Born August 15, 1865 near Nagoya, Japan.  His meditation practices as an adult were a quest to find enlightenment or peace in times of suffering. The discovery of Reiki occurred for Usui Sensei – ‘sensei’ meaning respected teacher –  following a period of deep meditation and fasting in 1922.  Feeling this state which might be described as inspiration, connection and peace, he desired to share it with others to further explore the its capacity to heal and help people.

In 1923, The Great Kanto earthquake took an estimated 100,000 lives and injured over a million more, he brought his healing ability of Reiki to the streets of Japan. Dr. Usui taught several masters before he passed away in 1926, including Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, a formal naval officer.

Dr. Hayashi trained many Reiki Masters including Mrs. Hawayo Takata in 1935, who was one of his patients. It is Mrs. Takata that brought Reiki to the United States in 1938, specifically Hawaii. Before she passed away, Mrs. Takata attuned 22 Reiki Masters, some who had different trainings in other holistic practices. Western perspectives have influenced the creation of different expressions and styles of Reiki since Usui Sensei’s time.  The number of Reiki practitioners continues to grow worldwide.