Mikao Usui (1865-1926), commonly Usui Mikao in Japanese, was the founder of Reiki, a form of spiritual energy healing used as an alternative therapy for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases.
He taught Reiki to over 2,000 people during his lifetime. Eleven of these students continued their training to reach the Shinpiden level, equivalent to the Western third degree or Master level. Early life, family, and education
What is our energetic aura?
He was born in Taniai village (now Miyama cho), Yamagata district, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, now located near present-day Nagoya. His ancestors were the once influential Chiba clan of Hatamoto samurai.
According to the inscription on his memorial, Tsunetane Chiba, a military commander during the end of the Heian period and the start of the Kamakura period (1180-1230), was one of Usui's ancestors.
In 1551, Toshitane Chiba conquered the city Usui and thereafter all family members acquired that name.
Usui was raised as a samurai from childhood, specifically in the martial arts techniques of aiki (合氣術) or "Way of Aiki" = Aikido.
A Shumei member recently told us that three Japanese men all belonged to an organization called Oomoto Kyo ("Great Source"). One went on to develop Reiki, another (Morihei Ueshiba) Aikido, and a third (Mokichi Okada) Jyorei energy healing and Shumei.
Aikido FounderMorihei Ueshiba developed Aikido as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. His goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers from injury. Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the way of harmonious spirit." According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness against others.
Although there are many stories extant in the United States that Usui earned a doctorate in theology at the theological seminary of the University of Chicago, he never attended, let alone received any degree from the University of Chicago.
Career and activities
There is a universal life force (chi or ki)
As an adult, it is believed that he traveled to several Western countries, including the Americas, Europe, and China as a part of his continued study.
His studies included medicine, history, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and Taoism.
It is believed that the aim of Usui's teachings was to provide a method for students to achieve connection with the "universal life force" energy (prana, esoteric energy, holy spirit, spiritus, animating force) that would help them in their self-development.
What sets his teachings apart from other hands-on healing methods is his use of attunement (reiju) to remind students of their spiritual connection.
It seems that all of his students received five principles to live by and those with a further interest in the teachings became dedicated students.
There does not appear to have been a distinction between clients and students in the beginning though this may have changed at some point.
People began coming to Usui Mikao possibly for different purposes -- some for healing and others for the spiritual teachings.
Shugendō is a Japanese mountain ascetic shamanism that incorporates Shinto and Buddhist practices [15].
The roles of Shugendō practitioners include offering religious services such as fortune telling, divination, channeling, prayer, ritual incantations, and exorcism.
Shugendo was often used by family clans to heal disease or avoid misfortune [11].
Claims of Reiki's Christian origins
Hawayo Takata, a Reiki Master under the tutelage of Chujiro Hayashi (林 忠次郎, 1880–1940), lied about Reiki's history of development to make Reiki more appealing to the West [16].
To this end she made a relation of Reiki with Jesus Christ and not with Buddhism.
Buddhist origins of Reiki
She also falsely presented Usui as the dean of a Christian school. While he had obtained the knowledge of Reiki from the Buddhist religious bookThe Tantra of the Lightning Flash, Takata claimed that he had been inspired from the story of Jesus Christ, who had healed with the touch of his hand.
So Usui, it was said, had come to America to learn Reiki. She told this to spread Reiki among Christians, too, believing it would otherwise be extinct.
However, in 1994, the original manuscript was found, which claimed that Reiki had originated from Gautama Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism [17]. More
(ESPN) YouTuber-turned-boxer "I beat Mike Tyson[who may or may not have been paid to take a fall]" Jake Paul will face former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a professional heavyweight boxing match on Dec. 19 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, Most Valuable Promotions told ESPN on Monday.
The fight -- which will be streamed live on Netflix -- is scheduled for eight 3-minute rounds, and the fighters will wear 10-ounce gloves, the standard for heavyweight fights.
It's an about-face for Jake Paul, 27, who was originally slated to take on WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis in an exhibition fight on Nov. 14, 2025. However, the bout was canceled after Davis was named in a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend accusing the boxer of [testosterone poisoning,] aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Instead of an exhibition against a hard-hitting pro boxer who campaigned at 130 pounds, Paul will now face a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist in a sanctioned professional boxing match who has fought as high as 256 pounds, over 100 pounds heavier than Davis [and much taller].
