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Please accept that we do not present these views as some kind of advertising, this is a response to a series of good and perceptive frequently asked questions. Also since the material is part of the transmission within Reiki, it is not possible to discuss it other than in general terms only.
Question regarding Reiki and the Aura
Q - In a book called Bio-Etheric Healing by Trudy Lanitis, she states that the etheric body can send healing to the physical body. She also involves the chakras and various layers of the aura. The book raised several questions. Do you know if Reiki to go to the etheric body? Some in Reiki say that Reiki heals the Aura, but you have to be a Master to do this!
I am not completely familiar with the system of Bio-Etheric Healing, but do know it is a recently developed system of healing with the energy field and chakras.
It is always worth bearing in mind that all systems are developed from what has gone before, a new interpretation of previous understanding and views. No system is absolutely right either. Each is one person's view of a subject as if viewed through their own coloured glasses. so in the land of energy medicine there are many views, and many different views which at times don't agree with each other.
It is our understanding that Reiki works on all levels of the human body and energy field, it is not just focused on one particular section. Remember Reiki is just a name for the Universal Energy/Field, and this is the primordial energy that all other energy comes from, so when there is need for support or rebalance in any section of the human body or aura, the body/mind draws from the Universal Field what it needs. Reiki/Universal Energy has its own wisdom. The body-mind has its own wisdom to draw what it needs to the physical body or to the mental/emotional/spiritual bodies.
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Questions regarding possible harmful effects of Reiki!
Q - Do Reiki Practitioners attract negative energy or entities whilst they practise?
Q - Can attunement become blocked if cold showers are not taken 2 or 3 times a day?
Q - Aura Photography – some think being a healer badly affects your aura.
To try to answer the above questions we must remember that Reiki has developed in the East, and was born from Oriental philosophy/medicine and religions of Japan. However, its manifestation is an expression of personal/self-development which resembles clear water, in that it is stripped clean of much of its developmental philosophy.
When it arrived in the West and gained popularity, this “colourless” or pure practice has attracted other pieces of philosophy.
Each philosophy can also be seen as a way of humanity trying to understand the workings of life. From the earliest civilisations, a variety of models and archetypes have been used, such as personification in human form (angels, kami, spirits, deities, devils etc), personification in animal form and personification in mixed form (a blend of animal/human), the use of the natural elements of the earth, the use of the view of the universe (stars and constellations – often seen as animals in the sky). Consequently, the natural world and the imagination of human consciousness come together in the creation of a variety of models and archetypes. These archetypes go back tens of thousands of years in human consciousness, and so they are easily invoked in the modern mind.
When Reiki came to the West it picked up many and varied philosophies based on the belief/education of its practitioners. Numerous Reiki practitioners were interested in “New Age”, channelling, spiritualism, psychic development etc. The teachings of the “new age” are largely unscientific and unproven. Channellers can bring forth useful information and teachings, but the mind of the channeller needs to be pure and quite advanced not to colour or pollute, for information is manifesting through the faculties of human consciousness. There is no evidence that Reiki was originally related to channelling, but more to traditional oriental medicine and mind/body cultivation.
Due to the mindsets of modern practitioners of Reiki, there are some who think that when administering Reiki (the natural energy of the universe) the practitioner is open to other qualities. These can be personified in a negative way as entities/devils, and in a positive way as angels, guides, helper spirits, bodhisattvas etc. If we come across this kind of definition of activity we must always remember that this is a mindset which draws upon ancient archetypes and superstitions / belief that has been passed down through human civilisation. There is no escape from the aging process for all human beings, and in the past cultures have stylised this process through illness and death. The ‘negative’ qualities of life, the fear, anxiety, greed, and various forms of illness have been associated with unreal causation. This can become engrained in the human mind as programming, superstition etc. Just like a sneeze, being followed by the comment “bless you”, as if the sufferer is protected or under the influence of a negative spirit force, and a positive prayer is invoked. If I remember correctly this superstitious practice was instigated during the plague/”black-death” in London when the transmission of the illness was not understood as a transmission of a pathogen, but thought to be the workings of evil spirits and entities.
There are those in the West who claim they have a way to protect the individual from the ‘evils’ or ‘entities’, they have special powers and can “properly attune” Reiki practitioners to rid them of ‘attached entities’. If we look at this in the clear light of reality, we have to question the motives; perhaps money, fame. Or perhaps people who follow a different philosophy that is antagonistic to Reiki.
Life is full of negative as well as positive aspects. Sickness abounds in so many good living, spiritual people. There is turmoil in the natural world, turmoil in our everyday living, turmoil in our states of health, of body, mind and spirit. It is part and parcel of the experience we call living – no one escapes except in dying. It is the JOY of living that we are given the chance to walk on the earth.
