The origin of Reiki can be traced back to Tibet thousands of years ago. This technique was rediscovered in the 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan. Dr. Usui began to question and wonder how such deities like Jesus and Buddah performed their healing so thus he began a life long quest to uncover the source of ancient healing techniques.

After talking to different Buddist sects and visiting a Zen Monastery, he discovered that on healing the body, you have to heal the spirit first. He was guided through his meditations to learn Sanskrit. At the end of his search, he thought he'd answered his original quest on how Jesus and Buddah healed people. But he did not have the power to heal himself. He then went up the holy mountain Kuri Yama and fasted and meditated for 21 days to seek the power to heal.

On the 21st day, a light streamed across the heavens and hit him directly on his third eye. He saw golden Sanskrit letters, the secret formula of the Universal life force and how to contact it. Dr. Usui jumped to his feet and wanted to tell the Monk of his excitiing news. In his rush, he stubbed his toe on a rock, he reached down to comfort the pain and to stop the bleeding. He found the pain and bleeding steadied very rapidly. He realised there was something different in his hands, they'd become very hot. Thus, Dr. Usui discovered the power of Reiki.

When he got back to the Monastery, he was given the five spiritual principals of Reiki.

Just for today -- I will not worry.
Just for today -- I will not anger.
Just for today -- I give thanks and gratitude for my many blessings.
Just for today -- I do my work honestly.
Just for today -- I will be kind to every living thing.

He now taught Dr. Hayashi, who then in turn taught Mrs Hawayo Takata of Hawaii. Mrs Takata was instrumental in spreading the teachings of Reiki to the United States and Canada.

The tradition of Reiki was passed on by Master to student by way of mouth. Nowadays, Reiki is widely accepted and not kept secret and is available in books / manuals etc, but the traditional method of teaching remains the same.