Reiki, the Religion
Reiki for Dummies by Nina Paul, PhD.
Wiley Publishing, 2006
pg. 13 - "What Reiki Isn't"
The author mentions that "Reiki is not religious. Reiki is totally nondenominational...."
I'm not entirely certain that is so. The author begins to define religion:
"Religion provides guidance on how to develop yourself spiritually. It tells you what the divine looks like and gives you frameworks of texts, places of worship, and guides to support you."
Okay - so if that's broken down and compared to what Reiki offers:
Guidance on how to develop one self spiritually.
The way I see it, that summarizes the entire practice of Reiki. We could even consider the precepts as one written guideline of spiritual self development.
It tells you what the divine looks like.
Although specific physical features are not described to Reiki, it is described as pure divine energy, the energy of God that manifests us all and is present in all of us.
Frameworks of texts
Just what are the precepts??? Frameworks of texts.
Places of worship
That's created when we perform any Reiki treatment or ceremony, distance or in-person. We create a sacred space by inviting energies to help protect and participate in the process and then proceed with the practice which is akin to worship. Worship is really nothing more than meditation except that it includes fear (meditation does not).
Guides to support you
What is a Reiki Teacher? A guide to support you? and some say there are Reiki Spirit Guides as well.
I know many people who are dead-set in the opinion that Reiki is NOT religion but when I consider points such as the above, it's difficult for me to think otherwise.
What do you think?
Answers:
Sorry Stephen, but I'm not entirely convinced by your arguement. For one thing, I don't agree with the quoted definition of religion. My dictionary defines religion thus: Belief in, or worship of, or obedienceto a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny; anyformal or institutionalized expression of such belief.
Formal or institutionalized expression is the part which truly defines religion for me. Apart from the basic system of teaching in reiki practices, I find no formal or institutionalized expression in the way that reiki has awoken and supported my spiritual path... nor have I found that in my students or other reiki practitioners I know. Mind you, I do hold the opinion that most go through an evangelical stage when first initiated and there are some whobring in pseudo-religious imagery which does not belong in a system primarily for healing on all levels.
Nope, can't quite see that... the precepts can be seen as a guideline, but then again, so can themusings of Charlie Brown.
Still don't define the devine.
Now you're being pedantic. ;) Any system of any kind has a framework and guidelines. Again, I don't feel a few precepts a religious sacred text makes.
Worship: to show profound religious devotion and respect to; adore or venerate. I'm not showing profound religious devotion to the reiki energies when healing... I'm focusing on helping the patient to balance themselves and make themselves whole again. I humbly acknowledge the energies and my place in that work... I don't worship it.
I think the writer was probably referring to saints, etc. A teacher may guide a student to the energy andthe system for working with it, but ultimately thestudent develops and grows through their own practice and healing. Although I am aware of healing guides working with me, I do not regard their presence as a religious experience but simply... teamwork.
I think you need a better definition of religion to start with.
;)
Moonfeather
Answers:
As moonfeather says it depends on your definitions.
It is nondenominational. Cristians, Muslims, Atheists, etc. etc. can all practice Reiki. They do not have to convert to some sort of "Reiki religion". Reiki is not a religion in it's own right.
No it doesn't summarize the entire practice of Reiki. Reiki is reiki. It does not provide the guidance itself but opens us up to follow our own inner guidance and spiritual learning and development.
No. Reiki energy is reiki energy. Calling it "divine" or "the energy of God" is imparting one's own religious beliefs on Reiki.
As moonfeather said, that's just being pedantic. 5 key precepts are not really a "Framework" of texts.
Worshipping is generally seen as honouring and praying etc. to an idol or god. Although some Reiki practitioners create a "sacred space" when practicing, this is not really a place of worship.
Everything in life can be considered to have "Guides to support you" if you want to be that general about it. I went to school and was guided by my teacher there, but it wasn't a "school religion".
