What is Usui Reiki and who was Mikao Usui?
Mikao Usui was a Japanese man born in 1865 who is credited with codifying the practices of Reiki. He was a learned man and a businessman. The details of those that first practiced reiki are steeped in mystery since it was first practiced in a group that was closed to the outside world. So there are many stories about Mikao Usui and Reiki that are very difficult to substantiate even though many have tried. The traditional story of how Usui Reiki was formed goes something like this: Mikao Usui went to seek enlightenment concerning how he could heal, he climbed to the top of Mt. Kurama for a 21 day meditation and fasting ritual asking for this knowledge. At the end of the 21 days when Usui was about to leave the mountain, he was given the knowledge of the Reiki symbols and the ability to heal. Everyone who practices Usui Reiki has a direct link back to Mikao Usui, as the practice is passed down from one healer to another. Some believe that Reiki energy has always been and always will be a
