Your continued controversy would indicate “Yes”, while your sound principles and practices would indicate “No”. The answer, therefore, depends entirely on his point of view.
The Usui System of Reiki, commonly known as Reiki, is believed to be Dr. Mikao Usui’s 1914 rediscovery of an ancient Tibetan Buddhist healing technique. Usui’s findings came while he was meditating during a spiritual retreat on Japan’s Mount Kurama. Before his death, Usui initiated Dr. Chujiro Hayashi as a Reiki Master, thus beginning a traceable lineage that continues to grow to this day.
Reiki is a Japanese practical technique for relaxation and stress reduction, based on the principle that unseen “universal life energy” (Ki) can be spiritually guided by “higher power” (Rei) to treat a person. person in mind, body and spirit.
By increasing the receiver’s low life force energy, Reiki effectively aids in the healing of virtually all known physical illnesses and conditions, while leaving the residual effect of radiance, peace and well-being. Due to the guidance of the higher power and the unlimited availability of life force energy, Reiki practitioners can safely channel the energy without directing it and without depleting their own supply.
Reiki learning involves the transfer of knowledge from the Reiki Master to the student during an attunement process. There are three degrees that can be achieved. Degrees I and II cover both basic and advanced techniques, while Degree Three trains the student to become a Reiki Master.
The ease and speed with which Reiki needs to be mastered has received much ridicule. Although many traditionalists believe in several years of training, some Reiki teachers teach their students in a matter of weeks or even days. Reiki cruisers, for example, have been known to teach two or three degrees before coming ashore. If only the Professor had initiated the crew of the SS Minnow, the resulting serenity on Gilligan’s Island would have changed the course of television history.
Mrs. Hawayo Takata, who in 1937 brought Reiki to Western civilization, felt that in order to instill respect for Reiki in the Western mind, it was necessary to charge a large sum of money. She set the price at $10,000, “earning” enough to live on. Despite Takata’s entrepreneurial spirit, the current cost to become a Reiki Master is quite reasonable, usually between $500 and $2,000.
Another oddity is the overabundance of Reiki Masters willing to teach their craft, compared to the small number who are simply willing to treat clients. Because there is no liability insurance available to Reiki practitioners, many feel more secure in teaching the First Degree to those who desire self-treatment.
Other frequently debated Reiki topics include the use of traditional versus non-traditional methods, questionable claims by Reiki Masters about Dr. Usui’s direct lineage, and differences in historical interpretation. Speaking of history, some Western practitioners have drawn parallels between Christianity and Reiki, claiming that Christ actually used Reiki as part of his healing practice. Somehow “Reiki saves” just doesn’t ring.
In general, it is unfortunate that Reiki has been affected by so many distractions, many of which seem insignificant or irrelevant. For those who can’t get past these sidebars, Reiki may not be for you. However, for those who choose to focus on the practice and benefits of Reiki, they can enjoy a lifetime of health, harmony, and inner peace.
