japanisches Reiki - Gendai Reiki - Usui Reiki Ryoho - Dento ... GENDAI REIKI...Dento Reiki Workshop and Gendai Reiki Ho training with Doi Sensei In the winter, at the beginning of

© Copyright Robert Gericke - www.gendai-reiki-ho.de - all rights reserved

4th GENDAI REIKI HO INTERNATIONAL GATHERING IN SPAIN OCTOBER 2015 in El Escorial and Madrid IV-ENCUENTRO-INTERNACIONAL-DE-GENDAI-REIKI-HO

Travelogue on the 4th International GRH Conference in Spain 2015

Dento Reiki Workshop and Gendai Reiki Ho training with Doi Sensei

In the winter, at the beginning of 2015, I found out from a friend and Reiki colleague that Hiroshi Doi

was to appear at an event later that year in Spain. It was scheduled to take place in October and I

knew immediately that I would take part.

A bit surprised that news of this event hadn’t reached Germany yet, I was fortunate to have found

out about it from friends in Japan.

I would like to express my heart-felt appreciation to Yuki-san (GRN-Japan) and Olaf-san (tonbo-

reiki.de) for this information.

In due course, more and more information about this event filtered through and word also reached

us that it would probably be Hiroshi Doi Sensei’s last visit to Europe – or abroad in general.

It would thus be a last opportunity to learn the Japanese Reiki method for those who are hesitant to

embark on the long journey to Japan.

This information was shared world-wide and was subsequently also communicated within Germany

by Olaf via some posts (March 2015). I also passed on the information, which thus became known

within the German Reiki Community. This would be a unique opportunity to learn Japanese Usui

Reiki Ryoho from a source that could hardly be more authentic or reliable.

Many Reiki enthusiasts from all over the world traveled to Spain in October 2015 to take part in the

4th International Gendai Reiki Ho Meeting in El Escorial and Madrid. This included some Reiki

practioners from Germany who were interested in the Japanese Reiki method.

We later learned that the 20th anniversary of the Gendai Reiki Healing Association (and the Gendai

Reiki Ho), which was founded by Hiroshi Doi, would be commemorated there. But the events would

also mark the 10th anniversary of the Gendai Reiki Network in Japan and, apart from that, feature

highly interesting seminars and workshops conducted by Hiroshi Doi Sensei.


After a journey though impressive and inspiring landscapes, I reached the El Escorial Camping

Resort and Convention Center on the evening of 7 October 2015, in other words, two days before the

event was launched. For me it was impressive to witness how these premises – surrounded by

beautiful nature – began to teem with life after I had been practically alone here when I arrived. I felt

very distinctly that this spot’s life and energy also changed with the arrival of the other participants.

It was like the beginning of springtime – and then also summer – after a long winter...

The first day in El Escorial, awoken by the warmth and clear light of the bright sun.

On 8 and 9 October, we had some time to explore the magnificent surroundings.

There are plenty of interesting excursion destinations in close proximity to the event location and I’d

like to briefly mention one of them.

The location pictured on the photos lies between El Escorial and the camping resort. After a short

uphill hike along a forest path, one reaches a plateau-like area at which a beautiful vista presents

itself. It offers a sweeping view beyond the villages and green valley all the way to Madrid – a truly

delightful treat in the magnificent sunshine and blue sky. Located somewhat higher is a little wooden

hut from which one can peacefully enjoy the splendid landscape.

Following this excursion on 9 October to local places of interest which stand out in terms of their

energy, the landscape or their architectural or historical significance, we headed back to the camping

resort in the late afternoon. In the meantime, the other participants had arrived and the registration

process was in full swing. The first meeting, featuring dances, meditation sessions and the sharing of

Reiki experiences (as well as a few very intense group sessions) was also scheduled for this evening.


After a very interesting and joyful meeting that featured international dances & meditation

sessions on the evening of 9 October 2015 – as well as a few very intense Reiki group sessions –

the Dento Reiki Seminar (10 /11 October 2015) took place the next morning. It was followed by a

Master Workshop on 12 October 2015.

