The Moment of Discovery:
Usui Mikao discovered Reiki when undertaking a practice called Kushu Shinren (literally translated this means 'kushu' - painful discipline and 'shinren' - difficult training. He undertook this practice on MountKurama (or Kurama Yama as it is known as in Japan).
On his memorial stone it is written as follows:
One day, he climed Kurama Yama and after 21 days of a severe discipline without eating, he suddenly felt One Great Reiki over his head and attained enlightenment and he obtained Reiki Ryoho. Then, he tried it on himself and experimented on his family members. The efficacy was immediate (from Mikao Usui memorial stone, 1927).
From this moment on Reiki began to filter through via Usui Mikao and continues reach more and more people day by day.
What is the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai?
A well known society in Japan that was formed after the passing of Usui Mikao with Usui Mikao named as the honourary first president. The Usui Reiki ryoho Gakkai was set up in various cities throughout Japan.
Members meet on a regular (often weekly) basis to practice techniques under the guidance of head teachers or Shihan.
The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai is a closed society and one can only gain entry by invitation therefore many of its secrets remain untold.