You could argue that any belief is a religion if you want to generalize to such an extent. Atheism could be said to be a religion because people have strong beliefs against there being a God. Even agnostics can be said to be religious because they will have beliefs about how they lead their own lives.
Reiki is not a religion. You don't have to convert to it. You don't have to give up your existing religious beliefs to do it. You don't have to attend Reiki Church every Sunday and you don't have to accept what you are told by your teachers as fact without discovering for yourself.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
Hmmm. Christianity is very diverse. There are formal institutions and smaller groups not associated with those institutions but follow basic principles. A Christian may choose to practice privately and not go to church.
If Usui is not in the lineage, is it Reiki? A Christian is a Christian because he or she believes in Jesus Christ as savior of mankind (or whatever). In order for Reiki to be Reiki, the energy must originate from Usui - correct?
Usui in the lineage is akin to Christ on the Cross. Lineage is just another aspect of worship making Reiki a religion.
We could also add the symbols into the religion equation. Christianity has the cross. Reiki has CKR, SHK, HSZSN, DKM and outside of Japan many, many more.
The lineage, the precepts, the symbols all make Reiki a Religion.
Answers:
If Reiki is not a religion then is it more accurate to describe it as a philosophy much like Zen?
Zen has a wide doctrine of experience produced by its practitioners. The core meditation within Zen is Zazen.
Reiki, by my last count, now has over 400 distinct styles and as each Reiki Master is encouraged to write his or her own manual then it can be assumed that there is a growing body of experience being written about it. The core meditation of Reiki would be the channeling process - the laying on of hands or distance healing.
Reiki is a philosophy.
Answers:
Depends who you talk to. Most people will say (and the RRWG are trying to insist upon it) that to call yourself a Reiki practitioner you must have a lineage that goes back to Usui sensei. If that's not the case, it shouldn't be called Reiki but must go by another name.
In order for Reiki to be Reikii the energy originates from source. The source is whatever your own religious (or otherwise) beliefs tell you it is. To some it is the universe, to other God, Allah or whatever. Usui sensei re-discovered Reiki, he was not Reiki manifest as the Christians believe that Jesus was God manifest.
Usui does not equate to Jesus as people worship Jesus, but people tend not to worship Usui. Some like to have a picture of him on a little alter, but that is their choosing, and is not a requirement of Reiki. Most Reiki practitioners will respect Usui sensei for the Reiki that he rediscovered.
The Cross in Christianity does not equate to the symbols of Reiki. The Cross is a symbol of recognition of Christianity whereas the symbols of Reiki are tools of intention. I suppose you could equate holy water and the bread wavers to be intentional tools? Some Christian societies believe that the (supposed) secretness of the symbols (although they're sacred, not secret) makes Reiki a cult of the devil, but that's their belief, so obviously they don't see the Reiki symbols as equating to their cross or other item of religion. The Reiki symbols of the west are CKR, SHK, HSZSN and DKM. Any others are 'new age' or otherwise add-ons that have been created by people for the purposes of their own flavour of energy healing which, at this time, they make be calling Reiki although, as already mentioned, IMO this would be incorrect. This does not mean that those symbols or their healing do not work, but it is not, IMO, what is Reiki.
Stephen,you do seem to be trying your hardest to be very picky about little aspects of Reiki in order to try and justify them as a collective that makes Reiki a religion. If Reiki were a religion then people would be required to give up their own faith and convert to it. You don't have to do that for Reiki. Things like Christianity contain vast and varied manuscripts and specific places of worship, usually built in the shape of a cross, with a spire that reaches up to their God etc.Reiki is a simple thing of personal development and energy. I can practice it in my armchair or laying out on the lawn, or during meditation or whatever. There are no strict rules and followings that must be adhered to, and no preacher telling us what to believe.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
Yes, That's perhaps a better classification of Reiki.
Reiki has two distinct styles, Japanese Usui Reiki and Western Takata Reiki. Others, IMO, are slight variations on the same thing created from people's personal beliefs, OR, they are totally different energy healing systems not originating from Usui sensei.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
That's right. Not unlike Socratic Dialogue, eh? The position I took initiating this thread was not to preach or provide an answer but rather help provoke critical thinking. It worked.
