What is Reiki? 靈气
Reiki learning, at least the one that I underwent consists of three levels. More accurately, it should be called stages. But then, “levels” has a nice ring to it, giving the student the feeling of having attained something. Levels give the feeling of height and progress. The student likes it, the teacher likes it so it stuck. Stage is more horizontal and does not have give the same impression of moving upwards or forward as level does.
Reiki Level One
So Reiki has three levels. Levels 1,2 and 3. Many teachers teach level 1, instructs the new student to practice on themselves for a certain length of time before teaching level 2. Some teachers combine these two levels in one teaching and this is often done over a few days. Many take level 2 to offer healing to others.
The basics of healing are taught and of course what Reiki is all about is explained. Strangely or maybe not really so, each and every teacher seems to explain Reiki in a different way. I believe this is so because each teacher experiences the energy in their own special way. This does not take anything away from Reiki though.
Traditionally the hand positions are taught. Most would explain the hand positions as helpful in covering every part of the human body, the organs, the glands and so forth but essentially Reiki is, on its own, able to go where necessary to complete the treatment. In fact, that is the way that I would like to look at it. Reiki will provide healing as appropriate with the circumstances at hand.
Some teachers will teach a little ‘medicine’ and this may be necessary, at least, provide the newbie with some basic knowledge. After all, we are dealing with healing. And yes, I must mention there is an initiation ritual which is to provide the link between the new student with the Reiki lineage.
Reiki Level Two
Reiki Level 2 adds on to the earlier level. In level 1, we send healing Reiki to ourselves but in level 2 we are taught to take it a step further. We learnt the process of channeling healing energy to others. Isn’t this beautiful? We are taught to look beyond our ourselves, to help others.
Symbols are taught in level 2. These symbols invoke the cosmic energy that is ever present making it more present and powerful. Why do we need symbols? It sounds very supernatural. Just like mantras which some believe to grant supernormal or mystical powers, symbols are similar. It aids us to focus on the work we are about to do. This is where its potency lies.
Reiki symbols are representative of the mind behind the healing. For quite some time, these symbols were treated with great secrecy but as with all secrets, they are no longer so. Out of respect to my teachers who believed that I should stay with the ethics of their tradition, I shall not reveal them here.
However, I think it is alright for me to discuss them briefly here. Each of the symbols has a name. The names themselves reveal the intention of the healer. It allows the healer to direct, to harmonise and to connect with the healee. By chanting the mantra associated with the symbols, it acts as a focusing tool as well as a prayer. Wonders are possible with prayers.
Reiki Level Three
Level 3 is the ‘highest’ level of Reiki. Traditionally it is meant for those who have intention to teach and this makes it special.
To continue on to level 3, the preparation is just as important, if not more so, than the formal lessons. It is good that the master-to-be examine their inner self. Soul searching contemplations like motivation, knowledge, spiritual awareness, embodiment of the core Reiki values, cross healing modalities amongst others.
These are the basics. I believe that Reiki cannot be Reiki if one’s own motivation is selfish. The underlying power of Reiki is non-selfishness. If this quality is missing, it is hard to imagine that Reiki works. In some ways, the receiver merges with the energy and aura of the giver. Colorations can alter the quality of the Reiki process.
Knowledge is necessary in all aspects of our life. As part of the process of growing to be a Reiki master, it is inevitable that the student picks up many aspects of the world of healing. The world is such a wonderful place and there are so many wonders of the known and unknown. Our mind learns to break mental barriers. Sometimes, long held beliefs are broken down and new ones take its place. We think and act out of the box.
Whether one likes it or not, most who works towards Reiki mastership has in them some spiritual leanings. I may be wrong but many of the healers I know have gone through life challenging circumstances which put them on the threshold of Reiki mastership. There are mediums and channellers, health care providers, alternative therapists and truth seekers.
I came upon Reiki by chance. And before I realized what was happening, I got a piece of thick paper with ornate flower motifs with my name on it. It proclaimed that I had undergone all the necessary training and requirements to be a master and teacher. Wasn’t that something!? But that doesn’t that make me a master. True mastery means being a master of oneself.
