When Usui Reiki was first introduced to Canada and the United States, it was shrouded in mystery. Hawayo Takata, a Hawaiian of Japanese descent, brought her knowledge of Reiki to the mainland through oral teachings. She insists that the teachings are not written because the powerful nature of Reiki can be abused if stuck in the wrong hands. Usui and the teachings of Usui Reiki were passed from teacher to student by word of mouth for several years.
No wonder the stories spread! For the record, Mrs. Takata is widely respected in the Reiki community and is credited with introducing the world as a whole to a spiritual art called Reiki. But, research proves that some of her teachings were inaccurate.
Reiki Myths
Myth # 1: Reiki is a Religion
Absolute Reiki is a spiritual art. The basic principles of Reiki embrace a balanced life and promote spiritual growth. But, Reiki is not a religion and is not based on any particular religious doctrine. Reiki does not violate one’s personal beliefs or values. People from a variety of different faiths have discovered Reiki’s love-energy offerings.
Myth # 2: Dr. Usui was a Christian Monk
The founder of the Usui Reiki System, Dr. Mikao (Mikaomi) Usui, was not a monk, a Christian, or a medical doctor. He was a Japanese Zen Buddhist, a businessman, a spiritualist, and a scholar. Toward the end of his life, he experienced profound spiritual enlightenment after a period of fasting and meditation.
After that, he began developing the healing art of Reiki and opened a teaching clinic in Japan.
Myth # 3: Having Reiki Difficulties Will Open Dialogue with Your Spirit’s Guidance
Ahhh … the attraction of getting a Reiki adaptation with the promise of looking into the spirit world. Please don’t fall for this.
This myth may have arisen from the writings of Diane Stein. In the widely published book Essential Reiki, Diane describes how many of her students realized who their driver was after months of using Reiki following a second-stage stopover. The urban legend that followed was that attunement alone would make this happen. Some Reiki II classes include a promise to “Fulfill Your Guide.” Yes, it can and may happen for some Reiki initiators, but there are no guarantees. This promise can make you feel very upset. Hoping to meet your guide or angel should not be the only reason to sign up to take a Reiki class.
Myth # 4: Reiki is Massage Therapy
Reiki is not massaged therapy. While many massage therapies will incorporate Reiki’s healing energy into their massage sessions. Reiki is energy -based therapy that does not involve manipulating bones or tissues. Reiki practitioners use a light touch with their hands on their client’s body or raise their palms over them.
Myth # 5: Giving Reiki to Others Reduces Your Own Energy.
Reiki practitioners do not give personal energy to clients. He serves as a conduit, channeling Universal Life Energy through his body to the recipient. Reiki energy is infinite and never runs out. This does not mean that someone who gives Reiki does not feel tired after giving treatment to someone, sometimes it happens but to blame Reiki for it is wrong. If a person giving treatment experiences fatigue during or after applying Reiki to others, this may indicate that something is out of balance in his or her own body or life that needs attention.
Check out, Reiki FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to understand reiki better.