Shoden Reiki
OVERVIEW OF SHODEN REIKI (1st Level)
At Level Shoden (First-Degree) Reiki, the initiate is introduced to the concept of a universal energy, which has divine properties of healing. This energy can be 'tapped' into or accessed after being initiated into the Reiki healing system.
Students are taught:
1. The origins and history of Reiki
2. Its re-discovery by Sensei Mikao Usui
3. How it has developed and evolved into a complimentary energy healing art known and widely accepted today.
These will help students appreciate the versatility and unlimited potential of this divine healing energy as they learn the various techniques and meditations to tap into the spiritual universal life force for self healing .
Originally introduced as a system of enlightenment by Sensei Mikao Usui, the Reiki system practised in the west today is generally accepted as a natural energy healing system and a complimentary therapy. There are no pre-requisites to learn Reiki but to benefit, initiates must show a willingness to use their new found skills not only for themselves but for the good of others in a healing capacity. It also helps to have a clear, balanced and open mind.
There are 4 attunements at this level. The shoden syllabus will cover the Reiki principles, basic hand positions and ethics of Reiki. This level deals mainly with the physical realm. The newly initiated will be attuned for self healing and healing of others, pets and even plants.
The common acceptable practise is to space out the initiation processes. This need not be the case as Reiki is a universal energy that flows from pure intent and can build upon previous initiations, cementing them together and making the energy levels experienced more intensified in strength, with an enhanced feeling of serenity and a profound sense of well being. I like to visualise the initiation processes as rungs on one's spiritual ladder towards enlightenment or self- actualisation. In my experience, no harm has come to my students or myself by performing all 4 attunements in a day or reinitiating into different styles of Reiki. I have also learned that any limitations placed upon Reiki are self imposed, based on human imperfections, insecurities and a lack of understanding of the healing purposes of a spiritual nature. The properties and characteristics of Reiki can only heal and are non-intrusive.
Attunements are bonding processes of one's energy centres with this universal source and performed by a Reiki Master on an initiate. Reattunements can only enhance and augments one's bonding with the universe on the path of Reiki.
The first-degree attunement is split into four stages to allow one to adjust and align one's energy field to connect with the higher frequencies of Reiki. As I have said earlier, no harm will come to you if you have the four attunements one after the other in one session. The more you practise, the stronger the flow felt during Reiki healing sessions. Reiki practitioners should aspire to achieve a state of being and living Reiki. Meditating on the Reiki principles twice a day will affirm the mind and body to be aware of Reiki at all times. The spirit of Reiki once ignited and imprinted into one's energy grids will help one's inner spirit achieve a state of 'SATORI' - an awakening to one's true essence and purpose in life. Reiki can only improve your life for the better!
Every individual is unique and the same can be said for the experiences felt during attunements and healing sessions. It is not unusual for the receiver and practitioner to experience different sensations during these sessions. Some feel warmth, cool breeze and experience visions, colours or familiar fragrances and even a sense of peace.
Reiki is not a religion so a belief system is not required.
Reiki goes to where healing is required and one can never overdose on Reiki as only the 'right' amount will flow as desired by the universal law that exists naturally around us. Reiki has been described as an intelligent energy. That is why ethics of Reiki is vital at this level as Reiki practitioners will never promise miracle cures for the level of healing is not set by the practitioner but by a universal source. This means, we do not make promises to cure a cancerous ailment but Reiki allows healing to take place e.g. giving one the strength to cope with the pain of treatment, have peace of mind or be able to see light at the end of the tunnel of depression.
If there are no experiences or sensations felt during a treatment session, this does not mean Reiki has not worked. Reiki works in subtle ways and healing takes place at a holistic level i.e. physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. Spiritual in the sense of understanding one's purpose in life and accepting the decisions we have made, may it be right or wrong and taking responsibilities for our actions. The healing results may be apparent after a few days or weeks if not immediately after a healing sessions. That is why several sessions may be required after the initial consultation.
Practise daily and regularly. Develop awareness of the sensations of Reiki and the experiences of those you administer Reiki to. In time, the sensations you experience and those you offer healing to are undeniable. Remember that Reiki works on pure intent. Squash the human ego and Reiki will flow.
Enjoy Reiki and you will enjoy LIFE!
