Question:
Since this morning I've been reflecting on what might constitute 'advanced' Reiki. This is because the subject of David Vennells' book 'Reiki Mastery: For Second Degree and Reiki Masters' came up on the Reiki Books thread, and it's felt that even this book still seems to be aimed at novices and also that there is a distinct lack of 'advanced' Reiki books available to those practitioners who might want to read such books.
I'm aware that in the Western system of Usui Reiki there is first, second and third/Master degree, with maybe some add-ons (say, 'advanced Reiki' between the second and Master degrees) and sometimes the Master degree is divided into Master practitioner and Master teacher, and sometimes that division is not made. In addition, there's a body of practice that relates to Reiki work, for example awareness / practice of psychic surgery for clearing auric blockages, working with spirit guides, etc.
The thing that comes across to me, having read quite a few Reiki books now, is that Reiki was originally meant to be a simple method of laying your hands on yourself or the receiver and the energy comes through to work where it will.... and the 'advancement' perhaps lies in becoming ready to work with the energy on the next level, however long that process takes.
I have noticed that in many Reiki books - and I've had a look at quite a lot now in Waterstones, Borders, WHSmith and the like - there's a lot about the practical elements but not a great deal about the spiritual path aspects, and maybe it's these deeper aspects that some people (like myself) have in mind when 'advanced Reiki' is mentioned. Obviously there is no substitute for practice, and I've been guilty of doing too much Reiki reading when I could have been working on myself, but I wish there were more writers who recognise that the basic elements have been covered ad nauseam and that it's time to move on and look at the deeper aspects.
love indigo xx
(edited because I originally said 'lay your hands on yourself or the practitioner, and I meant lay hands on yourself or the receiver')
The only books I can think of that give greater insight are the Reiki Sourcebook and Reiki For Life. Check out amazon.co.uk - it's a lot cheaper than the high street and they have reviews.
I use Amazon all the time, but sometimes there's no substitute for looking through the book yourself! :)
Ah, very true. Just sounded like you bought from the high street too, that's all! :)
Dear Indigo
You make a very valid point.
My view is the Reiki spiritual path is from day one of the Reiki journey, but sadly there are still far too many Reiki Master Teachers that have not had advanced experience on the path prior to teaching others. The other aspect is that each individual Reiki journey is unique and most books are written for the mass market.
Perhaps if you ask some of the questions that you might have others on this forum will respond.
Love beyond measure
Kim xx
Well, I guess my question is: what do others on here consider to be 'advanced' Reiki? That's the first question that comes to my mind.
Oh, and I do sometimes buy from the high street, mainly cos if I let myself loose on Amazon, sometimes there's no stopping me ;)
much love
indigo xx
weeRachel, many thanks for that, I've just checked it out on Amazon and will be ordering it.
:)
love indigo xx
Well Indigo that will depend on your own view and whether you are talking about self mastery, healing techniques, spiritual development or the Japanese origins and its higher levels. Many RM's tend to specialise in their own area of expertise.
It is also depends where you are on the journey whether you would consider anything else advanced.
Love beyond measure
Kim xx
Sacredstar, that's a really good point and cause for much more reflection, thank you.
love indigo xxx
Amazon, like Jaffa Cakes, should be banned. ;)
I noticed Amazon makes it so easy that you don't need to retype in your credit card details or delivery address. [sm=banghead.gif]
Well I love jaffa cakes and shopping on amazon:D! Don't ban them, please:D
I've been asking myself the question lately, as I've done Reiki Advanced Master level but not yet the Reiki Master Teacher level. From what I've been reading on HP and in bookshops, internet there is a huge variety of Reiki out there. I'm no longer sure that there can be a standardised answer, as everyone seems to experience Reiki in different ways. I do believe Reiki is a spiritual journey, unique to every individual, it guides us, facilitates our development but everyone has a different experience. The reason that there is not much info on the spiritual journey on Reiki is that in our western culture spirituality is not as highly regarded as science. There is a lot of research going to prove that energy healing and Reiki can be measured scientifically, there are processes in place to introduce occupational standards etc. for Reiki practitioners - all I believe to make it more acceptable for western society. I'm not saying it's wrong to do but I believe that may explain the lack of spiritual focus.
On the other hand, once you reach the Advanced and RM teacher level, I also believe that you need to trust Reiki to guide you in your own path and seek the answers within, rather than seeking all the answers without which I think is why Reiki Masters can be quite different from each other. I have been taught psychic surgery but to be quite frank, it does not do anything for me, putting my hands on someone works much better for me. Same with crystals, they do not resonate with me in any way, yet with other people they do. I'd be happy to experiment and introduce students to those techniques but would stress that they work with some but not others, and in the end let them decide. Guides on the other hand, I do resonate with, so probably would have more focus on those in a teaching session.
I know this may not be clear but basically in a nutshell, I believe you can trust Reiki to guide you on your spiritual journey if you ask it to and you will find the answers within yourself - just listen, and trust.
