Onmyodo and the System of Reiki
Within the Japanese system of Reiki we talk alot about Earth and Heaven Ki and what lies between. These polar energies are represented in the Japanese practice of Onmyodo as what we commonly call yin and yang.
Symbols
In Okuden level II and Shinpiden level III of the system of Reiki specific symbols are taught. Symbols play a large part in many spiritual traditions. Today we will be looking at some Chinese Taoist symbols on an old woodblock print. These look very similar to the first symbol taught in Okuden. What is interesting to note is that Taoist teachings were imported into Japan from as early as the 6th century. Some of the Chinese Taoist teachings were integrated into Japanese Shintoism and Buddhism, but also developed into a Japanese practice called Onmyodo, the Way of Yin and Yang.
To DKM or Not to DKM
Lately, there has been some discussion in the Reiki community questioning whether the founder of the system, Mikao Usui, actually taught the DKM mantra/symbol in the system of Reiki. DKM is encountered in the system’s final teachings of Shinpiden Reiki Level III. Most Reiki practitioners know of DKM through the teachings of Mrs Takata who, in the late 1930s, brought the system from Japan to the West. Mrs Takata taught the DKM mantra/symbol as the last of the system’s four mantras and symbols. Those questioning the DKM’s origins stem from the lineage of Mrs Yamaguchi.
Reiki Practice the Fairy Washing up Liquid Way
Reiki is a great teacher and its simplicity means to me that I can just get on with the practice and let it sink deeper and deeper within, rather than getting lost in lots of books trying to figure it out with my mind/ego. Then, I had the chance to re-sit my Shinpiden with Frans. As with most things it happened at just the right time. I was now a peach ripe enough to hear what Frans had to say (the analogy belongs to Frans).
Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others - Part 2
In last week’s blog we began an in-depth look at the precept; show compassion to yourself and others. Today we want to have a look at yet another layer of this precept which is often not discussed in Reiki classes.
Be Compassionate to Yourself and Others - Part 1
We all know the Reiki precepts but in this blog we wanted to focus on the deeper aspects of the precept “Be compassionate to yourself and others”.
The Great Bright Light
The traditional Japanese system of Reiki uses several symbols and mantras in its teachings and ongoing practices. These symbols and mantras are tools that help you deepen your understanding of and directly experience your true nature.
Book Review | The Heart of Aikido
The Heart of Aikido - The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki by Morihei Ueshiba
Compiled and translated by John Stevens
The Heart of Aikido is the long awaited translation of the Japanese classic Takemusu Aiki.