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki (ray-key) is an energy healing art introduced by Sensei Mikao Usui in the late 1800's.
The word 'Reiki' is made up of 2 Japanese kanji:
Rei - Universal Spiritual Consciousness
Ki - Life Force Energy. Also known as 'Chi' in Chinese or 'Prana' in Sanskrit.
In short, Reiki accesses the Universal Life Force Energy needed to promote healing in all living things. The ultimate goal of the Reiki path is to reach enlightenment. It surpasses other healing arts as the processes on the Reiki path includes self discovery, promoting self awareness, self empowerment, good health, a sound mind and body. One progresses in spiritual growth to discover one's true purpose in life.
This energy is so versatile it can be used to send healing energies through space and time i.e. distant healing and karma healing. Reiki is an ancient healing art existing from the beginning of time but has been lost to mankind until its reintroduction to the world by Sensei Usui.
HOW DOES REIKI WORK?
It is a gentle, non-invasive method involving the laying of hands over the body's energy centres.
Reiki has been described as an intelligent energy, travelling to any source that needs healing. This energy is channelled by a practitioner who has been attuned to Reiki by a Reiki Master.
It is believed that Reiki is channelled from the universe through the crown, flowing down the head and shoulders, along the arms and transmitted through the practitioner's hands into the recipient. This healing process replenishes energy depleted areas, stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself and balancing the mind, body & spirit. This is also called holistic healing.
When one 'taps' into this energy, one is consciously aware of the Universal Life Force, which is naturally present in, and around us.
BENEFITS OF REIKI
Reiki heals on a holistic level i.e. physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Reiki is not a religion but works on the subconscious level to reach one's inner spirit. This may lead to 'SATORI' - a 'realisation' as one merges with the Spiritual Universal Life Force.
This moment of truth, of awakening helps one to just 'Be Reiki'.Reiki is commonly used to complement conventional medicine and other therapies.
It can be used to ease stress-related illnesses, provide pain relief for acute & chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis, rheumatism, and migraines), and offer comfort and peace in times of trouble or emotional problems (e.g. depression, anxiety), resulting in clarity of mind
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will be fully clothed, sitting down or lying down (whichever position that is most comfortable for you).
As you relax to gentle & soothing music in the background (optional), Reiki will flow from your crown to all the body energy centres, healing and rejuvenating the body.
Sensations experienced have been described as: tingling, warm or cold, pulsating, vivid colours, throbbing, relaxing, comforting, a sense of inner peace or you might feel nothing at all!
Any discomfort experienced is temporary and is the body's way of re-adjusting and re-aligning to this beautiful energy. One way of releasing negative emotions is by acknowledging and accepting them. This could result in an emotional release of sadness, anger, crying.
Physical release could result in spontaneous movements of the body, return of sensation on previously numb areas, pain relief, release of toxins in body sweat, heat emitted as energy is felt around the body.
Spiritual release could result in an insight to present problems, developing spiritual awareness of one's purpose in one's life in relation to others and all around you, seeing and accepting life's pains as blessings and developing virtues to become a better person. Creating a positive influence and a healing energy field in your world and the world around you.
WHAT IS AN ATTUNEMENT?
An attunement is a simple ceremony performed by a Reiki teacher or 'Master' on an initiate to bond with the Universal Life Energy.
Once attuned, this enables one to give Reiki for self healing and healing of others.
This bonding is for life and is activated when one intends to heal. Reiki works on pure intent and because of its spiritual nature healing occurs on the physical, emotional and spiritual level.
To walk on the Reiki path is to embrace life fully with unconditional love, compassion and mercy, to oneself and all living things around that breathe and live Reiki.
Reiki is safe and will never do harm but will only improve your life for the better. One can never overdose on Reiki as only the 'right' amount of Reiki energies will be transmitted to allow and promote the healing process. A practitioner is guided by the Reiki energies so there is no room for the human ego to claim that he or she is responsible for the final outcome of the healing process.
Reiki has no belief systems so anyone can receive or learn Reiki.
Feeling achy? Try Reiki!
Namaste.
Reiki should not be used as a replacement or substitute for medical treatment. Information given should not be used to diagnose medical treatments and conditions or claim to cure illnesses. If you have a serious ailment, you should consult your doctor and continue with any prescribed medication.
ASANA 2007
