The Lineage Tree
Understanding the Different Reiki Traditions
All Reiki lineages trace back to Mikao Usui. He developed Reiki in 1922. His students carried the practice forward.
Chujiro Hayashi systematized Usui's teachings. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki to the West. Her students created Western Reiki.
Other lineages developed later. Karuna Reiki was developed by William Lee Rand. Holy Fire Reiki is a modern variation.
The Reiki Lineage Tree
How the lineages connect.
Mikao Usui
Founder. Developed Reiki in 1922. Trained many students.
Chujiro Hayashi
Systematized Reiki. Opened clinic. Trained Takata.
Hawayo Takata
Brought Reiki to West. Trained 22 masters.
Western Reiki
Multiple lineages from Takata's 22 masters. Most common form worldwide.
Japanese Reiki
Continued through Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. More traditional.
The Original
Usui Reiki
Usui Reiki is the original Reiki from Mikao Usui. It focuses on self-healing and simplicity.
The practice is subtle. The attunements are gentle. The focus is on daily practice and spiritual development.
Usui Reiki is still practiced in Japan through the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.
The Systematized Version
Hayashi Reiki
Hayashi Reiki is the systematized version by Chujiro Hayashi. He added structure and hand positions.
Hayashi opened a Reiki clinic. He created a manual. He trained Hawayo Takata.
Hayashi Reiki is the foundation of Western Reiki.
The Global Tradition
Western Reiki
Western Reiki is the version brought to the West by Hawayo Takata. It is the most common form of Reiki worldwide.
Takata trained 22 masters. Those masters spread Reiki across North America and Europe.
Western Reiki emphasizes healing others, uses more symbols, and has a more structured teaching method.
The Traditional Practice
Japanese Reiki
Japanese Reiki is the traditional practice. It is less known in the West but is still practiced in Japan.
It focuses on self-healing. The attunements are subtle. The practice is simpler.
Japanese Reiki has gained more attention in recent years through researchers like Frank Arjava Petter.
Modern Variations
Karuna and Holy Fire Reiki
Karuna Reiki was developed by William Lee Rand. It includes additional symbols and techniques.
Holy Fire Reiki is a modern variation from the International Center for Reiki Training.
Both are variations of Western Reiki. They are taught at advanced levels.
Key takeaways
The shortest useful version of this page.
All Reiki lineages trace back to Mikao Usui.
Usui Reiki is the original from Mikao Usui.
Hayashi Reiki systematized Usui's teachings.
Western Reiki was brought to the West by Hawayo Takata.
Japanese Reiki is the traditional practice still practiced in Japan.
Karuna Reiki and Holy Fire Reiki are modern variations.
Choose the lineage that resonates with you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different Reiki lineages?
Usui, Hayashi, Takata/Western, Japanese, Karuna, Holy Fire, and others. All trace back to Mikao Usui.
Which Reiki lineage is the best?
None is 'best.' Each lineage has different emphases. Choose the one that resonates with you.
What is the difference between Usui and Western Reiki?
Usui Reiki is the original Japanese practice. Western Reiki is the adapted version brought to the West.
Is Karuna Reiki real Reiki?
Yes. It is a variation of Reiki developed by William Lee Rand. It includes additional symbols.
What is Holy Fire Reiki?
Holy Fire Reiki is a modern variation developed by the International Center for Reiki Training.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- William Lee Rand, Karuna Reiki materials.
- International Center for Reiki Training, Holy Fire Reiki.
