The Meditative Foundation
Usui's Meditation Practice
Meditation was central to Usui's life. He was a Tendai Buddhist lay practitioner. Tendai Buddhism emphasizes meditation, esoteric practices, and the idea that all beings have the potential for enlightenment.
Usui's meditation practice included sitting meditation (zazen), visualization, and mantra recitation. He practiced daily for decades. This practice built the foundation for his awakening.
The twenty-one day retreat on Mount Kurama was the culmination of his practice. It was not a sudden event. It was the result of years of preparation.
Usui's Meditation Path
The progression of Usui's meditation practice.
Daily Practice
Usui meditated daily for decades. This built the foundation.
Extended Retreats
Usui undertook longer retreats to deepen his practice.
Mount Kurama
The 21-day retreat that led to his awakening.
Awakening
The flash of light. The development of Reiki.
The Meditation Timeline
- Usui practices daily meditation for decades.Builds the foundation for his awakening.
- Usui undertakes the 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama.The culmination of years of practice.
- Usui experiences awakening and develops Reiki.The practice bears fruit.
- Usui teaches meditation as part of Reiki practice.Meditation becomes part of Reiki training.
The Tradition
Tendai Buddhism and Meditation
Tendai Buddhism was founded in Japan in the 9th century by the monk Saicho. It is a comprehensive tradition that incorporates meditation, esoteric rituals, and the study of Buddhist scriptures.
Tendai meditation includes sitting meditation (zazen), visualization, and mantra recitation. It also includes extended retreats, such as the one Usui did on Mount Kurama.
Usui was a Tendai Buddhist lay practitioner. This means he practiced the tradition while living as a householder. He was not a monk. He meditated while working and raising a family.
The Famous Retreat
The 21-Day Retreat on Mount Kurama
The twenty-one day retreat on Mount Kurama is the most famous meditation of Usui's life. It is the event that led to his awakening and the development of Reiki.
According to Reiki tradition, Usui climbed Mount Kurama in 1922. He found a spot near a waterfall. He gathered stones to make a circle. He began to fast and meditate.
On the twenty-first morning, he saw a flash of light. He experienced a spiritual awakening. He received the Reiki energy. The rest is history.
Everyday Meditation
Usui's Daily Meditation Practice
Usui meditated daily. According to his students, he was a man of consistent discipline. He practiced meditation as part of his daily routine.
He encouraged his students to meditate daily as well. He believed that daily practice was essential for spiritual development.
Daily meditation is still part of Reiki practice today. Many practitioners meditate as part of their daily self-Reiki routine.
Meditation was the foundation of Usui's life. It was the practice that led to his awakening. It was the practice he shared with his students.
Key takeaways
The shortest useful version of this page.
Usui practiced Tendai Buddhist meditation for decades.
His practice included sitting meditation, visualization, and mantra recitation.
The 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama was the culmination of his practice.
According to Reiki tradition, the retreat led to his awakening and the development of Reiki.
Usui encouraged his students to meditate daily.
Meditation is still part of Reiki practice today.
Frequently asked questions
What meditation technique did Usui use?
Usui used Tendai Buddhist meditation techniques, including sitting meditation, visualization, and mantra recitation.
How long did Usui meditate each day?
We do not have specific records. But his students described him as a man of consistent daily practice.
Did Usui meditate on Mount Kurama for 21 days?
Yes. According to Reiki tradition, Usui undertook a 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama in 1922.
Can I practice Usui's meditation techniques?
Yes. Many Reiki practitioners incorporate meditation into their daily practice. You can learn Tendai Buddhist meditation from a qualified teacher.
Is meditation part of Reiki training?
Yes. Many Reiki teachers incorporate meditation into their training. Daily meditation is encouraged as part of Reiki practice.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Tendai Buddhist meditation teachings.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
