We were honored to have the opportunity to receive Komyo Reiki Shinpiden training here in Atlanta with Hyakuten Inamoto on March 17-19.

Sensei’s visit coincided with the most beautiful weather – unusually early for this time of year too. To his delight, the cherry blossoms (sakura) were blooming in time for his arrival!

Sensei gave a public talk on Reiki to a group of about 20 people on Friday night at the Self Discovery Center in Druid Hills, which is where we also held the training. He shared a slideshow presentation on the important sites and landmarks associated with the development of Reiki Ryoho and its founder, Mikao Usui. Sensei also gave a wonderful dharma talk on the nature of enlightenment.

Our Shinpiden class had 9 students (myself included) which was a perfect size to allow for intense discussion and hands-on practice giving reiju. I had taken Sensei’s Komyo Reiki Shinpiden training in NYC in July 2010, but the level of engagement everyone shared made me feel as if I was learning it all again for the first time. Sensei spent a significant amount of time on discussing spiritual development, living the Reiki Principles, and the responsibilities of a Shihan (Teacher, or in Japanese, “Good example”) which resonated with everyone present.

Sensei also devoted a lot of time for reiju practice. The emphasis on proper form, mindfulness, and the Reiki energy emanating everywhere in the room was indescribably lovely and warm. It was an transformational, deeply connective and supportive journey we shared together, and we were all a bit sad when it was finally over. We received our Shinpiden certificates, shared heart-filled hugs and more than a few tears.

We also had the unique opportunity to share a different spiritual practice with Sensei. Next door to the Self Discovery Center is the Atlanta Hare Krishna Temple (the Center is affiliated with the Temple), which has been a part of the community for many years.  We participated in their Sunday Feast program, which included teachings, kirtan (sacred chanting) and a community meal served on their lawn with a couple of hundred people in attendance. The kirtan was especially powerful and inclusive – capping off a weekend already filled with much devotion and sacred energy.

We are so thankful for Sensei’s visit, his dedication to his students and Reiki Ryoho, as well as support for the sangha we are creating here. I am particularly grateful that 4 of my students were able to learn from and spend time with Sensei.

One of my favorite things he said several times over the weekend was, “Reiki Ryoho is the world of Oneness.” We will take that to heart in our daily lives and practice.

Gassho.

See more photos of Day 1 training, Day 2 training, and the public talk.