Shibumi: Blog http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/ en frans@reiki.net.au Copyright 2010 2010-06-19T07:47:40+00:00 Japanese Koan on Compassion http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/japanese_koan_on_compassion/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/japanese_koan_on_compassion/#When:06:47:40Z Compassion is one of the Reiki precepts.

We really require great wisdom to be truly compassionate and the system of Reiki gives you the tools to delve into that compassionate space through the practice of its five elements. Each situation we encounter will require a different compassion - there is not one way, but many - just as all humans are unique and work in their own individual ways.

Have a read of this Japanese koan and see what you think about this as a form of compassion.. or is it? Koans are meant to be contemplated and meditated upon. We suggest you try it.

]]> 2010-06-19T06:47:40+00:00 Finding Stillness http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/finding_stillness/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/finding_stillness/#When:23:53:46Z Being a Reiki practitioner, my day-to-day practice includes traditional Japanese breathing techniques and other forms of meditation.

I sometimes find the discipline of a daily practice challenging and am always grateful when new ways of maintaining this practice unfold.
In my home there are many animals including one cat and many fishes. My partner is a fish enthusiast and so keeps a number of aquariums exquisitely stocked for our viewing pleasure. The tanks are filled with an amazing variety of plant-life and Amazonian fish species. In my mind, the tanks themselves are more like aquatic gardens.

]]> 2010-06-03T23:53:46+00:00 Tendai Calligraphy http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/tendai_calligraphy/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/tendai_calligraphy/#When:23:38:28Z Recently I attended a Tendai Symposium in San Francisco where one of the top Japanese calligraphic artist gave a demonstration - his name is Houkai Shibayama (Senkei) and he is considered to be a “living legend” in Japan. It was amazing to see this gentle man creating such powerful work with his brushstrokes.

The style of calligraphy is called Shousho, a writing style with few characters, in which you can find its symbolic nature.

]]> 2010-05-18T23:38:28+00:00 What does it mean “to live”? http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/what_does_it_mean_to_live/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/what_does_it_mean_to_live/#When:07:02:08Z What is it ‘to live’?

The movie “Peace on Wheels - IKIRU (To Live)” is a reflection on peace and living through the world of Hiroko Kimura, artist, poet and activist. Having un

I love the earth,
I love people,
and I love myself.

And another poem that maybe those in the Reiki world can relate directly to:

When I eased nature all alone
For the first time in my life,
The word “impossible”
Went out of my vocabulary.

From Hiroku’s experience it is possible to see that we must never feel limited by our bodies. By connecting to the world around us we can truly live.

]]> 2010-05-01T07:02:08+00:00 Shugendo Now & the System of Reiki http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/shugendo_now_the_system_of_reiki/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/shugendo_now_the_system_of_reiki/#When:04:32:09Z If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of the system of Reiki and its influences then take a read of this article by the International House of Reiki.

It explains a little about the relationship between the system of Reiki and Shugendo as well as what Shugendo is.

Then it provides links to all sorts of things Shugendo as well as the trailer to a beautiful new movie called Shugendo Now.

]]> 2010-02-19T04:32:09+00:00 The Title of Reiki Master and the Precepts http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/title_of_reiki_master_and_the_precepts/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/title_of_reiki_master_and_the_precepts/#When:03:21:00Z The term Reiki Master was never used by the founder of the system of Reiki, Mikao Usui.

It was introduced when the translation of Japanese to English became necessary as the system moved out of Japan.

The question that we’d like to ask is this… is this the right title to call yourself when you are teaching, especially in our modern age?

There are many Reiki teachers today who feel uncomfortable calling themselves Reiki Master. This is because the title implies that the Reiki Master masters spiritual energy (Reiki). For this reason Shibumi International Reiki Association asks their Registered Practitioners and Teachers to refrain from using the title Reiki Master, instead calling themselves Reiki Teachers.

]]> 2010-02-16T03:21:00+00:00 Healing with Reiki in Bosnia http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/healing_with_reiki_in_bosnia/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/healing_with_reiki_in_bosnia/#When:21:48:07Z One of Shibumi’s members, Jenny Newman, has worked for The Healing Network in Bosnia as a volunteer Reiki practitioner:
“Healing Hands Network is a charity born in response to the atrocities of the Bosnian war and begun its work there in 1996 after Vicki Poole a Bowen Technique practitioner was moved to do more following a visit to Sarajevo. She recruited a few more therapists and in 1997 the charity was formed. Since then a continuous flow of volunteers has grown and expanded the original concept of HHN; today around 25,000 voluntary treatments have been given with up to 3,000 treatments being given each year.”

]]> 2010-01-02T21:48:07+00:00 Mikao Usui and the Samurai http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/mikao_usui_and_the_samurai/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/mikao_usui_and_the_samurai/#When:08:49:48Z It is said that Mikao Usui’s ancestors were Samurai. But who and what were the Samurai?

Many Samurai practiced esoteric spiritual teachings, like Mikkyo, and worshipped various Buddha’s and war deities. Often these deities and Buddhas were depicted on the Samurai’s outfits, like helmets, swords and more.

The Metropolitan Museum in New York is hosting a wonderful exhibition until the 10th of January 2010. So if you’re looking for something to do in the holidays why not visit the MET.

]]> 2009-12-29T08:49:48+00:00 Christmas Wishes to Shibumi Readers and Members http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/christmas_wishes_to_shibumi_readers_and_members/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/christmas_wishes_to_shibumi_readers_and_members/#When:00:18:25Z Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to all who have followed the evolution of Shibumi International Reiki Association. It has certainly flourished and grown in its first year and we are all excited to head into 2010. We have lots of plans to continue Shibumi’s growth, bringing support to the Japanese art of Reiki.

We have included two fun videos for you with our christmas wishes of peace and love to all. Enjoy!

]]> 2009-12-24T00:18:25+00:00 Meditation with monks http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/meditation_with_monks/ http://www.shibumireiki.org/index.php/blog/article/meditation_with_monks/#When:23:06:30Z A bell tolls at first light. The old timber “nightingale” floors chirp under stockinged feet, there’s a whisper of saffron and black robes, a rumour of conversation and the monks enter the temple. Mist drifts around the eaves like incense and there’s a chill in the mountain air, yet behind the sliding paper screens it’s warm and dark. Low, golden lanterns illuminate an ornate altar, around which the monks sit perfectly still.

]]> 2009-12-23T23:06:30+00:00