The Dento Reiki Seminars and the Reiki Master Workshop with Doi Sensei

See annex for further information on seminar content: * Summary of what was covered in the Dento Reiki Seminar & Master

Workshop

Prior to actually taking part in the many events offered likely no one had any idea what to anticipate.

Even though it had been announced that a Dento Reiki Seminar would be offered – in addition to a

workshop for Reiki Masters – I was extremely impressed with everything I experienced on site.

Indeed, I was more than just pleasantly surprised, I was also very much moved. It seemed as though

Hiroshi Doi Sensei was presenting his life’s work to all of us. All of the participants I spoke to were

very moved and impressed by his extraordinary life and Reiki experience as well as the knowledge

and insights he conveyed to us. In part, he even shared very personal experiences with us.


Apart from the instruction provided and the application of the newly-learned Japanese Dento Reiki

techniques, we were also literally made privy to deep insights into the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. This

is the organization that was founded in Japan by Usui Sensei and is responsible for perpetuating his

knowledge through the years – and up to this day. I hardly need to mention that Doi Sensei has been

a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai for decades (even today - and he continues to be an active

member of the Gakkai). Moreover, not only does he have a good personal relationship with two

former presidents of the Gakkai, he is also in touch with the current president, Takahashi-sensei. His

activities are in fact coordinated with the Gakkai as we found out thanks to inquiring participants

who could hardly believing their eyes when Doi Sensei showed them Usui Reiki Ryoho’s original

symbols and also explained their usage and meaning. He did, however, stress that these symbols are

only aids – not unlike a life jacket or training wheels on a bicycle – and they serve their purpose only

until one has learned to swim or ride a bike. In other words, until one has developed the personal

spiritual level. Usui Sensei developed these symbols as an aid, or tool, for students who may have

had difficulties with remote treatment, for example. It should also be noted that their form and

method of use differentiates from methods that are known in the West.

As far as the Reiju techniques are concerned, the Dento Reiki Workshop only briefly addressed these

and – upon inquiry – it was suggested that further information would be provided a few days later at

the GRH Instructor Seminar in Madrid. This is also where, in my view, we received a very significant

insight with regard to Reiju, which we then practiced together in Madrid.

The Dento Reiki Workshop in El Escorial also highlighted the differences between the western-style

Reiki-method, which became popular in the West via Hayashi Sensei and Mrs. Takata (who subjected

Reiki-ho to some adjustments) and the traditional Japanese Reiki application method (Dento Reiki

style). In this context, the important role of Hayashi Sensei and Hawayo Takata within the history of

Reiki was also highly acknowledged.

Who knows, perhaps Usui Sensei acted with wisdom and farsightedness when he granted his student Hayashi

'special privileges' to practice independently of the Gakkai. * (Author’s note. – see annex for more information on Hayashi)

Following his sensei’s death, Hayashi Sensei taught his own Reiki-ho style within his own school. In

his seminars, however, he also referred to the name of the founder of the Usui Reiki Ryoho, Mikao

Usui, whom he revered. The name 'Usui Sensei' and the term 'Usui Reiki Ryoho' also became known

in the West after the Reiki method was brought from Japan to the West and subsequently returned

to Japan in a westernized form. As a consequence of this, the roots of Usui Reiki Ryoho and the

teachings of the community founded by Usui Sensei were rediscovered. Owing especially to Hiroshi

Doi’s outstanding dedication, it thus became possible, since the beginning of the 90s, to learn the

Japanese Reiki techniques associated with the Dento Reiki style outside of Japan along with lots of

substantiated background information.


During the Dento Reiki Workshop, and also afterwards, it was plainly visible that the information

regarding Dento Reiki techniques, traditional Reiki symbol usage etc was new for many participants,

though not for all.

