Source Of Tibetan Reiki Symbols Unclear

The Tibetan Reiki symbols were probably nottaught Christian theology, as well as other
used by Master Usui Maiko. Although Reiki handphilosophies and religions, including Hinduism and
positions and symbols are a big part of theBuddhism.
ceremonial practice of the Reiki healing system,Most Reiki practitioners agree that Master Usui did
some masters believe that they are unnecessary,not use the Tibetan Reiki symbols, but used those
if a person can focus his intent, without using thereferred to as the Usui Reiki symbols. However,
symbols.they do not always agree upon the number of
In order to understand the Reiki hand positionsReiki hand positions and symbols needed to
some people may want to learn the function ofachieve a result. It is said that if one understands
the chakras within the human body, but one canReiki energy, the symbols themselves are not
begin to use Reiki power within his or her own life,needed to invoke the power with which they are
without understanding the chakras. Afterassociated.
attunement, even new students have been ableAccording to an article written for a Japanese
to heal themselves and others simply by placingmagazine in 1928 by Shou Matsui, the Reiki
their hands in the appropriate positions. It is all aMasters of the time required that students not
learning process and the process can begin at anyreveal the secrets of Reiki to others. This is the
point.most probable explanation for how little we know.
The history of the Tibetan Reiki symbols hasShou Matsui, a journalist, playwright and drama
been lost to time. Much of Reiki history wasteacher, said in the article, that he was taught by
passed down over the years in verbal, ratherChujiro Hayashi, who is considered the main
than written form. And, we are all aware of howdisciple of Master Usui and the teacher of Mrs.
even a simple story can change over time withHawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to Hawaii and
the retelling. Even the birth date of Usui Mikao, thethe rest of the Western world.
founder of the Reiki healing system, has beenIt is said that upon his death, Master Usui charged
disputed. Some sources say that he was born inChujiro Hayashi with the responsibility of
1865. Others say that he was performing miraclespreserving and continuing the Reiki teachings,
in the 1830s.revealing reiki hand positions and symbols only to
Even the man's actual name is unclear. He may bethose who studied with him. Some researchers
referred to as Usui Mikao, Mikao Usui, Dr. Usui, orthink that it is unlikely that Master Usui considered
Usui Sensei. Sensei is a Japanese title that is usedHayashi a "grand" master. They say that Usui
to show respect for a teacher or master, so ininitiated an unknown number of Reiki masters and
English, many of us refer to him as Master Usui.considered them all equals.
During his life, he is believed to have studied and