Fast facts
Founder
Systematizer
Bridge to West
Your teacher
Current student
The Training Line
Understanding Reiki Training Lineage
Reiki training lineage is the line of teachers from Mikao Usui to your teacher to you.
The most common Western lineage is Usui -> Hayashi -> Takata -> your master -> you.
In Japan, the lineage continues through the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.
The Lineage Line
The line of teachers from Usui to you.
- 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.
- Takata's 22 masters: Spread Reiki across North America and Europe.
- Your master: Trained by Takata or one of her students.
- You: The current student. Connected to Usui through the lineage.
Reiki Training Lineage
The line from Usui to you.
Mikao Usui
Founder. Developed Reiki in 1922.
Chujiro Hayashi
Systematized Reiki. Trained Takata.
Hawayo Takata
Brought Reiki to West. Trained 22 masters.
22 Masters
Takata's students. Spread Reiki globally.
Your Master
Your teacher. Trained by Takata or her students.
You
Current student. Connected to Usui.
The Training Line
How Reiki Training Passes Down
Reiki training passes from master to student. Each master trains students. Those students become masters and train more students.
The lineage is the line of teachers from the founder to you. It connects you to the source.
The most common Western lineage is Usui -> Hayashi -> Takata -> your master -> you.
The Importance
Why Reiki Lineage Matters
Lineage connects you to the tradition. It reminds you that you are part of something larger.
It ensures that Reiki is passed down correctly. It maintains the integrity of the practice.
It connects you to the source of Reiki. You are part of the line from Usui.
What Practitioners Say
My lineage is important to me. It connects me to Usui. It reminds me that I am part of a tradition. I teach my students their lineage. It is part of their training.
Lineage is important. It connects you to the tradition. But the practice is what matters most. Your lineage is your roots. Your practice is your growth.
Do not get caught up in lineage debates. All lineages trace back to Usui. Respect your lineage. Respect other lineages. Reiki is Reiki.
Key takeaways
- Reiki training passes from master to student.
- The lineage is the line of teachers from Usui to you.
- Typical Western lineage: Usui -> Hayashi -> Takata -> your master -> you.
- Lineage connects you to the tradition.
- Ask your master for their lineage chart.
- All lineages trace back to Usui.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lineage of Reiki training?
The line of teachers from Mikao Usui to your teacher to you. Typical: Usui -> Hayashi -> Takata -> your master -> you.
Why is Reiki lineage important?
It connects you to the tradition and the source of Reiki.
How do I find my Reiki lineage?
Ask your Reiki master. They should be able to provide their lineage chart.
Does every Reiki practitioner have a lineage?
Yes. Every Reiki practitioner has a lineage. It traces back to Mikao Usui.
What if my master does not know their lineage?
They should know. If they do not, it is a concern. Ask them to find out.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
