Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865 in Tainia, Japan. He studied medicine, psychology, religion and spiritual development. Mikao, in 1914, at the age of 49, decided to become a Buddist Monk. In 1922, he went on a 21 day retreat of meditation, prayers, chanting and fasting at Mount Kurama in Kyoto, Japan. It has been described that he had a spiritual awakening on the final day of his retreat. A powerful light (Reiki) came over him entering the top of his head and he experienced an infinite power and cosmic consciousness. Usui Sensei's sudden enlightenment was accompanied by the realization that what had also awakened in him was the natural ability to heal self and others.
Following his awakening, Usui Sensei created Reiki Ryoho, a system designed to lead individuals to the enlightened state of consciousness he, himself had experienced. In April 1922, he established the Usui Reiki Ryoho (or Society) for the purpose of imparting his original teachings. this society is still active in Japan today. At the age of 60, in 1925, Usui opened a larger clinic in Nakano and then began traveling and lecturing until he crossed over from a massive stroke on March 9, 1926. In four short years he taught over 2000 students and trained 16 teachers. He wanted this simple technique to be available to all people worldwide. Reiki, then, was brought to the United States in the 1930s by Mrs. Hawayo Takata, who gave treatments and began teaching this practice in Hawaii from 1970 until her death in 1980.
The spiritual method of Reiki not only cures diseases, but also balances the spirit and makes the body healthy, using innate healing abilities and helping in achieving bliss. It also transcends the man-made divisions of religion, economics, location, gender, and race.