"Hawayo Takata was born in the Hawaiian Islands, one of several children of a plantation worker. She was named "Hawayo" in honor of the entire Island group.  Although born of Japanese parents, Hawayo was entitled to U.S. citizenship due to the place of her birth. She recalled having worked in the cane fields as a small child and she remembered having gone only to the second or third grade.  Then she was asked to work in the main plantation house. Through the years, she was given increased duties and eventually was put in charge of the other household staff She married the family accountant, a young man also of Japanese descent.  In his late twenties her husband died of a heart attack.  Hawayo was left with two young daughters.  In the mid-1930's with failing health, she took her children and went to her parents' home in Japan "to prepare to die".  Her physical health had been draining her energy.  She was suffering from lung problems, heart problems, stomach disorders and a bad gall bladder. At her parent's, she was able to rest and after a few months prepared to under go surgery. However, just before the scheduled operation was about to begin she heard her husband's voice saying emphatically, "No surgery, No surgery."  She noted that only a few times throughout her entire life, in very important matters she would hear her husband's voice-this was one of those crucial times.  Immediately, she refused surgery.  Her doctor then referred her to a Reiki natural healing clinic in Tokyo. On a daily basis, Mrs. Takata received a complete Reiki treatment at this clinic.  After approximately eight months, her health was fully restored.  In addition, this experience with the power of Reiki transformed her life.  She desired to learn Reiki in order to help others.  At first she was told that she could not learn Reiki- she was a woman and not a citizen of Japan.  However, she continued helping out with chores and errands at the Reiki clinic and soon was taught First and Second Degree Reiki. In about 1938, Takata returned with her daughters to her home of Hawaii.  Before 1940 she was trained by Dr. Hyashi as a Reiki Master. For many Years, Takata traveled in the Islands teaching Reiki and giving treatments.  Not until in her seventies did she train anyone as a Reiki Master." Barbara Weber Ray met Mrs. Takata in August, 1978.  Weber was trained and initiated as a Reiki Master.  Mrs. Takata spent several months with Weber giving her in-depth training in the system of Reiki, including the method for initiating a full Reiki Master. In December, 1980, Mrs. Hawayo Takata made her transition.  It was her desire to share and heal that brought Reiki, as we know it, to the West. "Indicates excerpt is taken from the Official Reiki Handbook, published by the American-International Reiki Assoc.,Inc.