For many, what was even more impressive than the theoretical knowledge that was imparted was

the application of Dento Reiki techniques and methods. It was simply an indescribable, intense,

impressive and loving experience; also the kind of Reiju (attunement) that we all received from Doi

Sensei. Indeed, it visibly touched – in an intense way - the very core of all those who attended.

Afterwards, many of the participants expressed that they had never before experienced anything like

it before, just as I hadn’t either. Several individuals, who had been disciples of Doi Sensei for many

years, mentioned to me that they too had been intensely moved and impressed and had never

before experienced anything so intense and touching in their lives.

In hindsight, I can only say that this was one of the most beautiful and impressive experiences of my

entire life. To become privy to the original knowledge of Usui Sensei and his teachings, to the

community that he founded as well as to all the techniques that were practiced there, was truly

special after so many years of searching...

I can only describe it as a lifelong dream and heart’s desire that had come true for many of these

participants. It was a dream come true for me and I’m at a loss for words to describe the events in

their entire breadth. The loving warmth that I felt from both participants and organizers is

something that you will rarely – if ever – experience in Germany. I am very touched and full of

gratitude to have had the privilege to experience this!


But if you think that was all...you’re in for a surprise!

After a day of rest we continued on to Madrid for the Gendai Reiki Ho Master Meeting.

For many this was surely an unforgettable evening. We all experienced something incredibly special

but we’ll get back to this later in another part of this report. (see: Report part 2 by Olaf san)

Over the following days, a Gendai Reiki Ho Seminar conducted by Doi Sensei took place: Upon its

completion we were certified as Reiki Masters / teachers of the Gendai Reiki Healing Association and

thus qualified to teach this method.

Before taking part in this seminar I believed that there weren’t all too many new things to learn as I

had already trained in Gendai Reiki-ho in Germany and this had been a very valuable experience for

me. But I would soon be put right... I had the feeling I was learning GRH for the first time. Much of

what Doi Sensei was teaching was previously unknown and new to me - up to that special day.

The knowledge imparted by Doi Sensei was very deep and broad; it went far beyond anything that I

had learned thus far (this also includes all the other methods that I had previously learned). At the

same time, it interconnected the essence of all that I knew and thus allowed new insights that would

have an impact on – and thus also change - a lot of things. This became clear to me!

Touched to the extent that I was at a loss for words, I personally thanked him (by means of the

lovingly crafted translation by Fumi-san) for revealing what Reiki and Reiki-ho really is and what it

means to practice the newly learned techniques of Usui Sensei’s Reiki-ho in the style of Doi Sensei’s

Gendai Reiki Ho. But I was grateful also for recognizing the meaning of life... and the meaning my life

has. Filled with utmost gratitude and joy, I received a warm smile from him in response...


Even days after these experiences, this becomes clearer and clearer and I also feel a greater sense of

awareness...

So much of what I had previously only suspected has now become a reality. I feel touched to the

extent that I would like to share this with others who are still searching...with those who also have a

genuine desire to find out what Reiki and the Usui Reiki-ho is. After all, there is so much to

experience and to clarify in terms of what is known about Usui Sensei and his system of Reiki-ho for

those who are interested in the traditional Reiki-ho, namely Usui Reiki Ryoho (Dento Reiki style).

All in all, I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and participants of

this extraordinarily successful event. And, of course, I would also like to thank Rika-san and my dear

colleagues and friends for everything that we experienced together in Spain – in El Escorial and

Madrid!

The genuine warmth of so many people that I met there was reflected in every detail of this event; it

made this meeting very special, unique and unforgettably beautiful! My special thanks goes to the

entire team, above all to Nela, Carmen, Sote, Carlos and all the others who were there for us in a

spirit of joy and dedication! A special thank-you also goes to the outstanding translators, Fumi-san

and Ikue-san.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hiroshi Doi Sensei!

And thanks so much dear fellows and Reiki-ho devotees and friends!

