Tendai Nuns and Reiki
It is said that Mikao Usui, the founder of the system of Reiki was a Tendai buddhist practitioner. We can see tendai as an influence upon the system of Reiki, or, if you prefer, we can see where elements of the system have originated from. Don’t be confused, this is not to say that we practice buddhism as Reiki practitioners, but it helps us to know where the teachings originated from out of the Japanese culture and philosophy.
Shibumi is interested in tracing back from the system to its origins to help practitioners get a solid grounding in their practice and to help them be aware of what it is they are doing and the motivations and intentions behind the practices which have often been forgotten or variegated.
Sourcing background information is not only interesting but even fun. Although much Japanese information is not available to those who either don’t speak the language or are not a part of an organisation, it can be enjoyable to find related information that gives you a little more insight into the culture and its Ways.
Here is an article about Tendai nuns and who can be one and what it might mean to be one. There is little known on this subject and therefore it is fascinating to read: http://www.sakyadhita.org/NewsLetters/Tendai%20Final.pdf
To add a touch more interest to the subject have a look at this link: http://www.medievaljapanesestudies.org/past-activities-programs/abbess-nyodais-700th-memorial.html
It concerns research into the the first female Japanese Zen master, Zen Abbess Mugai Nyodai, from 700 years ago. Research concluded that she had been wiped from historical records and it is only recently that information about her life has come to light.
For more on this subject:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ealac/imjs/programs/1998-fall/manabe_speech.html
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ealac/imjs/programs/1998-fall/mugai_history.html