It is my experience that attunements do not become blocked. Practitioners of Reiki can either use Reiki or not. The more they connect through regular hands-on ‘treatments’, meditation and reflection, the better the flow of life force energy, to support the experience of life. There are many other practices that can also stimulate life force energy too, such as taking cold showers, or as the Japanese Shugendo monks do, stand under a waterfall. Just because Dr. Usui may have done this and some of the Japanese Reiki practitioners practice this, does not mean that those in the West need to follow suit. The strength of universal energy that flows through the hands does not depend on cold showers. Tai Chi/Chi-Kung/Yoga are all wonderful practices that can help the flow of universal energy too. They will assist some practitioners of Reiki in utilising the universal life force, but they are not obligatory in the practice of Reiki.
There are several methods of connecting with body energy, and Reiki is one of the best and simplest, and one of the most harmonious and safe. Giving Reiki does not adversely affect one’s own aura. The more we give or are ‘open to’, the more universal energy supports our life. Life activities in general cause depletion and changes in personal energy levels. Thus the practice of Reiki can be seen as a simple way of reinstating the balance. However, just because we practice Reiki, does not make us immune to the sufferings of the life process. Reiki will help us chart the most harmonious path. Aura photography is thought of as a method of looking into the energy balance of the individual. This snapshot is then the basis of the diagnosis. However, the aura and body energy changes at great speed, affected most by the mind and consciousness. Just as we feel good all over when someone pays us a compliment, and we feel down when a criticism is given. Diagnosis of something so temporary and transient may well be a flawed science if it is looked upon as a definite ‘diagnosis’ of the individual.. If we see this picture as a moment, then as we work with Reiki, as a self development practice, as we live in the moment, drawing upon the support of universal life energy to rebalance us, then we certainly will grow in self-awareness. This surely is better than a ‘picture’,and an interpretation by another human being; to commit to continue the journey of self exploration and to develop self awareness – a much quicker, flexible and portable diagnostic faculty. ‘Man know thyself, to thine own self be true’.
Questions on the Lineage and Teachings of Reiki Jin-Kei-Do via the book: "The Reiki Sourcebook"
I have been asked on several occasions to comment on the book "The Reiki Sourcebook" by Bronwen and Frans Steine, in respect to their reports on Reiki Jin Kei Do.
Firstly, before dealing with the question, I should point out the obvious, but often overlooked fact - that a book is usually the view or opinion of the author(s). A book need not necessarily be true, or well researched, or the evidence/information may be reworked to imply a certain meaning in much the same way as statistics can often be utilised in different ways. In this particular book my view is that the authors have expressed their views, woven into a range of data, and made a variety of assumptions.
Of course I too am expressing a view, which can include certain assumptions. I feel that this alternative view will help provide a balance. Sadly, people believe the written word as being fact, and future authors will quote from this book, based on its title as "the" sourcebook of Reiki. It does contain much truth and wisdom, but I feel that the authors have an axe to grind on certain topics.
One such topic relates to the consistency and authenticity of the Reiki lineage of Takamori, which has become known as Reiki Jin-Kei-Do since the mid 1990's. There are at least two occasions in the book where they state that RJKD is a joint lineage development from the lineage of Arthur Robertson via Beth Sanders and that of Venerable Seiji Takamori.
Page 42-43 shows a chart linking Reiki Jin-Kei Do with Tera Mai Reiki & Reiki Seichem (Sanders/Milner), and Raku Kei (Roberson/Ishikura); a link to Usui Shiki Ryoho via Phyilis L. Furumoto, and thirdly via a link to Venerable Seiji Takamori. Note too, that Takamori also has a link to Takata.
The implications of this chart are that RJKD was created by Dr RJ Premaratna from a blend of three sources, 1) the lineage from Usui via Hayashi/Takeuchi/Takamori, 2) The Furumoto Lineage, 3) The Ishikura/Robertson Lineage. The second implication of the chart is that Takamori's Lineage is a combination of Takeuchi's line and of Takata's.
Page 269 gives a resume of RJKD, and states further that there is "no verification that Takeuchi or Seiji Takamori ever existed". And grinding the axe a little more they state that the "teaching appears to be based on the chakras and Chujiro Hayashi never taught it". To throw still more mud, they say "there are many similarities with early Kathleen Milner teachings".
My views and knowledge on the above.
Verification of Takeuchi and Takamori.
