October 13, 2026
Reiki
Reiju: What We Know and What We Don’t Know
What Reiju means, how its transmission has evolved, and what we can —and cannot— say about its history, its effects and lineage in Reiki.
Meditation is a path to mindfulness, deep understanding, and direct spiritual experience. Through various art forms such as haikus, Zen koans, and mandalas, it is possible to transcend the limits of rational thought and immerse oneself in an authentic experience of inner peace and spiritual connection.
Meditation is also a practice that reminds us how to return to the present moment. Although traditionally associated with sitting posture and stillness, it can also manifest through art. Practices like haikus, Zen koans, and mandalas allow the mind to be freed from the constant flow of thoughts, facilitating a deeper connection with our inner being and the world around us.
Originating from the Japanese tradition, haikus capture the essence of fleeting moments in nature with extraordinary simplicity and clarity. Their three-line structure (5-7-5 syllables) invites mindfulness, connecting the mind with the environment in the present moment. By reading or writing haikus, we practice an active form of meditation, where the mind becomes calm and focused on what is essential.
A world of dew,
and within each drop
reflections of the moon.
Matsuo Basho (Japan, 1644-1694 AD)
The bell fades away,
but the echo still lingers
in the flowers.
Yosa Buson (Japan, 1716-1784 AD)
Zen koans are enigmatic questions or stories designed to break the logical structures of thought. Rather than seeking concrete answers, koans invite a direct experience of reality. Reflecting on them, the analytical mind gives way to intuition and spiritual awakening.
What was your original face before your parents were born?
Dahui Zonggao (China, 1089-1163 AD)
The practice with koans is not about solving a riddle or reaching an intellectual solution. Rather, it is an exercise in pure meditation that dissolves the separation between subject and object, between the observer and the observed. When facing the paradox of a koan, the practitioner is forced to release control of the rational mind and surrender to the direct experience of the present moment. It is in that moment of surrender that intuitive understanding arises, a clarity beyond words.
Originating from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mandalas are geometric representations that symbolize wholeness and universal order. Observing or creating mandalas is a form of visual meditation that calms the mind and promotes a state of inner balance. Every shape and color in a mandala invites us to connect with our deepest self.
The act of creating a mandala is, itself, a meditative process. By tracing each line and selecting each color, the mind focuses, and scattered thoughts begin to dissolve. This conscious focus on the creative act allows one to enter a state of mindfulness, where time seems to vanish, and only the present moment exists. Each mandala is unique and reflects the inner state of the creator, acting as a mirror of their emotional and spiritual world.
On the other hand, observing a mandala is also a powerful meditative practice. By fixing the gaze on its patterns and concentric shapes, the mind finds a point of rest. This act of contemplation allows thoughts to quieten and deep calm to arise. Mandalas are not only visual tools but gateways to a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between the individual and the universe.
Haikus, Zen koans, and mandalas are much more than artistic expressions; they are gateways to the present moment. These practices dissolve mental barriers, cultivate mindfulness, and lead us to a state of serenity and understanding.
In the simplicity of a haiku, the bewilderment of a koan, and the harmony of a mandala, we find the heart of Zen meditation: being present, serene, and open to the direct experience of the now. Each of these artistic forms teaches us to observe attentively, accept without judgment, and connect with a reality that goes beyond words. Haikus show us the fleeting beauty of a moment; koans challenge us to let go of our mental structures, and mandalas guide us to an inner order that reflects the harmony of the universe.
By integrating these practices into our daily life, we not only enrich our spiritual path but also learn to live with more calm, clarity, and compassion. They remind us that meditation is not just an isolated practice but a way of being in the world: awake, present, and deeply connected with each breath, each step, and each moment that unfolds before us.
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