A 'Taste of Tendai' is a day or weekend course combining various aspects of Tendai Buddhism studies and practices designed to, in some small way, introduce this unique form of Buddhism and is open to groups interested in supplementing existing practices or introducing Tendai in general.
For as long as modern Reiki has been in existence, there has been the suggestion that its founder had some connection with Tendai. Thus this particular weekend was a means whereby Reiki practitioners who attended would possibly gain both some insight into the depths of Usui Sensei, the Founder of Reiki and at the same time, enhance and extend their own practices.
Reiki healing has been increasingly popular in recent years not only as a healing art or Way, but also as a spiritual expression of healing. All too often the world of spirituality is dismissed as something belonging in the Dark Ages, Pagan and associated with those perhaps not having a firm grasp of the 'realities' of modern life. However, this simply goes to demonstrate just how 'disconnected' we have become from our 'Face of Origin' or 'Spiritual Nature' which is paramount to both the understanding and practice of Reiki.
The origins of what today is called Reiki, has its roots and seeds in the distant past when healing through power of Ki/Chi/Pneuma (life force or energy) was commonplace but with the advancement the practice became lost until it was re-dis-covered by Master Mikao Usui.
Reiki history tells us that Master Usui travelled and stayed on Mt. Kurama for a period of 21 days in order to commit himself to 'Gyo' or severe ascetic practices with the vow to unlock the secrets of spiritual healing. The history further tells us he had a strong connection with Tendai Buddhism and was perhaps ordained as a Tendai priest and therefore had some knowledge of Mikkyo which are Tendai's esoteric practices.
Gyo is an essential ingredient in any spiritual discipline. It is not known for certain what practises Master Usui undertook. The Reiki-Tendai weekend retreat in the Blue Mountains of international Reiki authorities Frans and Bronwen Stiene at their Tomah Reiki Dojo was an attempt to introduce the concept of Gyo to a group of their students as a means of shedding a glimmer of light on both Tendai Buddhism and the Gyo efforts of Master Usui Mikao.
The retreat consisted of practises common to many Japanese Buddhists. The day began at 5:00am with KinHin or 'walking meditation'. The original plan was to do Kaihogyo (mountain trekking) but severe wind and rain prevented this- it would not have prevented the monks on Mt. Hiei, however. The day ended at 8:30/9:00pm.
Throughout the day, the group experienced practises such as Shakyo (Sutra copying), chanting (the group were taught the 'Hannya Shingyo' or Heart Sutra). Meditations centred around Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. In effect, the whole weekend of Gyo was centred around this Buddha with the objective of raising the awareness of and making a connection with, Yakushi Nyorai. The group also experienced Tendai's morning and evening services (gongyo) in addition to a special opening and closing ceremony. Talking was minimal and lunch and evening meals were taken in silence.
Reiki is a unique form of healing. However, during the retreat the Chinese proverb: "talk does not cook rice" was emphasised often. Meaning that to get to the heart of Reiki, as indeed with any spiritual discipline, supreme effort and sacrifice is often required. Frans and Bronwen Steine, the founders of the International House of Reiki, have taken up the challenge of not only ensuring the accuracy and continuance of Master Usui's teachings as he intended, but to penetrate, as he did, into the heart of healing. It was a privilage to be with such a dedicated group of students and to, in some small way, contribute to their journey.
Gassho
(Reverend Jiryo Moxon)
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A Taste of Tendai (Reiki-Tendai Gyo)