Paul has campaigned primarily as a cruiserweight with a 200-pound weight limit, although he weighed 227.25 pounds for his heavyweight exhibition fight with Mike Tyson in 2024.
"This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day," Jake Paul said in a statement, "a professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, Dec. 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain's Goliath gets put to sleep."
Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) is still a novice in the sport with no notable amateur experience and only 70 total rounds boxed as a pro since 2020. He'll take a massive step up from MMA fighters and journeyman boxers to face Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), one of the hardest-hitting and most decorated heavyweights in the world with over 160 rounds boxed in his 12 years as a professional. More
It is fascinating what is hidden from us. Edgar Cayce, America's "Sleeping Prophet," gave detailed instructions on how to build a device that is able to see the aura he spoke of so frequently in his readings (edgarcayce.org). Where is this device? More importantly, where are those original instructions? If they still existed unaltered, someone would have assembled one.
The Buddha could see auras and had a tremendous one himself that others may have been able to see as it extended out a league, according to legend.
Crystals might help in building and seeing auras
Humans, science has recently discovered, emit light. If so, it must vary due to mood, health, vibrancy, youth, emotions, mental states, and so on. It would hardly be static and lifeless. Kirlian photography records something beyond an electrical discharge -- because if it did not, how could one explain that a hand with a missing finger when viewed by Kirlian photography shows the missing finger? A freshly cut leaf shows the missing piece as if it is still there energetically.
It is one of the first Western medical studies of the aura or "human atmosphere," proposing its testable existence, nature, and possible use in medical diagnosis and prognosis.
In its conviction that our human energy field is an indicator of health and mood, Dr. Kilner's study resembles the later work of Harold Saxton Burr. However, while Burr relied on voltmeter readings, Dr. Kilner, working before the advent of semiconductor technology, attempted to invent devices by which the naked eye could be trained to observe "auric" activity.
He hypothesized that it was ultraviolet radiation, stating that the phenomena he saw were not affected by electromagnets [2].
Dicyanin coated glass slides were called "Kilner Screens" [3]. The slides were treated with alcoholic solutions of variously colored dyes and held to train the eyes to perceive electromagnetic radiation outside the normal spectrum of visible light [4], namely, N-rays.
Treatment of the screens notably involved dicyanin, a toxic coal tar dye originally used in infrared sensitization of photographic plates.
While this dye is rumored to be banned by the US government due to its paranormal properties, these claims are inaccurate.
Dr. Kilner reported that long-term viewing through these screens was not recommended as they "had a very deleterious effect upon our eyes, making them very painful." But after regular viewing and sufficient training, one could dispense with the apparatus [and still see auras].
Dr. Kilner's illustration of a healthy woman with "a very fine aura" [and a not bad naked body] from The Human Atmosphere
According to his study, Dr. Kilner and his associates were able, on many occasions, to perceive auric formations, which he called the "Etheric Double," the Inner Aura and the Outer Aura, extending several inches from patients' naked bodies.
His book gives instructions by which the reader might construct and use similar devices [2]. More
(MorgueOfficial) In the Bible, "God" demanded bloodsacrifices, the death (murder) of innocent men, women, and children, and repeatedly unleashed plagues and floods to destroy humanity. Why would a "loving God" constantly demand sacrifice and worship? What if that weren’t God but actually the Devil? Who were the Cathars?
The experiment in the video is from the following video from Veritasium. Even though I don't agree fully agree with their interpretation of the experiment, I think it's an excellent explanation of QED. I highly recommend it!
What is directly-perceived light? It may be kalapas, the smallest units of materiality (rupa, form)
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It is possible to directly perceive light
In Buddhism, āloka-saññā means the "perception of light." A recurring Pali language canon passage reads:
"Here the meditator contemplates the perception of light, fixes mind on the perception of the day, as at daytime so by night, and as at nighttime so by day. In this way, with a mind clear and unclouded, one develops a stage of mind that is full of brightness."
That is, mind becomes full of the perception of light.
This perception is one of the methods for overcoming drowsiness in meditation recommended by the Buddha to the chief male disciple "foremost in psychic powers," Mahā Moggallāna (A.VII. 58). [He may have said the same to the chief female disciple declared "foremost in psychic powers," Uppalavanna Theri.]