I would also like to express my gratitude to the El Escorial Resort team and of course also to the

Gendai Reiki Ho Association of Madrid and to the Usui Reiki Ryoho Association of Castilla y León President: Nela Fernández Bloise President: Carlos Castro Prieto Link: www.gendaireikihomadrid.com Link: www.reikipalencia.com for their outstanding organization; they made it possible for this unique event to take place.

A warm thank you to all new friends and all the experiences we shared.

http://www.gendaireikihomadrid.com/

http://www.reikipalencia.com/


When people again become people with love for one another,

the sky above the earth will open up.

Phil Bosmans (1922 - 2012)


4th GENDAI REIKI HO INTERNATIONAL GATHERING - 2015

Back in Germany the special vibe that had filled the air – absolutely everything and everyone - during

the Reiju in El Escorial – is still noticeable...

As I was writing this article, I felt like the vibe that emanated from Doi Sensei in El Escorial continued

to carry me and during this time I also stumbled upon an article on a Spanish webpage. It was about

a group of Spanish Reiki practioners who harbored a deep desire to learn Reiki-ho as it is practiced

and taught by Usui Sensei. This then led to the Dento Reiki Seminar and the Master Workshop in El

Escorial as well as to the Gendai Reiki Ho Master/Instructor Seminar in Madrid 2015. Asked what

prompted Doi Sensei to make his last trip abroad on the occasion of this event in Spain, Rika

Saruhashi (Doi’s translator in Spain) suggested that Doi Sensei told her personally that he was moved

by the pure and genuine intention of the organizers and thus gladly agreed to satisfy their wish for

him to come to Spain. For me it was a wish that came true. The sincerity, kindness and loving

devotion of all the organizers and participants was actually palpable down to the last detail...

A heartfelt 'thank you' and warm greeting from Germany!

Muchas gracias queridos amigos! queridos compañeros!

Robert Gericke www.gendai-reiki-ho.de

Video Links under: www.gendai-reiki-ho.de/aktuelles.htm

http://www.gendai-reiki-ho.de/

http://www.gendai-reiki-ho.de/aktuelles.htm


* Summary of what was covered at the Dento Reiki Seminar and Master Workshop:

We received broad-ranging information about the traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho, an overview of Reiki

methods that were already practiced before and during Usui Sensei’s times, and about the

beginnings of Reiki Ryoho, which was founded by Usui Sensei. Doi Sensei gave a very detailed report

on how Usui Sensei’s Reiki method developed in Japan and spread across the world before returning

– in Western-style – back to Japan. At the same time, Usui Sensei’s traditional Japanese Reiki method

(Dento Reiki style – Usui Reiki Ryoho) was perpetuated in Japan. The significant differences between

traditional Reiki-ho (Dento-Reiki style), founded by Usui Sensei, and the Western-style of Reiki-ho

based on adaptations initiated by Takata, were also clearly highlighted.

We were also told a lot of worthwhile information on Usui Sensei’s life and his teachings as well as

about some of his students, some of whom left the Gakkai after Sensei’s death and pursued their

own path. Doi Sensei’s narratives about his teacher Koyama Sensei (6th president of the Gakkai) were

also very impressive. Beyond this, we received thorough instruction on the theory and practice of

traditional Dento Reiki techniques which we then jointly practiced. The intensity and loving nature of

these applications visibly moved many of the participants.

During the further course of the seminar we also got extensive, detailed information about Usui’s

family history, about Mikao Usui Sensei’s personal story and about his home town and environment.

All of this fact-based information made clear that in the West – and thus also in Germany – most of

this information was not yet part of the knowledge base of the Reiki Community (in Germany) and

consequently there remains much to be cleared up. Arguably this also concerns the understanding of

the method per se, and Usui Sensei’s intention to make it known to other people, as well as the

underlying objective of Usui Reiki Ryoho.

