuten Inamoto
2. Carol Macrae, Levels 1, 2, 3 and Komyo ReikiDo Master and Teacher in July 2017.
The Reiki Precepts
The Original Reiki Ideals
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not be angry
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work and be kind to people
Every morning and evening join your hands in prayer,
Pray these words to your heart,
And chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder … Usui Mikao
The Reiki precepts are listed here in Japanese:
Kyo dake wa
Ikaru-na
Shinpai suna
Kansha shite
Gyo o hage me
Hito ni shin-setsu ni
This can be translated in different ways depending not only on how the kanji is read, but also on the spiritual state of mind of the translator. I personally like this translation of the precepts:
For today only
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be grateful
Practice diligently
Show compassion to yourself and others
When Japanese Buddhist teachers (for example Shugendo, Shingon, and Tendai priests) have been shown the Reiki Precepts, they point out that the precepts are linked to the six paramitas. Takeda Ajarai, an esteemed Shingon priest, feels that Mikao Usui created the Reiki precepts to allow his students to have a direct experience of the six paramitas without actually pointing the six paramitas out to them. This might have been done because in Mikao Usui’s time the Meji Emperor decided to separate Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. State Shinto was introduced and was promoted in the name of national unity and patriotic duty. Therefore, Mikao Usui might have created a simple form of the six paramitas which was more accessible to people who had to practice State Shinto.
The Four Aspects and Nine Elements of Reiki
The Four Aspects and the Nine Elements of Reiki were developed by Phyllis Fuumoto, Mrs Hawayo Takata‘s Granddaughter, who was the Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Lineage Bearer after Mrs Takata’s death. Phyllis was a wonderful lady and one of my Facebook friends. Phyllis carried on the work of Takata, sharing and promoting it worldwide till her death in 2019.
The Six Paramitas of Buddhism
Many Japanese Buddhist teachers (for example Shugendo, Shingon, and Tendai priests), point out that the Reiki Precepts are linked to the six paramitas of traditional Buddhism. Takeda Ajarai, an esteemed Shingon priest, feels that Mikao Usui created the Reiki precepts to allow his students to have a direct experience of the six paramitas without actually pointing the six paramitas out to them. Mikao Usui might have created a simple form of the six paramitas which was more accessible to people who had to practice State Shinto.
In Japanese Reiki the focus is more on the Spiritual Path than on physical healing, and although Reiki has no religion and holds no creeds, it is interesting to look at things from a Buddhist perspective since Mikao Usui was actually a Buddhist.
Buddha indicated six important mental states that we need to develop if we want to reach any of our positive goals in life. They’re usually translated as “perfections,” since by perfecting them fully as the Buddhas have, we too can attain liberation and enlightenment.
The six paramitas are listed here:
- Generosity
- Morality
- Patience
- Persistence
- Concentration
- Wisdom
Let’s have a look and see how the Reiki precepts and the six paramitas intertwine with each other.
Carol first learned Reiki in 1998, while searching for a way to heal her damaged knees after doctors told her there was a 20% chance they could be healed, and that she could never exercise or go for walks again. A year later she went on to become a Reiki and Seichim Master and Teacher, and now has over 800 students who have trained to learn Reiki from her.
Carol has been on the Board of Directors for Reiki Australia since 2021 and is currently the Deputy Chair. Her work here continues to promote Reiki Australia wide, as an alternative and complementary form of healing, that has changed her life, and the lives of her students forever.
Since then Carol has helped thousands of clients on their healing journey, and even used Reiki, self-hypnosis, meditation, diet and vitamins to work eliminate her own bone cancer. Read about her Reiki Journey thus far.
In 2017 Carol attended a Komyo ReikiDo Workshop with Japanese Reiki Master Hyakuten Inamoto and was trained in Level 1, 2, 3 and Master/Teacher. She is now certified to teach this style of Reiki too. Although this style of Reiki still uses the same Lif-Force Energy as Usui Reiki, there is a more Japanese flavour to the workshops. Carol may be teaching Komyo ReikiDo Workshops in 2023 to Reiki Level 2 and Master students.
To learn more follow the link below.
Reiki Workshops
Carol runs Reiki and Seichim workshops in Dubbo, NSW, Australia on a regular basis throughout the year. People from all walks of life have used Reiki to help heal themselves, their family, friends and clients. Check our Workshop Page for more details or book from the link below. Check our Workshop Page for dates for our Workshops in 2023.
Level 1
The Basic level to channel Reiki Energy for Hands-on Healing for self and others
Level 2
More Advanced Techniques & learn the 3 Symbols to increase power, do mental/emotional healing & send Reiki at a Distance
Reiki Master & Teacher
Completion and self-mastery. You'll learn how to share Reiki with others. Increased Spiritual Connection
Reiki Stories and Techniques with Carol
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What an amazing woman to help me navigate through Reiki. The workshop is a great day and I've learnt so many things in such a short time. Thank you Carol!
Rachel Kerney
I would highly recommend seeing Carol for any challenges you are facing in your life or even to have a casual chat. A beautiful down to earth soul I am very grateful to have as support in my life. Thank you Carol.
Bradley Bower
