In this quick article, I wish to look at Reiki from a spiritual perspective. In other articles within this series on viewing Reiki from differing perspectives, we have looked at Reiki through the lens of well-being, health, personal growth, and healing angles. Today I wish to explore the spiritual side of Reiki, with the aim to consider spiritual growth within Reiki as a whole. Much of our focus with Reiki can be on receiving and delivering Reiki treatments, however, to leave the spiritual element of Reiki out of this series would not be presenting Reiki in its entirety, indeed at its core, we could consider Reiki as spiritual in nature, as are we as humans. 

At this point, it would be helpful to reiterate our understanding of Japanese culture and the belief, in tamashi, meaning soul in Japanese, the idea of all humans having an eternal soul.

Collectively the meaning of Reiki can be termed with phases such as divine energy coming from the highest source. (1). Mystical energy and similar terms.

A useful description of Reiki as a spiritual path that was put forward by Frank Arjava Petter is: “A spiritual path is a method or technique that aids a person in finding himself or herself.”(2) In a brief conversation between Frank Arjava Petter and Koyama sensei (a previous president of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (the original Usui Reiki Association in Japan) Reiki is described as: “A greater divine presence, the basis of Reiki is love and we have to work upon this daily with all our hearts”(1).

So by practicing Reiki, we are moving more toward our natural self. The spiritual part of us, our Tasmashi, or soul as a part of the whole, could be described as perfect in itself so not in need of healing. However, we could consider our practice to be progressively ‘working’ on ourselves, to reveal, or be a more living expression of our true spiritual self.

Many view such practices as elevating toward a higher spiritual awareness- something to build, or develop. I would propose the idea of Reiki, thinking it’s more of a ‘letting go’ of our mental restrictions. It may also be helpful to think of this task as layers, to reveal our perfect spiritual state. So not something to move towards (as we are there already- it’s within us). Rather than something external to us, to work towards, it is more a loosening of our grip, and letting go.

The words people use to describe our true spiritual state, or a higher consciousness will vary, yet the potential and impact to help a person in their life are the same. Reiki is in no way a religion. Reiki is both accepting and compatible with any religious beliefs and it does not require belief to work.

A point to bear in mind, in Japanese culture at the time of Usui sensei (the founder of Reiki) was that a level of spiritual awareness was an accepted part of mainstream culture and society and had been for thousands of years, it formed part of the culture Japanese people were brought up on, primarily from influences of Shintoism and Buddhism. This is in contrast to the West where there is less awareness of nature and spiritual concepts. So a spiritual side of practicing Reiki, letting go of layers, being more present, more actively grateful, greater trust in life, fewer attachments, developing a kinder heart, greater compassion for ourselves and others, and being more at peace, is infused in our practice of Reiki. As such spiritual growth could be considered the path of the journey with Reiki, however, It might be helpful to think of it as more spiritual alignment, rather than spiritual growth maybe.

Sometimes our challenges around all things spiritual are more around how we in the West label ‘spiritual’ and what that means to us in our conditioning and cultural belief systems in our society. I invite you to just consider the points made and evaluate if Reiki is something that you feel might be beneficial for you to have in your life. Or for those who have had some training in Reiki, how your study of Reiki might be deepened taking on board some of these points. For more information about Reiki, see Reiki treatments or Reiki courses. Other articles that may be of interest include: Viewing Reiki from a Personal Growth Perspective or Viewing Reiki from a Healing Perspective

Ref.

(1)   This Is Reiki: Petter, F. (2012) Lotus Press

I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.