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Reiki, in the style of Western definition, is often described as the Universal a
powerful word; these words “Universal Life Force Energy” literally feel to me
like “a translation.” And as we are familiar with language in our cross cultural
world, sometimes translations get close but do not have the essence of the
meaning of the original language. Reiki is energy: energy in motion,
energy with Divine intelligence, a Spiritual Essence, a vibration, a
frequency, a vocabulary word, an expression of Divinity, a noun, a
verb and has become a modality.
While Reiki the written word is separated into two Kanji (Japanese
characters) to mean “Universal/Spiritual/all-encompassing” and “the vital
force/life force/energy within and without” even that is simply translation. In
my years of reading, teaching, and being taught I have seen different ways of
describing Reiki as a laying on of hands, a stress relieving meditation with
healing benefits, spiritual “jumper cables,” and a non-invasive form of healing.
It is all these things. But to describe them and not feel it is quite like
knowing the textual translation and yet not knowing the essence of the
original language. It is like tasting a culinary delicacy in another country and
trying to describe it to friends once you get home. Sometimes the full
essence is in the experience, not the vocabulary. As colorful and vibrant
as your words may be, your friend still does not have the delicacy in their
mouth to taste for themselves. Thus their taste buds do not know your
experience, but the mind can do its best to create a picture. Looking at
pictures in a book can help you travel in your mind, but it is a whole different
experience standing on the beach or at the top of the mountain.
When teaching Reiki, especially in the Western world and in many lineages, it
is often broken into three (sometimes four) levels of study. And while we can
use words to describe these levels of study, much like the two Kanji of Reiki,
the true learning comes from the essence and experiences held in the
stages each of the levels, not the words that describe them. In First
degree of Reiki, most often across the board, the history of the lineage is
taught and the ways to do hand positions for the self and for others is shown
and described. At Second Degree, tools are added to the student’s
knowledge by way of symbols that most lineages honor as a Second Degree
only acquisition. At this level, with these tools, certain empowerments,
distance and mental /emotional essences are brought forward to obtain a
deeper understanding of Reiki and the self. When one understands the self
better, one can assist others on a deeper level. Third Degree holds the
mystery teachings of the Reiki Master. Additional symbols are used as tools
and the passing of the torch is taught where students learn to do attunements
for future students of Reiki.
I have witnessed many of my students and many students of other teachers go
through different modality studies on their journey, seemingly going through
the motions, checking off all the boxes correctly, and yet . . .there is
something missing. I choose in my personal practice of teaching Reiki to
separate the teachings of First Degree and Second Degree. There are many
teachers who combine these two levels, and while many learn this way and
gain a deep understanding, I choose to teach with time between the two
levels.
I have found when a student takes the time to really learn about the level they
are at, like First Degree for instance, the quality of trust they develop within
themselves is much deeper when we begin to add different techniques to the
mix. For some, First Degree opens up to working with the energy at such a
fast rate, they may feel as if they are traveling with roller skates on and a turbo
booster attached to their back, intuition opens up and they feel as if they have
truly come out to play on the big field. For others, the pace may be slower,
quieter, learning the subtleness of Reiki, the gentle ways of communication
that takes place, the miracles that happen just because client and practitioner
met on that day. If either of these First Degree students chose to become a
Reiki Master some day and teach students, they will have a greater
compassion and understanding for those students at First Degree because
they will have experience to draw upon at that level alone. And while our
speedy student may be ready for Second Degree sooner than the other
student (and some may never have the desire to go any further as First
Degree fills all their needs), the journey is personal and not a race. And yet,
“speedy” students must take care to follow the energy, learning and not
skipping ahead if Reiki is trying to teach them something along the way.
The beautiful part of Reiki and the deeply personal sojourn can only come
from experience. Reiki is energy, an essence. Reiki is the ultimate teacher
once the steps are taken to learn it. Once a person receives a certificate
for a particular level, be it First, Second or Master, this only means
that they are now at the beginning of the voyage of that level. A Reiki
Master, when they receive their certificate is still a student. A Reiki Master is
one who can teach what they know only in that they have traveled ahead of
the student on this path with this subject and can help, guide and lead from
what their knowledge and experience has shown. But the Master is not a
Master as the title is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a very
deep and personal spiritual side to themselves and the connection to all. If
anything has been skipped along the way at First and Second degree, it will
appear at the Master level for the student to uncover for themselves. The
Spiritual levels of Reiki at the Master level penetrate into the core of the
person. The journey continues with the language becoming more fluent
through personal experience.
