Mikao Usui's biography: Usui Reiki founder Mikao Usui

Let go of the small self, the ordinary self

Experience the spiritual energy between heaven and earth

Live in reverence amid the changing light

Pray for peace and purity in this world

For that other self that seeks the truth of itself, light a column of incense

—Words traditionally attributed to Usui; source not yet established

The fruits of cultivation and discipline, accumulated within, are called virtue. The way of guiding and helping others, extended widely outward, produces accomplishment. Only with great accomplishment and profound virtue does one become a great teacher. From ancient times, the wise and outstanding figures who transmitted schools of learning and founded traditions have all been such people.

Master Usui was such a person. He newly established a method using universal Reiki to improve body and mind and taught it in all directions. Those who heard of it asked to learn, and those seeking healing asked for treatment. He readily responded, and they came to his door.

Alas, the master was commonly known as Mikao and used the name Gyoho. He came from Taniai village, Yamagata district, Gifu Prefecture. His ancestry traced to Chiba Tsunetane. His father's personal name was Taneuji, commonly known as Uzaemon, and his mother's family name was Kawai.

The master was born on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of Keio 1. From childhood he studied diligently and surpassed his peers in effort. He travelled far to Europe and America, and journeyed in China. Once established in the world, his aspirations did not follow a conventional course. He repeatedly experienced hardship, yet never yielded to constraint, and his discipline deepened. One day he climbed Mount Kurama and undertook arduous fasting and practice. After twenty-one days, he suddenly experienced a profound spiritual energy and awakening; from this came the Reiki method.

He tried it on himself and his family and observed immediate effects. He felt that rather than practise alone and benefit only his family, he should share it widely so that others might receive its blessings and support. In April of Taisho 11, he settled in Aoyama-Harajuku, Tokyo, established a society and taught Reiki. Those seeking healing came from near and far, filling the space outside his door.

In September of Taisho 12, the great earthquake and fires struck. The master was deeply moved by the suffering and cries of the injured and ill. Each day he went through the city offering aid and healing; who could count how much he did? Wherever he hurried, sufferers received help. Later, as the training hall became cramped, he selected a site and built in Nakano outside the city. His reputation grew, though the text records few invitations from other regions.

Responding to requests, the master travelled to Hiroshima, entered Saga and then reached Fukuyama. There he unexpectedly fell ill and died at his lodging on 9 March, Taisho 15, aged sixty-two by the reckoning used in the inscription. His wife, Sadako of the Suzuki family, bore one son and two daughters. Their son, Fuji, succeeded as head of the family.

The master was warm, respectful and modest, unconcerned with outward adornment. He had a large physique and often smiled. He was resolute, patient and deeply thoughtful. Naturally talented and versatile, he enjoyed histories and biographies, medical books, and Buddhist and Christian scriptures. He explored psychology, methods of the immortals, spells, divination and physiognomy, and was well versed in them. His learning, arts and experiences supplied the material for his cultivation and discipline. It is clearly apparent that this cultivation and discipline were the key to founding his spiritual method.

The central purpose of the spiritual method extended beyond treating illness: through one's innate spiritual capacity, a right mind and a healthy body, one could enjoy the blessings of life. Thus, when teaching, he first referred to the late Emperor Meiji's guidance and asked people to recite five principles in their hearts morning and evening: first, just for today, do not be angry; second, do not worry; third, be grateful; fourth, be diligent; fifth, be kind to others. These are indeed great instructions for personal cultivation.

They are in accord with the admonitions of the ancient sages. The master called this “the secret method of inviting happiness” and “the spiritual medicine for all illnesses”, revealing where his essential teaching lay. His way of guidance remained simple and close to everyday life: sit quietly with palms together and recite morning and evening, nurturing a sound mind and upright conduct, then put this into practice. In this lies the accessibility of the spiritual method, which anyone may undertake.

Yet as modern times move on, the text speaks of limited change in thought. Fortunately, this spiritual method can spread, though the text describes its contribution to society and people's hearts as small. Its benefit is not confined to treating persistent illness. More than two thousand people entered the master's school. Senior students in the capital gather at the training hall to continue his work, while those in other regions each transmit the method.

Though the master has passed away, his spiritual method will continue to spread. Alas, were not his inner attainment and outward service great? Recently, his students consulted together and decided to erect a memorial to his virtues and accomplishments in the burial grounds of Saihoji Temple, Toyotama district, so that his memory would endure. They asked me to compose the inscription. In deep admiration of his great achievements, I hope to make them known to future generations.

—February, Showa 2. Composed by Masayuki Okada, Doctor of Literature; calligraphy by Rear Admiral Jusaburo Ushida.