REIKI, THE LIGHT FROM THE HEAVENS
                   =================================

                                  BY

                             RANJAN  BOSE
               COMPUSERVE (74346,2453), GENIE (R.BOSE2)
                               (C) 1995

            THIS FILE MAY BE FREELY DISTRIBUTED AS LONG AS
            THE DISTRIBUTION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE!


    Reiki is a treatment modality that is recommended for many
different kinds of maladies, by itself or in conjunction with other
forms of therapies. Looking through published literature and anecdotal
accounts, there seem to be only two categories of ailments where Reiki
may not be very effective or desirable, these being congenital
disorders of a structural or functional nature, or following fractures
before the bones are set properly. Since Reiki speeds up healing, it
is best to wait till the bones are set and a supportive cast applied,
before applying Reiki to the patient. This would provide an
opportunity for optimal union of the broken fragments.

    While many theories and speculations exist, about the mechanism
which mediates a Reiki healing, it is often difficult to prove any of
this in a left-brained way. Reiki seems to act in such an intelligent
and simple manner, that many practitioners consider it best to leave
it at that! There are many accounts which indicate that Reiki involves
tapping into the source of a universal healing and loving cosmic
energy. The Reiki practitioner, in essence, acts as a conduit or
channel through whom, Reiki flows into the person who has asked for
and accepted to receive a Reiki treatment. The act of asking is often
referred to as one of the precepts of Reiki and highlights the respect
for one's freedom of choice in deciding to be well!

    Although, the current form of Reiki existing from late nineteenth
century is attributed to a japanese theologist, Dr. Mikao Usui, it
seems clear that it had been used by many before him, notably the
buddhist monks and is believed to be very similar to the healing
techniques used by the Buddha, Jesus and many others even before them.
In the current cycle, Reiki was reintroduced to human society through
Dr. Usui who was on an exploration of healing techniques used by
Jesus, and in due course came upon certain buddhist scriptures which
led to his famous 21-day meditation/fast on Mount Koriyama, where on
the 21st day he was attuned by a glowing bolt of cosmic energy and
received the symbols as they exist in use now. Dr. Usui initiated more
than a dozen others but most accounts talk more about a japanese naval
doctor, Dr. Hayashi was extremely psychic and who had a pivotal role
to play in the maintenance of the Reiki lineage, by choosing to
initiate women, including a non-japanese woman, in addition to men.
The men were called to and succumbed to the great war, the women
survived and the non-japanese grand master, Takata became a major
instrument for the spread of Reiki in the west. She trained 21 masters
and the tree flourished. For many years, Reiki has been shrouded in
mystery and had generally been available to only those who could pay
the hefty sum that was set by the Reiki alliance. Some of the
considerations that went into keeping Reiki less open and more
accessible could have been the desire to keep it pure.

    Reiki is essentially a very simple system. It has a very meagre
and procedurally simple conceptual structure. The ability to channel
the universal healing force is passed on from teacher to student in a
manner very similar to what is known in the east as shaktipat. The
Reiki master channels enormous amounts of the Reiki energy through the
use of symbols and specialized breathing patterns, etc. and passes it
on to the student through what is known as a process of attunements.
Once opened to the energy, the student can then channel the energy at
will. Perhaps it would be more realistic to say that the energy would
flow through the channel whenever there is a willing recipient.

    The traditional Reiki training involves three stages or degrees,
the first one being the most important, because this is when the
student opens to the energy first and most of them learn for the first
time about some of the procedures and systems, such as the hand
positions, the chakra system and other information. There is a 21-day
clearing that follows the attunements during which one goes through a
cycle of purification and balancing of the 7 chakras, one chakra per
day, in three cycles of repetitions. This phase, as well as the
attunements are often periods of great mental and spiritual
reflections and can be quite the experience for many.

