Reiki and Buddhism

Why is Buddha Always Smiling?

Ever wonder why Buddha is smiling gleefully in many of his depictions? Could it be because he knew about the healing flow of life force energy, what we call Reiki today? Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that involves the channeling of energy through the practitioner’s hands. The practice can be effective for alleviating stress, promoting good health, and enhancing overall well-being. It also aligns beautifully with Buddhism.

Reiki and Buddhism

Although Reiki is not based on a specific religious belief, it is spiritual in nature. And that’s just one of the ways Reiki and Buddhism make a great match.

Here come a few others:

• Reiki and Buddhism both stress the importance of living and acting in ways that create harmony with your fellows. This harmonious way of life serves as the foundation of both practices.
• Meditation is a powerful element in both Reiki and Buddhism, and the two can be combined into Buddhist Reiki meditations.
• Reiki has Buddhist roots through its founder, Japanese Mikao Usui. Tradition says Usui was graced with some of the insights of his path for later establishing Reiki while attending a Buddhist retreat.
• Buddhism and Reiki both contain five precepts that are similar in nature. Buddhist precepts encourage abstaining from lying, stealing, substance abuse, violence, and sexual dereliction. Reiki precepts have many modern versions floating around, but they generally stem from the same basic ethical principles. They encourage avoiding anger and worry while practicing gratitude, working hard, and being kind.

And if Reiki can make Buddha smile, just think what it can do for you.

**This article appeared in The Reiki Times, the official magazine of the International Association of Reiki Professionals.