In the last twenty years Reiki has had an explosive growth in practice and acceptance in society, and there is also a wide range of styles of practice offered. This has made the choice of a class a very confusing decision for many intending students.

Because the variety of classes offered all include the word “reiki” in their titles, it is natural for the would-be student to think that such classes have a similar content.

If that was the case, then a choice of class would be an easy matter - criteria, such as convenience of location, or class cost, could be the deciding factor!

However, the intending student will have other factors to consider, and this article is an endeavour to assist the student in making a satisfying choice.

In the teaching and style of Reiki, two ways have evolved. Those persons who were trained classically in the traditional forms of Reiki as brought to the West by Hawayo Takata (Usui Shiki Ryoho) and Dr. Ranga Premaratna (Usui Shin Kai) represent one way.

These teachers train their students in the very simple style of practice that was brought to western society from Japan. The other way consists of persons who have chosen to alter these patterns and adapt them, either to their own personal needs, or to their vision of the practice in a modern context, or sometimes for societal or economic reasons.

The student therefore has two basic selections - either the traditional teaching with its very clear simple form, or complex styles of teaching which may include other healing practices, or personal growth processes. The latter is quite different from the traditional form of practice.

The following thoughts on Mastery may be helpful:

Masters (the title generally used by those who teach Reiki) are people with wide experience in the practice and teaching Reiki. This ensures maturity in the practice and a solid foundation in the understanding of Reiki.

Nowadays, Master training will take place over a period of time, recognizing that growing into the role of Master will take a number of years. Moreover, only through the discipline of their daily practice of Reiki over many years do they learn the roles of practitioner and teacher, and acquire an intimate knowledge of this healing art.

A Master will have experience in introducing and practising Reiki in the general community. In this way, the Master will have gained a range of experiences that enrich the teaching offered to students. They appreciate the importance of being conservative in defining the benefits of Reiki, and are careful in their advertising.

They are also respectful of the traditional form of the practice; they do not include other practices – or components of other practices – in their teaching of Reiki, being aware that, in doing so, this changes the dynamic of the practice.

It is customary for Masters to teach classes in 1st level over a minimum of 4 sessions, each of around 3 hours and spread over 2 to 4 days. A 1st level class will include ample practice time in giving and receiving hands-on treatments on the self and on others under the guidance of the Master. This helps the student to establish confidence as they are introduced to the practice.

After a period of further experience of deepening in the practice, which may be several months - or even perhaps years - the student may feel drawn to deepen their practice and undertake further training by taking a 2nd level class. This is usually accomplished over a further 3 to 4 sessions.

Masters are very clear in the commitment represented in the fees for training at all levels. These Masters charge fees congruent with those of their peers; such fees are based on general international uniformity representing both commitment and value.

In making your choice of teacher, we can suggest the following questions may be relevant, and we also welcome your enquiries about our path and practice as Masters:

• How long have you been in the practice of Reiki?

• How do you see your role in practising Reiki, both in private practice and in serving the community at large?

• For how many years did you practise Reiki before seeking training as a Master.

• Over what period of time was that Master training completed?

• What is your usual size of class? Do you offer one-to-one training if this is preferred?

• How long does the training take?

• Do you include any other practices in your Reiki training, such as crystals, metaphysical causation of disease, clairvoyant or psychic practice, bodywork, etc?

• What does the Reiki training cost?

• Is there ample practice time, supervised by the Master, during the training?

• After completion of training, do you offer ongoing student contact, such as regular student practice meetings, or personal or telephone contact for individual support or advice.

• May I contact some local former students of your classes?

• Can I book to receive a treatment from you?

• What is your fee for conducting such a treatment?