Amanda Jayne’s journey into Jikiden Reiki began with a quest to find the right teacher, an essential aspect of learning any discipline. After years of searching globally, her travels led her to Japan, where she met Chiyoko Yamaguchi, a pivotal figure in Jikiden Reiki.
This encounter profoundly influenced Amanda’s practice, highlighting the unique cultural and philosophical foundations of Jikiden Reiki that differ from Western forms. Through her dedication to preserving these traditional practices, Amanda underscores the importance of authenticity and cultural context in holistic healing.
In her interview with MysticMag, Amanda shares how these experiences shaped her path and the deeper understanding she gained from studying Reiki in its original Japanese context.
What led you to specialize in Jikiden Reiki, and how does it differ from other forms of Reiki?
So, you know, I think the first thing in terms of what led me to learn Jikiden Reiki and settle with that was the teacher. I think this is one of the most important things when you’re going to learn anything: do you match the teacher? Is it the right teacher for you? And I think that’s true of all things, right? So, I’d heard about Reiki a long time ago, in the 90s. I just had this sense that I wanted to do it. I didn’t really know anything about it, but I knew I wanted to do it.
I looked for the right teacher for me all over the world because I was traveling during that time in the late 90s and early 2000s. I was really traveling and looking for somebody, but I just couldn’t find the right teacher for me. It just didn’t feel right. So, I kind of gave up. Then, I went to Japan to live and teach English. Interestingly enough, I just went to teach for a short time, but the moment I arrived in Japan, I knew I was going to stay for a number of years. I felt like I was home; it was strange and wonderful, and I still feel like that now.
Basically, I was teaching English there and almost a year had passed before I remembered that Reiki came from Japan. I started to look for a teacher locally and met one who spoke English, but again, it just wasn’t right, so I stopped. Thankfully, as a result of meeting that first teacher and my conversations with other teachers, I found Chiyoko Yamaguchi. We call her Chiyoko Sensei because “Sensei” means teacher.
I found her through one of the Japanese teachers at my school who was worried about me and looking up Reiki. She found Chiyoko Sensei and her son, Tadao Yamaguchi. She checked them out, decided they were legitimate and safe, and then took me to meet them. My first meeting with Chiyoko Sensei and Tadao Sensei was in her apartment on the 7th floor of a building in Kyoto. The second I walked through the door, I could feel this amazing warmth, love, and peaceful feeling. Seeing Chiyoko Sensei sitting there, smiling, I knew she was the teacher I wanted to learn from.
That’s why I specialized in Jikiden Reiki. It was the feeling and sense I had on meeting her. As I went on to learn with her and her son, Tadao Yamaguchi, I began to see the differences between Jikiden Reiki and other forms of Reiki that had spread in the West. The differences can be tricky to pinpoint because they vary depending on the type of Reiki. One big thing I’ve noticed is the cultural understanding behind what you’re doing.
For example, the concept of “byosen” in the West was initially not well understood. Byosen is about understanding where toxins are gathered in the body, guiding where and how long to treat. It’s logical and treatment-focused, which makes sense. The simplicity and depth in Jikiden Reiki were also significant, and there’s no heady stuff on top of it—it’s simple and makes sense.
Can you explain the significance of learning Reiki as it was originally practiced in Japan?
This connects to what we were just discussing. Learning Reiki in Japan retains the simplicity inherent in Japanese culture. Japanese culture, influenced by Shinto, holds that we are not separate from the source we come from. In the West, there’s often a notion that we must do something to connect to Reiki. Originally, there’s nothing you need to do; you just put your hands on it because you’re already connected.
There’s a concept in Japanese called “Ma,” which means space or interval. It illustrates the place where light or divine energy comes in. In music, for example, the space before and after a note is as important as the note itself. Similarly, in Reiki, we are instruments allowing something bigger to happen. It’s about allowing love to come in, where healing happens.
