Reiki is a well-known healing practice, and many believe that it originates from the Buddhist tradition. As we know itu today, Reiki is the work of a Shintoist-Buddhist physician and teacher named Mikao Usui. Usui is said to have discovered a Tantra, or Esoteric Teaching, originally given by Sakyamuni Buddha on the practice of the Medicine Buddha. Due to visions he had of the various Buddhas, and the guidance of his own spiritual teacher, he fasted and meditated on the practice and received empowerment directly from the Buddhas. He then adapted the teaching so that it could be practiced by anyone who wished, including non-Buddhists. Some believe that Usui transmitted several forms of Reiki, one for non-Buddhists, one for Buddhists, and one for Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhists.
Medicine Buddha is one of many buddhas who have attained the state of perfect enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. The enlightened mind has eliminated all negativity and perfected all positive qualities. Medicine Buddha's blue sky-colored holy body signifies omniscient wisdom and compassion as vast as limitless space and is particularly associated with healing both mental and physical suffering.
