Reiki Energetic Systems
But what energetic system are the principles of a Reiki practice based on? As Reiki is a Japanese practice that was created in the early 1900s we are aware that (as with many martial arts and Ki practices that were formalised in Japan at the same time – karate, judo, aikido) the hara or tanden were considered to be the centre of the body's energetic powerhouse.
The word hara literally means stomach, abdomen or belly in Japanese. Energy is
stored in this point of the body from where it expands throughout the whole
body.
Usui Mikao's teachings focus on building the energy in the hara. From Hawayo
Takata's diary notes it can be seen that she too was taught to practice in
this manner. Once the system of Reiki became more westernized in the 1980s the
chakra system (an energetic system from India that has been incorporated into
the New Age movement) was introduced and replaced this system - the chakra
system is now commonly used in the West
In traditional Japanese teachings and exercises today the hara system is still
the main focus for building a person's energy. There are, in fact, two other
energy centres in the body according to the Japanese energetic system. One is
the head and the other is the heart. In The Japanese Art of Reiki we have
called these the Three Diamonds. By linking all three areas the practitioner
creates unity and balance. Most important, however, is to first develop the
lower hara, as this is the body's central axis point.
Re-establishing this connection with the Original Energy through the hara will
ensure good health and recovery from illness. There is always access to a
reliable source of strength whenever needed.
An inner attitude results from first focusing on the hara. From this central
point there is an ability to cope with everyday tasks and sudden emergencies
with an ease of understanding. This allows appropriate action to be taken in a
balanced and unprejudiced manner.
1. Lower hara (approximately 3 inches (8cms) below the naval)
In this centre, Original Energy is stored. This is the energy you are born
with, the energy that is the essence of your life and gives you your life's
purpose. The Original Energy is not only the energy you receive from your
parents when you are conceived but most importantly it is the energetic
connection between you and the universal life force. When the singular term
hara is mentioned it is the lower hara that is being discussed. This is the
symbolic energetic centre for Earth Ki.
2. Middle hara (at the heart centre)
The energy in this centre is connected with emotions. It is 'human' energy
connected with human experience. Through this centre you learn your life's
process. From childhood through to adulthood and back to being a child. When
you are a child you are without experience and as you grow older you become a
child with experience. This is the symbolic energetic centre for Heart Ki.
3. Upper hara (third eye area).
This is the energy connected with your spirit. When you are connected with
this centre you may see colours or you might have psychic ability. It is
important for you not to become unbalanced and keep yourself centred. If you
can use this energy in a balanced way, you can see beyond the immediate. This
is the symbolic energetic centre for Heaven Ki.
The three diamonds of Earth Ki, Heaven Ki and Heart Ki are at the foundation
of the system of Reiki. They are also at the crux of many facets of Japanese
culture, religion and philosophy.
A diamond is often used as an analogy of the self in Buddhism. Each and every
day a practitioner polishes the diamond by performing his or her practice.
This is a constant task for humans who, in this earthly realm, attract dirt:
becoming muddy and tarnished. A diamond is so sharp that it can cut through
almost anything humanity attaches itself to, bringing back the true essence of
life as seen in the perfection of a sparkling diamond.
Article supplied by :
Bronwen and Frans Stiene of the International House of Reiki
www.reiki.net.au
Article Source - http://www.usenature.com