Reiki: The Art of Inviting Happiness

You may have heard the word in passing or you may be reading it for the first time. From whichever path you have come, you have been brought here because you were curious enough to explore the truth of what Reiki or Reiki Healing is. Be sure to explore even more spiritual mysteries here!

I face this question regularly, and I admit, even as a Reiki Grandmaster, I have struggled with formulating a perfect answer. It feels as though it would be easier to answer by stating what Reiki is not, simply because it can be so many things to so many different people. Before I describe what I believe Reiki to be, I think it is appropriate to cover the basics of mainstream Reiki. 

The Basics

The most widely accepted definition for Reiki comes from the International Center for Reiki Training:

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.

Today, Reiki is one of the most popular energy healing modalities. It is taught in three levels: Shoden, Okuden, and Shinpiden (I, II, and III) and it can be used to supplement medical care to heal a wide array of physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. In a standard Reiki session, the client will be seated or lying down. From here, the Practitioner can channel the energetic blessing of Reiki. The duration of a standard sessions is anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. The typical cost will range from $60-$250 depending on the area, practitioner, and needs of the client. Because of the ease of use and effectiveness, Reiki has become the most widespread healing modality in the world today. But is it simply a hands-on healing method?

The answer is NOT AT ALL!

The definition above covers most of Reiki, particularly its common uses, but it misses the mark. Not because it is wrong, but because much of what it is has remained hidden from the public since its re-discovery in the early 20th century. 

The new definition of Reiki

In an effort to further illuminate the mystery of Reiki, my own guides and research lead me to craft a holistic definition. What follows is what I have come to understand in regard to its use, function, and origin.

Reiki is an inclusive life philosophy. It is a universal spiritual path, and an effective, efficient, non-intrusive, and gentle shamanic energetic healing technique. Reiki enables the initiated practitioners to channel spiritually directed, divinely intelligent life-force energy by way of the hands, mind, and heart to heal, educate, and liberate those who experience suffering.

I understand that this definition can seem a bit intimidating, but I promise I won’t leave you hanging. Within each part of the definition lies a calling or an illumination that Reiki begs us to uncover. I have included these within the scope of its definition, in hopes that I might further illuminate the breadth of Reiki beyond its popular usage as an energy healing modality.

An Inclusive Life Philosophy

When I state that it is an inclusive life philosophy, I mean that the wisdom contained within the teachings of Usui Reiki, as well as the lineages that have sprung from it, include every living being. It calls to us in every breath of wind that kisses our face. It speaks to us within every heartbeat because it is the underlying core of all creation.

Regardless of creed, color, religion, sexuality, or any other label, it can be implemented to provide wisdom to help the disciple along the varied walks of life. It is a human birthright. It belongs to no one and it belongs to us all because it is the divinely inspired truth of the unified source of all living things.

The founder of modern Reiki, Dr. Mikao Usui, made sure his teachings were widely applicable. Though they were born into this world by a mortal man, they have within them the spark of the divine. When practicing, studying, or healing with Reiki, we become divinely connected to the loving force behind all life. 

The Calling: To study and understand the human condition by way of living mindfully, taking care of our bodies and minds and exuding love in all that we do. 

A Universal Spiritual Path

Working life philosophy prepares our minds to receive the birthright of Reiki. Though, we must use our willpower to dedicate our time on Earth to the intensely spiritual path of it. Holding ourselves accountable to daily practice, study, and communion helps take our understanding of the universe to a transcendent level.

When we commit ourselves to daily practice, we show gratitude and respect to the universally-spiritual guided life-energy-force and divine intelligence that is Reiki. In return, we are granted peace, a tranquility that allows us to heal on a spiritual level, which only further serves to heal us on emotional, mental, and physical levels.

This spiritual path calls us to adhere to the five Principles:

Just for Today…

• I will release my anger
• I will not cling to my worry
• I will breathe each breath in gratitude
• I will live my life honestly and authentically
• I will walk in the light of compassion

~A variation of the Reiki Gokai

With this creed, we can begin to open our heart/mind to Reiki, benefiting on all levels of existence.

The Calling: To commune with the divine regularly and receive the most transcendent healing available. We do this through meditation, meditation, and more meditation.

Begin your own spiritual path today by embarking on a 7 Day Journey

An Effective, Efficient, Non-intrusive, and Gentle Shamanic Healing Technique

This is the most popular aspect of Reiki today. Though I must stress that without the other two aforementioned disciplines, it falls short of its intended purpose. Many Reiki Masters today focus on this arena because it allows them to reach a broader audience. This is not wrong, but it is inadequate. they do a disservice to their students by watering down the more expansive teachings of the art. 

As a “shamanic” healing technique, Reiki provides the quickest, easiest results that energetic healing can offer. The channeler/healer can direct and beam the Universal Life-Force Energy of Reiki into the recipient by simply laying hands upon or near the afflicted or dis-eased person, animal, or plant. It is because of its simplicity that this art has become so widely loved, taught, and used.

Note: Reiki and its effects have been experienced by many, but it is NOT a substitute for emergency medical care. Nor is it a substitute for modern medical care. It should always be used as supplementary to your traditional/regular medical care.

The Calling: To heal others and raise the vibration of this world and in doing so effectively limit the suffering of all beings, both real and self-imposed. 

Bringing It All Together

As we can now see, Reiki requires a broad definition.

Today, Reiki is an energy healing method. It helps alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and stimulate the natural healing abilities of the body. But that is not all it is. It is a healing modality, a spiritual path, and a life philosophy that affords us the ability to reduce suffering.

I have come to understand that this art is a gateway to freedom and personal power. It is a way for every human being to access the divine loving source of energy. If you haven’t received Reiki healing before, I suggest you seek out a local practitioner and schedule a session. No blog, no book, no seminar can express the true power of the art. Only experience can teach you what it is. Experience more spiritual mysteries by becoming an initiate of our Spirit Mysteries School!

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