Attain absorptions, see kalapa, review in slo-mo
According to DN 33, this method is conducive to the development of "knowledge and vision." (See "purification," visuddhi). And it is said to be helpful for the attainment of the psychic "divine eye." (See abhiññā). Light can also be the direct subject of meditation as a kasina (a disk or special meditation object).
Buddhism has its own physics? Oh, yes. It is called the "Doctrine in Ultimate Terms" or Abhidhammapitaka. Why? In Buddhism, there is conventional reality as distinct from ultimate reality. In one world or perspective, there are things and persons. In another, there are only ultimate mind and matter, nama and rupa ("name and form") or the ultimate constituents of things, namely cittas ("mind-moments") and kalapas ("particles").
Something strange happens when we trust quantum mechanics
(Veritasium) March 4, 2025: Does light take all possible paths at the same time? Massive thanks to Dr. Andrew Mitchell for his help and expertise. To delve further into this topic, see his lecture on classical physics derived from quantum mechanics: Classical physics derived from quantum...
0:00 What path does light travel?
2:40 Black body radiation
6:47 How did Planck solve the ultraviolet catastrophe?
9:42 The quantum of action
13:25 De Broglie’s hypothesis
15:16 The double slit experiment
20:00 How Feynman did quantum mechanics
25:01 Proof that light takes every path
31:16 The Theory of Everything
Incredible gratitude to Prof. David Kaiser, Prof. Steven Strogatz, Prof. Geraint F. Lewis, Elba Alonso-Monsalve, Prof. Christopher S. Baird, Prof. Anthony Bloch, and Prof. Stephen Bartlett for their invaluable contributions to this video. Special thanks to Mahesh Shenoy from FloatHeadPhysics for his help with this video. Check out his excellent intuitive video on the UV Catastrophe here (Sept. 2024): I wish I was taught the birth of Quan...
Looking Glass Universe, 3/28/25; Veritasium, 3/4/25; Ven. Nyanatiloka, Buddhist Dictionary,āloka-saññā edited and expanded by Dhr. Seven; Crystal Quintero, CC Liu, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Amitabha Buddha: Infinite Life and Light: History, Dharani, Sutras, Sadhana, and Sukhavati
(Buddha Weekly) Aug. 7, 2024: Why is the magnetizing or attracting power of Cosmic Buddha Amitabha and the Lotus family so alluring? Why is Amitabha so popular in the various lineages and schools of Mahayana Buddhism? Why is Amitabha's Western Pureland Sukhavati called the "Happy Realm," and how easy is it to attain rebirth in this paradise? Why is Amitabha called both "Infinite Light" and "Infinite Life"?
[Is it because it's a fantasy that does not require effort and spiritual exertion to calm and purify the mind only to develop faith and devotion, which are much easier? In the dichotomy of hariki and jiriki, most humans prefer an "other" power rather than "self" power as a means of salvation/liberation.]
CONTENTS
00:00-02:57 Introduction and why is Amitabha so popular in Mahayana Buddhism?
02:57-05:41 Magnetizing power, charisma, and the power of Amitabha’s Lotus family
05:41-08:17 Amitabha’s 48 vows and the story of Bodhisattva Dharmakara (from sutra)
08:17-09:15 Shakyamuni Buddha explains Sukhavati Pureland of Ultimate Bliss
09:15-11:11 Amitabha’s name literally means “Infinite Light” and why
15:21-18:55 Sukhavati Pureland: Land of Ultimate Bliss described by Shakyamuni Buddha
18:55-21:27 Dharani practice of Amitabha Buddha and magnetizing
21:27-22:21 Three shorter mantras as a daily practice
22:37-23:57 Amitabha’s sadhana practices and visualizing Amitabha Buddha
23:57-31:00 Recitation of Amitabha sadhana in full
Let's answer these questions and more in this in-depth presentation that ends with his dharani, mantras, and unique sadhana called Brief Amitabha Sleeping Practice by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö to help connect directly to this compassionate and powerful Buddha of the 48 vows.
Let's look at the story of these 48 vows later in the presentation plus the story of Amitabha as Bodhisattva Dharmakara from the sutra.
FOR A FULL FEATURE ON BUDDHA WEEKLY including the shorter sutra and dharani in English, Sanskrit, and Chinese, see: buddhaweekly.com/?p=24862.
