The history of Reiki is often told as a purely mystical event or an isolated “miracle.” However, when we look at the life of Mikao Usui, it becomes clear that what happened on Mount Kurama was the culmination of a disciplined search. It was not случай; it was the result of a life dedicated to the study of history, ethics, and spirituality.

The Setting: The Magnetism of Kurama

Located north of Kyoto, Mount Kurama was already, in the 1920s, a sacred place with more than a thousand years of tradition. Known for its vibrant energy and temples that celebrate the harmony of the universe, it was the place Usui chose for his 21-day retreat.

Contrary to popular belief, this period of fasting and meditation (known as Isyu Guo) was a common and rigorous practice among spiritual seekers of the Taisho era. Usui was not simply waiting — he was refining his perception.

Satori: From Experience to System

After 21 days of introspection, Usui experienced Satori — a state of deep understanding or enlightenment.

What set Mikao Usui apart was his intellectual ability to organize this experience. He understood that the universal life energy (Reiki) should not be a privilege of a few, but a structured and teachable method.

Upon descending the mountain, legend and practice meet. Usui began to test what he had realized, recognizing that harmonization was not only relief for the body, but also a path to mental peace.

Usui’s Innovation

Usui’s greatest contribution at that moment was the creation of a system.

He transformed a spiritual insight into a pedagogical structure: Usui Reiki Ryoho. His intention was that anyone, regardless of background, could access this tool for self-care and balance.

Mount Kurama therefore represents the birth of Reiki as we know it today:
a bridge between ancient Japanese wisdom and the practical need for health and peace in modern life.

About the Author

Ruy Fernando Morelli is a Reiki Master and founder of Mundo Reiki, a platform dedicated to the structured study of the Usui System. His work seeks to integrate history, method, ethics, and practice, promoting a deep and technical understanding of Reiki in the contemporary context.