The Responsibility of Reiki Practice
As someone who’s dedicated herself to Reiki, I know how easy it is to want to know and learn as much as possible about this transformative practice. In my first-degree Reiki class, I always convey the words of Hawayo Takata: “Reiki 1 is all you need.” Indeed, it’s everything required to treat yourself and others.
I’ve seen students try to rush their Reiki journey, inquiring into Master training before of Reiki 1 class even finishes and ordering piles of books to try to learn more. But the practice is our best Reiki teacher, and spending time in and with the energy of Reiki is our best means of advancing.
In Western thought on education, we tend to think higher degrees signify smarter people. And there’s a misconception that the title of “Reiki Master” implies some higher level of acumen or healing power. I’ve heard many Reiki Masters referred to as “definitive authorities” - “She wrote the book on Reiki” or “He’s been in practice for 40 years” - as some marker of accomplishment and a reliable sense of expertise. But, in a world where “Reiki Master” titles can be bought in an hourlong online class, it’s not so easy to discern.
In reality, any Reiki Master is always a Reiki student. Having practiced and taught for some years, I still learn so much whenever I self-treat and every single time someone gets on my Reiki table.
Phyllis Lei Furumoto teaching in New York City, 2018
In her last public teaching, Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage bearer Phyllis Furumoto suggested what was for me a new way to think about Reiki degrees. She urged students to think of the levels of Reiki not as more power or more knowledge, but rather as more responsibility. The more you learn, the greater your duty.
Reiki 2 class adds new tools & means of Reiki delivery - we learn to treat mental and emotional suffering and learn to send from a distance – expanding our ability to support others. Master training is reserved for those committed to teaching – attuning Reiki students and bearing the lineage of their practice.
I have many level 1 Reiki students in regular self-treatment & using their Reiki on others who have “mastered” so much of the practice and developed their own personal relationship to the energy. They learn much more than I could teach them in a 2-day class. And, Reiki 1 – the practice, the connection to the lineage & the initiations – are all they need.
