Reiki is a healing modality that was developed in 1922 by the Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. Translating Japanese into English is more of an art than exact science. The Japanese language has many layers of meaning. Context is very important. As an example, “Rei” is commonly translated as “ghost” and “Ki” as vapor. This translation does not provide the depth of meaning we need here. In the context of spiritual healing “Rei” is understood as the all-knowing divine universal. Rei is the higher intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom is available to us on a human level in our times of need and acts as a source of guidance in our lives. Because of its infinite nature it is all knowing.
“Ki” is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki flows through everything that is alive, plants, animals, and human beings. When a person’s Ki is high he or she will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life, to take on its challenges. When it is low he or she will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. You can increase Ki with breathing practices and meditation. Ki is the same Chi of China, the Prana of India, the Ki of the Hawaiians and has also been called odic force, orgone, bioplasma, and life force.
With the above in the mind Reiki can be explained as, “A non-physical healing energy guided by a higher intelligence” or as a spiritually guided life force energy. This is a functional definition; it closely parallels the experience of Reiki practitioners and recipients.
As an energy healing modality, the Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for this subtly wise universal energy. Reiki energy seems to have an intelligence of its own, flowing where it is needed in the client and creating the healing conditions necessary for each individual. It cannot be purposely guided by the mind and is therefore not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. It also, then, cannot be misused; it always has a healing effect. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind/body to eliminate negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings, allowing a healthy flow of Ki to resume.
Reiki is used allover the world by people of many different faiths, cultures, and spiritual paths. This non-invasive, benign healing modality is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is destined to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.
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