In 1922, determined to find a deeper understanding of healing, Dr. Usui decided to undertake a strict 21-day spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain near Kyoto. He followed an ancient Buddhist discipline that included fasting, meditation, chanting, and deep prayer. On the final day of his retreat, an extraordinary event occurred. Usui saw a bright light descending toward him, which struck him on the forehead. This intense energy caused him to fall unconscious momentarily. In this altered state, he experienced a vision of sacred symbols and gained deep knowledge of healing energy. He suddenly understood how to access and channel a powerful universal life force energy, which he later named Reiki (霊 気), meaning  “universal life force energy.”

After this profound experience, Dr. Usui descended from Mount Kurama filled with energy and a deep sense of enlightenment. As he made his way down the mountain, he accidentally stubbed his toe on a rock, causing severe pain and bleeding. Instinctively, he placed his hands over the injury—and to his amazement, the pain stopped almost immediately, and the bleeding slowed significantly. This was the first real test of Reiki’s healing power. Excited by this discovery, he continued his journey and stopped at an inn for food. Since he had been fasting for three weeks, his body should have struggled with digestion. However, he enjoyed a full meal without discomfort. Another miraculous event occurred when he placed his hands on the inn keeper’s daughter, who was suffering from a severe toothache. Within moments, her pain subsided, confirming that he could heal others as well. These experiences solidified his belief in Reiki as a natural, universal healing method.

Recognising the potential of this healing energy, Dr. Usui developed a structured healing system, which he called Usui Reiki Ryoho  (Usui Reiki Healing Method). He established a Reiki healing centre and school in Tokyo, where he treated thousands of people and trained students in this powerful method. He also introduced the Five Reiki Principles  (Gokai) as a guide for leading a balanced and peaceful life:

1. Just for today, do not be angry.

2. Just for today, do not worry.

3. Just for today, be grateful.

4. Just for today, work hard and honestly.

5. Just for today, be kind to every living being.

Dr. Usui’s teachings spread rapidly throughout Japan, attracting many students, including Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who later helped introduce Reiki to the West. Usui trained over 2,000 students and initiated 16 Reiki Masters during his lifetime. On March 9, 1926, Dr. Usui passed away, but his legacy continued through his students. Reiki evolved into various lineages, including Western Reiki, Karuna Reiki, and Tibetan Reiki, and is now practiced worldwide as a holistic healing system. Dr. Mikao Usui’s profound discovery continues to inspire millions, offering a simple yet powerful way to heal the body, mind, and soul through the natural flow of universal energy.