For myself, your dialogue (and Moonfeathers) has been far more thought provoking and interesting than listening to Reiki Masters and Reiki Master Teachers preach true Reiki.
:-)
Answers:
Well I do like a good discussion without animosity. :D
So, yourself,do you still think Reiki is a Religion or has the discussion given you good food for thought?
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
I think that Moonfeather is correct - a better definition of Religion is needed to continue exploring the argument of whether or not Reiki is a religion.
Personally at this time I think that Reiki is a philosophy. Perhaps "applied spiritual philosophy" may be a more accurate term than just "philosophy". It has techniques (the channeling process) and guidelines of behavior (the precepts). Zen is the same way. Zen has a way of thought (its overall philosophy) and techniques (such as Zazen). Buddhism is frequently wrapped around the practice of Zen, but Buddhism is not Zen and Zen is not Buddhism.
The practice of Reiki seems to parallel the practice of Zen in some respects. A person of any religious denomination can practice Reiki. The precepts constitute Philosophy and the process of channeling is akin to Zazen.
Within Zazen there is a mudra called the Hokkajoin. When practicing Zazen, the practitioner places his or her hands in an oval position hovering above the lap, near the navel. This is a symbol. It is also a tool to help focus the mind on the present moment (the intent of practicing Zazen). There is no mystical power attached to it whatsoever but it is practiced with the unconscious anticipation of enlightenment (we might call it "healing").
The Reiki Symbols would be the equivalent of the Hokkajoin. The symbols (except Hayashi's version of CKR & the HRIH - SHK - but even that is just a Sanskrit letter that was adorned by Samurai on their helmets) are just words (DKM, for example frequently would appear on plaques in front of martial arts dojo's in Japan in that time). They are used as a tool to help focus the mind and channel Reiki in some schools.
Those are my reasons for equating it to a philosophy. That seems to be a lot easier to discuss than argue that it is a religion.
Answers:
Oh just for the record I've been asking this question since early 2000. It's a question and then argument that I've presented that has ruffled a great many Reiki feathers. I am very glad both of you contributed in the way you did because until our conversation, I never equated Reiki to Philosophy.
Thank you.
:-)
Answers:
This is a topic I find interesting: I think there are elements of religion in Reiki, but it is not an organised "Religion" as such. at the present time, but I think there is a possibility that that may develop. Religions are man-made, and there's nothing to stop someone making Reiki into a religion. Reiki Chapel, Reiki precepts as prayer, Usui as messianic figure, symbols as aids to prayer etc.
My attunements were given a distinctly religious feel by my RM, shrines, prayers etc.
Here's an interesting web-site about Reiki anda RC's attitudeto it.
Sharon
Answers:
I personally don't think that Reiki energy is "the energy of God" as I do not believe in God.
I purely believe in a univeral energy which is in all things but has nothing to do with anyReligion (or God) as we know it.
In my opinion, religion involves a set of beliefs with not much morethan faithto go on - Reiki isn't a set of beliefs, and I *believe* it works because I have physically felt it & experienced it's benefits.
When I first started Reiki, I didn't know if I was going to be dissapointed & not experience anything & come to the conclusion that it was all mumbo-jumbo OR experience something physically etc & come to the realisation that there was something in it.
The latter happened. That is how I know it works & exists.
I have also been to church before, and left thinking there really wasn't anything in it. That is because it takes faith, not proof to believe in a religion & I'm just not the sort of person to have blind faith in something.
So no, I don't think Reiki is a religion. There may be similarities between the two, but I don't believe they are the same.
Love & Light
SS
x
Answers:
If you search the web for the full name of DKM you will find that there are still martial arts practices, even in the west, who use DKM as part of their greeting to their teacher and thanks at the end of the training session (if I recall correctly).
