What is Reiki?

This information was found on Reiki.org:

A Brief Overview

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means “God's Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an “attunement” given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of “life force energy” to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

Re: What is Reiki?

Thank you for the simple explanation. I’m there.
The good thing is it helps, it works and adds
to what we all study yet does not interfere.

Love,
Kathy

Re: What is Reiki?

yeah Kathy…so true…Reiki can’t interfere…unconditional love!!
:)))

Re: What is Reiki?

Oh one question. “Reiki comes from God”…..  I am an atheist. Where do atheists fit into the practice of reiki? 

I may not believe in god, but I believe in life, beauty, healing, energy, and love. I figure that'll do the trick : )   You think?

crow

Re: What is Reiki?

lol!!
sure love….:)))
like you said…energy…love..life..beauty…healing…:))) all of it…:)
i’m smiling at this post of yours Crow…it is so..so…’smiley’…great question..and perfect answer!!
that should do the trick!!!

love love and more love,
nikki
:)))

Re: What is Reiki?

Thought I'd contribute what is in my manual.  As I tell my students and apprentices, Take what works for you in your reality and leave the rest.    I've known those of no belief to find something that works for them once attuned, as they come to know. 
Blessed is,
Jeremiah


 

• What Is Reiki?
• Reiki is a laying on of hands touch healing system of incomparable ease and power
• Reiki is a Japanese word, which evolved, in early 20th century for the modern world by the combining together of two other Japanese words - ” Rei ” and ” Ki “. Rei signifies to the Universal aspect and Ki signifies to the Life Force Energy. Thus Reiki literally means the Universal Life Force Energy.
• Reiki is the translation of the original Indian word - ” Brahmaprana ”. ”Brahma ” points towards the Brahmaand, the Universe and ” Prana ” is the same as Ki in Japan or Chi in China.
• Reiki seemingly has similar characteristics as that of Prana, Ki, or Chi, and the ways that it is put into use also look similar, yet it is not quite the same. Had it been so, it would have been more appropriate to continue to refer this energy as Prana, Ki or chi. Reiki is that basic energy from which the Prana, Ki or chi manifests.
• Reiki is that primal energy which emanates continuously from the single source of universal power and existence.
• Reiki is generally understood to be a Japanese system of natural healing which utilizes divine or universal energy to treat various ailments by the use of touch therapy or through distance or absentee methods. In this system of natural healing, the treatments are effected without the use of any medicines and as such there are no side effects. This system is normally considered to be highly beneficial for the treatment of chronic ailments like asthma, allergies, blood pressures, back pains, joint pains, stomach-related problems, gynecological problems, sleeplessness, depression, diabetes, skin problems, etc.
• The beauty of this system is that it is very simple to learn, because more than learning and related practice, it is a system based upon empowerment. The greatest utility of this system is that with equal ease, effectiveness and comfort, the treatments are possible for self as well as anyone else.
• Reiki is God's Energy - Always In Its Purest Form - Always Unconditional - Always The Same For One And All - Always Devoid Of Any Caste, Creed Or Religion. Reiki, hence, is also referred to as the divine energy. Therefore Reiki can never be used for harm, is always beneficial and can never be used to manipulate.
• Reiki is the primal energy emanating continuously from the universal source and can never be exhausted. Reiki is that form of primal vibration, which is associated with anything and everything existing in the universe, of any form or formless. Anything existing in the universe is only energy in different forms, and any of these energies, natural or scientific, are nothing but different manifestations of Reiki.
• Reiki or Brahmaprana is the Shakti or the Shiva-Shakti or the Shiva. Reiki is uni-polar, non-polar or bi-polar. Reiki is the representative of the undefinable God, the single source of universal existence.

• Reiki is God's Love - The Divine Love
• The purest form of universal unconditional love.
• The purest form of universal light - absolute light.
• The purest universal unconditional action.

Re: What is Reiki?

Well, in my humble opinion Reiki healing energy does not discriminate whether or not a person believe in God.  You don't have to be religious to practice and benefit from Reiki.  Anyone cn benefit from Reiki healing regardless of race creed and belief,  but there is a total emphasis on using it for positive, non-harmful purposes.

Re: What is Reiki?

Re: What is Reiki?

Oh one question. “Reiki comes from God”…..  I am an atheist. Where do atheists fit into the practice of reiki? 

I may not believe in god, but I believe in life, beauty, healing, energy, and love. I figure that'll do the trick : )   You think?

crow,
I have just one question, If you believe in life, beauty, healing, energy and love, where do you think that came from? To me it is obvious there is an organizing intelligence to the universe, and we simply are a part of it and can tap into it. For it all to be just an accident is too much for me to fathom. I used to be atheist but it all fell apart for me decades ago.  Namaste, Todd, truth farmer

Re: What is Reiki?

Dear Crow,

That is a wonderful question.  I believe and have found it works beautifully, that although Reiki is considered “God energy”, it is really universal energy, or “source energy”.

Reiki has no God or religion attached to it, so all can use or receive it with no reservation. 

I would love to see more input on Universal law and the use of intention, because really, that's what this is all about.

I feel that the ability to tap into universal energy, the ability to use Reiki, is something we all have already.  Attunements are simply a symbolic way of passing the torch, so to speak and opening you up to the ability that is already a part of who you are.

We can all do energy work.  Transferrence of energy is common and used daily.  Reiki is just a method of allowing energy to flow through you and into someone else…the energy of the universe.

I hope this helps.
Love
Dana

Re: What is Reiki?

