I learned Usui Reiki in 2018 from a reputable spiritual practitioner, teacher, and healer.
Back then, when she was explaining it, she said clearly that Reiki is universal energy. It is this meaning I hold true; it doesn’t mean other translations of the word are not true. So, when I say Reiki, I mean universal energy streaming through the hands.
Defining Reiki as Universal and Divine Energy
For me, at this point, Reiki is Universal energy, and for me, Universal energy is Divine energy. Universal energy seen as divine becomes Divine energy. “It’s one energy, really,” one of my early Gurus said (who practiced Reiki in his youth as he lived in Japan probably 40 years ago or something).
It is on the principle of Reiki which I see as such: “One channels the Universal Energy through his hands upon the subject—client or other (objects, animals).”
How that is done, in some cases, is through symbols and mantras, traditional Usui Reiki being one of those, as I have been taught. However, it is certainly not the only way to work with Universal energy. The Wild Geese energy group does it differently, and one of the most remarkable, beautiful ways to work with it there is, to be sure!
Different Paths to the Same Light
Om Chanting circles do it (Swami Vishwananda – Bhakti Marga). And spiritual masters naturally channel it through because they, as a lens, are clean, and so the divine light shines through. With some, it might feel more white and soft; others, deep black, etc… and yet it’s the same energy.
I came across three or four ways of working with it in different ways and learning from the best—at least for me the best. 🙂 One finds the important laws on how one becomes a better conduit for it. But the most important I find: that the higher intelligence, namely the universal energy, is the one that one has to be in tune with so it can work in the best ways. Reiki has this in itself; it teaches surrender to a higher power, following the spiritual law “Thy will be done.”
Integrating Personal Style and Experience
With time, one finds one’s own way how to integrate one’s understanding into practice. One develops one’s own style, if you like. Before I started offering it to people publicly, I did do Reiki sessions with established Usui Reiki practitioners to get to know more about the energy work that I am doing and others. I got plenty of good reflection and encouragement, as well as confidence.
One of them was self-taught and it showed a bit, but it also showed her potential. One of them was a senior healer who did great research into traditional Usui Reiki and got mentorship as well. We shared insights and understandings because Reiki unites, not divides. Reiki goes beyond mere energy healing, but not many reach it…
So, through these sessions, my understanding of the matter got deepened and confirmed by other practitioners. I have found that each Reiki session is different and it adjusts itself according to individual needs. So, for some, it will appear in white cushiony fullness. For others, beyond colors. For some, flavored universal energy; for another, more Divine.
Hindu Healing Traditions and Sun Reiki
As I study Hindu healing traditions, I find that all the Deities I work with are Divine. Different Deities, one Divine. I have found that if I am able to see the Sun’s divine nature, I may channel the Divine Energy through my hands. It’s again Divine as it is Universal.
The Sun, when seen in its Divinity, is one with the Universe energy; it’s not seen as separate from the Universe. Same principles apply, and it helps clear blocks related to the solar plexus (Manipura chakra) and Pingala channel (one of the three main energy channels associated with the Sun).
My Use of Symbols and Mantras
I don’t use symbols anymore, but I do use mantras with some of the varieties that are emerging for me (Shri Narayanaya Reiki, Sun Reiki). For Inner Light Reiki, I don’t use even mantras. Just the tuning in, perhaps, and specifically patience (goes well with Usui Reiki precepts).
If I ever mean specifically Usui Reiki, then I will use “Usui Reiki” rather than just “Reiki.” I have great respect for Usui Reiki lineages, but I wouldn’t want to limit the word Reiki to it. Because for me, not every hands-on energy healing is Reiki, and not every energy looking like divine is divine.
Many energy workers out there calling themselves Reiki practitioners don’t use Reiki according to my terminology.