Excerpts from Takata's Diary

From Hawayo Takata's Early Diary (Taken from the book "Reiki, a memorial to Takata Sensei", compiled by Mrs. Alice Takata Furumoto, 1982.)

"In my attempt to write this essay on the Art of Healing in limited words, I will try to be practical rather than technical, because what I am about to define is not associated with any material being which is visible, nor has a shape, nor name.

I believe there exists One Supreme Being -- the Absolute Infinite -- a Dynamic Force that governs the world and universe. It is an unseen spiritual power that vibrates and all other powers fade into insignificance beside it. So therefore, it is Absolute! This power is unfathomable, immeasurable, and being a universal life force, it is incomprehensible to man. Yet, every single living being is receiving its blessings daily, awake or asleep.

Different teachers and masters call Him the Great Spirit, the Universal Life Force, Life Energy, because when applied it vitalizes the whole system; Ether Wave, because it soothes pain and puts you into deep slumber, as if under an anesthetic; and The Cosmic Wave, because it radiates vibrations of exultant feeling and lifts you into harmony. I shall call it "Reiki" because I studied under that expression.

Reiki is a radionic wave, like radio. It could be applied locally or as in short wave. A distant treatment could be successfully given. Reiki is not electricity, nor radium or X-ray. It could penetrate thin layers of silk, linen, porcelain or lead, wood or steel, because it comes from the Great Spirit, the Infinite. It does not destroy delicate tissues or nerves. It is absolutely harmless therefore, it is a practical and safe treatment. Because it is a universal wave, everything that has life benefits when treated -- plant life, fowls, the animals, as well as human beings, infants or old, poor or rich.

It should be applied and used daily as a prevention. God gave us this body, a place to dwell, and our daily bread. We were put into this world for some purpose, therefore, we should have health and happiness. It was God's plan, so he provides us with everything. He gave us hands to use them, to apply and heal, to retain physical health and mental balance, to free ourselves from ignorance, and live in an enlightened world, to live in harmony with yourself and others, to love all beings. When these rules are applied daily, the body shall respond and all we wish and desire to attain in this world is within our reach. Health, happiness and the road to longevity, which we all seek -- I call this Perfection.

Being a universal force from the Great Divine Spirit, it belongs to all who seek and desire to learn the art of healing. It knows no color, nor creed, old or young. It will find its way when the student is ready to accept. He is shown the way. Initiation is a sacred ceremony and the contact is made. Because we are associating with Divine Spirit, there is no error; nor should we doubt. It is Absolute!"