Please NOTE that the content on this page was contributed by Sheila King.
Copyright © 1992 by Sheila King. All rights reserved.
Licensed under a Creative Commons License.

What is Reiki?

The simplest translation of the Japanese word Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is Universal Life Energy - that energy that enlivens and animates matter. For detailed illustration of the Reiki symbol, please click here . It is boundless, transformational and knows no denomination. The practice of Reiki focuses this energy and directs it through the hands of the practitioner. The concentrated flow of this energy accelerates the healing and balancing of body, mind and spirit.

Reiki is not a spiritual belief system and in no way contradicts any individual religious beliefs. It is instead, a simple and gentle transfer of energy that accelerates the body's ability to heal physical and emotional disorders. Reiki energy also opens the mind and spirit to the causes of disease and pain, the necessity for taking responsibility for one's life and the joys of balanced wellness.

Healing methods involving the use of subtle energy have existed throughout time. Historically, the knowledge of this healing was carefully guarded and preserved. It was often passed on by oral tradition to those chosen for their purity of motive and integrity of spirit.

Reiki is not just a healing modality,
but a way of life.

The history of Reiki

The gift of healing by the laying on of hands was rediscovered in the 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was a Christian minister in Japan. He devoted many years of his life to discovering how Jesus, Buddha and their disciples were able to offer healing with their hands.

Dr. Usui searched for years through Christian scriptures and Buddhist sutras. He learned several languages in the process. At last he found the knowledge he sought in a Sanskrit sutra written by a disciple of Buddha 2500 years ago.

He gave it the name Reiki. The word REIKI embodies the concept of the transformation that occurs when the REI or universal boundlessness of energy meets the KI or vital energy flowing through all living things.

The Usui System of Natural Healing is also known as Usui Shiki Ryoho. A translation of that is "the understanding of healing both trancendental and physical."

Reiki is not just a healing modality, but a way of life. To help his followers to live in integrity with this energy, Dr. Usui shared some simple truths.

In the years since Dr. Usui three people have held the position of steward to the Usui healing system in the world, making certain that the clarity, simplicity and integrity of Reiki remained unchanged. Dr. Chugiro Hayashi willingly took over this responsiblility after Dr. Usui's death. As Dr. Hayashi's life came to a close, he charged Hawayo Takata with keeping the essence of his teachings intact.

Mrs. Takata lived, practiced and taught Reiki for over 40 years. She died in 1980 leaving the stewardship of Reiki in the hands and heart of her granddaughter, Phyllis Furumoto. Phyllis' guidance is felt and appreciated by hundreds of Reiki Masters and practitioners in the world. Her life is dedicated to living and teaching Reiki and to guiding and supporting others. Through these people the purity and essence of Reiki have been maintained.

The Essence and Experience of Reiki

The ancient Reiki Initiations open the door to grace and a deepening connection with both self and spirit. They offer the gift of light. Reiki is like a powerful light that fills each person illuminating and transforming the darkness within. It has the simplicity of greatest truth. It is an energy of magic and mystery - so powerful it inspires awe and so gentle it feels like unconditional love.

The energy of Reiki accepts people where they are and moves them toward their highest good. The ability to be present with every level of life grows with Reiki. It empowers by bolstering our strengths and gives support while moving through pain and fear.

Reiki is an intelligent energy that knows where to go in the body and just how much energy is required. Trusting in Reiki takes away the fear of human error. The energy of Reiki supports the highest good of both individual and situation. Reiki supports both allopathic and holistic treatments.

The Principles of Reiki

Just for today
do not worry-

Just for today
do not anger-

Honor your parents,
teachers and elders-

Earn your living
honestly-

Show gratitude to
every living thing.

A Reiki treatment is generally experienced as gentle, relaxing and meditative. People often feel peaceful, secure, loved and warm. Emotions are sometimes touched and released. Since Reiki works where and how it is needed, experiences differ.

During a Reiki treatment the receiver lies or sits in a comfortable position. There is no need to disrobe as this energy moves through clothing and even casts. A complete treatment lasts for an hour to an hour and one half. During this time the Reiki practitioner allows his or her hands to rest gently for three to five minutes or more in each of a number of positions corresponding to the major organs, chakras and endocrine glands of the body. The receiver need only relax and receive.

