by Frans Stiene
Within Okuden Reiki II we have the symbol/mantra Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen 本者是正念 which literally translates as: my original nature is right mind.
But what does original nature mean in a traditional Japanese context?
“If you look into your original nature with a mind that does not waver… you will realize that your own mind is itself the Buddha.” Zen Master Bassui Tokushō
As many Zen masters point out, our original nature is the mind of Buddha.
In fact Mikao Usui pointed this out not only with Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. Within the booklet Shin-Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho Kokai Denju Setsumei and the Usui Reiki Ryoho Hikkei, two booklets handed out by the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, we find an interview with Mikao Usui. And in it, his answer again points to the mind of Buddha:
“Q. Does Usui Reiki Ryoho only heal illness?
A. No. Usui Reiki Ryoho does not only heal illness. Mental illnesses such as agony, weakness, timidity, irresolution, nervousness and other bad habits can be corrected. Then you are able to lead a happy life and heal others with the mind of Kami or Hotoke [Buddha]. That becomes the principal object.”
Thus the principal object of Mikao Usui’s teachings, as he pointed out himself, is to realize our own mind as Buddha, and from that state of mind we can help others. Just to reiterate, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen translates as: my original nature is right mind.
“The No-Mind is the same as the Right Mind.” – Zen Master Takuan Soho
Right mind is the same as no-mind, and that is our original nature.
“One mind, the buddha mind, which is no mind, is our original nature.” Zen Master Huineng
The more we internalize the concept of what Mikao Usui pointed out with Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, the more we rediscover what we have always been in the first place.
“Our pure original nature… is always functioning, all the time. If you attain this original nature, then it is possible to change your karma. But the only way to do this is through having a strong practice. This cannot be emphasized enough. You must perceive that karma is thinking: it is completely empty. It has no self-nature. You can perceive this yourself as your practice becomes stronger and clearer. In the meantime, simply don’t make good or bad and this will soon become clear to you. At that point, what is your original face, your original substance? Nobody can give this to you, this is something you can attain only through the practice of meditation.” – Zen Master Seung Sahn
Zen master Seun Sahn points it out so beautifully. This therefore also means that Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is for ourselves and not for others. For how can we clear another person’s karma? Indeed, we can only change our own karma. He also points out that to do this we need a strong practice, just as Mikao Usui pointed out within the Reiki precepts: practice diligently!
“To understand the original mind yourself is to see into your own original nature.” – Zen master Huineng
All these great teachers point out that we have to do it ourselves, to go inward. This is also why level II is traditionally called Okuden, which translates as: inner/hidden teachings. This points to what is hidden within ourselves: our original nature. But if we keep looking for it outside of ourselves with externalized practices, then it will be very difficult to rediscover what is hidden within ourselves; for that we have to turn inwards.
“Originally nothing’s changing. No birth, no death. Everything’s complete stillness. No happiness, no suffering, no problem. That’s our original nature.” – Zen Master Seung Sahn
This is really the essence of Mikao Usui’s teachings, as he stated: the principal object. A state of mind beyond suffering and happiness—a completely free-flowing state of mind. And what happens when our energy is in that state of mind? Our energy flows freely too.
“If you clear your mind of all likes and dislikes, your original nature will shine through, and you will see the world exactly as it is.” – Zen Master Seung Sahn
Clear our mind of all likes and dislikes; isn’t that what Mikao Usui pointed out in the precepts too? When we have cleared our mind of all likes and dislikes, we are in a state of no anger and worry and are grateful for whatever arises. Then we can be true to our way and our being and in a state of mind of ultimate compassion for ourselves and others.
Mikao Usui pointed this kind of ultimate healing out so beautifully within the Reiki precepts: The secret method for inviting blessings. The spiritual medicine for all illnesses.
As Zen Master Seung Sahn said, “Our pure original nature… is always functioning, all the time.” We need only to recognize it, to remember it. And through our diligent practice, our compassion, energy, and our great bright light will shine into the world.
