Traditional Japanese Healing Techniques from the Founder of the Western Reiki System
Frank Arjava Petter – Tadao Yamaguchi – Chujiro Hayashi
Mega Mease
First published in 2003, The Hayashi Reiki Manual differs from an ordinary “how-to” instruction manual in that it tactfully blends the rich history of Reiki with practical directions. It provides the Hayashi Reiki Shishin treatment plan in a fresh translation, illustrated with photographs and graphics making it easy to use. An often missed Important Note at the beginning of the manual states:
“This publication was mindfully researched and passed on according to the authors’ best knowledge and conscience. The information presented in this manual is meant only for the further education of interested parties. The authors and publishers assume no liability for damages from the application or use of any of the statements in this book. United States law permits the practice of medicine only by registered physicians and healing practitioners who have been trained in accordance with the law. The healing methods and exercises are not substitutes for consulting an allopathic or naturopathic physician. They are designed to support the healing process as an additional treatment.”
The reader must consider that the information, healing techniques, and instructions date back to the beginning of the last century. Therefore, some hand positions shown and instructions are inappropriate for today’s Reiki practitioners. Readers are immediately drawn in by the prophecy on the tombstone of Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki. “Reiki will spread all over the world, healing the people as well as the Planet Earth herself.”Juzburo Ushida, the second chairperson of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in Dr. Usui’s organization, wrote the epitaph to his beloved teacher, not knowing how explosive the effect of Reiki would have on our Mother Earth and all of her children. Reiki is now practiced worldwide by all creeds, races, social statuses, and religions. This is due to the dedicated effort of one man, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi.
The details of Frank Arjava Petter’s excitement when meeting Mrs. Yamaguchi, one of Dr. Hayashi’s students, bring in a human element that provides a sense of connection with the author. His raw honesty regarding his prior focus on Dr. Usui and his teaching while unintentionally neglecting Dr. Hayashi is refreshing, encouraging the reader to continue.
The synopsis of Chujiro Hayashi’s life partnered with the details of how the author met one of Dr. Hayashi’s students, encourage continued interest in learning more. Many dots are connected when reading the Yamaguchi family story regarding Reiki. The nature of the degree system is unclear, but it is known that monthly five-day seminars were available up to the third degree. The many levels of the traditional Japanese Reiki System are named and explained in the footnotes.
The traditional Japanese System is divided into the following degree:
Shoden: This is the lowest and represents the First Degree Reiki in the Western System. It is divided into four parts.
Okuden is the next degree that represents the Second Degree Reiki in the Western System. This level of training is done in two parts; Okuden Zenki and Okuden Koki.
Shinpiden is divided into two parts. Shihan-Kaku (assistant teacher) and Shihan ( teacher).
There are many differences between today’s Reiki training, including attunements in the USA, and that taught by Dr. Usui and Dr. Hayashi:
1. Dr. Hayashi’s students received their Reiki initiations in a darkened, sacred space.
2. They sat in Seiza posture, a formal, respectful way of Japanese sitting style on ones’ knees with hands in prayer position.
3. The attunement ceremony began with Dr. Hayashi leading the group in reciting Go-kai-no-sho ( the Five Reiki Ideals).
Kyo dake wa (Just for today)
Ikaru-na (Do not get angry)
Shinpaisuna (Do not worry)
Kansha shite (Be thankful)
Gyo hageme (Work hard)
Hito-ni shinesetsu-ni (Be kind to others)
Reiju (attunement) is an essential element within the System of Reiki, meaning spiritual blessing or offering. Unlike modern Reiki attunements, each piece of the process piece was referred to as a separate attunement. Students sat in a circle immediately after receiving Reiju, placing their hands on the person in front of them to sense the Reiki energy. He continued sharing pertinent information through his well-thought-out, comprehensive lectures. The basis was all human beings have a duty toward all things in the Universe.
Dr. Hyashi’s lectures included practical lessons on making the hands more sensitive and understanding each organ’s functions. Applications were also taught depending on the person’s symptoms. It may be tempting to become excited to follow suit when reading both the historical and practical chapters. Therefore, it’s important to remember that Chujiro Hayashi was a medical physician in Japan.
Hayashi Sensei’s passing is thought to be a mystery to many; however, the facts are known, interesting, and shared in this publication. The short version is that he died with dignity in the presence of his wife and some of his students.
This publication includes seventy-two pages of Practical information. Professional Reiki practitioners are urged to give thorough attention when reading Chapter Four. This information is also helpful for the layperson who is receiving Reiki. This chapter states that the Japanese and Western Reiki schools differ in one central way.
In Western Reiki, we are taught that Reiki is “intelligent.”It will find its way to the areas in the body that need it most. While this is true, it is only a half-truth.
The other half is that the body wants the Reiki and will allow the practitioner to know where and how it wants to be touched. This happens through “Byosen.The Feeling the Byosen exercises are simple, easy to understand and practice on yourself or with a partner. While the Attitude of a Practitioner towards His Clients Suffering section strongly encourages practicing rituals, for some, it may also promote overthinking, taking the practitioner away from being completely present. For some, it may be helpful to keep their feelings towards their client’s suffering in check.
The section Observing Silently and Accurately addresses our capacity to empathize with one another, making a diagnosis a natural occurrence. Information may be sensed on the physical, energetic, psychological, emotional, and spiritual levels. Should this happen, practitioners need to refer their clients to the appropriate professional for support.
The Advanced Techniques provide clear directions which showcase Internal Scanning. Perceiving the body as a whole and analyzing all the parts are both covered. It is suggested that one Practicing scanning oneself before working with others is suggested. While Internal Scanning may be performed on any part of the body, it is recommended that the novice focus on the ankles, Medulla Oblongata, Temples, and hands.
The Practical Part of the Manual includes:
Ketsueki Kokan – a Blood Circulation Technique with 26 steps. Dr. Hayashi taught this to Second Degree students, suggesting that it be done at the end of each treatment. Pages 53-61 provide color photographs of each position.
The author states. “Your clients will love you for it!” This technique utilizes rubbing and patting throughout, so practitioners must be licensed to touch in this way.
Ryoho Shishin – The Healing Plan contains the healing techniques given by Dr. Hyashi. The material has been used in Japan for seventy years. As mentioned before, he was a physician, so many medical words are included. The authors include photos and treatment plans as an incentive to use and understand them.
The Hayashi Reiki Manual is an informative, practical, constructive guide when used within the guidelines of modern-day ethics and legalities. The Ryoho Shishin healing techniques date back to the beginning of the last century. When reading about the diseases, it’s essential to consider this. Both professional healers and laypersons can benefit from the knowledge presented in this manual.
Bio:
Mega R. Mease, RMT, EHP-C, is the founder and owner of The Center for Advanced Energy Therapeutics in Tucson, AZ. A board member of the National Alliance of Energy Practitioners and nationally certified by the National Certification Center of Energy Practitioners. She is a holistic Manifestation Life-Health consultant with over 30 years of experience with a private practice in Tucson, AZ, USA. Her Reiki Credentials include: Usui Reiki Master, Karuna Reiki Master, Karuna HolyFire Reiki Master, and Lightarian Reiki Master.