Historical records of Venerable Takeuchi would be hard to find, since we do not know which Zen monastery in Japan he was the Abbot. However, research into Takeuchi's student, Venerable Seiji Takamori is progressing well, but whilst research is still ongoing details are not released until information is complete. It is better that research is complete and accurate before publication as information spreads quickly and so does misinformation. A good of example of this was Frank Arjava Petter's first book "Reiki Fire", which contained a few pieces of misinformation. The most glaring error was the first name of Usui was changed to "Mikaomi" and this error is still making its rounds in other books published more recently whose authors believed it to be fact.Link between Takamori and Takata.
It has been reported by Dr RJ Premaratna, that Venerable Takamori did receive an attunement from Takata, and in return he rendered the services of a monk. As I understand the teachings received on the subject, Takamori was simply interested in making contact with another Reiki Master, especially one who shared part of the same lineage via Hayashi. The receiving of an attunement does not constitute the receiving of training, or the implication of becoming a student of the initiating teacher, and hence the absorption of all teachings. Therefore, those who practice RJKD generally accept that Takamori simply shared in much the same way as many do in modern times to explore and gain experience. This does not mean that he necessarily took on the lineage of Takata, or her teachings per se, or then propagated her teachings as his form of Reiki.The link between Takata's Reiki.
Before Dr Premaratna studied with Takamori, he took training in two forms of Takata's Reiki. At Reiki 1 and 2 (Nov 1989) he studied with Elke Petra Palm (of West Germany), and at Reiki 3 he received training from Beth Sanders. The latter had studied with Kathleen Milner, who carried a Robertson/Ishikura line. After training with Venerable Takamori, Beth Sanders then received attunement/teachings in the Takamori lineage of Reiki from Dr. Premaratna.Again, the above does not necessarily imply that Takamori's teachings was then blended with those of Takata, only that there was a series of training events which lead to the Dr. Premaratna receiving the transmission of teachings of Takamori.
It should also be pointed out that Milner created a new form of Reiki after receiving a visionary experience, with another being, (initially thought by her to be Sai Baba {orange robes and fuzzy hair}, but the being has changed a few times to Baba-ji {yellow robes and long straight hair}, to Spirit, to the Buddha more recently). This development of her form of Reiki took place from 1991, after the date Ranga Premaratna received his initial Reiki training in the Takata traditions. Thus we can say that there is no direct link between RJKD and the modern form of Tera-mai Reiki.
As we view Reiki from this point in the 21st Century, we could say, that anyone who receives training and or attunements from more than one source, can be implied to be then carrying a mixed or hybrid form of teachings made up of all that has gone before. This is on one level, erroneous, in that many practitioners of Reiki who have studied in more than one tradition make a conscious choice to transmit teachings which they feel committed to, and in many instances they choose the line of teachings which suits their own personal temperament. In the case of the lineage of Reiki via Takamori, I understand that it has come to us today after a journey of a 100 years from Usui, through the studies of all those who transmit the lineage. Thus it has a flavour which was eventually expressed with a name or label "Reiki Jin-Kei-Do" (the Way of Compassion and Wisdom through Reiki). Since it has a common source via Usui and Hayashi, it is inevitable that certain practices and teaching would be similar to Takata's teachings and will be in harmony with many forms of Reiki.
As Reiki has evolved in the modern era, it is inevitable too, there will be some cross fertilisation between different schools of Reiki, and the life path of those in the lineages of Reiki will influence the way the teachings are presented. In the lineage of RJKD the influences perhaps carry much of the Buddhist view as expressed by its many Buddhist lineage bearers. However, we should not conclude that RJKD is a Buddhist form of Reiki, only that the secular tradition of Reiki can also be expressed in other ways dependant on the leanings of its practitioners. It should be pointed out that one does not need to be a practitioner of any religion to do Reiki, and that Reiki JKD is not a Buddhist form of Reiki, only that on its journey to the present day it has been transmitted by several committed practitioners of Buddhism. The modern lineage after Takamori does carry additional Buddhist teaching which are now called EnerSense (from "energy" and "sense" (awareness), which was studied within the Buddhist traditions in Nepal/Tibet/India/China/Japan by Venerable Takamori. They constitute additional training for those who are deeply interested in Buddhist meditation and Reiki.
Is there a similarity between Reiki Jin Kei Do® and any other system of Reiki?