To find out what Usui Sensei passed on to his students, it is surely helpful to understand the purpose

and goal of his method and to convey this in his spirit to future Reiki practitioner generations. Usui

Sensei’s training for spiritual development, the guiding principles of his instruction, the meaning and

process of “Reiju” (attunement), as well as the significance of the Gokai should serve as guideposts

for instruction in his spirit so that the underlying goal of Usui Sensei’s Reiki method can be attained.

Furthermore, we received elaborate information about the qualification system of Usui Reiki Ryoho

Gakkai’s Dento Reiki style and on the entire Usui Reiki Ryoho training system. An elaborate

explanation on the differences between the training program that was followed during Usui Sensei’s

lifetime and the current training and qualification program was provided.

Also an outline was provided on how Usui Sensei taught in the early days, what kind of instruction

was given after his death and what is taught nowadays. The focus wasn’t solely on the training of

new members, indeed, the significance of Shinpiden (highest level – qualification to teach both

students and instructors) during Usui Sensei’s times versus today was also talked about. This is

something that I will only briefly touch upon below.

Shinpiden is the highest level of Usui Reiki Ryoho. Here everything that can be imparted is imparted,

including how students should be taught the subject matter at each of the various training levels.

One also learns to give Reiju (the classic form of Reiki attunement based on Usui Sensei). The

individual who has received Shinpiden usually serves as a Shihan (trainer) and/or is tasked with

organizing the Gakkai and its matters.


Moreover, after Usui Sensei’s death, the term Dai Shihan, which should however be understood

more as a kind of honorary title, was coined. This title does not entail further training levels or

training units.

Furthermore, the origins, meaning and use of Reiki symbols, which Usui Sensei created for students

who initially had difficulty with spiritual awareness (and thus also in carrying out remote treatment)

was also expanded upon in great detail. The differences in form, meaning and usage between the

Mikao Usui Sensei’s Dento Reiki style and the similar western Reiki symbols were also highlighted. It

was however pointed out that, in the end, each symbol – regardless of how effective – is just an aid

that will no longer be needed beyond a certain level of development. *

*Here too it must be pointed out that there are Reiki styles (also prevalent in Germany) whose

instructors insist that they are teaching Dento Reiki style along with the symbols associated with

traditional Reiki-ho. But those familiar with teachings by these instructors and knowledgeable about

the Dento Reiki style and its particular symbols and their use, will recognize the obvious differences in

form, meaning and application. Note by the author

Subsequently other traditional techniques – along with their meaning and application – were

discussed and presented. The meaning of Byosen was also emphasized and impressively

demonstrated by means of interesting examples, partly taken from Koyama Sensei’s life.

Just as Usui Sensei and Koyama Sensei did during their particular eras, Doi Sensei always emphasizes

the most important message of the Usui Reiki method, which we clearly understood both during and

after the Reiju that we all received…

'The objective of Usui Sensei’s Reiki method (Usui Reiki Ryoho) is achieving so-called 'Ashin Ritsumei'

(the state of complete inner peace and greatest happiness) by recognizing and pursuing one’s own

mission in life. Hands-on healing is only the first step on the way to Ashin Ritsumei!'

On a final note, we also received very useful practical examples on how Dento Reiki-ho and its

healing techniques can be used in daily life.

A question and answer session was offered at the conclusion of the seminar.

Questions regarding how to give or receive traditional Reiju were not answered in the workshop in El

Escorial. The topic of Reiju wasn’t discussed in detail until later as part of the Gendai Reiki Ho Master

/ Instructor training in Madrid.

All in all, this was a unique experience not only for me but for many of the participants with whom I

spoke. It may in fact have been the fulfillment of a dream.

Finding out so much about what Usui Sensei taught, as well as applying and experiencing it, is

something that is difficult to put into words…Experiencing it personally is probably the way to go…

I would like to convey my sincere thanks to Doi Sensei!