    The second degree of Reiki introduces the 'symbols' which have
been interpreted in many ways and are often mentioned as a major tool
in the armamentarium of the Reiki practitioner. These are essential
for magnifying the power and reach of Reiki, enabling one to carry out
remote healing, for instance. Although seasoned Reiki students and
masters are very quick in pointing out that the symbols are sacred,
but not secret, the fact is that they were held as closely guarded
secrets, with the students not being permitted to take a copy of the
written symbols home, thanks to the ritualistic symbol burning that is
practiced during the II degree session. This changed dramatically when
an australian master, McKenzie Clay published the symbols in his
books! This was blasphemy, of course, but was a major change in the
practice and transmission of Reiki as we know it today! McKenzie Clay
is also a herbalist, naturopath and numerologist of repute and his
books make for interesting reading (though a bit cryptic!) for those
who are fascinated by numbers. A more recent book, Essential Reiki, by
Diane Stein also is a revolutionizing addition to the Reiki bookcase
and throws much light on areas that are guarded jealously by
tradition.

    The practice of Reiki has obviously changed tremendously since the
time of Mikao Usui. Newer branches and minor modifications (Radiance
technique, Reiki plus being two of the examples) and addition of non-
traditional symbols (Sai baba symbols and those utilized by McKenzie,
for instance) have changed the face of Reiki. The traditional
attunements have been telescoped from four in Reiki I to a single one
as adopted by some masters. The III degree has been split by some into
two subdivisions by some. Many variations abound. Many details can be
found in the resource literature that appear in the bibliography of
this account. Reiki is alive, vibrant and growing! It is not stagnant
and delegated to dark closets anymore!! This makes some happy, but
many are not smiling!!

    Instead of making this an exhaustive account and a rehash, I will
just address some of the important points about Reiki:

    Reiki is very flexible, forgiving of procedural stringency. The
Reiki channel merely channels and directs the Reiki to the person
receiving it. You may say, that Reiki needs a warm body through which
to enter the physical reality as we know it! This is not said in
meaningless mirth, for most people receiving Reiki often feel it as a
warm to hot flowing energy. Some may feel it as a cool sensation or
even as a modified form of tactile sensation, or vibration. Although,
more or less uniformly standard 'hand-positions' are taught by all
teachers, most wise teachers do inform that these were introduced by
Dr. Hayashi to bring some 'standardization' into the procedure. A
Reiki practitioner does not have to be a diagnostician, nor has Reiki
to be directed at the site of lesion or pathology. It flows to the
area of body which needs it, automatically. The Reiki channel must
preferably be in a calm, meditative, quiet and observant frame of
mind. This is necessary because one's innersource guides one about
where to apply the touch next and for how long. In the case of small
children, often, they indicate when they have had enough, by moving,
getting fidgety or even verbally. This must be respected and paid heed
to.

    The second precept of Reiki indicates that there must always be an
energy exchange when Reiki is given. This may be stored energy (money)
or a gift or a service. While some practitioners have set fees, others
are flexible and a few do not accept anything at all. For them, the
joy of being able to help someone is reward enough. This is a personal
decision that individuals have to make for themselves.

    Popular notion indicates that a Reiki practitioner is an ordinary
human being and need not be spiritual or saintly. However, the manner
in which Reiki is passed on from teacher to student, its flow through
chakric centres and it arising from a gentle loving spiritual source
definitely indicates that the practitioner can only be helped by
adopting a spiritual life style that feels comfortable and is
conducive to personal growth.

    During Reiki training the role of inner Reiki guides is often
emphasized. Each Reiki practitioner discovers and works with one or
more inner guides. These may not be perceived as entities or even feel
like a wiser part of oneself, and no more. They communicate with the
Reiki channel during a session and often correct mistakes and
certainly are responsible for the appropriate directing of the flow of
Reiki energy. They are what makes Reiki intelligent. Sometimes, the
communications can be distinct, at other times these could be images
or thoughts or sensations. Sooner or later, the practitioner learns to
recognize and follow these.

    Reiki is believed to correct and equilibriate life energies that
flow through the spiritual body. It thus acts first on the spirit,
then the mind and finally the effects are manifest in the physical
body. It is great for treating many existing disorders, but even
better for prevention of diseases, if applied regularly. Often, Reiki
speeds up and telescopes a disease process. This can appear as a
worsening of symptoms. At times, discomfort can be caused by what is
known as detoxification. In the initial period, physical and other
symptoms can appear before things improve. These should not cause
concern or fear, but the channel must always inform the
client/recipient of the possibility of this happening.