Reiki Jin Kei Do is a form to "traditional Usui Reiki" in that it is a line of transmission of the teachings which have come down to the present day without extraneous material being added, and not loosing anything on the way. There are reports that it is a form of Raku-Kei Reiki (a form of non-traditional Reiki). This is a misconception, Ven. Takamori's teachings bear no relationship to Raku-Kei. It appears that this misconception has arisen due to its early transmission in the USA. Ranga Premaratna re-attuned Beth Sanders using Ven. Seiji Takamori's attunements shortly after receiving training from Ven. Seiji Takamori. Beth was one of Ranga's first Reiki teachers and of a Robertson lineage (Raku-Kei). Beth did not receive Ven. Seiji Takamori's teachings in any depth and it appears she continued to teach from her Raku-Kei background. At that time there was a misunderstanding relating to Takamori's connection with Takata. People thought Takamori was a student of Takata. On this subject, this misinformation was printed in early notes/manuals for Beth Sanders and Ranga Premaratne, and this probably lead to it being quoted in the first edition (1991) of William Rand's book Reiki- The Healing Touch. Ven. Seiji Takamori had been placed in addition to a list of 22 students of Takata which was left to her sister. Later editions of the book leave out any mention of Takamori. More recently, the same list has appeared in Reiki - A Beginner's Guide by Sandi Leir Shuffrey with Ven. Takamori in it. So this misinformation continues to spread in books or by word of mouth. Because of this misconception, some claim that there is no difference between the teachings of Mrs. Takata and Ven. Takamori!
According to Dr. Ranga Premaratne, Venerable Seiji Takamori did meet Mrs. Takata, but was not her student. This information was clarified by letter by Ven. Takamori before he passed away on retreat in Sri Lanka. Due to difficulties in tracing people who took training, this update information from 1993-4 did not reach everyone who had taken training with Dr. Premaratne, thus prolonging the misundertanding. For more information on the students of Takata click here
It is speculation as to why Takata did not mention the existence of another Reiki Master in the world apart from herself. Since she gave the impression she was at one time the last surviving Master then it is perfectly understandable to think when another name appears such as Venerable Takamori that he could have been a student. We know now that there were many other teachers of Reiki in the world besides herself.
I hope that in sharing this, it helps to put the record straight, without prejudice.
For more information on this topic.
What is the difference between Reiki Jin Kei Do® and the Takata Tradition?
Whilst there are many differences in attunements/practices within the Takata tradition, there is perhaps even more contrast between the Takamori attunements/practices and the Takata styles. Not least because attunements are done one-to-one or in very small groups at each level, and not in large groups conveyor belt style.
We make no claims, but there are many in the world who do claim there are differences in the experience or power. Who knows? Each person experiences attunements differently anyway, and experience is always subjective. The real work of an attunement is done by the recipient through self practice, by applying Reiki in one's own life daily - to maintain and develop that strong connection with the Universal Energy Field.
There are many other differences between Takata/Takamori Lineages too, far too many to describe in detail, apart from attunements, treatment styles, symbols, wording of the Reiki principles, use of a variety of hand positions and marma points in treatments, there is a philosophical difference that the Lineage name describes "Reiki Jin-Kei Do - the Development of Compassion and Wisdom through Reiki. This gives the tradition much more of a meditational style. Certainly, all true teachers of RJKD do not mix other non-traditional styles in their presentation of the teachings of the lineage and tend to be very committed to the spiritual path of meditation.
There are also similarities due to the common background in the lineage of Usui and Hayashi, but the emphasis is quite different.
Why are there so many Schools of Reiki?
One of the things that has become very strange about teaching Reiki Masters, is the obsession with symbols, many schools seem to create them, and search for more. Many symbols, designs/shapes have been added to Reiki systems as Reiki has spread throughout the West. The reason for this could be the lack of understanding of the Usui Symbols and the desire to find more "products" to market.
There are only four symbols used in the Traditional/secular Reiki System. Sources through several lines of teaching verify this and to be honest this is enough for this level of Reiki. For when they are embraced fully they affect a whole range of human conditions of Body & Mind. The origins of the symbols are more than just an image/symbol/shape, but a whole philosophy or teaching. The symbol is a means of representing complex ideas, transcendental deities etc. in a form which a meditator can focus on.
Here is something written by J.C. Cooper that may help on this subject of symbols:
"A symbol has been described as "the art of thinking in images". The energy transmuted through a symbol is that which unites man with the All. The symbol is merely a tool. Symbolic knowledge is shown in such things as tarot cards, even if their symbolic significance is open to debate. The power of any sentient symbol will depend on the focus of the mind. Awareness and attention gives a symbol a "consciousness". Symbols can be seen as "keys" that hold specific knowledge. A symbol channels un-manifested energy, but in using a symbol the mind converts un-manifested energy (pre-atomic) into atomic energy which is more tangible. Therefore, a symbol channels manifested energy at that point. The use of any symbol will take one from the lowest (un-manifested) level of reality to the highest potential level (manifested) creativity. A symbol is therefore a filter that will tune you to a different level of consciousness. Because we obtain a greater level of perception through the use of symbols, we need to be selective and objective in how we use them."
