Mt Kurama 2016 Reiki Pilgrimage by Corrine Brown
Reiki Pilgrimage To Mount Kurama - Birthplace of Reiki
20th November 2016
Mount Kurama is 1870 feet above sea level with an elevation of 584m and lies about 12kms north-west of Kyoto, Japan. Apparently it is not rare to see bears here but lucky for us, we did not encounter them. Entry fee is 300 yen and English maps are available (shown in photo link).
My Reiki pilgrimage to Mount Kurama was 2-fold:
1. To pay my respects to Sensei Dr Mikao Usui
2. To follow in his footsteps up Mount Kurama as this is the birthplace of Reiki where Dr Usui who re-discovered Reiki,
fasted and meditated under a tree for 21 days and received his enlightenment to the Reiki energy
We took an early morning Keihan Line train to the northernmost stop, Demachi-Yanagi Station and then boarded another train on the Eizan Line for another 30 mins to reach the last stop, Kurama. Kibune is the second last stop on the Eizan Line; and both Kibune and Kurama are tranquil rural villages. It is easy to spend an entire day here however for those who are time-pressed, this trip is possible in half a day.
The Eizan Line train trip was lovely as it travelled through the suburbs of Kyoto before heading up the slopes towards Mount Kurama. At one point, the train even slowed down as it passed through a short stretch of gorgeous autumn maple trees, allowing the passengers to adore and absorb what natural beauty nature has to offer. The array of autumn colours are to be experienced, not described (see second frame short movie).
Disembarking the train at Kurama and walking towards the many temples and shrines of the Tendai Buddhist sect, you are greeted by one of the Japanese trolls, Tengu, famous for its long nose.
On approaching the entrance to Mt Kurama (a few minutes' walk from station), we are surrounded by gorgeous autumn colours on both sides of the steps. Taking our time to absorb all the amazing colours, we then walked towards the Nio-mon (Guardians) Gate and the dragon guardian of the waters to cleanse our hands/heart, mind and body - on all levels before entering holy space.
There is an option for a short cable car ride (200m for 200 yen 1-way) up to the main hall or take a leisurely stroll up a scenic winding path. The queue and the wait alone is enough to re-consider.
The mountain area of Kurama is a place of special energies. As well as being the birthplace of Reiki, it is also believed that 6 million years ago Mao-son, the great defender of spirits, the great king of the conquerors of evil and the spirit of the earth, descended to Mt Kurama from planet Venus to save mankind. The Chi spot marked in front of the temple is exactly where he landed; and anyone who stands in that spot would feel the Chi or life energy. This mandala spot with the triangle pointing towards the temple is the Chi spot I stood to pay my respects, offered prayers, blessings and gratitude.
As part of my pilgrimage, I lit incense at the various shrines and temples, and offered wishes on behalf of fellow Reiki Practitioners, Mother Earth, World Peace and for all mankind.
As we begin our steep climb along the serene path, the many temple worshipers fell by the wayside, leaving just a few curious trekkers. We passed smaller shrines and water wells so we stopped to again cleanse ourselves and offered prayers.
We came upon the path with monstrous cedar roots above ground. The size of these roots create an interesting pattern and make a great photo. The few taking photographs were not as quiet and respectful of the mountain as we would have liked. As this place is getting more popular, trying to get a break of silence for any length of time is rare and precious. Some continued the loop from Kurama to Kibune, whilst others retraced upon reaching the huge cedar roots, heading back to Kurama. This is the easy and quicker option for those with limited time.
We wandered around and under these beautiful towering trees in the brisk fresh air with the sunlight filtering through. We stood under a group of gigantic cedar trees, looking up in awe and wonder. We entered the shrine, paid our respects and spent some time around the fenced roped tree visualising and reliving the moments where Dr Usui sat under. Finally we chose to sit under these amazing spiritual beings to rest, meditate and rejuvenate. I understand why Dr. Usui chose such a tranquil space for his 21 meditation days. I am able to totally relate to the Reiki history where Dr Usui stubbed his toe coming down the mountain - not surprising with these jutting roots and rocky grounds.
After a few reflective hours spent in the environment where Dr Usui had been, we gently continued our journey down the other side of the mountain towards Kibune.
The path on this side is naturally rugged and makes for a more interesting descent. It is much harder and steeper. It seemed to go on forever, winding its way down; and finally another temple. There are many water wells along the way so we stopped at every one of them to ensure we are continually cleansing and kept cleansed on all levels - the path to purity. The pilgrimage is a holistic cleansing journey of mind, body and soul - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
The return journey down continues, with sunlight still filtering through the trees and the softness of the cool wind freshens. There is an amazing twisted bark and a trunk that looks like a guardian with the face of a bunny (spot this in the photos). We encountered a few trekkers coming up from Kibune towards Kurama - the opposite loop which is definitely the tougher way around.
Finally, voila! The trek came to its end and we could see the roof of a little hut - the ticket booth at the Kibune end. We crossed a little bridge into the village of Kibune; and then there is human life once more! The sound of the waters under the bridge was our last connection to the mountain; then onto the other side of the road where there are a few eating places. Once more, I am reminded, and am able to clearly relate to the lineage history where Dr Usui broke his fast eating his first meal here; and another of the 4 miracles of the story, where he treated the inn-keeper's daughter with Reiki.
By this time, at the foothills of the mountain at Kibune, our knees were buckling. We soon learnt that it is another 2kms from this village to Kibune station so we took our time to be grounded and visited Kibune shrine before walking along and following the stream to the station. It is a lovely walk downhill beside the river with the amazing autumn-coloured trees once again around us.
Well timed as it turns out, the train arrives; heading back to civilization.
But once more, the train slows down passing through the short stretch of the amazing maple trees, dancingly showing off their beautiful autumn colours …………… then the mountain is behind us.
Three of the four miracles of the lineage story happened here at Mount Kurama and Kibune.
Having also been to the Gifu prefecture, I am able to visualise Dr Usui carrying out the 4th miracle in this area.
I am filled with eternal gratitude to have been able to relive the Reiki story in Gifu, Mount Kurama and Kibune; making the Reiki history and the 4 miracles tangible.
My heart chakra especially is wide open. I am totally absorbing, savouring and cherishing every moment as this is truly a magical journey. Mysteriously but not surprising, most of my photos taken here were not quite focussed; and as with my other pilgrimages, I have begun purging - deep clearing from the heart and throat chakras. Stagnant energies shifting, powerfully!
Leaving Kyoto for home a few days later by bullet train (see fifth last frame short movie), I return with renewed vigour, greater respect for, and a much more personal connection with Reiki.
Awe-inspiring, refreshing and exhilarating. In honour.
View photos and 2 short movies of Mt Kurama 2016 trip
Corrine Brown
Reiki Master Teacher
Read also Dr Usui's Memorial Pilgrimage here.
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