Usui Reiki and Western Reiki – Shoden - Level One

Welcome to Shoden – The First Teachings, or Level One - of Usui Reiki Ryoho.  I am excited to embark on this journey together and to progress towards our discussion and training in the traditional roots of Japanese Reiki!   This training is divided into two components.  We open with course content aligned with more "modern" or "Western" approaches to Reiki. Then we progress into the traditional and original teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho as it was initially taught in Japan.  The course opens with Western content, as this is simply the language that many may have already been exposed to or may be more familiar with regarding the practice of Reiki.  Further, this will serve as a familiar launch pad as we move into the traditional teachings and practices from Japan, ensuring that the course content is well understood and our transition into the traditional teachings is smooth, logical, and seamless.

We will begin our journey via topics more aligned to a "Western" or more modern approach to Reiki, which includes:

• How to unlock and utilize Chi (Reiki) to heal yourself
• A history of the migration of Reiki from Japan to the west
• How energy flows through the body via the meridians and Chakras
• A deep understanding of the structure of the body, its systems, the energy centers, emotions, organs, and much more
• The Western Reiki theory and practice of energy healing
• How Chinese and Western Medicine are embracing Reiki
• The connection between the West and the East and the evolution of Reiki

From here, we will discuss the traditional practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, initially taught in Japan.  Our journey into the original teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho will include:

• A deep dive into the history of Usui Sensei and the foundation of Usui Reiki Ryoho
• The full meaning of the term Reiki via a full interpretation of the kanji of (Reiki) - hint - it means much more than simply "universal energy."
• The full and original name of Usui Reiki Ryoho and why it is so important to our understanding of the practice - this is often not taught in Western courses
• Understanding the five guiding precepts of Usui Reiki Ryoho and their central importance to the practice
• The essential meditations within Usui Reiki Ryoho, their importance in self-healing, and their role in our daily practice
• The traditional hand placements within Usui Reiki Ryoho and how these hand placements facilitate self-healing on a daily basis
• A journey into the spiritual and esoteric significance of Mt. Kurama - the sacred mountain outside of Kyoto where Usui Sensei was enlightened and Reiki was born
• Understanding the deities of Mt. Kurama and their subtle yet significant role in the practice if Usui Reiki Ryoho
• The triple diamond system of Usui Reiki Ryoho and how it is a road map to our own internal journey of healing
• The significance of the journey into the self and how this journey is reflected in the roots of the practice of Reiki
• And so much more!

Why should you begin your Reiki journey here at rootsofoflife.org?

I feel the Reiki world is at a crossroads. The practice of Reiki has been with us for just over 100 years, and during this time, it has evolved and changed tremendously. With each of those changes, in many ways, the practice has lost its connection to its Japanese roots on Mt. Kurama. Yet, I continue to see a global desire among new and seasoned Reiki students alike to understand this practice's roots and practice Reiki as it was initially taught.

The practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho is central to my life, and it is my sincere pleasure to bring all of you along on a journey back to the source and the roots.  Indeed, I return yearly to Mt. Kurama and Japan to work closely with my teachers, monks, priests, and friends in and around the Kyoto area to remain as close as possible to the source of the practice.  It is my sincere honor to be a 4th generation Reiki practitioner and teacher and to be able to connect my students and clients to the roots of the practice via my yearly pilgrimages to Japan.

Reiki is a journey that has no end, and every year that I return from Japan, my understanding of the practice and connection to the roots of Reiki deepen - which means that your understanding of the practice and connection to the roots of Reiki will also always continue to deepen.  Why is that?  Because I pass everything I learn along to my students - like my teachers pass their teachings to me.  As we walk together in practice and continue to grow via Reiki, your Reiki courses here at rootsoflife.org will continue to grow and expand as well.

Inclusive of all course enrollments here at rootsoflife.org are all future course updates and new content - there will never be a charge for new course material!  So that means the more I learn and grow in the practice, the more you will!

Welcome to your first step in the journey to the roots of Usui Reiki Ryoho.  I look forward to our time together in this training and I look forward to all the personal growth, transformation and evolution that is to come!

Welcome to Shoden!
Be well and In Gassho to all!