All other symbols which have been added, are not Reiki Symbols. Many of these additional symbols have no history or tradition, those that do, may not be appropriate to use in the context of Reiki. Several symbols have some connection to Tibet, but not to Reiki. Some of these symbols make their appearance in so-called Usui-Tibetan Reiki, others in Tera-Mai®, and Karuna® (formerly "Sai Baba Reiki" a derivative of Tera-Mai®). Other systems, including Tera-Mai®, Seichem use a wide range of channelled symbols, some borrowed from other channelled systems such as Kofutu. Some are developed through geometric numerology. All of the channelled symbols have appeared in someone's mind or imagination and have no philosophical background to them, unlike the Usui Reiki symbols.
Therefore, students of Reiki should think very clearly, as to why there is a trend for "more is better" and be cautious as to what symbols /material they are permitting others to attune them to.
Is Reiki a Ray of Energy or Earth Energy?
Reiki is a name for the spiritual energy of the universe. It is omnipresent and omniscient. It is un-manifest energy, cosmic consciousness. Some schools of Reiki call it "earth’s energy, others call it a "ray". These terms miss the point and are very limited in understanding. Perhaps we could think of the un-manifest, unformed, un-originated as the "oneness". Traditional Chinese philosophy divide this into two complimentary opposites: Yin and Yang, and further subdivide again into 5 elemental forces; earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.
Lets relate this to Reiki. When a Reiki practitioner places a hand on a human body, un-manifest spiritual energy of the universe becomes manifest. Sometimes it is active (Yang), sometimes it is passive/calming (Yin). When it manifests in the body’s energy system then in the Stomach/Spleen it is said to be Earth; in the Lung/Large Intestine it is Metal; in the Bladder/Kidney it is Water; in the Liver/Gallbladder it is Wood, and in the Heart/Small Intestine/Pericardium/Triple Heater it is Fire. Thus Reiki is able to help balance all of the various energies for it resembles full spectrum light, from which all colours are found (visible and invisible).
The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu, puts this more poetically:
"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth.
The named is the mother of the ten thousand things."What are the Reiki Symbols?
Symbols of Reiki are multi-functional. They are simplified and by using them you "call" or invoke only some of the qualities that relate to the original material. This is just part of their function, for knowledge, study, practice and meditation activate the depth of their qualities. To have the instructions for meditation does not necessarily mean that meditation and awakening is guaranteed to be successful, without personal effort over a long period of time.
The symbols of Reiki are an essential component of the degrees of Tradtional Reiki. In Reiki we do not use them "out of respect" for Dr. Usui as someone suggested in one school of Reiki. The symbols were chosen by Usui for a reason, they have meaning, functions and attributes. Their Japanese names imply some of their meanings and origins in Shinto and Esoteric Buddhism, as well as some of the philosophy from which they were derived. Because the Buddhist philosophy and teachings were very deep and not taught to non-Buddhist, then Dr Usui found a way of simplifying a portion of the teachings so that students of any ability, or religions leanings could have access to the healing system. Whilst Traditional/Secular Reiki 1st Degree functions without the use of the symbols, the symbols of Reiki were used in the connection of the student to the "stream" of Reiki energy. The symbols as used at Reiki 2, act as a focus, somewhat like a magnifying glass, in directing and concentrating Reiki in a particular way.
Because Dr Usui was a Buddhist and Japanese, he experienced the healing energies through Buddhism, these energies relate to the many aspects of Buddhist deities as applied by practitioners of Esoteric and other Mahayana Buddhist schools. Whilst one could hypothesise what the symbols would have been if they had emerged in another culture, the plain fact is they did not, and we have an energetic connection through Reiki and its material to Usui and to Buddhism and Shinto. However, don't worry if you are not Buddhist or Shinto, for the quality of Reiki (Reiki 1-3) is of a universal nature, in that it can be accessed by anyone of any philosophy. There is a good reason to use the names and forms of the Reiki symbols as accurately as possible, it is also beneficial to learn the meanings and develop an understanding of the Reiki symbols. For the true power of any "system" comes with the wisdom and knowledge of a skilled practitioner. E.g., who would trust a doctor or an acupuncturist who has not done much training?
There can be a lot of time wasted looking for the "original Reiki symbols". We perhaps always need to bear in mind the old Zen saying, "do not mistake the finger pointing at the moon as the moon itself". In other words there are so many spiritual philosophies and so much material in Buddhism, and a few ancient traditions that would fit the picture we have of the Reiki symbols, it is easy to get carried away with the debate.
