The ShinsungHwa of Reiki’s Founder Usui Mikao (2019)
A Brief Overview of Usui Mikao’s ShinsungHwa
The spiritual core reveals five-directional symbols of light, with a diamond-shaped energy symbol establishing its presence above them. This diamond-shaped energy symbol at the top of the ShinsungHwa artwork bears similarities to the esoteric diamond symbolizing occult power and qualities, yet manifests in a distinctly different form. It appears more materialized and concrete, functioning as a kind of antenna that interfaces with cosmic forces and earthly matters.
There are subtle traces of covering above the head, with a single line extending toward the upper left, connecting to a symbol of light encased in hexagonal energy. This represents the visualization of an intention to gather light. A circular energy field surrounds the body, forming robust layers in various colors. Through this ShinsungHwa, we can gain insight into how Reiki operated in his experience.
Quote
“Just for today, I will not be angry.”
“Just for today, I will not worry.”
“Just for today, I will be grateful.”
“Just for today, I will do my work honestly.”
“Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.”
_Five Reiki Principles
“Reiki can never and will never belong to just one person or one organization. Reiki is the spiritual heritage of all humanity.”
_Usui Mikao
“Each and every being has an innate ability to heal as a gift from the gods.”
_Usui Mikao
“The secret art of inviting happiness. The miraculous medicine of all diseases. Just for today, do not anger. Do not worry and be filled with gratitude. Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people. Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer. Pray these words to your heart and chant these words with your mouth.”
_Usui Mikao
The Man Who Discovered Reiki
The idea of healing through gentle touch might seem unusual, but it’s exactly what one Japanese man developed over a century ago. Mikao Usui created Reiki, a healing practice that has since gained popularity with millions of people around the world.
From Samurai Heritage to Spiritual Quest
Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865, in the small village of Taniai in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture. Descended from the distinguished Chiba clan—whose ancestors included renowned military commanders—young Mikao grew up steeped in samurai tradition. His family had practiced Tendai Buddhism for eleven generations, laying the foundation for a life devoted to spiritual discovery.
At just four years old, Mikao entered a Buddhist monastery near sacred Mount Kurama for his education. This early immersion in monastic life nurtured his spiritual inclinations. Even as a child, he displayed remarkable curiosity about the wider world, developing interests spanning psychology, medicine, and comparative religion.
The Making of a Scholar-Warrior
By twelve, Mikao had begun martial arts training, mastering Yagyu Ryu swordsmanship alongside Aiki Jutsu and advanced chi gong techniques. His skills eventually earned him respect throughout Japan’s martial arts circles. Yet combat wasn’t his sole passion—Mikao possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that would shape his destiny.
Pursuing higher education, Usui earned a doctorate in literature while exploring history, medicine, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and Taoism. This remarkably diverse foundation would prove essential in developing his revolutionary healing approach.
A Global Education
During Japan’s Meiji era, as the nation embraced Western influence, Usui eagerly absorbed international perspectives. His travels took him to China, America, and Europe, where he studied different cultures and worldviews. Returning home, he worked in roles matching his varied interests—journalist, civil servant, political secretary, missionary, and prison supervisor.
His most significant position was serving as private secretary to Shimpei Goto, a prominent government official. This role provided access to influential networks and further international experience, always expanding his understanding of healing traditions.
Personal Struggles and Inner Calling
In 1907, Usui married Sadako Suzuki. Their son Fuji arrived in 1908, followed by daughter Toshiko in 1913. Despite his rich career experience, Usui launched his own business venture. However, around 1914, mounting financial pressures led to business failure. This crisis became a catalyst for profound introspection and spiritual reconnection.
Rather than accepting defeat, Usui embraced this challenge as an invitation to deeper self-examination. He sensed his true purpose lay beyond material success, though its nature remained unclear.
The Mountain Revelation
In 1919, seeking answers and direction, Usui embarked on an intensive three-year meditation retreat at a Kyoto Zen temple. Even this dedication couldn’t satisfy his spiritual yearning. In March 1922, he made a life-altering decision.
Climbing Mount Kurama—the same sacred peak near his childhood monastery—Usui committed to 21 days of complete fasting and meditation. This wasn’t mere retreat but “kushu shinren,” an extreme spiritual discipline testing practitioners’ ultimate limits.
Near his journey’s end, something miraculous occurred. According to his memorial inscription, Usui experienced profound awakening when “One Great Reiki” entered through his crown, flooding his being with light and connecting him to universal healing energy. This enlightenment revealed a healing method he would call “Reiki”—universal life energy.
From Vision to Reality
Legend recounts four miraculous healings during Usui’s descent from Mount Kurama: he instantly healed his stubbed toe, ate heartily after prolonged fasting without discomfort, cured a woman’s toothache, and relieved a Zen abbot’s arthritis. These events confirmed that his spiritual experience had awakened genuine healing abilities.
In April 1922, just one month later, Usui established the Usui Reiki Healing Method Society in Tokyo. Opening his first Harajuku clinic, he began teaching his unique system combining gentle hand placement with spiritual principles designed to foster enlightenment.
Usui’s work gained widespread recognition, particularly after the devastating September 1923 Kanto earthquake that ravaged Tokyo. He and his students provided healing services to countless victims, treating multiple people simultaneously and demonstrating Reiki’s effectiveness. The tragedy’s urgent need for healers motivated Usui to train practitioners rapidly.
Throughout his career, Usui taught over 2,000 students and certified twenty-one teachers to continue his mission. Known for his gentle, humble nature and warm smile, he never displayed arrogance or showmanship. His teachings emphasized five life principles focusing on moral values, self-discipline, and universal respect.
Tragically, Usui’s extensive travels and relentless dedication compromised his health. On March 9, 1926, while traveling in Fukuyama, he suffered a stroke and died at 60. Though his life was brief, his healing legacy proved immense.
