As teachers, one of the first statements we make to our students is that Reiki is not a religion. I tell students that the practice of Reiki is not dependent upon any religious doctrine, dogma, or practice; however, if one chooses, Reiki can be a tool for transformation within the context of one's spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be.

Mikao Usui

According to a Buddhist nun who was with Mikao Usui daily from 1920-1926, he practiced Tendai Buddhism, Shinto, and shamanism. He also underwent three years of Zen training. What we call Reiki grew out of Buddhist and Shinto practices. For Usui, his method was first of all a means of self-realization. His healing ability was a by-product of self-realization and secondary to it.*

For obvious reasons, Usui Sensei's spiritual practices were not brought to the West. Eastern religions were little known in the 1930's when Takata learned Reiki, and her teacher, Dr. Hayashi, was a Christian Methodist and more than likely did not embrace all of Usui's practices.

My spirituality does not mirror Usui's; however, my practice of Reiki is deeply spiritual. It is not something I do, it is what I strive to be. Because of this, and because of my interest in the history of Reiki, I have been drawn again and again to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America near Seattle.

On my first visit I immediately saw connections between Shinto and Reiki, and when there, I feel a closeness to Usui Sensei through the ceremony, the beauty, and the powerful energy of the place. It provides a window into the culture that shaped every aspect of Usui's life and practice and adds a richness and deeper understanding to my own practice of Reiki.

A voracious learner, Usui Sensei studied many disciplines, among them the major religions of the world. I think it would please him to know that Reiki practitioners today take an interest in his spiritual practices.

*Information about Usui's practice comes from Reiki, The True Story, An Exploration of Usui Reiki by Don Beckett.

To schedule a hands-on or distant Reiki treatment with me, click here or call 206.523.4456. 

Second Annual Usui Birthday Celebration  

Sunday, August 14

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

Granite Falls, WA

(Suggested donation: $15)

Join Reiki practitioners from around Puget Sound at the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America for the second annual celebration honoring the birth of Usui Sensei. 

Tsubaki is the only Grand Shinto Shrine in North America. It represents a tradition that has existed in Japan, unbroken, from the earliest days of man. Mikao Usui practiced Shinto as well as Buddhism, and both influenced the development of Reiki. 

Rev. Barrish & Marianne

Order of Events:

• Registration 
• Welcome  
• The Gokai (The Reiki Precepts)
• A brief explanation of Shinto and the significance of the ceremony
• Purification and blessing of all participants
• Ceremony for Usui Sensei
• Birthday cake shared on the beautiful Shrine grounds beside the Pilchuck River

For information about the  Shrine, visit: www.tsubakishrine.org.

Please let us know that you plan to come  

Learning from Other Instructors  

I have long harbored a desire to travel the US and beyond taking the Reiki classes that I teach from other instructors, so I was delighted to hear from Graham Neville, a colleague in the UK, that he would be visiting in the Northwest and would like to take Levels I and II from me.  

The class was a rich experience for both of us. I was happy to hear how Graham and his partner Jenny teach classes from their home in Guernsey, Channel Islands, and according to Graham:

Graham Neville

"Re-taking Reiki I and II with Marianne was an education and a joy. There was much that she taught that I hadn't come across before, and I was delighted to share our methods and techniques, along with my personal experiences and views. I will be taking home many new ideas to use in our future teachings. Marianne is a wonderful teacher, very knowledgeable, and 100% dedicated. And, of course, one always benefits from a boost in Reiki energy when receiving any re-attunement, no matter the level."

 

Good News 

Levels I and II Class