There may be many Reiki teachers in the world who know the deeper characteristics of the Reiki Symbols, personally we connected with these characteristics through the Eastern Usui Reiki Lineage of Venerable Seiji Takamori: Reiki Jin Kei Do. It is from this lineage that we teach.
One of Reiki's tools, the symbols, were derived from more complex material. The names of the symbols are not the mantras that relate to the original material. The names are Japanese because Dr. Usui taught in Japanese and needed to express the qualities of this material in a form that had meaning. So the names describe in general terms (like the tip of the iceberg) some of the qualities and/or functions. Some of the four Reiki symbols can be traced back to Sanskrit, and later material in Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese Buddhism and ancient Shinto philosophy.
When I give myself Reiki I sometimes see different colours even though my eyes are shut, I recall situations which I haven't thought of in years and I sometimes see images of people (mostly who I don't know). Occasionally when I'm giving myself reiki, and have some of the above occur I don't feel very secure or safe. I was wondering if any spirits or other energy can be passed onto me when I give myself reiki, or is it just the reiki energy that I can pass to myself?
Colours and images can occur at any time during treatment. Usually, most people don't see them until they are deeply relaxed, as the energies in the body are flowing well and balancing, flowing to the parts in need. When we see images, they can sometimes have a message for us, and at other times they are just the mind projecting the thoughts and consciousness up in a visual form, like a stream of thoughts, which move from this to that. Sometimes this is just like day dreaming and at other times there is more structure. Because this is not our usual state of mind, and we can feel that we are not in control in these moments, there can arise feelings of fear, apprehension of unknown that lies ahead.
Sometimes these feelings, images etc, are related to our past states of consciousness, like a dream, they can be personified in imagery that we do not necessarily recognise or they can relate to situations or people, or aspects of ourselves we do not currently see in our memory. In these instances, they are being released into consciousness, to be let go of, from the cells of our body, the energy pathways and our energy body that hold subconscious memory. It is important always to embrace these states of arising consciousness with love, and let them go. If there are feelings of disharmony arising, see them, feel compassion for them, feel you are embracing them with the loving light of Reiki, Cosmic consciousness etc., and let them go with detached awareness.
Remember Reiki is "meditation with the hands" and as such this is a natural effect of meditation. To find calm, awareness etc., and in this to allow that which we carry, memories, feeling, emotions, influences etc., to arise naturally. Nothing that comes to us in this natural way is inappropriate. In other words, what arises can not harm us, for we have an automatic self protection mechanism that protects us from seeing the aspects of our own sub-conscious until we have developed the strength and ability to release or learn from a past event.
In Reiki, we can say it like this; Reiki has is own wisdom, and supports us at all levels of our being, whether consciously or in an unseen way. This support helps us through the good and the difficult times of our life, and in moments of meditation, when we are more in harmony with the Universal aspect of our being, this inherent wisdom clears and releases past characteristics, memories, or as we say in Buddhism or Hinduism - cleanses the karmic stream we carry.
Some people are "gifted" to see spirits, and I truly believe there are an enormous array of spirits out of view of normal human consciousness. Spirits are beings in another dimension, who touch the human realm in subtle ways. Again if we feel compassion for beings in other dimensions, dedicate our thoughts, prayers etc., they benefit and it assists them move on in there life. The path is just the same whether we see states of our consciousness as parts of ourselves or "outside" influences. By embracing all things with kindness and compassion we help both ourselves and others on the path to spiritual fulfilment.
Do Reiki practitioners need to be concerned about Grounding and Protection?
Personally I think not, but people are entitled to their opinion, and grounding is a big thing with many spiritual healers, and many other complementary therapists. My theory is that when you do Reiki, or other therapies after being attuned to Reiki, then the flow of Reiki which passes from the Universal Energy Field via the practitioner automatically has both a self-healing and grounding effect. Further, the meditation techniques applied during Reiki treatment are also very grounding or centring.
I do know that non-Reiki Therapists become drained of personal vitality when they give treatment, hence the emphasis on 'protection/grounding'. This is caused by the depletion of personal reserves of chi/ki, and some specific forms of personal chi/ki associated to the organ systems/elemental energy, hence if the client's energy is weak say in the lungs (metal), then they will draw that quality from the practitioner, thus weakening lung (metal), and occasionally their symptoms are mirrored for a short time in the practitioner. If they do not take time to recover from the depletion then they feel slightly unwell.
When we do Reiki, it is complete, full spectrum energy, that meets all elemental needs, and it just flows from the source and not from personal reserves. So Reiki is 100% safe, free of 'negative' side effects. Remember too that the symbols of Reiki also add focus and protection.
Is there a place for the teaching of Reiki and in particular Reiki Jin-Kei Do in Colleges of Further Education?