Love and Reiki Hugs
Wiley Publishing, 2006
pg. 13 - "What Reiki Isn't"
The author mentions that "Reiki is not religious. Reiki is totally nondenominational...."
I'm not entirely certain that is so. The author begins to define religion:
"Religion provides guidance on how to develop yourself spiritually. It tells you what the divine looks like and gives you frameworks of texts, places of worship, and guides to support you."
Okay - so if that's broken down and compared to what Reiki offers:
Guidance on how to develop one self spiritually.
The way I see it, that summarizes the entire practice of Reiki. We could even consider the precepts as one written guideline of spiritual self development.
It tells you what the divine looks like.
Although specific physical features are not described to Reiki, it is described as pure divine energy, the energy of God that manifests us all and is present in all of us.
Frameworks of texts
Just what are the precepts??? Frameworks of texts.
Places of worship
That's created when we perform any Reiki treatment or ceremony, distance or in-person. We create a sacred space by inviting energies to help protect and participate in the process and then proceed with the practice which is akin to worship. Worship is really nothing more than meditation except that it includes fear (meditation does not).
Guides to support you
What is a Reiki Teacher? A guide to support you? and some say there are Reiki Spirit Guides as well.
I know many people who are dead-set in the opinion that Reiki is NOT religion but when I consider points such as the above, it's difficult for me to think otherwise.
What do you think?
Answers:
Sorry Stephen, but I'm not entirely convinced by your arguement. For one thing, I don't agree with the quoted definition of religion. My dictionary defines religion thus: Belief in, or worship of, or obedienceto a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny; anyformal or institutionalized expression of such belief.
Formal or institutionalized expression is the part which truly defines religion for me. Apart from the basic system of teaching in reiki practices, I find no formal or institutionalized expression in the way that reiki has awoken and supported my spiritual path... nor have I found that in my students or other reiki practitioners I know. Mind you, I do hold the opinion that most go through an evangelical stage when first initiated and there are some whobring in pseudo-religious imagery which does not belong in a system primarily for healing on all levels.
Nope, can't quite see that... the precepts can be seen as a guideline, but then again, so can themusings of Charlie Brown.
Still don't define the devine.
Now you're being pedantic. ;) Any system of any kind has a framework and guidelines. Again, I don't feel a few precepts a religious sacred text makes.
Worship: to show profound religious devotion and respect to; adore or venerate. I'm not showing profound religious devotion to the reiki energies when healing... I'm focusing on helping the patient to balance themselves and make themselves whole again. I humbly acknowledge the energies and my place in that work... I don't worship it.
I think the writer was probably referring to saints, etc. A teacher may guide a student to the energy andthe system for working with it, but ultimately thestudent develops and grows through their own practice and healing. Although I am aware of healing guides working with me, I do not regard their presence as a religious experience but simply... teamwork.
I think you need a better definition of religion to start with.
;)
Moonfeather
Answers:
As moonfeather says it depends on your definitions.
It is nondenominational. Cristians, Muslims, Atheists, etc. etc. can all practice Reiki. They do not have to convert to some sort of "Reiki religion". Reiki is not a religion in it's own right.
No it doesn't summarize the entire practice of Reiki. Reiki is reiki. It does not provide the guidance itself but opens us up to follow our own inner guidance and spiritual learning and development.
No. Reiki energy is reiki energy. Calling it "divine" or "the energy of God" is imparting one's own religious beliefs on Reiki.
As moonfeather said, that's just being pedantic. 5 key precepts are not really a "Framework" of texts.
Worshipping is generally seen as honouring and praying etc. to an idol or god. Although some Reiki practitioners create a "sacred space" when practicing, this is not really a place of worship.
Everything in life can be considered to have "Guides to support you" if you want to be that general about it. I went to school and was guided by my teacher there, but it wasn't a "school religion".
You could argue that any belief is a religion if you want to generalize to such an extent. Atheism could be said to be a religion because people have strong beliefs against there being a God. Even agnostics can be said to be religious because they will have beliefs about how they lead their own lives.
