The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. The word "Rei" means universal and this is the definition most have accepted. However, this interpretation is a very general one. Japanese ideograms have many levels of meaning. They vary from the mundane to the highly esoteric. So, while it is true that Rei can be interpreted as universal, meaning that it is present everywhere, there is a more meaningful definition that is worth exploring.
Research into the esoteric meaning of the kanji character for Rei gives a deeper understanding of this ideogram. The word Rei as it is used in Reiki can also be interpreted to mean higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness. This is the wisdom that comes from God and is the God-Consciousness which is all knowing. It understands each person completely and know the cause of all problems and difficulties and knows the most appropriate path of healing.
The word "Ki" has the same meaning as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian. It has also been called odic force, orgone and bioplasma. It has been given many other names in various cultures.
Ki is life energy. It is also known as the vital life force or the universal life force. If your life energy is low, or if there is a restriction in its flow, you are more vulnerable to illness. When it is high, and flowing freely, you are less likely to get sick. Ki plays an important role in everything we do. It animates the body and is the primary energy of our emotions, thoughts and spiritual life.
It is the God-Consciousness called Rei that guides the life energy called Ki in the practice called Reiki. Therefore, Reiki can be defined as spiritually guided life energy.
Reiki is not taught in the way other healing techniques are taught. The ability is transferred to the student by the Reiki master during an attunement process. During the attunement, the Rei or God-Consciousness makes adjustments in the students chakras and energetic pathways to accomodate the ability to channel Reiki and then connects the student to the source of Reiki. These changes are unique for each person. The attunement energies are passed to the student through the Reiki master. The Reiki master does not direct the process and is simply acts as a channel for the attunement energy flowing from God-Consciousness. The ability to learn Reiki is available to everyone. It does not take years of practice. It is simply passed from the teacher to the student. As soon as this happens, one has Reiki and can use it.
How does Reiki Heal?
We are alive in part because life energy or Ki is flowing through us. Ki flows within the physical body through pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. The free and balanced flow of Ki is the source of health. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them. Ki nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When the flow of Ki is disrupted, it interferes with the healthy functioning of the body.
Ki is responsive to thoughts and feelings. When we have positive and optimistic thoughts, we increase our flow of Ki and this results in felling well. However, when we have negative thoughts our Ki is disrupted and diminished and we feel out of balance.. When negative thoughts become lodged in the sub-conscious mind they create a permanent disruption of Ki. This occurs when we either consciously or unconsciously accept negative beliefs about ourselves. These negative thoughts and feelings become a part of our energy field, causing distortion to the harmonious flow of Ki. This dimminishes the healthy functioning of the body and unless this distortion or blockage is cleared or released the body may eventually become ill.
When a person receives a Reiki treatment, the Reiki energy facilitates the clearing of distortion and energy blockages. By flowing through the energy field and charging it with high frequency positive enrgy, Reiki raises the vibratory level in and around the physical body. In so doing, Reiki clears and heals the energetic pathways allowing for the smooth and balanced flow of KI.
What can be treated?
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury. Reiki is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. Receiving Reiki feels like a wonderful glowing radiance and benefits both receiver and giver.
Is Reiki a religion?
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. There is nothing you must believe in order to receive Reiki, in fact Reiki is not dependant on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Reiki enables many people to go beyond intellectual concepts and directly experience their religion.