Since I could remember, I’ve always had a fascination with Japan. The beautiful landscapes, design, and the “Zen” way of living just spoke to my spirit at a young age. In 2012, when I first traveled to Sendai, Japan for my professional dancing career, I was not spiritually prepared or open enough to experience the rich culture and its teachings as I have come to know and integrate today.
Fast forward to a year ago, when I had a clairvoyant drop in at the time I was teaching my last group Reiki training before taking a hiatus. The vision was that I would go to Japan to connect to the “Origins of Reiki” and bring others with me who felt the pull to come along on the journey. As the sacred teachings have been passed down, it is understood that Kyoto, Japan IS the birthplace where Reiki was founded, by Mikao Usui in the early 1920’s on Mount Kurama.
A couple days after the training had taken place, the wheels were set in motion as I leaned all the way in, courageously committing to my part in manifesting this vision, and trusting wholeheartedly that the universe would meet me half way to make it all happen divinely. Japan was calling me home and as the path continued to revealed itself, some things had to “fall away” in order to create space for it all to come into fruition. This whole experience leading up to the trip felt like a symbolic death & rebirth. I was learning how to get out of my own way and release rigid expectations so that I could trust the natural unfolding of the process that would allow me to be open to receive the blessings & wisdom that Japan had in store for me. Old doors were closing as new ones began opening.
9 months later, I arrived in Kyoto a few days before the retreat doors opened. Allowing some cushion of free time to acquaint myself with the land, its people & their customs, and to enjoy some fun before shifting into “work mode” aka space holder / retreat facilitator. On our first full day of the retreat we attended a traditional tea ceremony (sado 茶道 - “way of tea”). I’ve been a fan of matcha tea for several years now and have begun a novice tea practice since last summer. I was amazed to find how intricate, rhythmic and spiritually moving a traditional tea ceremony could be when presented and taught by a “Chajin” (Tea Master) also sometimes referred to as “Maiko” (Geisha in Training). Having matcha tea the traditional way without my usual additives of milk & honey left it with a more bitter “earthy” taste that was normally paired with a sweet treat to create balance.
My greatest takeaway from the ceremony was when our tea host shared the phrase “Itchi-go Itchi-e.” It can be translated as "one time, one meeting" or "once in a lifetime." Often associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. This phrase emphasizes the importance of cherishing each moment as unique and impermanent, reflecting the core philosophy of mindfulness and presence in the tea ceremony. Each tea gathering is seen as a singular, unrepeatable event, highlighting the significance of being fully present and appreciative of the experience at hand. (The scroll shown below in the team room has the phrase written in the Kanji symbols).
After such a nourishing & enchanting afternoon spent in the tea house (chashitsu 茶室), a few of us stocked up on all the accessories one must have in order to facilitate the proper matcha tea ritual for sitting with oneself. We then headed back to the Airbnb to rest up for the main expedition to Kurama Yama that was to take place the following day.
The next morning we made our way to the base of Mount Kurama. The hour train ride through the city into the mountains was a scenic adventure of its own. I could sense the energy building as we inched our way to one of the most powerful spiritual sites in Japan. Among being the birthplace of Reiki, Mount Kurama holds deep spiritual significance in Japanese religious history and has long been associated with ascetic practices, meditative retreats and festivals. The primary belief system that is currently practiced on Kurama Yama is known as “Kurama Kokyo Sect” - a branch or blend of the indigenous religion of Shinto mixed with Buddhism and elements of Shamanism & Taoism. The temples and shrines on the mountain worship “Sonten” = Universal Cosmic Energy / Source of Creation / Essence of all that is. Sonten is made up of a trinity of deities that represent & embody LOVE, LIGHT, & POWER.
“All those who come into contact with Mt. Kurama not only receive the life energy emanating from the mountain but also become conscious of their own “shinge” (pure and innocent spirit), and look forward to the dawn of a world of peace and harmony where the lives of all people will shine with the brightest of lights. To create a world, where all lives shine.”
Kurama Prayer/Blessing: “Beautiful as the Moon (Love), Warm as the Sun (Light), Powerful as the Earth (Power), We trust in Sonten for all things.” - From The Kurama Admission Ticket
Upon entering the Nio-mon (Gate of the Guardians) I quickly began to notice the similarities & significant influence that this sacred mountain and it’s rooted esoteric beliefs have with the practice of Reiki. I could sense the powerful gifts and insight that was readily available to tap into, much like Usui when he spent his time meditating there and channeling the healing system of Reiki. For those not familiar with the history of how Reiki came to be, I would like to invite you to take a Shoden: Beginner’s Training to understand this publication more in depth & prepare yourself for the initiations that follow, as you welcome the sacred teachings into your heart.
What I have come to understand about the “Origins of Reiki” is that… “it is impossible to make explicit and clear that which fundamentally by its very nature is vague.” (as Sokyo Ono would say). The concept of Reiki or better known as “spiritually guided life-force energy” isn’t something that was recently discovered in the early 1900’s by one man in Japan. It is an ancient, universal and collective language or knowing that has been preserved & passed down since the beginning of time through different branches of belief systems, geographical locations, & cultures via texts, art, drawings, storytelling, dance, rituals, etc. The idea of healing thy self and others with nature “energy” medicine is also not confined to the traditions of Japan. It too is a universal, cosmic and indigenous “way of healing” that has been intertwined across the span of all existence on Earth. Reiki isn’t something “different or special” when you dissect it. Like anything else, it is a pathway and just a part of everything that has come before it as well as everything that will exist after it. The origins are vast, vague, ancient, modern, collaborative, and mainly meant to be a great mystery. The closest I’ve come to what “feels” like the the true origins of Reiki is when I am immersed in nature. What does makes it different & special is everyone’s unique interpretation and expression of Reiki. What matters beyond that is the intentional and conscious ways in which we continue to nurture, commune with & share this eternal language & embodied knowing of such “spiritually guided life-force.” Arriving at this understanding in a sacred place such as Mount Kurama, and at such a pivotal time in my life felt like a “homecoming”… a divine pilgrimage to a place where my spirit is affirmed and most at peace. I pray we all get to experience this sense of a homecoming in whatever way that most speaks truth to our resonant hearts.
By honoring the beauty, wisdom, and magnificence of NATURE, we are able to see the same power within ourselves. — This is the essence of Reiki.
Thank you for being HERE. If any of what I shared today spoke to you or inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it. If you are feeling extra generous or grateful for my work, you can subscribe, restack or share this publication. I appreciate your support & look forward to sharing PART II around this month’s full moon.
Until then, Be well.
B.