When you learn Reiki as it was originally practiced in Japan, you’re also learning a whole philosophy and way of life that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The Japanese approach emphasizes the importance of simplicity, humility, and a deep respect for nature and all living things. This perspective is embedded in the practice of Jikiden Reiki and informs every aspect of the healing process.
Furthermore, learning Reiki in its original form connects you to the lineage and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This lineage carries with it a purity and authenticity that can be lost when practices are modified or adapted for different cultures. By maintaining these traditions, practitioners of Jikiden Reiki can offer a form of healing that is true to its origins and deeply respectful of its roots.
How do the principles of Jikiden Reiki integrate with modern wellness practices?
Reiki enhances any practice, making it even better. It doesn’t contraindicate with anything. The reiju (attunement) received in a seminar helps clear the channel, allowing more energy to flow and helping the soul to wake up. This sense of purpose and connection to the source is crucial. Gratitude, a fundamental aspect of Shinto, is also important in modern wellness practices, helping physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Healing happens in the spaces, where love is allowed in. Many modern wellness practices recognize this principle. The more heady or theoretical a practice becomes, the harder it is to return to the simplicity of allowing love, which is where healing happens.
What inspired you to write “Women in Reiki” and focus specifically on women’s contributions to this healing practice?
My writing partner, Silke Kleemann, had the idea during a meditation. She noticed that women are the primary practitioners of Reiki today, but men often have a more public presence. We wanted to give a voice to women working in Reiki today and explore the stories of the women who preserved and passed on Reiki. Without these women, Reiki would not have continued. Their stories are inspiring, and we wanted to highlight their contributions.
As we delved into the project, it became clear that women’s roles in Reiki’s history were significant but often overlooked. We discovered many women who played crucial roles in maintaining and teaching Reiki, especially during times when it could have easily been lost. For instance, women in Japan, such as Chiyoko Yamaguchi, were instrumental in preserving the original teachings and practices of Reiki. These women not only practiced Reiki but also passed it down through generations, ensuring its survival.
Additionally, we found that women have a unique approach to Reiki, often bringing a nurturing and intuitive element to the practice. By focusing on their stories, we aimed to highlight the diversity and richness of Reiki practice. We wanted to showcase how these women have contributed to the evolution of Reiki and have continued to inspire new generations of practitioners.
How did you research and uncover the stories of the women who played a crucial role in Reiki’s journey from Japan to the global stage?
We had help from various people, including Tadao Yamaguchi, who provided a lot of information and researched further for us. Frank Arjava Petter allowed us to read and publish parts of Kimiko Koyama’s handbook. Justin Stein, a well-known Reiki researcher, helped us with the story of Hawayo Takata. We read many books and spoke to as many people as we could to gather information. It was a community effort, much like Reiki itself—a community of people coming together to support and share knowledge.
The process of uncovering these stories involved a lot of meticulous research and collaboration. We reached out to various historians, practitioners, and experts in the field of Reiki. Tadao Yamaguchi was an invaluable resource, as his family had a deep connection to many of the women we were researching. He provided firsthand accounts and insights that were crucial to understanding the true history and contributions of these women.
Frank Arjava Petter’s contributions were also significant. His access to Kimiko Koyama’s handbook allowed us to delve into original teachings and practices that have been preserved over the years. This primary source material was incredibly valuable in ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of our work.
Additionally, Justin Stein’s expertise in Reiki history was helpful, especially regarding his depth of knowledge regarding Hawayo Takata and our being able to gain permission to print the photograph of the Gakkai’s only female president. We also conducted numerous interviews with current practitioners who shared their experiences and knowledge, adding depth and personal perspectives to the historical accounts.
Overall, it was a collaborative effort that brought together a diverse group of individuals dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Reiki. The community aspect of this research mirrored the community spirit of Reiki itself, emphasizing the interconnectedness and support that are central to the practice.
Find out more at: www.learnjikidenreiki.com and www.womeninreiki.com
