Reiki, a Japanese word that means ‘universal life force energy.' It is a system of hands-on healing that is believed to have been developed in Japan in the late 1800’s. The Japanese symbol for rei translates as 'universal life force.' Combined with ki, one’s personal energy, Reiki means universal life force energy channeled through one’s personal ki; this is what is believed to be happening in Reiki practice.
Reiki History
There is no conclusive evidence as to how Reiki was developed, but it is generally accepted that Dr. Usui, a student of religion in Japan, received the Reiki symbols after an extensive period of study, fasting and meditation. After receiving the symbols, he found that his personal energy level had increased dramatically, and he was able to cure people's ailments by placing his hands upon the painful area. Dr Usui was searching to understand how Jesus healed people with laying-on of hands. Laying-on of hands
Hands-On Healing
Currently, Reiki is taught and passed through a series of ‘attunements’ from a Reiki Master to a student. It is believed that everyone can learn and practice Reiki because it is universally accessible. Once a student is 'attuned' by a Master, he/she can then practice Reiki. There are three levels in Reiki: Reiki 1, Reiki 2, and Reiki 3, or Master Level. Some practitioners believe in separating Level 3 from Mastery Level. There can be conflicting evidence between teachers as to how Reiki is taught and transferred, so students are advised to find a teacher whom they trust, and follow a method within which they have confidence.
Self Healing
In Reiki Level 1 the student receives his/her first attunements, opening their energy field to Reiki energy;. Reiki is always passed from person-to-person through the hands. The basis of Reiki Level 1 is personal healing, or self-healing. It is the first experience giving and receiving Reiki, and in the class students will practice on one another. Reiki Level 1 teaches hand positions, the area on the body where one places their hands when giving a Reiki treatment. Most Reiki classes will include meditation, reflection and sharing amongst teacher and students.
Long Distance Healing
In Reiki Level 2, the student receives further initiations and also is taught the symbols that facilitate Reiki healing in a more specific manner. These symbols represent emotional healing, physical healing, and long-distance healing. After Level 2, a student can choose to send Reiki at a distance to someone they who may need healing. Students are encouraged to ‘ask permission’ before sending any kind of Reiki healing, as Reiki is not something that one imposes on others, but is a process of giving and receiving, or more specifically, channelling. Some people choose to use the word channel, as this takes away from any sense of superiority between the practitioner and the ‘patient’; it is Reiki that does the work and the practitioner acts as a facilitator, or channel.
Reiki Attunements
In Reiki Level 3, or Master Level, the student receives his/her final attunements, and is taught how to pass attunements to others. Once a student becomes a Reiki Master he or she is then qualified to teach Reiki to others. Sometimes Level 3 and Mastery Level are separated; in order to complete the Master level, the students must know the hand positions, the Reiki symbols, and how to pass attunements. Completing Level 3/Mastery involves deeper study and practice, as well as understanding in theory how Reiki works.
Generally speaking, there is a time delay between completing each of the levels, to allow for practice, integration of the knowledge, and understanding how to use the energy. This can vary greatly depending upon the teacher, and while some may teach all the Levels in one weekend, others will wait months between Level 1 and Level 2, and years between Level 1 and Mastery Level.
Reiki Principles
- Just for Today, Do Not Anger
- Just for Today, Do Not Worry
- Honour your Teachers, Parents and Elders
- Earn your Living Honestly
- Show Gratitude to All Living Things
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