Taking time at the First Degree and Second Degree levels can permit
integration of the Self, allowing the essence to come through, so when the
prospective Reiki Master “student” learns the language of the Mastership, the
translations are not as foreign. The essence of the true meaning behind
vocabulary words, the energy behind the text is more quickly understood.
The idea is once a student reaches the level of Master, the teaching from First
and Second Degree will have been at a pace for the personal development of
that student. Once they begin to settle into understanding of the energy, the
“language” will not need to be translated for this student as the original
language begins to make perfect sense. This takes time, development,
experience, patience, trusting, understanding and the willingness to be
taught by the energy of Reiki itself. A learning curve, if you will.
I love seeing the spark in another's eyes as they begin to see themselves
working with Reiki, trusting themselves and their connection to a Divine
Source. It is exciting and humbling at the same time. And while I have many
years of experience working with the energy of Reiki, and my intuition has
developed to a greater capacity in part to this modality, the deepest of lessons
I have gained in knowledge and heart cannot be translated, only felt. Spiritual
experiences often times do not have words to describe them. It is as if
learning the original language knowing that until another learns it, too, it may
simply be lost in translation. The experiences I have been witness to for both
my personal growth and for client’s betterment have been a true source of
awe. To miss the space of gratitude and wonderment in the Reiki journey is
like eating and not tasting. Looking and not seeing. Reading and yet not
understanding what was read. Entitlement, ego and misguided expectations
can create bumps in any road traveled causing one to miss some great views,
important signs, and discovery of self and healing.
Reiki is a manifestation of love. When persons learn Reiki with a
technical view in mind, they will find it. Reiki is easy to learn, easy to apply,
easy to do in many situations. Easy, easy. Again, it is easy to eat, easy to
read the words, easy to look up the translation of a foreign word. It is very
different when these experiences are appreciated. The trek in Reiki is going
beyond the technical aspects, though learning a new modality is technical.
Living the essence, understanding the vocabulary before translation, feeling it,
this is the heart of learning Reiki. The technical aspects of the modality
are taught at First Degree, and the student will have everything they
need for the rest of their life to work with Reiki. But the true lessons
start when the student begins to relax into the essence. If they take a
long time or a short time to relax into this still point with Reiki, it is their
personal story unfolding, there is no contest, no finish line they must dash to.
Reiki practitioners are taught that there is nothing you need to do, simply be
there and Reiki will do it's thing. After all, who among us can control God?
While this is true, being disconnected and being engaged are two totally
different states of mind and heart, and healing takes place with greater
capacity when engaged and aware and mindful, and yet all at the same time
free to experience.
When choosing any healing modality, be it Reiki or something else, take the
time to really learn it, enjoy it, and spend time finding out who you are at the
level of study in which you are at. Find out what you are capable of and
what you are moving toward. And take into consideration that the
student/teacher match must be mutual. Otherwise, if it does not match, there
will be experiences created and experiences lost in the mix. Yes these, of
course, might provide for the growth of both student and teacher, but there is
a point of mutual respect and understanding that must be met or the student
must find another teacher or the teacher must let the student go.
Students will find that there may be technical teachers and path teachers. As
for me, I would like to view myself as in the middle of these; being able to
easily break down the technical aspects and be good at them this fits the
technical aspects. I would like to consider myself a pathway instructor as well
with my intuitive skills. In actuality, at the time of this writing, I am in
transition. My Spiritual Essence is changing shape, softening, and I feel I am
moving from technical to more pathway instruction. As my energy shifts and
moves, naturally so shall the students that are drawn to me. This is my
journey into relaxing into the essence of Reiki (again, as there are many layers
to the teachings) even after dancing with the energy for over 13 years.
So while I have used many words here, may the essence, the meaning, and
the feeling come through the spaces in between these words for a greater yet
softer understanding, a gentle translation, and a heart’s intuitive recognition of
an energy called Reiki. If this is your path, welcome! If it is not, may you find
your avenue with ease, joy, peace and love.
Enjoy your journey.
Be well, rest well, live well, and love well.
May Reiki be sent to all those who have gazed their eyes upon this article for
consideration, for confirmation and for the curious.
Amor y Shanti.