    Like any other energy therapy, Reiki must be applied only with
full willingness. A Reiki practitioner must not feel under any
obligation to 'perform' at all times. One who is in tune with inner
counsel would know when it is okay to give and when it is not and must
follow the dictates of his/her guides. Reiki comes from a realm of
love and compassion. If the practitioner can be humble and lay aside
one's ego, Reiki flows easily. At no time must the practitioner assume
that he or she is the healer! The five principles of traditional Reiki
highlight the importance of the moment (Just for today...), and the
significance of gratitude, equanimity, a sense of being part of the
picture and not an isolated entity. These are not easy to practice and
might be more directly responsible for how a Reiki practitioner
performs, as opposed to how well she can draw the symbols! Reiki can
become a continual and complete system and process of growing! What a
pity, that not all who are attuned to Reiki, end up doing so!

    A word about symbols! These hieroglyphics might mean different
things to different people, but it must be realized that these are not
characters! Aum, the vedic pranava mantra is essentially written as a
character in devnagari script, but its power lies in it being a
thoughtform. Reiki symbols are, likewise, divine thoughtforms. Without
proper attunements, which require a master, symbols are powerless.
Although, vested with a lot of power, like yantras, these symbols need
to be 'trickle-charged' by the practitioner. When the vitality of the
Reiki channel focuses on and contemplates the beauty and significance
of the symbols, a critical link -- that was formed between those and
the channel during his/her attunement -- imbibes spirit, individuality
and vitality that makes their use more effective for that particular
channel!

    Different variants of the chirality (clockwise/anticlockwise) of
ways of drawing the symbols and of determining the flow of energy
during the balancing of chakra centers (using a pendulum or other
techniques) and the gender-related differences in chirality of energy
flow exist. This is something that must be raised and addressed during
a Reiki teaching session.

    Reiki must not be touted as a stand-alone modality. It works
wonderfully with other forms of treatment and indeed has seen to
enhance the efficacy of other treatments. This must be clearly
indicated to the patient who might be on medication and may respond
more sensitively to the chemicals after receiving Reiki. While a Reiki
practitioner does not have to be a master of all different forms of
treatment modalities, at least a nodding acquaintance and
understanding of the prevalent and popular forms of treatment (such as
modern medicine!) can only help! There is no limit to knowledge and it
does not stay confined to territories and turfs!

    A good Reiki teacher would be one who is open, humble, pleasant
and one who can set her/his ego and insecurities aside, at least when
teaching and when giving treatment. Rigidity of any sorts is a
deterrant to the flow of Reiki! A lot more than crossing of arms or
legs or carrying and wearing metal ornaments, jewellery etc.!!

    This article would be updated from time to time. I would try not
to touch upon issues that are popularly known or which are readily
available in the texts shown in the bibliography and other privately
published works. I hope this will be of help to those who are
embarking on the path of Reiki or are simply curious about this
heavenly ray.



SOME RESOURCES ON REIKI:
=======================

The Complete Guide to Reiki.  06/1995 Integration Press.  Jeffery  A.
    Martin. ISBN 1- 57242-578-4   236p.  U 16.95

The Complete Guide to Reiki, Vol. II: A Master's Toolbox.  03/1995
    Integration Press. Jeffery A. Martin, Tony Agee and Bruce Davis.
    ISBN 1-57242-258-0  124p.  U 16.95

A Complete Reiki Healing Book: Heal Yourself, Others, & the World
    Around You. 04/1995 LifeRhythm.  Brigitte Muller and Horst H.
    Gunther.  Orig. Publ: LifeRhythm  Trade Cloth ISBN  0-940795-16-7
    LCCN: 94-047299  U 12.95

Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art.   04/1995
    Crossing Press, The.  Diane Stein. ISBN  0-89594-736-6  U 18.95
    (B I)

The Healing Path of Reiki.  07/1995 Holistic Health Works.  Ojela
    Frank. Edited by Eugene Frank. ISBN 0-9619010-5-5   160p.  Write
    Call Publisher for info.