Reiki is not a religion. You don't have to convert to it. You don't have to give up your existing religious beliefs to do it. You don't have to attend Reiki Church every Sunday and you don't have to accept what you are told by your teachers as fact without discovering for yourself.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
Hmmm. Christianity is very diverse. There are formal institutions and smaller groups not associated with those institutions but follow basic principles. A Christian may choose to practice privately and not go to church.
If Usui is not in the lineage, is it Reiki? A Christian is a Christian because he or she believes in Jesus Christ as savior of mankind (or whatever). In order for Reiki to be Reiki, the energy must originate from Usui - correct?
Usui in the lineage is akin to Christ on the Cross. Lineage is just another aspect of worship making Reiki a religion.
We could also add the symbols into the religion equation. Christianity has the cross. Reiki has CKR, SHK, HSZSN, DKM and outside of Japan many, many more.
The lineage, the precepts, the symbols all make Reiki a Religion.
Answers:
If Reiki is not a religion then is it more accurate to describe it as a philosophy much like Zen?
Zen has a wide doctrine of experience produced by its practitioners. The core meditation within Zen is Zazen.
Reiki, by my last count, now has over 400 distinct styles and as each Reiki Master is encouraged to write his or her own manual then it can be assumed that there is a growing body of experience being written about it. The core meditation of Reiki would be the channeling process - the laying on of hands or distance healing.
Reiki is a philosophy.
Answers:
Depends who you talk to. Most people will say (and the RRWG are trying to insist upon it) that to call yourself a Reiki practitioner you must have a lineage that goes back to Usui sensei. If that's not the case, it shouldn't be called Reiki but must go by another name.
In order for Reiki to be Reikii the energy originates from source. The source is whatever your own religious (or otherwise) beliefs tell you it is. To some it is the universe, to other God, Allah or whatever. Usui sensei re-discovered Reiki, he was not Reiki manifest as the Christians believe that Jesus was God manifest.
Usui does not equate to Jesus as people worship Jesus, but people tend not to worship Usui. Some like to have a picture of him on a little alter, but that is their choosing, and is not a requirement of Reiki. Most Reiki practitioners will respect Usui sensei for the Reiki that he rediscovered.
The Cross in Christianity does not equate to the symbols of Reiki. The Cross is a symbol of recognition of Christianity whereas the symbols of Reiki are tools of intention. I suppose you could equate holy water and the bread wavers to be intentional tools? Some Christian societies believe that the (supposed) secretness of the symbols (although they're sacred, not secret) makes Reiki a cult of the devil, but that's their belief, so obviously they don't see the Reiki symbols as equating to their cross or other item of religion. The Reiki symbols of the west are CKR, SHK, HSZSN and DKM. Any others are 'new age' or otherwise add-ons that have been created by people for the purposes of their own flavour of energy healing which, at this time, they make be calling Reiki although, as already mentioned, IMO this would be incorrect. This does not mean that those symbols or their healing do not work, but it is not, IMO, what is Reiki.
Stephen,you do seem to be trying your hardest to be very picky about little aspects of Reiki in order to try and justify them as a collective that makes Reiki a religion. If Reiki were a religion then people would be required to give up their own faith and convert to it. You don't have to do that for Reiki. Things like Christianity contain vast and varied manuscripts and specific places of worship, usually built in the shape of a cross, with a spire that reaches up to their God etc.Reiki is a simple thing of personal development and energy. I can practice it in my armchair or laying out on the lawn, or during meditation or whatever. There are no strict rules and followings that must be adhered to, and no preacher telling us what to believe.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
Yes, That's perhaps a better classification of Reiki.
Reiki has two distinct styles, Japanese Usui Reiki and Western Takata Reiki. Others, IMO, are slight variations on the same thing created from people's personal beliefs, OR, they are totally different energy healing systems not originating from Usui sensei.
