Frankly Shamanic

Introduction:  This course is based on the Japanese tradition of Shugendo

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Everyone knows about Reiki. That it is a way of healing developed by Mikao Usui. However, it is not widely known who Mikao Usui was, his true history, philosophy and origins of his Reiki system. However research shows shows that Mikao Usui was not a Christian nor did he attend any American universities, Usui was in fact a Shugendo practitioner. Evidence of this can be seen from the story of the origins of Reiki itself as told on Usui’s memorial stone. It states Usui travelled to the top of Mount Kurama where he fasted and meditated with strict discipline for 21 days after which he received Reiki. This process is in fact a common form of ritual among Shugendo practitioners, known as a nyubu. This is performed specifically to obtain spiritual powers. Moreover, Mount Kurama itself is a sacred site in Shugendo, and said to be the home of protective spirits that are worshiped by practitioners of Shugendo.

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All things on this planet and universe are evolving, that said, it now seems right to us that Reiki, which facilitates such wonderful healing experiences should now itself, be healed and made whole by being reunited with its eclectic origins and shamanic background. Therefore, this course does not resemble Reiki practice as it is generally taught. 

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Shugendo is a mountain based spiritual practice not an organised religion. It blends Ancient Japanese shamanic practices, Shinto, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. It can be loosely translated as "path of training to achieve spiritual powers," and is considered the way to develop inner power and obtain magical skills, healing powers, and longevity. Shugendo practitioners believe that the mountains are home of the Gods, ancestral spirits and spirits that are connected to nature, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility.

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These beings are called kami.  Amaterasu, the sun goddess is considered one of Shinto's most important kami. It is believed that people, after they die, become kami and are venerated by their families as sacred spirits. Practitioners are called Shugenja, Shugyōsha or Yamabushi.