Reiki & Medicine.  01/1995 Nancy Eos.  Orig PB  Trade  Paper  ISBN 0-
    9644923-0-X  100p.  Write Call Publisher for info.

Reiki & Other Rays of Touch Healing.  03/1995 2nd ed.  Kathleen
    Milner. Edited by Kathleen Milner. Illustrated by  Kathleen
    Milner.  (Healing Art Ser.) Orig PB Coll.  ISBN 1-886903-97-2
    152p.  U 15.95

Reiki - For First Aid: Reiki Treatment As Accompanying Therapy for
    over 40 Illnesses. With a Supplement on Nutrition.  04/1995 Lotus
    Press.  Walter Lubeck.  Orig PB ISBN 0- 914955-26-8   160p.  U
    14.95

Reiki - Metaphysics, Science & Philosophy.  04/1995 Parama Wisdom
    Teachings. Orig PB ISBN 0-9645944-0-4  160p.  U  15.00

Reiki Healing Yourself & Others: A Photo-Instructional Art Book.
    06/1995 Reiki Healing Institute.  Marsha J. Burack.  Paper Text
    ISBN 1-880441-39-X 160p.  U 24.95

Reiki Plus Professional Practitioner's Manual for Second Degree:
    "What to Do Now That I'm Second Degree".  03/1995 2nd ed.  Reiki
    Plus Publications. David G. Jarrell.  Trade Cloth  ISBN  0-
    9634690-1-0  Wholesalers: ING.  101p. U 22.00  (B I)

Tales from a Reiki Seeker.  09/1995 Bayrock Press.  Karen Miller.
    Orig PB ISBN 0- 9630439-8-6  96p.  U 12.95

The Complete Guide to Reiki.  07/1994 Integration Press.  Jeffery  A.
    Martin. Spiral, Trade Paper  ISBN  1-57242-592-X  112p.  U 16.95

Complete Reiki Handbook.  04/1994 Lotus Light Publications.  Walter
    Lubeck. Orig PB ISBN 0-941524-87-6  Wholesalers:  BHB.  256p.  U
    14.95  (B I)

Origin... Effect...  11/1994 Terezinha Andrade.  Terezinha Andrade.
    Orig. Publ: Terezinha Andrade  illus. ISBN  0-9644963-0-5  128p.
    U 12.95

Reiki & Beyond: Healing Manual: One Planet - One People.  09/1994
    Grassroots Research. S. Jeanne Gunn.  ISBN 0-9643412-0-4  Student
    152p.  U 17.95

The Reiki Class: First & Second Degree Audio Cassette Tapes.   06/1994
    Vision Publishing. William L. Rand.  Orig. Publ: Vision
    Publishing  Analog Audio Cassette, Trade Paper  ISBN 1-886785-01-5
    U 29.95

Reiki First Degree Manual.  07/1994 Integration Press.  Jeffery A.
    Martin. Spiral, Trade Paper  ISBN 1-57242-594-6   78p.  U 10.95

Reiki Second Degree Manual.  07/1994 Integration Press.  Jeffery A.
    Martin. Spiral, Trade Paper  ISBN 1-57242-586-5   73p.  U 10.95

Reiki: A Torch in Daylight.  04/1994 Mind Rivers.  Karyn Mitchell.
    ISBN 0-9640822-1-7 Student  128p.  U 14.95

Reiki: Beyond the Usui System.  09/1994 Mind Rivers.  Karyn  Mitchell.
    Orig PB ISBN 0- 9640822-2-5  Student   128p.  U 14.95

Reiki: Het Verhaal Van Hawayo Takata.  08/1994 Archedigm
    Publications.  Helen J. Haberly. Translated by Xavier Van Den Camp
    and Inger Droog. ISBN 0-944135-01-3   142p.  Dutch U 10.00

Strengthen Your Immune System!.  04/1994 Gun Agell.  Gun Agell.
    Introduction by Mark Yarnell. ISBN 0-9640299-0-1   180p.  Write
    Call Publisher for info.

