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| This discussion paper has been prepared by the above-mentioned Masters as a result of a number of unwelcome experiences practised in the name of Reiki that were brought to their attention, and as an expression of concern regarding a practice which is apparently becoming widely used in some 'schools' of Reiki. |
Over the last few years, a growing number of practitioners of this art, and also - regretfully - some Masters, have, for a multiplicity of reasons, added to, or changed, the practice, or combined the Usui System with other healing arts or skills.
In the majority of cases this has been done with the best of
intentions, but without the understanding that the Usui System, as practised
today, evolved through the practice and understanding of Japanese Masters with
many more years of experience than anyone now practising in the western world.
The modern-day changes therefore have taken place out of a desire to offer
'better value', or maybe a 'more profound experience', or perhaps because of a
perceived 'inadequacy' in the Usui System and a lack of appreciation of the
value of its simplicity.
Both the student who is learning how to practise the Usui System, as well as the client who has sought a treatment, may be exposed unwittingly to such changes in the practice, and this is tantamount to what, in most cases, is an unwitting 'breach of contract' between Master and student, and practitioner and client, and where both the student and the client have an expectation of contact with the traditional practice.
A perception has been created through some 'schools' of Reiki that it is
normal, in the course of giving a Reiki treatment, for the practitioner to have
clairvoyant or psychic 'experiences', to 'receive messages', or to 'interpret'
physical experiences or sensations.
The practitioner may, as a result, wish to
share such varied experiences with the client, and to maybe even offer an
interpretation of an experience. This may, for example, involve relating the
experience to a 'past life', or a current relationship or activity in the
client's present life.
The authors of this paper feel strongly that such practices are not, nor ever have been, part of the Usui System. Moreover, they are rarely sought, or desired by, the client, even if he, or she, is unfamiliar with the form of the Usui System. The authors also feel that any other practice - be it some form of counselling, or another form of 'hands-on' work, or crystal healing, etc - may only be introduced into the treatment if it is offered and discussed with the client at the time of an appointment and certainly before the treatment is commenced, as otherwise, if introduced during the course of the treatment, the client may be very vulnerable, and may likely feel very threatened by the experience. Furthermore, at the professional level, it is essential that a practitioner be fully trained and experienced in any modality offered.
The authors are therefore particularly concerned that this type of practice may
be introduced by practitioners who may be working with clients who are
emotionally unstable due to extreme stress, relationship situations, family
crises, grief situations, physical illness, depression or mental illness, drug
dependence or withdrawal, etc, and where such clients are open to being easily
influenced, or to suggestion.
Such a practice may be sufficient to 'tip that
person over the edge', and to do harm that is sufficiently serious for the
client to need professional or psychological counselling. As part of this
submission, some case histories or examples are offered as illustration.
The authors feel that there is an urgent need for clarity in this aspect of the form, both amongst teaching Masters and among practitioners of Reiki who choose to work professionally in areas such as hospitals, hospices, and jails, especially as, not only the public at large, but also the healing professions, both orthodox and complementary, are becoming increasingly aware of the Usui System of Reiki and the many benefits that it has to offer. These practitioners need to be aware that there are professionals, such as psychologists who have had to 'pick up the pieces' after clients have been exposed to this type of practice. Not only has the client suffered damage to both emotional and physical health, but the practice of Reiki in general is seen in a bad light by the professional. To say the least, this is doubly unfortunate, both for the client, and for Reiki.
Illustrations in the form of selected Case histories Comments from professional therapists
It is understood that some Reiki students have learnt 'psychic reading' as a
part
of Reiki and therefore practise this in good faith as a part of their Reiki
treatments. The authors are sympathetic to their situation and wish to make it
clear that it is the practice they question and not necessarily the
practitioner.
This paper is offered to provide an alternative viewpoint to that which teaches
that everything that comes to the practitioner's awareness, when giving Reiki,
originates, as is often claimed, from a 'higher self' or 'guardian angel', etc.
We
invite comment on the content and direction of this paper from practitioners
of Reiki who either are already working, or are contemplating working in the
professional field, such as in hospital, hospice, or clinic situations.
We are also creating a dossier of case studies dealing with the effects of psychic practice in Reiki - both harmful or otherwise - and will appreciate the receipt in writing of any relevant case studies. We would stress that confidentially will be maintained in these case studies: where appropriate, names of persons involved will be omitted or changed.
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Mornington Peninsula Reiki Centre, PO Box 17, Bittern, 3918. Phone/Fax (03) 5983 9971. |
Reiki Journey Centre, Clifton Hill, 3068, Phone/Fax (03) 9482 5336. |
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