~Bright Star / Cheryl Kaufmann
Reiki Master Teacher, Karuna Reiki Master Teacher,
RMT and Intuitive
Allen, TX
December 2008
powerful word; these words “Universal Life Force Energy” literally feel to me
like “a translation.” And as we are familiar with language in our cross cultural
world, sometimes translations get close but do not have the essence of the
meaning of the original language. Reiki is energy: energy in motion,
energy with Divine intelligence, a Spiritual Essence, a vibration, a
frequency, a vocabulary word, an expression of Divinity, a noun, a
verb and has become a modality.
While Reiki the written word is separated into two Kanji (Japanese
characters) to mean “Universal/Spiritual/all-encompassing” and “the vital
force/life force/energy within and without” even that is simply translation. In
my years of reading, teaching, and being taught I have seen different ways of
describing Reiki as a laying on of hands, a stress relieving meditation with
healing benefits, spiritual “jumper cables,” and a non-invasive form of healing.
It is all these things. But to describe them and not feel it is quite like
knowing the textual translation and yet not knowing the essence of the
original language. It is like tasting a culinary delicacy in another country and
trying to describe it to friends once you get home. Sometimes the full
essence is in the experience, not the vocabulary. As colorful and vibrant
as your words may be, your friend still does not have the delicacy in their
mouth to taste for themselves. Thus their taste buds do not know your
experience, but the mind can do its best to create a picture. Looking at
pictures in a book can help you travel in your mind, but it is a whole different
experience standing on the beach or at the top of the mountain.
When teaching Reiki, especially in the Western world and in many lineages, it
is often broken into three (sometimes four) levels of study. And while we can
use words to describe these levels of study, much like the two Kanji of Reiki,
the true learning comes from the essence and experiences held in the
stages each of the levels, not the words that describe them. In First
degree of Reiki, most often across the board, the history of the lineage is
taught and the ways to do hand positions for the self and for others is shown
and described. At Second Degree, tools are added to the student’s
knowledge by way of symbols that most lineages honor as a Second Degree
only acquisition. At this level, with these tools, certain empowerments,
distance and mental /emotional essences are brought forward to obtain a
deeper understanding of Reiki and the self. When one understands the self
better, one can assist others on a deeper level. Third Degree holds the
mystery teachings of the Reiki Master. Additional symbols are used as tools
and the passing of the torch is taught where students learn to do attunements
for future students of Reiki.
I have witnessed many of my students and many students of other teachers go
through different modality studies on their journey, seemingly going through
the motions, checking off all the boxes correctly, and yet . . .there is
something missing. I choose in my personal practice of teaching Reiki to
separate the teachings of First Degree and Second Degree. There are many
teachers who combine these two levels, and while many learn this way and
gain a deep understanding, I choose to teach with time between the two
levels.
I have found when a student takes the time to really learn about the level they
are at, like First Degree for instance, the quality of trust they develop within
themselves is much deeper when we begin to add different techniques to the
mix. For some, First Degree opens up to working with the energy at such a
fast rate, they may feel as if they are traveling with roller skates on and a turbo
booster attached to their back, intuition opens up and they feel as if they have
truly come out to play on the big field. For others, the pace may be slower,
quieter, learning the subtleness of Reiki, the gentle ways of communication
that takes place, the miracles that happen just because client and practitioner
met on that day. If either of these First Degree students chose to become a
Reiki Master some day and teach students, they will have a greater
compassion and understanding for those students at First Degree because
they will have experience to draw upon at that level alone. And while our
speedy student may be ready for Second Degree sooner than the other
student (and some may never have the desire to go any further as First
Degree fills all their needs), the journey is personal and not a race. And yet,
“speedy” students must take care to follow the energy, learning and not
skipping ahead if Reiki is trying to teach them something along the way.
The beautiful part of Reiki and the deeply personal sojourn can only come
from experience. Reiki is energy, an essence. Reiki is the ultimate teacher
once the steps are taken to learn it. Once a person receives a certificate
for a particular level, be it First, Second or Master, this only means
that they are now at the beginning of the voyage of that level. A Reiki
Master, when they receive their certificate is still a student. A Reiki Master is
one who can teach what they know only in that they have traveled ahead of
the student on this path with this subject and can help, guide and lead from
what their knowledge and experience has shown. But the Master is not a
Master as the title is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a very
deep and personal spiritual side to themselves and the connection to all. If
anything has been skipped along the way at First and Second degree, it will
appear at the Master level for the student to uncover for themselves. The
Spiritual levels of Reiki at the Master level penetrate into the core of the
person. The journey continues with the language becoming more fluent
through personal experience.
