Yes the Chakras have a place in reiki.
Both The Hindus and Buddhists have used chakras for thousands of years in meditation and yogic practice. A popular mantra of the Buddhists is The Gayatri Mantra, which is revered, by both Buddhists and Hindus worldwide. It is considered to be a supreme vehicle for gaining spiritual enlightenment. The longer form of the mantra activates all seven major Chakras and connects them to the seven great spiritual realms of existence.
Therefore it follows that because of Usui’s connection with Buddhism and Hinduism, that whilst meditating he would have used a system incorporating the chakra’s.
The centre, which the Japanese call hara, is quite literally our physical and energetic core. The Sacral chakra resides here, focusing on grounding, physical embodiment, basic needs and drives, and directed action. Physically, it is the focus of our power, gravity and bodily organs. Our legs extend the hara into a connection with the earth, establishing our roots as well as enabling mobility. Further, hara is understood as our life source and spiritual umbilicus, and through its cultivation comes mastery, strength, wisdom and tranquility.
The hara the chakras and the meridians are all linked they may be from different belief systems but they are most certainly linked.
What some masters seem to be missing is that Usui was well versed in a number of belief systems and would most certainly have had an in depth knowledge of chakras specifically from his Buddhist and spiritual teachings.
When Usui went to meditate and cleanse himself on the mountain then it is almost certain that he used a cleansing and meditation system derived from his Buddhist teachings this could have used the chakra’s and would certainly explain the belief that the energy entered through the brow chakra.
As he was alone it is impossible to say what form his cleansing and meditation took. But it would be incredible that a man so versed in many religions and beliefs that incorporated the chakra system, would not understand the chakra systems.
REIKI FEDERATION
THE EUROPEAN REIKI FEDERATION