Fast facts
Japan, 1920s
Japanese Siddham (bonji)
Japanese
Buddhist and Shinto
Yes
Japanese Roots
The Japanese Origins of Reiki Symbols
Reiki symbols are Japanese. They were developed by Mikao Usui, a Japanese man, in Japan in the 1920s. The symbols are part of the Japanese Reiki tradition.
The symbols are drawn in a style that resembles Japanese Siddham (bonji) script. Siddham is an ancient script used in esoteric Buddhist practices in Japan.
While the symbols may have influences from Sanskrit and other Asian traditions, they are authentically Japanese in their current form and usage.
Evidence of Japanese Origins
Why Reiki symbols are considered Japanese.
- Developed in Japan: Mikao Usui was Japanese. He developed Reiki in Japan.
- Japanese names: The symbols have Japanese names: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
- Japanese script style: The symbols are drawn in a style similar to Japanese Siddham (bonji) script.
- Cultural context: The symbols draw on Japanese Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
- Lineage: The symbols have been passed down through Japanese Reiki lineage.
Reiki Symbols: Japanese Origins
Evidence of Japanese origins.
Japanese Origin
Developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in the 1920s.
Japanese Names
Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
Japanese Script
Drawn in style similar to Japanese Siddham (bonji) script.
Japanese Culture
Draws on Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
The Writing Style
Reiki Symbols and Japanese Script
The Reiki symbols are written in a style that resembles Japanese Siddham (bonji) script. Siddham is an ancient script used in esoteric Buddhist practices.
Bonji script is used in Japan for writing mantras and sacred texts. It has a distinctive, flowing style.
The Reiki symbols are not exactly bonji characters. But they are drawn in a similar style. They are Japanese in their aesthetic and execution.
The Names
Reiki Symbol Names Are Japanese
The names of the Reiki symbols are Japanese. Cho Ku Rei means 'place the power of the universe here.' Sei He Ki means 'the earth and sky meet.'
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen means 'no past, no present, no future.' Dai Ko Myo means 'great shining light.'
These are Japanese words and phrases. They are not Sanskrit or Chinese. They are Japanese.
What People Get Wrong About Reiki Symbols
Myth: Reiki symbols are Sanskrit.
Reality: They are drawn in a style similar to Japanese Siddham, but they are not Sanskrit. They are Japanese.
Myth: Reiki symbols come from China.
Reality: Reiki symbols originated in Japan with Mikao Usui. They are Japanese.
Myth: Reiki symbols are just decorative.
Reality: They are sacred symbols used in Reiki practice. They have meaning and purpose.
Myth: Reiki symbols are the same as Buddhist symbols.
Reality: They are influenced by Buddhist traditions, but they are unique to Reiki.
Key takeaways
- Yes, Reiki symbols are Japanese.
- They were developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s.
- They are drawn in a style similar to Japanese Siddham (bonji) script.
- The names are Japanese: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo.
- They draw on Japanese Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
- They are authentically Japanese.
Frequently asked questions
Are Reiki symbols Japanese or Sanskrit?
They are Japanese. They are drawn in a style similar to Japanese Siddham, but they are not Sanskrit.
Are Reiki symbols Chinese?
No. They are Japanese. They originated in Japan with Mikao Usui.
What language are Reiki symbols in?
The symbols are written in a Japanese style. The names are Japanese words.
Why do Reiki symbols look like Sanskrit?
They are influenced by Japanese Siddham script, which has roots in Sanskrit. But the symbols themselves are Japanese.
Are Reiki symbols used in Japan today?
Yes. Reiki is still practiced in Japan, and the symbols are used there.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
