One of the regular practices of the Gakkai that has come to light is their meditation on the Gyosei, which I’d like to take a look at here.

First, lets get a few definitions out of the way. Gakkai, Tanka, Waka, Hikkei, Haiku and Gyosei… to be precise. I’ll also get them listed in the glossary in case they pop up again.

The Gakkai refers to the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai which is the association Dr. Usui set up (or perhaps it was his senior students) for proliferating his Reiki style.

Waka can be translated as Japanese poem and, accordingly, there are many different types of Waka to choose from (long poems, short poems, swirling head poems, poem fragments, as well as the many forms of Haiku).

Tanka is Waka that contains 5 lines following the 5-7-5-7-7 syllable rule (that is, the first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and so on).

Haiku is another form of Waka which contains 3 lines the popular form of which follows the 5-7-5 syllable rule (although there are other forms such as Orthodox Haiku, Unorthodox Haiku, Short Form, Long Form, etc.). The most popular form of Haiku is the Unorthodox Haiku (termed “unorthodox” because it is penned in more vulgar language than the orthodox form) such as those of the legendary Matsuo Basho, one of Japan’s most famous poets.

Gyosei refers to the poems of an emperor and Dr. Usui chose 125 Tanka from over 100,000 verses penned by the Meiji Emperor. These 125 tanka are found in the Hikkei and are still used today bt traditional Reiki practitioners. The Meiji Emperor is quite famous for his Waka, having started composing in this style when he was just 5 years old under the informal tutelage of his father, Emperor Komei, who was also quite skilled in his Waka writing (although not quite as prolific as his son). Nowadays, the Heisei Emperor still composes Waka and the recital of his New Year’s Tanka is a national event.

Taken from a historical perspective it must be recalled that during Dr. Usui’s time, the Emperor was revered as a living God. It was not until the end of World War II that the Japanese Emperor lost his Godlike status. Dr. Usui, in placing such a high esteem in the poems of the Meiji Emperor shows that he placed great spiritual value in them… which was (and still is) one of the hallmarks of the followers of the Meiji Emperor.

The Hikkei refers to the Usui Reiki Hikkei, Dr. Usui’s Reiki manual or handbook, which was given to his new students to get them started on the Reiki Path. It includes an introduction to Reiki, the Reiki principles, a question and answer section, the Gyosei and detailed hand positions for various problems.

Reiki Tanka – Putting It All Together

Gakkai members are each given a copy of the Hikkei when they become members. During each meeting, one Tanka is chosen from the Gyosei to set the theme, and this verse is recited at the beginning of the meeting and during Hatsurei Ho it is used in the meditation component.

The Meiji Emperor was a most enlightened leader and while he is mostly known for his part in the Meiji Restoration I believe that to be just a footnote in his own personal history. His spiritual guidance at a time when Japan was facing incredible problems (both at home and abroad) is, I believe, his greatest achievement and while very little is known about his personal thoughts the Gyosei give us a glimpse into his secret world and their study make for truly wonderful meditations… in that, Dr. Usui was spot on!!!

If Meditation is not a part of your daily Reiki practice you should really consider making it one. Not including it is like a stool with two legs…

In parting I offer the first Tanka in the Hikkei for your spiritual enjoyment.

Original Japanese	Romaji Transliteration	English Translation
	Aki no yo no Tsuki wa mukashi ni Kawaranedo Yo ni naki hito no Ooku narinuru – (Tsuki)	(The Moon) – – The evening moon in autumn – Still remains the same as it was long ago – Even though so many people have passed away

For further explanation or discussion, your thoughts are most welcome and highly encouraged, please feel free to comment below!!!