For sure, it's widespread apparent 'mistakes' & errors' in what Takata sensei said.
In 1972 the Christian population of Hawaii was 44.1%. 15.4% were buddhist, and 5.5% were Shinto. 31.3% were of no religion. Source:
http://evols.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10524/240/1/JL07047.pdfTo tell lies about Usui sensei, to possibly appease less than half of the population, i dunno bout that.
I mean, you're a good person Bridget, We both expereince Reiki, as Takata sensei did, would we not speak the truth bout our teachers teachers. I know we would. Perhaps Takata sensei did say this, i can't say she didn't. Perhaps though, she was repeating what Hayashi sensei told her?
Edit: Actually scratch that, i know for a fact folks do lie within Reiki, hehe. My mistake! I'm not suggesting Takata sensei did this though!
We know it hasn't been easy to trace Usui sensei in the university, etc.
i'm getting off-topic here, apologies,
. For sure, Usui sensei's Reiki may not have been Buddhist or Christian. There's definitely elements of Buddhism in it though. One symbol prob is buddhist in nature. Interestingly, possibly, is an art in Japan, a part of esoteric buddhism called Kuji-Kiri. to explain it very crudely, it's the drawing in the air in a particular way, to bring about, well anything really. some might call it magic. It initially sounds so like drawing Reiki symbols doesn't it? I'm not suggesting it's the same (for any researcher reading).
I personally believe Usui sensei incorporated many religions in his life, and saw the universality in all. And took aspects from some for certain things.
I definitely think Reiki is non-religious, and should stay that way. In this way, it remains universally acceptable for everyone. I know, being a muslim myself (not a practicing one anymore), that doing anything from another religion is not permitted, for example. So, to align reiki with any one religion, would potentially exclude 1/5 of the world. and i did mention this in semi-public to a well known teacher myself.
I genuinely applaud your reasoning in your post Bridget, and think it's an important topic brainstorm over,
.
Take care
wayne