
TRANSLATION OF THE USUI MEMORIAL
In February, 1927, Usui-Sensei's students are said to have erected
the memorial to his memory which now stands in a graveyard at
the Jodo shu (Pure Land sect) Saihoji Temple, Tokyo...
Note that from the outset, the Memorial speaks of Usui-Sensei
as the founder of Reiho (Spiritual Method), not Reiki.
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REIHO
CHOSO USUI SENSEI KUDOKU NO HI
Memorial of the Benevolence of Usui Sensei,
founder of Reiho (Spiritual Method)
English Version,
Copyright © 2003 James Deacon
Translation (especially for AETW.org) by Jiro Kozuki
That which one
attains within, as a result of disciplined study and training, is
called Virtue, and that which can be offered to others by teaching,
and methods of salvation is called Distinguished Service. Only the
person of high merit and great virtue can be called a great founding
teacher. Sages, philosophers, and brilliant men of old and the founders
of new teachings and new religions were all like that. Usui Sensei
can be counted among them. Usui Sensei developed the method that
would improve mind and body by using the universal power. Having
heard of his reputation, countless people from all over gathered
and asked him to teach them the great way of the Spiritual Method,
and to heal them.
His common name
was Mikao and his other name was Gyoho (Kyoho). He was born in the
village of Taniai in the Yamagata district of Gifu prefecture. His
ancestor's name is Tsunetane Chiba. His father's name was Taneuji,
and was commonly called Uzaemon. His mother's family name was Kawai.
Sensei was born
in the first year of the Keio period, called Keio Gunnen (1865), on
August 15th. He was a talented and hard working student; his ability
was far superior to his fellows. When he had grown up, he travelled
to Europe, America and China to study. He wanted to be successful
in life, but couldn't achieve it. He worked hard but often he was
unlucky and in need. However he didn't give up and he disciplined
himself to study more and more.
One day he went
to Kurama Yama to undergo rigourous spiritual discipline. On the
beginning of the 21st day, suddenly he felt a large Reiki over his
head. He attained an enlightenment and at that moment he comprehended
the Spiritual Method. When he first used it on himself, it produced
beneficial results immediately. After that, he tried it on his family.
Since it was effective, he decided it was much better to share it
with the public than to keep this knowledge solely for his own family.
He opened a training centre in Harajuku, Aoyama, Tokyo to teach
and practice the Spiritual Method in April of the 11th year of the
Taisho period (1922).
Many people came from far and wide and asked for the guidance and
therapy, and even lined up outside of the building.
In September of the twelfth year of the Taisho period (1923), there
was a devastating earthquake. Everywhere there were groans of pain
from the injured. Usui Sensei felt pity for the people, and took
the Spiritual Method into the devastated city and used its healing
powers on the survivors, curing and saving innumerable people.
This is just a broad outline of his relief activities during such
an emergency.
Later on, his
training centre became too small. In February of the 14th year of
Taisho (1925 A.D.) he moved to a new training centre in Nakano,
outside Tokyo. Due to his increased fame he was often invited to
many places. Sensei, accepting the invitations, went to Kure and
then to Hiroshima and Saga, and reached Fukuyama. It was during
his stay in Fukuyama that unexpectedly he became ill and died, aged
62*. It was March 9 of the 15th year of Taisho (1926 A.D.)
[*NOTE:
According to the dates given, Usui Sensei would have actually been
60 at the time of his death. However, apparently there is an ancient
Japanese tradition that a child is considered to be 'one' at birth,
and is seen as being a year older at each new year, rather than
the birthday that falls in that year?? An alternative explanation
for the discrepancy could have something to do with the fact that,
at the time of Usui-sensei's birth, Japan used a different calendrical
system. The change over to the 'western' system in 1873 may have
led to mistakes in the recording of exact dates of events in the
immediately preceding years??]
His wife was named Sadako, from the Suzuki family. A boy and a girl
were born. The boy's name was Fuji who carried on the Usui family
after his father's death. Sensei was mild, gentle and modest by
nature and he never behaved ostentatiously. His was physically big
and strong. He always had a contented smile. However, in the face
of adversity, he sought a solution with determination and patience.
He had many talents and liked to read, and his knowledge of history,
medicine, psychology, divination, incantation, physiognomy and Buddhist
scriptures was great.
On reflection,
the Spiritual Method not only cures diseases, but also balances
the spirit and makes the body healthy using innate healing abilities,
and so, helps achieve happiness.
So, when it
comes to teaching, first let the student understand the Meiji Emperor's
admonitions; and let them chant the Five Precepts mornings and evenings,
and keep them in mind:
Firstly: Don't
get angry today, Secondly: Don't worry today, Thirdly: Be grateful
today, Fourthly: Work diligently today , Fifthly: Be kind to others
today.
These are truly
great teachings for cultivation and discipline in keeping with those
great teachings of the ancient sages and the wisemen. Sensei named
these teachings the Secret Method of Inviting Blessings
and the Spiritual Medicine to cure many diseases. Notice
the outstanding features of the teachings. Furthermore, when it
comes to teaching, it should be as simple as possible and not difficult
to understand. It is important to start from a place close to you.
Another noted feature is that while sitting in silent meditation
with your hands held in prayer and reciting the Five Precepts, a
pure and healthy mind will be cultivated. Its true value is in daily
practice. This is the reason why the Spiritual Method became so
popular.
Recently the
state of the world has altered and peoples' thoughts have changed
a great deal. Hopefully, the spread of this Spiritual Method will
be of great help to people who have a confused mind or who do not
have morality. Surely it is not only of benefit in curing chronic
diseases and lingering complaints?
The number of
students of Sensei's teaching is already over 2,000. Among them,
senior students who remained in Tokyo are maintaining Sensei's training
centre, and others in different provinces also are trying to spread
the Spiritual Method as much as possible. Although Sensei died,
the Spiritual Method will continue to spread far and wide. Ah, what
a great thing Sensei has done, to have shared this Spiritual Method
with the people out there after having been enlightened within!
Lately, many
students came together and decided to erect this memorial in the
graveyard at Saihoji Temple in the Toyotama district to honour his
benevolence, and to spread the Spiritual Method to the people in
the future. I was asked to write these words. As I deeply appreciate
his work and am pleased with the very friendly teacher-disciple
relationships among fellow students, I could not refuse the request,
and I wrote this summary in the hope that people will be reminded
to look up to him with reverence.
Composed by: Masayuki Okada, Doctor of Literature - subordinate
3rd rank, 3rd Order of Merit.
Calligraphy by: Navy Rear Admiral Juzaburo Ushida - subordinate
4th rank, 3rd Order of Merit, distinguished service 4th class.
February, the
2nd year of Showa (1927 A.D.)
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