Reiki is a simple and natural way to offer universal life energy to yourself or another. It is also a powerful way to support plants and animals. Any one can learn Reiki with no prerequisite other than willingness, openness and the desire to learn. The original tradition of Reiki recognizes three degrees - each exponentially more powerful.

Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

1st Degree Reiki - This is called "Shoden," the beginning. It is a beginning, an awakening of the natural healing channels within each of us... a profound and loving experience. It is also complete in and of itself. The 1st Degree class teaches about Reiki and it's history as well as providing the connection to source offered by those ceremonies of connection that we refer to as "Initiations" or attunements. It is an opportunity first and foremost to learn to use Reiki for self-healing and it affords the time and space to practice giving to and receiving from others. There is space to share about those experiences and learn from the experiences of other participants in the class.

Besides the well-known healing aspects of Reiki, connecting with this level of energy brings about transformation, increases intuition and accelerates personal growth.

2nd Degree Reiki - This means going deeper, with Reiki and with yourself. The timing is individual, for some a few months, for others - years. It is important to honor the time necessary to complete the shifting from 1st Degree. The class involves the sharing of ancient symbols for invoking more energy, for deep mental healing and for healing through time and space. This level of Reiki often brings about profound shifts in a person's life and awareness.

Besides the well-known healing aspects of Reiki, connecting with this level of energy brings about transformation, increases intuition and accelerates personal growth.

3rd Degree Reiki (Reiki Master) - To be a Master involves a life-long commitment to grow and learn - to teach and facilitate healing. The process is very individual and very deep - often taking years in process. A Reiki Master is able to initiate and open up the healing channels in others. Most Masters commit their lives to service.

Reiki in the World Today

Not many years ago all Reiki Masters stewarded the Usui System of Natural Healing. A person connecting with any Master would be assured of connecting with the energy through the same powerful ceremonies of Initiation used by Dr. Usui. This particular ritual, passed on painstakingly and exactly, provides the actual connection to the energy. In a Reiki class the simple truths were passed on without embellishment, in the classic oral tradition.

Today there are many expressions of Reiki in the world. Leaders of these different systems have added their own feelings, thoughts, visions and ceremonies much as religious leaders through time have created many denominations. The form and content of both classes and Initiation ceremonies differ greatly as do the price structure and the amount of instruction received. The degree of connection, commitment and integrity of the teaching Masters varies as well. All have in common the use of touch for the purpose of transmitting healing energy.

Choosing a Teacher

While this offers more choice, it can be quite confusing. Each person exploring Reiki is encouraged to examine the different systems of Reiki and find the one that is the best fit for them. Meet Masters with different backgrounds. Many Reiki Masters offer free introductions. Any should be willing to talk with you and answer your questions.

Look beyond a convenient date or location and an inexpensive price. Seek to be sure that the Master's level of truth and integrity in their work and life can support you in your own connection, transformation and growth. Ask if that Master offers ongoing support after the class. Honor your own inner sense of rightness and connection and let that be a deciding factor as you choose your teacher. Take your time, be clear and certain of your choice.

The energy of Reiki accepts
people where they are and moves
them toward their highest good.

The Reiki Alliance

The Reiki Alliance is a global organization of Masters of the Usui System of Natural Healing. The purposes of The Reiki Alliance are to honor Reiki, to serve as steward of the Usui System of Natural Healing and to provide support and community for its Masters. Alliance members realize that their training and learning continue after being initiated as Masters. Growth proceeds through: teaching classes, giving treatments, attending workshops and training sessions, private inner work, spiritual disciplines and the willingness to continuously open themselves to life. The prices charged by Alliance Masters for classes are standardized worldwide and have remained the same for nearly 40 years.

If you wish to learn more, please try some of the exercises listed below:
Reiki: Self-Treatment .
Reiki: Hand Positions .

Sheila is a teaching Reiki Master of the Usui System of Natural Healing and member of The Reiki Alliance . Her practice is in Portand, Oregon, USA. She travels to teach wherever classes are organized.

She may be contacted by e-mail at Sheila@sheilaking.net or by calling (503) 670-8150.

Suggested books: Complete Book of Reiki Healing by Muller and Gunther and Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art by Diane Stein .