Reiki: Nothing New Age About It - Page 2

The process of becoming a Reiki Master is a matter of being "Attuned" to an increasing number of symbols. These serve the purpose of aiding in focusing and channelling,(I don't mean talking for some star being or dolphins or any such garbage, but the original meaning of the word: acting as a means of passage) with an ever increasing ability, universal energy. There is no religion involved with the practice as each individual is free to draw upon their own faith to help them in any way necessary.

The four levels of Usui-Tibetan Reiki: One, Two, Advanced Reiki Training, and Master, require a learning process involving a minimum of two years of study and practice. Like any of the meditative arts it was considered essential that a student spend time with each level of study, learning and assimilating, before continuing.

In order to become a Master a student must be willing to undergo changes that free themselves to be more open receptacles of universal energy. Ideally they will learn to be nothing more then a transmitter, allowing a unadulterated flow to pass through them to who ever they are helping. Ego and any other motivations ulterior to this purpose have to be set aside to successfully obtain this goal.

The simple process of learning the various levels of Reiki precipitates self awareness. Hopefully at the end of a student’s education not only will they have the tools and ability to help others they will have helped themselves.

Karuna Reiki is a more recent evolution of the older form. It was developed by the International centre for Reiki under the leadership of William Rand. This organization has been dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Dr. Usui's original teachings for over twenty years and William Rand is one of the few people in North America who was taught directly by Dr. Usui's wife.

The hardest thing about being a practitioner of any of the complimentary methods of treatment are the associations people have with them. The most difficult image to overcome is the New Age association. Nothing makes it harder to be taken seriously then people lumping you in with scarf draped, bangle wearing, nonsense spewing, air heads.

Unfortunately there is far too much truth in that assumption for it to be lightly dismissed. It’s gotten to the point that I’ve become embarrassed to admit that I have anything to do with these modalities. While my opinion of their validity hasn't changed, I'm finding it harder and harder to associate myself with others who are practitioners and teachers.

Article Author: Richard Marcus

Richard Marcus is the author of the forthcoming book What Will Happen In Eragon IV? and has had his work published in print and on line all over the world. The not so long-haired Canadian iconoclast writes reviews and opines on the world as he sees …

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