Reiki I Manual.  06/1993 2nd ed.  Bayrock Press.  Karen Miller.   Orig
    PB ISBN 0-9630439- 5-1  88p.  U 12.95

Reiki II Manual.  06/1993 2nd ed.  Bayrock Press.  Karen Miller.  ISBN
    0-9630439-6-X 124p.  U 12.95

Reiki in Everyday Living: How Universal Energy Is a Natural Part of
    Life, Medicine, & Personal Growth.  10/1993 2nd ed.  White Feather
    Press.  Earlene F. Gleisner.  Orig PB ISBN  1-880357-07-0  104p.
    U 12.95

Empowerment Through Reiki: The Path to Personal & Global
    Transformation. 1992 Lotus Light Publications.  Paula Horan.  Orig
    PB  illus. ISBN 0-941524-84-1  Reprint  160p. OrigLang: German U
    14.95

Living Reiki: Takata's Teachings.  06/1992 LifeRhythm.  Fran Brown.
    Trade Cloth  ISBN 0- 940795-10-8  U 10.95  (I) Write Call
    Publisher for info.

Reiki the Healing Touch: First & Second Degree Manual.  02/1992
    Vision Publishing. William L. Rand.  ISBN 0-9631567-0-5  44p.  U
    12.95

Reiki: E Geschichte von Hawayo Takata.  04/1991 Archedigm
    Publications. Helen J. Haberly. Translated by Birgitt Krause.
    Orig  PB  illus. ISBN 0-944135-07-2  144p.  German U 10.00

Reiki: Hawayo Takata's Story.  06/1990 Archedigm Publications.   Helen
    J. Haberly. ISBN 0-944135-06-4  128p.  U 10.00

REIKI - Universal Life Energy: Heals Body, Mind & Spirit - A  Holistic
    Method Suitable for Self-Treatment & the Home, Professional
    Practice, Teleotherapeutics-Spiritual Healing. 05/1988 LifeRhythm.
    Bodo Baginski, Shalila Sharamon. Translated by Chris Baker, Judith
    Harrison. Illustrated by Alois Hanslian.  Trade  Cloth  ISBN 0-
    940795-02-7  224p. OrigLang: German U 10.95    U 12.95  (I)

Virginia Samdahl: Reiki Master Healer.  12/1984 Gindi Press.   Barbara
    Lugenbeel. Introduction by Hildegard.  illus.  ISBN 0-915133-05-9
    137p.  U 12.95

Reiki Plus Natural Healing: A Manual for First Degree Reiki Natural
    Healing. (Date Not Set) 4th ed.  Reiki Plus Publications.  David
    G. Jarrell. Edited by Richard Levitt. Illustrated by Rosi
    Voreadou.   illus.  Perfect  ISBN 0-9634690-0-2  Wholesalers: BHB,
    ING.   Revised  85p.  U 15.00  (B I)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

and TWO associations catering to those interested in Reiki:

       The Radiance Technique Association International (TRTAI)

PO Box 40570
St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0570
(813) 347-3421

Marilyn Alvey, Exec.Dir.

Founded in 1980

Serves the students of The Official Reiki Program - The Radiance
Technique, network maintenance, speakers' bureau. Compilation of
statistics and conducting of research on the efficacy of The Radiance
Technique. The Radiance Technique Journal, triennial. Magazine.
Includes book reviews, and calendar of regional and international
activities. PRICE: included in membership dues. ISSN: 1040-5836.
CIRCULATION: 2,000



Reiki Alliance
PO Box 41
Cataldo, ID 83810-1041
(208) 682-3535

Susan Mitchell, Exec.Dir.

Founded in 1983
600 members
Annual budget: $350,000
Membership: $200/yr

Includes Teachers of Reiki, the Usui system of natural healing in 29
countries and promotes interaction between teachers and students.
provides member referrals; supports workshops for teacher training.
Has reference libraries open only to members.

FAX: (208)682-4848.