Amitabha is the magnetic "savior" Buddha. He helps with his charismatic bliss and joy and wisdom for discernment to overcome the poisons of attachment and desire.
It is our clinging attachment to things -- objects, money, ownership, and ego -- that causes suffering in samsara (the cycle of rebirth). With discernment wisdom, the wisdom of Amitabha's Lotus family, we overcome our obsessive clinging to things and ego.
His practice is the magnetizing power of the buddhas signified by his body made of red glowing light like a beautiful glowing sunset. Red is the color of magnetizing, the color of fire and the setting sun of the west, all of which are symbols of Amitabha.
Orgyen Topgyal Rinpoche explained in a teaching on Red Amitabha's Lotus family:
“The manifestations of the wisdom of discernment are the deities of the lotus family of magnetizing. The magnetizing deities (devas) have the power to bring circumstances under control.”
Magnetizing power is the power of charisma, attraction, cooperation, compassion, and loving-kindness. Amitabha's magnetizing power attracts auspicious circumstances, knowledge, good fortune, helpful people, students, business, and prosperity — as long as we are motivated by the cause for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Khenpo Namdro explains:
Magnetizing of Amitabha's Lotus family is “that which brings within one’s power all that appears and all that exists. It goes by such a name because if you make this prayer fervently, you will be able to magnetize or bring within your power the phenomena of the entire universe.”
The first ever scientist to explain how to shift into higher frequencies?
(Video Advice) July 23, 2024: Discover the potential of higher frequencies with Robert Edward Grant, who might be the first scientist to explain this groundbreaking concept. In this enlightening video, distinguished polymath and innovator Grant unveils the scientific methods to elevate our personal frequency and thereby transform our reality.
FULL VIDEO: Tropicana Hotel imploded in true Las Vegas spectacle
(News 3 Las Vegas)
Oct. 9, 2024: Bombers (controlled demolishers) love spectacle in Iraq as in the U.S. Some purposely rigged and blew up (blew in) the famous Tropicana Hotel in Lost Wages, Nevada, this morning, while a fireworks show and drones were seen swarming the desert sky.
There was advance notice of the event and, in true Vegas style, rooms were being rented out in neighboring high rise hotels for better views of the destruction and subsequent implosion. As with 9/11 and the purposeful bringing down of Twin Towers real estate in Manhattan (NY, NY), the entire area was "Trop dusted," with dangerous particulate matter now clogging the lungs of Las Vegans breathing without protective firefighter filters, iron lungs, and/or sufficiently stringent facemasks.
This is the 15th such takedown (controlled demolition) on or near the Vegas Strip. Will future lung cancer cases be compensated? Stay indoors until the skies clear and blow this over into the desert and all over Bunny Ranch.
This whole spectacle is reminiscent of the "shock and awe" campaign the U.S. military rained down on Iraq (Mesopotamia) that time it wanted to steal artifacts like Gilgamesh's body and tomb relics and control the Middle East with its partner and client state Israel no matter what Iran or Saudi Arabia had to say about it. More: News3LV.com
US War on Iraq: 'Shock and awe' assault on Baghdad begins (2003)
(ITN Archive) On 21 March 2003, ITN's John Irvine reported from CIA Asset and Supreme Leader Saddam Hussein's Iraqi capital of Baghdad as the "shock and awe" phase of the US-led war campaign by air got underway. While the US bombardment of Baghdad had begun on 19 March, this had in fact consisted of relatively limited strikes targeting Saddam Hussein himself (who was hiding faraway in a tunnel), senior regime officials, and other specific targets. At 17:00 UTC on 21 March, the air campaign moved into the next phase. In one night, 504 cruise missiles were launched [dumped out of the US armory so that new more modern ones could be justifiably ordered to enrich private war profiteers like the Bush Dynasty, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Powell, and others] at Baghdad's government district. The pictures captured by ITN's cameras that night are to this day considered defining images of the 2003 invasion and the Iraq War as a whole.
To license the footage featured in this clip, follow the link below: gettyimages.co.uk... To search the ITN Archive collection on Getty Images, follow the link below: gettyimages.co.uk/footage...
News 3 Las Vegas, Oct. 9, 2024; ITN Archive, March 21, 2023; Pfc Sandoval, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
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