What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is actually two words, Rei and Ki, which have been formed into one. Hiroshi Doi-sensei defines Reiki as, "Universal energy in the highest dimension." Rei and Ki, in the Japanese language (Kanji), have several layers of meaning. Rei can be said to mean holy, spirit, mystery, gift, nature spirit, or invisible spirit, while Ki means energy. Vincent Paul Amador says, "The two written together can also mean enlightenment. They represent the universal spirit coming together with our own. Usually Reiki is translated as 'universal life energy.'" Richard Robert Rivard-sensei says, "Reiki is often described in the West as, 'spiritually guided life force energy.' As each colour in the rainbow is actually a different frequency, or vibration of white light, the Reiki ray can be considered a range of vibrations of the Universal Energy, or The Light, but perhaps a range that is beyond the normal access of each individual.
Can you explain about Ki a little more please?
There are several levels as to how Ki may be defined or perceived. It can be said to be "inner power," "energy," "force/strength," "life force," et cetera. Koichi Tohei says of Ki, "Man, like any other creature or object, emerges from "nearly nothing," from the undivisible substance of which the universe is made. This is Ki. Christians call it God, Buddhists call it "Buddha," Soka Gakkai members call it "Gohonzon..." He goes on to say, "Ki is the basic unit of the universe. It is the infinite gathering of infinitely small particles. Everything is ultimately composed of Ki. If you pursue this concept to the depths of human consciousness, you will understand the universal mind which governs all creation, loving and protecting all life. Understanding the universal mind is fundamental to grasping the spirit of peace and union with nature."
What does Reiki do?
Here are several things that Reiki may be said to do, it:
Helps to balance/harmonize the body and mind.
Facilitates the physical bodies' natural self-healing ability.
Strengthens the immune system.
Reduces stress and pain in the physical body.
Promotes relaxation and meditation.
Can be used in conjunction with conventional medical and mental health-care.
I am curious as to what Reiki-ho is?
Reiki-ho is the method to use Reiki, or spritually guided life force energy, and employs as Doi-sensei says, "Techniques for becoming a Reiki channel and harmonizing, healing everything. You need to be in sync with cosmic rhythm and transmit the Reiki vibration of love, harmony and healing as they are." He goes on to say, "If your conscious level degrades, the quality of your Reiki vibration will be lowered, or the energy may be replaced with something else."
How does one learn Reiki?
Basically, Reiki is transfered by a Reiki teacher to a student through what is often termed an empowerment. This empowerment occurs within an attunement process. During this process, attunements are made to the student's energetic pathways and open the crown, heart and palm chakras, which create a link between the student and the source of Reiki. Once a person has received the first level, Reiki will be accessible to that person throughout his/her life.
In Gendai-Ki Reiki Ho, each level has its own unique skills, exercises and techniques, that one needs to practice and learn before moving on to the next level. As Horoshi Doi-sensei says, "No hard training is needed." Certification is given after satisfactory completion of the requirements for each level.
What is Gendai Reiki?
Gendai Reiki Ho translates to, "Modern Reiki Method for Healing." Doi-sensei has integrated information and methods from Usui-sensei's original Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, many traditional Japanese techniques, along with several selected Western techniques into his Gendai Reiki.
Gendai Reiki also employs the original concept of Rei-ju, which was initially used and taught by Mikao Usui, presents techniques for one to practice that will help one to strengthen the use of his/her Reiki, and provides one with techniques to grow spiritually.
Is Reiki a religion?
Reiki is definately NOT a religion, nor have I seen anything to indicate that Usui-sensi ever intended it to be so! Nor have I run across any information about Usui-sensi that would indicate he promoted any type of religious doctrine to be used with Reiki, or any religion that Reiki should be a part of. Yet, there are individuals who have, and do try to incoporate Reiki into some type of religious denomination or framework. Reiki is, however, compatible with whatever one's faith or belief system may, or may not be.