From beginning teaching Reiki in 1994, I have not been keen on seeing Reiki and Reiki Jin-Kei-Do/EnerSense available in local colleges. I did support another teacher of Reiki Jin-Kei-Do in another part of the U.K. in opposition to the introduction of Reiki in a local college. I have spoken to a few teachers around the country on the subject, and on the whole the majority were not in favour of Further Education Colleges including Reiki in their prospectus.
The agreements on the application form for Reiki Jin-Kei-Do 3 (Master) training reflect this point and I believe several senior Reiki Jin-Kei-Do and EnerSense teachers in other countries take the same stance.
Whilst I can understand that there is a need to make Reiki available, and have some flexibility in doing so, I still feel that there are certain characteristics of traditional Reiki training that are worth preserving. One is the provision of training that is on a more personal level, and college training tends to depersonalise the experience. Another is the personal motivation of the student wanting the training, and applying themselves towards the training, one aspect of this is the student putting themselves out (at least a little) to enable themselves to do the training, and one of the ways that I could calibrate this effort is through a personal financial commitment. Hence this is the reason I do call the financial exchange for training a 'personal commitment'. Being flexible on fees is good in the variable social environments. However, I feel that when training in any subject is provided automatically to the student at no cost or commitment to themselves, then there is a tendency to disrespect or degrade the training or subject. This has been clearly visible in recent years when all manner of teachings are provided in books, Internet sites, and other forms of media. It does not take long before the 'consumer' expects the product to be handed on a plate, almost on demand. In some college situations courses on the prospectus are completely free of a ‘personal commitment’.
Based on my experience and those shared by other teachers of Reiki and other subjects I find that the motivation of most colleges and local educational institutions is self preservation and continued expansion of services. In popular terms, they are interested in putting 'bums on seats', and doing that ad infinitum. The subject, quality and most importantly the student are not always the priority. And in this instance, what is missed is the understanding that students in the past have gained the most from the subject of Reiki when taught outside a College of Further Education environment.
Sadly too, Reiki has become just another 'complementary therapy', and some 'therapies' are more suitable for the College environment.
One technical point within the way Reiki is taught is the experience of the attunement, and the support the student receives. Usually, the attunement is given in a sequence of experiences within a coherent training period, such as two days (the most typical). The main effects are to raise the student’s ability to transmit life-force energy; to stimulate subtle changes in personal energy balance, which often trigger personal growth processes. Within a two day experience, there is time for the sequential activity of energy attunement to reach clarity of flow, as the process is cumulative. If attunement is given with time gaps between parts that are too great, then the cumulative conclusion may not be reached. This is clearly demonstrated by modern developments of attunement, when only one part of attunement is given, and the effect is found to be only temporary, it lasts a few days or weeks. Some modern marketers of Reiki use this effect, in the provision of a sampler attunement, in the practice of 'taste before you buy’ (or train). Others have used the partial attunement stimulation to promote a temporary effect on a client that raises their life-force, and link to the universal source. Hence they may call this a 'heart attunement' or 'healing attunement'. Whist this activity may be motivated by an altruistic motive, it does not take much imagination to realise that people can believe they have been attuned to Reiki and don't need the training.
In the college environment, where training is undertaken over many weeks, at perhaps 2-3 hours a week, and where students often only attend a proportion of the lessons, it is possible for the gap between the attunement segments to be too great, thus the stimulation and activation of life-force flow can diminish before the next attunement is completed. It is also possible that a student may even miss an attunement due to absence on a particular week. The effect of this, (as a breakaway from traditional methods) is to potentially cheat the student of a consistent life enhancing experience which in Reiki we may call ‘complete attunement’ to Reiki at 1st Stage/Degree.
Regarding the personal growth aspect and its effects via attunement and giving and receiving treatment. In college environments, the teacher tends to be unavailable to the student in between the lessons, which may well be for a week at a time. Thus, as life-force moves, outside the lesson but within the training period, the student does not have the support of the teacher, and fellow students. Also, there can be a tendency even after the completion of college training for the student not to have reasonable access to their teacher, as the transitory nature of the college lecture theatre helps formulate a barrier. If this were just an academic subject, this would not matter so much, but Reiki is not an academic subject, and neither is it just a therapy. To put it simply, it is a life supportive tool which can be used in a variety of ways affecting the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life. Hence the traditional methods of training where the student is in touch with the teacher for several hours as an intensive is a well tried and tested idiom and proven success.
It is for these reasons that I support those training in Reiki who aim to continue the traditional methods.
Is there a role for a one day Reiki Theory course and are there any guidelines for one?