Taking time at the First Degree and Second Degree levels can permit
integration of the Self, allowing the essence to come through, so when the
prospective Reiki Master “student” learns the language of the Mastership, the
translations are not as foreign. The essence of the true meaning behind
vocabulary words, the energy behind the text is more quickly understood.
The idea is once a student reaches the level of Master, the teaching from First
and Second Degree will have been at a pace for the personal development of
that student. Once they begin to settle into understanding of the energy, the
“language” will not need to be translated for this student as the original
language begins to make perfect sense. This takes time, development,
experience, patience, trusting, understanding and the willingness to be
taught by the energy of Reiki itself. A learning curve, if you will.
I love seeing the spark in another's eyes as they begin to see themselves
working with Reiki, trusting themselves and their connection to a Divine
Source. It is exciting and humbling at the same time. And while I have many
years of experience working with the energy of Reiki, and my intuition has
developed to a greater capacity in part to this modality, the deepest of lessons
I have gained in knowledge and heart cannot be translated, only felt. Spiritual
experiences often times do not have words to describe them. It is as if
learning the original language knowing that until another learns it, too, it may
simply be lost in translation. The experiences I have been witness to for both
my personal growth and for client’s betterment have been a true source of
awe. To miss the space of gratitude and wonderment in the Reiki journey is
like eating and not tasting. Looking and not seeing. Reading and yet not
understanding what was read. Entitlement, ego and misguided expectations
can create bumps in any road traveled causing one to miss some great views,
important signs, and discovery of self and healing.
Reiki is a manifestation of love. When persons learn Reiki with a
technical view in mind, they will find it. Reiki is easy to learn, easy to apply,
easy to do in many situations. Easy, easy. Again, it is easy to eat, easy to
read the words, easy to look up the translation of a foreign word. It is very
different when these experiences are appreciated. The trek in Reiki is going
beyond the technical aspects, though learning a new modality is technical.
Living the essence, understanding the vocabulary before translation, feeling it,
this is the heart of learning Reiki. The technical aspects of the modality
are taught at First Degree, and the student will have everything they
need for the rest of their life to work with Reiki. But the true lessons
start when the student begins to relax into the essence. If they take a
long time or a short time to relax into this still point with Reiki, it is their
personal story unfolding, there is no contest, no finish line they must dash to.
Reiki practitioners are taught that there is nothing you need to do, simply be
there and Reiki will do it's thing. After all, who among us can control God?
While this is true, being disconnected and being engaged are two totally
different states of mind and heart, and healing takes place with greater
capacity when engaged and aware and mindful, and yet all at the same time
free to experience.
When choosing any healing modality, be it Reiki or something else, take the
time to really learn it, enjoy it, and spend time finding out who you are at the
level of study in which you are at. Find out what you are capable of and
what you are moving toward. And take into consideration that the
student/teacher match must be mutual. Otherwise, if it does not match, there
will be experiences created and experiences lost in the mix. Yes these, of
course, might provide for the growth of both student and teacher, but there is
a point of mutual respect and understanding that must be met or the student
must find another teacher or the teacher must let the student go.
Students will find that there may be technical teachers and path teachers. As
for me, I would like to view myself as in the middle of these; being able to
easily break down the technical aspects and be good at them this fits the
technical aspects. I would like to consider myself a pathway instructor as well
with my intuitive skills. In actuality, at the time of this writing, I am in
transition. My Spiritual Essence is changing shape, softening, and I feel I am
moving from technical to more pathway instruction. As my energy shifts and
moves, naturally so shall the students that are drawn to me. This is my
journey into relaxing into the essence of Reiki (again, as there are many layers
to the teachings) even after dancing with the energy for over 13 years.
So while I have used many words here, may the essence, the meaning, and
the feeling come through the spaces in between these words for a greater yet
softer understanding, a gentle translation, and a heart’s intuitive recognition of
an energy called Reiki. If this is your path, welcome! If it is not, may you find
your avenue with ease, joy, peace and love.
Enjoy your journey.
Be well, rest well, live well, and love well.
May Reiki be sent to all those who have gazed their eyes upon this article for
consideration, for confirmation and for the curious.
Amor y Shanti.
~Bright Star / Cheryl Kaufmann
Reiki Master Teacher, Karuna Reiki Master Teacher,
RMT and Intuitive
Allen, TX
December 2008
