Reiki: The Universal Life Forceby Dave Sobek
Reiki is a word of Japanese origin. “REI,” which is the root word for “Universal,” and “KI,” which is “life force” or “energy” (the Japanese version of the better-known Chinese word “chi” and similar in concept the Hindu “prana”).
Reiki, therefore, means “Universal Life Energy” or “Universal Life Force.” It is the creative energy of life, which is all around us. Our Life Energy is the very essence of our being. It is our “connectedness” to the God Energy; to our Source.
Reiki is a means of natural healing, bringing harmony to all areas in our lives: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It is pure of any belief system, and can be learned by anyone.
As we access more of this energy (remember our “oneness” with It) it manifests as health, prosperity, clarity, fulfillment, harmony, etc. Reiki is a process of remembering what is, who we are, and what is ours by Divine Right.
A Brief History Of Reiki
An ancient healing art, Reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, in Kyoto Japan in the mid 1800’s. Dr. Usui was challenged by his students, who wanted to know if he believed in Jesus’ ability to heal by the laying on of hands. While he could say that he believed in the concept, Dr. Usui was unable to say that he had ever experienced it.
He soon resigned his teaching position and embarked upon a scholar’s quest to find the secret of healing through the laying of hands, which would take him from Japan, to the University of Chicago, to an in-depth study of the Tibetan sutras and full circle back to Japan.
Reiki history states that, during his search, Dr. Usui came to believe that man’s ability to heal, not only the spirit but the body as well, has been alluded to by all major religions.
He found references in both Buddhism and in Christianity, but it was only when he taught himself Sanskrit and began to search the ancient Tibetan scrolls that he found clues to what he was looking for.
After completing both his studies and an intensive 21-day fast and meditation program, Dr. Usui found himself able to conduct healing energy directly through his hands and to awaken that same healing ability in others through a simple but specific process. This was the foundation of Reiki.
On Becoming Reiki
Reiki is very simple. Anyone can become Reiki; it takes no special talent. There is no qualification, tests or book-learning with Reiki. Instead of being taught through a traditional educational system, Reiki is conveyed through initiations or “attunements,” which initiate the individual’s opening to a greater flow of Life energy.
Reiki is more a process of enhancing one’s being, rather than learning to do something. Understanding this leads to a healing of ego, overcoming the need to do or add anything to enhance Reiki’s healing ability or to compensate for any limitations. The individual may then utilize the energy to heal his own body/mind/spirit and share the energy with others. Children can even become Reiki and learn to heal themselves as it recognizes everyone’s ability and divine right to heal their own life and body. The human mind sometimes has a difficult time accepting the fact that something so simple can be so powerful. However, the power and effectiveness of Reiki lies in its simplicity.
How Does It Work?
“Receiving Reiki” has come to mean having a Reiki treatment, a very simple and comfortable process. During a full Reiki treatment, you are lying comfortably on a massage table, fully clothed. The practitioner places his/her hands on specific places on the body, front and back, for approximately an hour. A majority of people experience this energy as heat or, sometimes cold.
By its nature, Reiki is gentle, noninvasive and non-threatening, but according to many, can be very powerful and often emotional.
It is a gift you give to yourself. The responsibility of your harmony and balance lies within your hands. Reiki provides a loving tool to help you reestablish this harmony and balance in body, life and being. It is simple to learn and use. It enhances your spiritual essence and your oneness with the Infinite Source of all life.
Where Can I Receive Reiki?
Reiki training is offered at Vision Quest Metaphysical Bookstore on an on-going basis.
In First Degree Reiki, one is opened to one’s own natural ability to heal during a simple but powerful series of four initiations. You also learn the hand positions to do a full treatment on yourself and others. There is also a basic version of long distance healing.
In Second Degree Reiki, the student is introduced to the symbols discovered by Dr. Usui and given additional techniques for mental healing and long distance healing.
Third Degree Reiki moves into the techniques for healing of spirit.
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