MDCRT Celebrates The Life of Mikao Usui in Japan
In 2019, MDCRT explored the history of Reiki founder Mikao Usui in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan.
To deepen and enhance MDCRT’s offering of Reiki, MDCRT founder Kandi Austin traveled to Japan, where Mikao Usui brought the healing wisdom of Reiki to so many. Kandi hiked to the top of Mt. Kurama, visiting many temples along the way. See the Main Temple and a mandala at the top of beautiful Mt. Kurama, the mountain where Usui received the gift of Reiki. It was a moving experience to visit Mikao Usui’s final resting place in Tokyo. Click on the photos of these sites and more below.
The memorial stone of Mikao Usui It is virtue that one finds as the result of diligent training of the mind and character. Only after one has made both virtue and success great, one is called: A Great Master. One of these great masters was Usui Sensei.
Kandi Austin at the Mikao Usui memorial stone
Kandi honoring Mikao Usui at his memorial stone. I’m so grateful to him and to each of my teachers here on earth.
Kandi Austin at the memorial stone of Mikao Usui. It was a great honor to wash the stone of Usui Sensei. I felt a powerful connection in this moment of honoring him.
Kandi Austin with family near Tokyo Tower. You’ll find so many amazing temples in every city. We had a lovely guide, who took us under her wings…Sumi.
A large drum in a temple. Exquisite.
Mount Fuji seen from the Shinkansen train. I know it’s hard to see, but still worth posting. This bullet train was super fast as we traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto. Did you know Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan, and then it was changed to Tokyo- look how the names were reversed.
Train to Mount Kurama. A dedicated train, beautifully painted, to Mt. Kurama. We headed home at dusk. On our way back to our Kyoto dwelling, the train stopped and shone lights on the fabulous fall colors of the many trees that make this time of year so special.
One of the tigers in front of the entrance to Mount Kurama. Notice his mouth is open. He chants ‘from the beginning’ The tiger is one of the helpers of Senju Kannon, the Buddha of Love and Compasion
A statue of a tiger on the path to Kurama temple. His mouth is closed. The open mouth is beginning, his is the end. Some also say the open mouth begins the sound of ‘Om’ The closed mouth ends the sound with MMMMM.
The gate at the entrance to Mount Kurama. It was amazing to walk through this entrance!
A statue of Kwan Yin at the entrance to Mount Kurama. Senju Kannon is the Japanese name.
Kandi in a cleansing ritual at the entrance to Mount Kurama. This is very powerful. One takes the ladle and fills it with the sacred water, pour into left hand, then pour into right hand, then pour a bit into your mouth and spit it out in gravel in front of statue, then cleanse the ladle, hands in gassho and bow to Senju Kannon. Only then, you enter the temple grounds.
Kandi Austin at the entrance to Mount Kurama. Fall is a beautiful time to visit. I was so excited to walk up these steps.
Kandi Austin at the entrance to Mount Kurama. I was overwhelmed by this experience. It’s something I hope you all will consider.
Kandi Austin at a small shrine on the path to Kurama temple. Every step was something to behold…to pause and honor.
A sculpture of six baby Buddhas on the Mount Kurama path. This sculpture honors the souls of unborn or stillborn children.
A centuries old tree on the path to Kurama-dera temple
A shrine on the path to Kurama-dera temple
A shrine on the path to Mount Kurama
A small pagoda
A shrine
Gate on the path to Kurama-dera temple
A bridge on the path to Kurama-dera temple. Every turn, every step was magical and effortless. This shows an 800 year old (at least) Hinoki cypress.
The path to Kurama-dera temple, lush, serene, magical.
Steps on the path to Kurama-dera temple
Kandi Austin on the steps to Kurama-dera temple
Kandi Austin at Kurama-dera temple
View from Kurama-dera temple
Kandi Austin performing a cleansing ritual
Kandi Austin at Kurama-dera temple
Kurama-dera temple
A mandala at Kurama temple. Look at this geometrical structure built with flagstones. You can stand in the center of the pattern, facing the temple, with folded hands, wait and listen. It is said this is a power spot, and the Reiki of the Universe will surge through your crown chakra.
A rainbow appeared on the climb down from Mount Kurama. A heartfelt sign from our higher source.. This day was as it should be.
Kandi exiting Mt. Kurama, so filled with inspiration and awe. Truly magical.
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