What is Reiki?
As taught and briefly defined by Reiki Master/Teachers Kim Anderson and Florence Hallett
Reiki is typically defined as “universal life force” or “universal energy”. Rei means universal and Ki means life force. It is Japanese in its origin, but is a combination of many ancient traditions. Reiki, historically, was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui and is a formal system of ancient healing. The system uses specific symbols, hand positions, and techniques. This tradition has its own philosophies and “safeguards” to assist the practitioner and benefit the client. Training is divided into levels and different symbols are learned at each level. Although Reiki is not a religion, it does have a background of spiritual traditions.
Reiki is passed on from teacher to student by an initiation and attunement to the symbols used for healing. Hand placements are taught for self healing and healing for others. Reiki can even be sent over distances. It can help the person and even an animal to heal on mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Reiki is being widely accepted by hospitals and Doctors to complement the traditional standard medical procedures. Anyone can learn Reiki. Depending on the teacher, Reiki is divided into three levels.
In First Degree Reiki, the foundation of training is laid, history is learned, philosophy is taught and basic principles and hand placements are introduced. The Power symbol attunement is given and one is able to begin to practice Reiki. Reiki will now be with you for the rest of your life and will develop the more you use it.
In Second Degree Reiki, more advanced methods are introduced. The Mental/Emotional symbols are given. The Distance healing symbol is also given during the attunement. Other complementary modalities are also touched upon during a Reiki Two class.
In Third Degree or Master/Teacher level Reiki, the initiate learns a greater awareness of Reiki, the spiritual path and principles involved in it. The attunement process is learned and the attunement symbols are given during the initiation. Upon completion of the Third Level, one is able to pass on attunements and teach if they choose.
Some teachers split the levels of Reiki into four levels and even pass on the Power symbols only at the second level. There are many ways and schools of thought about the way Reiki can be taught. These levels are the way that we currently teach it. There are many books and websites about Reiki. Some books to read are: Essential Reiki by Diane Stein, Portable Reiki by Tanmaya Honervogt, The Spirit of Reiki by Walter Lubeck, Frank Petter, and William Rand and Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak.
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