Robert Gericke

www.gendai-reiki-ho.de



Annex: * Author’s note referring to page 3 and further information on Hayashi Sensei

Based on his medical background as a surgeon* (*perhaps more likely a highly trained paramedic-Note by the author)

in the Japanese navy, where he served as an officer in the rank of a captain, Hayashi Sensei was

assigned by Usui Sensei to further research and optimize the healing practices and to open a clinic for

this purpose. In order to support Hayashi-sensei’s research, Gakkai members and referred clients

became frequent visitors to the clinic. The collaboration with the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, however,

ended after Usui Sensei passed away. Usui’s successor, Ushida Sensei, was keen on ending Hayashi’s

'special status' whereupon both Hayashi Sensei and his wife Chie Hayashi left the Gakkai and set

about to expand and advance training in the Reiki method at the clinic he had already founded during

Usui Senseis’s lifetime. Under the name of 'Hayashi Reiki Kenkyu-kai', he would continue to practice

and offer treatment independently of the Gakkai while also offering training in Usui Reiki Ryoho to

the public. Up to this time, Mrs. Hayashi was also a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

Having trained Mrs. Takata (who had already been successfully treated in Hayashi’s Tokyo-based

clinic) – and also because of Hayashi’s visits to the Hawaiian Islands at a later time – Reiki-ho also

become known in the West. During his stay on Hawaii, Hayashi-sensei offered on-site training and

Reiki-ho lectures and also bestowed the Shinpiden status upon Mrs. Takata in 1938. The term 'Master

of Usui Reiki' was used for the first time in the English-language notarial certificate (instead of

'Shihan') perhaps because of a translation mistake. It would be the cornerstone for the spread of Usui

Reiki Ryoho in the western world. Arguably, Hayashi-sensei would have continued his work in Hawaii

had the war – and its direct impact on Hayashi-sensei and his family – not intervened. This is

confirmed by several reports and other clues, for example, Hayashi-sensei trained many people on

Hawaii who were also designated as members of his Kenkyu-kai, and he also wrote a text book.

His wife Chie succeeded him in the 'Hayashi Reiki Kenkyu-kai' following Hayashi-senseis’s death. It

was then left to Mrs. Takata to spread Usui Reiki Ryoho in the United States following the war; and

she did so in her own way in a different form. It is certainly also owing to her outstanding dedication

that Usui Sensei’s Reiki method – in the Takata-modified way – became known across the globe.

Thus, despite the adaptations she made, Hawayo Takata-sensei continued Hayashi’s work and, in a

way, also the mission entrusted to him (given to him by Usui Sensei). Reiki-ho became known

worldwide before returning (in a westernized form) back to Japan where the original Reiki method

and Usui Sensei’s teachings continue to be preserved and perpetuated within the Gakkai to this day.

Beyond this, they are also being rediscovered thanks to extensive research and nowadays Reiki-ho is

even taught outside of Japan (and also the Dento Reiki techniques and concepts).

Thank you for your interest in this article, to which you may link if you refer to the author and sources. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are interested in this topic.

Robert Gericke www.gendai-reiki-ho.de

Copyright to images used:

Gendai Reiki Network GRN - www.gendaireiki.or.jp - Audrey and James Pearson - www.gendaireikihoamerica.com

Olaf Böhm (Hannover) - www.tonbo-reiki.de - Natalia Rios and Pedro Marano (Argentina) - www.espacioreiki.org

Trille Palsgard (DK) - www.trillepalsgaard.dk - Gendai Reiki Ho Association of Madrid - gendaireikihomadrid.com

Robert Gericke - www.gendai-reiki-ho.de - Usui Reiki Ryoho Association of Castilla y León - www.reikipalencia.com


http://www.gendaireiki.or.jp/

http://www.gendaireikihoamerica.com/

http://www.tonbo-reiki.de/

http://www.espacioreiki.org/

http://www.trillepalsgaard.dk/

http://gendaireikihomadrid.com/


http://www.reikipalencia.com/

japanisches Reiki - Gendai Reiki - Usui Reiki Ryoho - Dento ... GENDAI REIKI...Dento Reiki Workshop and Gendai Reiki Ho training with Doi Sensei In the winter, at the beginning of

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