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
That's right. Not unlike Socratic Dialogue, eh? The position I took initiating this thread was not to preach or provide an answer but rather help provoke critical thinking. It worked.
For myself, your dialogue (and Moonfeathers) has been far more thought provoking and interesting than listening to Reiki Masters and Reiki Master Teachers preach true Reiki.
:-)
Answers:
Well I do like a good discussion without animosity. :D
So, yourself,do you still think Reiki is a Religion or has the discussion given you good food for thought?
Love and Reiki Hugs
Answers:
I think that Moonfeather is correct - a better definition of Religion is needed to continue exploring the argument of whether or not Reiki is a religion.
Personally at this time I think that Reiki is a philosophy. Perhaps "applied spiritual philosophy" may be a more accurate term than just "philosophy". It has techniques (the channeling process) and guidelines of behavior (the precepts). Zen is the same way. Zen has a way of thought (its overall philosophy) and techniques (such as Zazen). Buddhism is frequently wrapped around the practice of Zen, but Buddhism is not Zen and Zen is not Buddhism.
The practice of Reiki seems to parallel the practice of Zen in some respects. A person of any religious denomination can practice Reiki. The precepts constitute Philosophy and the process of channeling is akin to Zazen.
Within Zazen there is a mudra called the Hokkajoin. When practicing Zazen, the practitioner places his or her hands in an oval position hovering above the lap, near the navel. This is a symbol. It is also a tool to help focus the mind on the present moment (the intent of practicing Zazen). There is no mystical power attached to it whatsoever but it is practiced with the unconscious anticipation of enlightenment (we might call it "healing").
The Reiki Symbols would be the equivalent of the Hokkajoin. The symbols (except Hayashi's version of CKR & the HRIH - SHK - but even that is just a Sanskrit letter that was adorned by Samurai on their helmets) are just words (DKM, for example frequently would appear on plaques in front of martial arts dojo's in Japan in that time). They are used as a tool to help focus the mind and channel Reiki in some schools.
Those are my reasons for equating it to a philosophy. That seems to be a lot easier to discuss than argue that it is a religion.
Answers:
Oh just for the record I've been asking this question since early 2000. It's a question and then argument that I've presented that has ruffled a great many Reiki feathers. I am very glad both of you contributed in the way you did because until our conversation, I never equated Reiki to Philosophy.
Thank you.
:-)
Answers:
This is a topic I find interesting: I think there are elements of religion in Reiki, but it is not an organised "Religion" as such. at the present time, but I think there is a possibility that that may develop. Religions are man-made, and there's nothing to stop someone making Reiki into a religion. Reiki Chapel, Reiki precepts as prayer, Usui as messianic figure, symbols as aids to prayer etc.
My attunements were given a distinctly religious feel by my RM, shrines, prayers etc.
Here's an interesting web-site about Reiki anda RC's attitudeto it.
Sharon
Answers:
I personally don't think that Reiki energy is "the energy of God" as I do not believe in God.
I purely believe in a univeral energy which is in all things but has nothing to do with anyReligion (or God) as we know it.
In my opinion, religion involves a set of beliefs with not much morethan faithto go on - Reiki isn't a set of beliefs, and I *believe* it works because I have physically felt it & experienced it's benefits.
When I first started Reiki, I didn't know if I was going to be dissapointed & not experience anything & come to the conclusion that it was all mumbo-jumbo OR experience something physically etc & come to the realisation that there was something in it.
The latter happened. That is how I know it works & exists.
I have also been to church before, and left thinking there really wasn't anything in it. That is because it takes faith, not proof to believe in a religion & I'm just not the sort of person to have blind faith in something.
So no, I don't think Reiki is a religion. There may be similarities between the two, but I don't believe they are the same.
Love & Light
SS
x
Answers:
If you search the web for the full name of DKM you will find that there are still martial arts practices, even in the west, who use DKM as part of their greeting to their teacher and thanks at the end of the training session (if I recall correctly).
Love and Reiki Hugs