After this transcendental revelation, Usui left the mountain top with the ability to heal through a simple laying on of hands as Jesus did. As he descended the mountain, Usui performed what is known as the 'Four Miracles'. He stubbed his toe, and instinctively put his hands to the torn flesh. Usui's hands grew very hot and the toe was immediately healed. The second miracle was done when he reached the bottom of the mount upon entering a tavern. After extensive fasting, Usui ate a full meal with no discomfort. This is usually not accomplished due to the shrinking of the stomach while fasting. A gentle regime of food usually follows fasting, and even that can sometimes make the individual nauseous. .
Thirdly, a server at the tavern suffered a painful toothache. Usui put his hands on the sides of her face, and the pain was immediately healed. Lastly, upon returning to his monastery he was informed that the director was bedridden by painful arthritis. Usui, went to the bedside, healed the monk, and the seal of the four miracles was set. Word of these miracles began to spread throughout the region. Usui began his own healing temple soon afterwards, and began training acolytes in the way of Reiki (Stein 12). .
Esoteric Roots of Reiki .
The term 'esoteric' implies hidden knowledge that may only be comprehended by the initiate. Mystery schools emerged out of traditional faiths that safeguarded the most powerful teaching of faith. Like Usui's deciphering of the Sanskrit text only to be led deeper into the mystery, esoteric wisdom cannot be handed down but through interior seeking. Master Usui named the rediscovery of this healing energy 'Reiki', which translates as "universal life force energy" (Stein 12). Reiki has its roots in Buddhism, but most likely goes back much further into the archaic healing of Ayurveda (the oldest school of medicine born from Hindu mystics). .
Buddhism lays its foundation in compassion for all life.