Hi gang:

Reiki is sitting in the moment
Lose your name, your identity, your thoughts
You become the moment
The moment that never begins or ends

Giving Reiki you are touching  Love , Joy , Truth
You are Peace sharing this Peace
No words are needed, no thing to do
All is…

In this moment all is healed there is no seperate you
There is no seperate dis-ease …. it is Love

Love touching Love expressing in this form

Reiki takes no mind to learn, no path to follow… its for everyone
Because it is everyone…
Reiki is Home….. welcome to you


Mike Smith

Re: What is Reiki?

Ah! Mike..these words are timeless..a treasure..the truth….

love love and more love,
nikki

Re: What is Reiki?

Thank you michael. That was a point of view I will add to me.

So to truly know what Reiki is we need to know the Principles Of 'Self'. And I was just in at www.experiencefestival.com and found this =)

enjoy your self =)

By Times of India

Metaphysical Principles: Principles Of 'Self'

Through discrimination, the seeker has to isolate the pure innermost Self from the mental coverings.

The Self is only reflected in the clear mind.

The Self, as pure Awareness, has to be seen as being distinct from body and mind.

Just as the moon appears to be moving when the clouds are moving, so the Self appears to be active when mind and the senses are active.

The nature of the Self, as pure Awareness, is Eternity, Purity, Reality, Consciousness, and Bliss.

When the Self gets confused with body and mind it is overcome by mortal fears. The Self regains fearlessness by realising the Truth about Itself.

Awareness does not need another instrument, like the mind, to be aware of Itself.

The Self is not this or that but Itself.

The Self is without attributes and action. The Self is changeless, eternal, pure, and free.

The Self is pure Awareness as God is pure Awareness. Pure Awareness is without a second.

He who has attained the Supreme Goal dwells as the embodiment of Infinite Consciousness and Bliss.

The practice that destroys ignorance is constant meditation. Because of ignorance the ever-present Awareness is not recognised.

The seeker who has realised the Self sees the entire universe as the Self.

Re: What is Reiki?

Oh, Michael, that is GORGEOUS!

Repost that on the Reiki Creativity section!  Thank you so much!

Re: What is Reiki?

Michael,  “Reiki is home” …  . . it is, isn't it?  It's falling in love, cuddling under a down comforter on a winters night,  laying in a hammock on a summers night to stare in awe at the night sky, the smell of a sweaty horse as you break in to a gallop or just nuzzle one another, puppy breath, holding your newborn baby, laughing,  your Mom calling you “honey”, warm homemade bread, Nikki's voice …

Re: What is Reiki?

hi I found this because of ayla. I was wondering about any suggestions on how to find a reiki class.

Re: What is Reiki?

Hi, Jenni - one way to find reiki practitioners and teachers is to Google reiki for your area.  If there is a New Age store in your area - they may be able to recommend reiki teachers (masters) as well.  I would recommend getting at least one treatment from any prospective teacher - as well as asking about what kind of fees they charge, and what their approach to reiki is.

My own experience was I got the first level in the early nineties - and then was looking for a teacher for my second level near the turn of the millenia - and met the two people who became my teachers at a Japanese drum concert at a local zoo more than a year later.  I encourage you to ask around and to get a sense of the person with whom you're most interested in studying under.  Some areas also have get togethers that are called “reiki shares”, “reiki gatherings”, “reiki circles” or similar names.  If you can find a gathering - that's also a *great* way to meet reiki practitioners in your area and experience how different people work.


blessings on your journey -



namaste!


Sylvia

Re: What is Reiki?

Jenni,

Re: What is Reiki?

Thank you all so much. I was so curious about this healing art and you all explianed it beautifully.
I am curious. Many of you said that Reiki is for anyone and everyone. Are there some that are more in tune with their energy and therefore more apt at using the universal energy? Such as clairvoyiants? What I'm asking is, are there natural healers?

Re: What is Reiki?

Hi, Lauren - my sense is - there are folks with an innate bent toward healing - and most if all folk have the potential to heal at some level.  It's an issue of awareness and focus.

For example - I'm aware of a tradition in some Appalachian families of “hot hands” - that is passed down from one generation to another.  A dear friend of mine and his mother are both part of that tradition - and have been healing family members and animals as long as he can remember.

A comparison is that most people can walk - many can run, some can sprint, some can win races.  It's something that we have to learn to do after we're born - and that usually happens with a lot of support and encouragement from those around us.

Tuning in to our healing abilities is like that to me.


Hope this helps -


gentle blessings -


Sylvia

Re: What is Reiki?

Thanks!!

Re: What is Reiki?

People have told me in the past that I have “hot hands”.  What should I do to explore this potential gift?

Re: What is Reiki?

Hi, Samiyam (love the name, btw [smile]) - here in central Ohio I usually recommend people come to a reiki gathering so they can experience the work of various practitioners and get a sense of what the energy is like.  Do you get up to San Francisco much?  I checked out reiki circles in your area - and I found a free one that meets on the first night of the new moon.  Otherwise, there are various practitioners and teachers in the Valley - you can do a Google search on reiki masters and check out the different offerings.

William Lee Rand's site www.reiki.org can also give you more information, and Diane Stein's book on reiki, though controversial because of how much she reveals, provides some pretty complete background.

As a third level practitioner I also find the energy to be a powerful teacher.  When you rest your hands on someone - do you have a sense of being drawn to particular areas?  And when you place your hands there, do you experience special heat and/or tingling?


bright blessings -


Sylvia

Re: What is Reiki?

Oooh, sounds like some lovely energy coming from your hands!  :)  I strongly support Sylvia's suggestions!  Get into a group.  :)  Find a great teacher!!!  We have more information on Reiki and the levels on the message board, too.

Have fun with your gift!!

Hugs
Dana