As far as I know there are no guidelines on the subject. Personally, I would see little point in a theory course of that length, as what is Reiki if we don't practice it? In my humble opinion, the only theory course that has any value is the introductory lecture, which provides some outline theory as a concise sampler.
Is there any development of training for a Reiki Jin-Kei-Do Master?
It is the job of a Reiki Master to train as deeply as possible, to further themselves in personal growth and development and hence be able to offer help and guidance to their students from this viewpoint of the journey travelled so far by personal experience. To this end there is an additional training program within the lineage of Reiki Jin-Kei-Do called EnerSense. The first three stages help develop the practitioner of Reiki Jin-Kei-Do more deeply in the understanding of Reiki as it is experienced through the 3 degrees, through meditations, and practical activity. To reflect this journey and additional experience, I like to recognise this extra personal work a Reiki teacher has undertaken by using the term ‘Senior Master Teacher’ to refer to a Reiki 3 Master teacher who has worked with the EnerSense system up to the level of Stage 3. This reflects the commitment both to personal growth work, and to the lineage tradition, from the time of Venerable Seiji Takamori. Whilst it is not necessary to take EnerSense studies as part of the journey towards Reiki Jin-Kei-Do teacher, this study does offer remarkable advancement in the use and understanding of the functions of Reiki and can enhance the way the teacher transmits the teachings of Reiki.
Regarding the article Healing in Buddhism:
Q - I was reading Healing in Buddhism [your view] and wondered what you meant [or the Buddha meant] by ‘clinging to an idea of health and well being’. This is something that has troubled me for some time as a therapist. Should we suffer ill health, or is the suffering the enlightenment. This last view seems to be ‘Christian’.
Q - Should I use the ‘mystic formula for dispelling disease and suffering’ you refer to in the text, or is Mikao Usui’s Reiki symbolism the same thing?A - I wrote the bulk of Healing in Buddhism on the journey to study with Ranga in 1996 as an investigation in the Mahayanan Buddhist ideas of Healing/Health, and in some respects to see how they have influenced Reiki through Usui's background.
First of all, we have to realise that the development of a deity, such as the Healing Buddha, or to place the historical Buddha as a healer are conceptual inventions, which help people focus their minds on health and well being. As these concepts have become more developed in the Mahayana, they then take on a life of their own, and as in other religions, the deity aspect is given a greater 'reality'. The concept or archetype that is personified (as a saint/buddha/sage) becomes a living being in the eyes of the practitioner. Hence, special prayers and invocations are developed to connect to the deity, but in reality the purpose of the deity is to point the practitioner in the direction of the properties that the deity represents.
So in this case, the Healing Buddha has an invocation/mantra, popularly thought to overcome disease and suffering. To the regular/ordinary practitioner of Mahayana Buddhism they would think of this as a kind of 'magic' prayer, to call the the deity to help them through the troubles of life. To the practitioner who sees more deeply into the teachings, they see that the prayer/deity is a tool that points the mind towards positive properties, and highlights issues in life that can be addressed methodically.
So in Reiki the activity of creative life force (Reiki) and the way in which it is connected with, via symbolism, can further the positive properties, and highlight problems. Hence, it is a personal growth tool (or spiritual path), that has its origins in older religious concepts, and draws from its methods in a more secular way.
In Buddhism the idea of suffering is not just a health issue, but a characteristic of life. The Buddha said that life is dukkha. In other words, there is suffering/unsatisfactoryness in life. The causes of which are also found in the mind, and the way life is lead. This is why the Buddha pointed out that attachment was one of the biggest causes of suffering, so even clinging to the idea of health and well being can bring more suffering. Health, as in the common meaning, as the lack of symptoms of ill health/pain etc, is only a temporary thing. The Buddha again points to the idea that life is changeable.
The key to all of this is the idea of the middle way. It is important to be concerned about health and well being, but to cling to it is going too far. It is good to take reasonable steps to look after the body through diet/movement etc, but not to become obsessed with it. Note, the people who run and workout everyday for hours, who do not feel right
if they miss a session, and they can of course be storing up some physical problems too for the future through overworking their bodies. The human being is not free of pain/suffering/unsatisfatoryness, as in the typical lifespan there is birth/growth/death. The therapist is not immune to this personally and cannot take this process away from others either. Only to help oneself and others to become more 'whole' (the original meaning of healing). This is not to resign to the pains and sufferings of life, but to look for the causes and correct where possible, to alleviate the symptoms where possible, and to know that some things are not in our hands to change. As the causes of disease and dis-ease are many and varied. Some we are born with, and some we create within the journey of life. Some we can change, and all we need to accept as a reality of life, and as something we can learn from through observing ourselves. So it is a process of awakening/enlightenment.
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Last Updated: August 2010