dw /\

Wisdom traditions such as Vedanta and Buddhism (Usui was a lifelong Buddhist) accept that before creation there is simply a nondual state. (This is not the place to get into the differences between these traditions, but only to learn from their essence.) To make a simplistic correlation to quantum physics, this is the unified field. Wisdom traditions identify this field as Pure Consciousness; Chit in Sanskrit. Pure Consciousness is unborn.

Chitta on the other hand is conditioned consciousness (thought) and is the primordial state out of which the universe is born. This field of thought is high vibration subtle energy which is the basis of material creation. Thought creates all, but it’s primordial compared to our ordinary personal mind activity.

Consciousness is really far too subtle and vibrating too quickly to be considered energy. It has to further densify to manifest form. During this densification, ‘energy’ or life force as we understand it begins to show up. This energy is still very subtle, compared to say electromagnetic energy which science can measure.

To say that Reiki is ‘universal life force energy’ or any of variation of this statement needs to be qualified: Life force is dependent on, supported by and sources out of consciousness. And the healing that takes place in Reiki really happens at the level of personal consciousness being transformed, and a solid connection to the greater field.

Yes, there’s the direct action of life force moving through the bodymind and engendering healing through balance and harmony, but the real transformation takes place in consciousness.