Reiki hugs,
Beate
Holistic Earth[sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]
Thanks Holistic Earth for that, what you say resonates and makes a lot of sense. I'm noticing more and more now how I'm sensing inner promptings and that I get on better in my life when I heed them, and that these promptings have become much more noticeable since I was first attuned to Reiki and then to Reiki II. I'm also beginning to realise that, say, reading a book or article can only take us part of the way, if indeed any of the way, and that the thing is as you say to ask Reiki to guide on the personal journey and to trust it.
BTW I've just noticed you're from Aberdeenshire, my dad's family are from the North East of Scotland and I've always felt a strong kinship with that corner of the world.
Oh and 'Mmmm, jaffa cakes'! (Hope they don't start selling Jaffa Cakes on Amazon, then I would have to be locked away! :D)
love indigo xx
Hiya Indigo
Glad to be of help :) Re. North East Scotland - I am only a mere 'newcomer' having moved up here from North Wales 4 years back, but I have moved around a lot. I'm from Germany originally and as such my first name results in the inevitable pronounciation of 'Beattie' :D wherever I go, after 20 odd years I no longer whince;). Funny thing though, before we moved up here, and I had no idea what to expect, when I heard the name of the local prominent hill it immediately resonated with me, almost sounded familiar for some strange reason. And it is absolutely beautiful up here, despite the weather.... Mind you, Chester is lovely, too and Snowdonia just on the doorstep - wonderful!
Hugs,
Beate
Holistic Earth[sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]
That is exactly why I need to have them banned. I can do a whole roll in one sitting!
[sm=rollaugh.gif]
that would be a deadly combination! I felt my wallet panic slightly there.
On the subject of books, Indigo, I have to say that I agree with you about buying from bookshops. I'm very happy to listen to recommendations and read reviews, but I still prefer to browse the shelves and read the chapter headings and a few pages before I decide what most resonates.
Holistic Earth said:
I agree, particularly about trusting Reiki and your own inner voice. I have a Reiki Master manual in which the authors, far from laying down any kind of stipulations about the uses of the Master Symbol, actively encourage the individual to own their Mastership and in so doing to make the symbol their own, exploring all possibilities for its use. Further, they honour and respect other lineages and their teaching and attunement methods. Which I think is how it should be.
Laura.
I'm aware that in the Western system of Usui Reiki there is first, second and third/Master degree, with maybe some add-ons (say, 'advanced Reiki' between the second and Master degrees) and sometimes the Master degree is divided into Master practitioner and Master teacher, and sometimes that division is not made. In addition, there's a body of practice that relates to Reiki work, for example awareness / practice of psychic surgery for clearing auric blockages, working with spirit guides, etc.
The thing that comes across to me, having read quite a few Reiki books now, is that Reiki was originally meant to be a simple method of laying your hands on yourself or the receiver and the energy comes through to work where it will.... and the 'advancement' perhaps lies in becoming ready to work with the energy on the next level, however long that process takes.
I have noticed that in many Reiki books - and I've had a look at quite a lot now in Waterstones, Borders, WHSmith and the like - there's a lot about the practical elements but not a great deal about the spiritual path aspects, and maybe it's these deeper aspects that some people (like myself) have in mind when 'advanced Reiki' is mentioned. Obviously there is no substitute for practice, and I've been guilty of doing too much Reiki reading when I could have been working on myself, but I wish there were more writers who recognise that the basic elements have been covered ad nauseam and that it's time to move on and look at the deeper aspects.
love indigo xx
(edited because I originally said 'lay your hands on yourself or the practitioner, and I meant lay hands on yourself or the receiver')
Answers:
The only books I can think of that give greater insight are the Reiki Sourcebook and Reiki For Life. Check out amazon.co.uk - it's a lot cheaper than the high street and they have reviews.
Answers:
I use Amazon all the time, but sometimes there's no substitute for looking through the book yourself! :)
Answers:
Ah, very true. Just sounded like you bought from the high street too, that's all! :)
Answers:
Dear Indigo
You make a very valid point.
My view is the Reiki spiritual path is from day one of the Reiki journey, but sadly there are still far too many Reiki Master Teachers that have not had advanced experience on the path prior to teaching others. The other aspect is that each individual Reiki journey is unique and most books are written for the mass market.
Perhaps if you ask some of the questions that you might have others on this forum will respond.
Love beyond measure
Kim xx
Answers:
Well, I guess my question is: what do others on here consider to be 'advanced' Reiki? That's the first question that comes to my mind.
Oh, and I do sometimes buy from the high street, mainly cos if I let myself loose on Amazon, sometimes there's no stopping me ;)
much love
indigo xx
Answers:
weeRachel, many thanks for that, I've just checked it out on Amazon and will be ordering it.
:)
love indigo xx
Answers:
Well Indigo that will depend on your own view and whether you are talking about self mastery, healing techniques, spiritual development or the Japanese origins and its higher levels. Many RM's tend to specialise in their own area of expertise.
It is also depends where you are on the journey whether you would consider anything else advanced.
Love beyond measure
Kim xx
Answers:
Sacredstar, that's a really good point and cause for much more reflection, thank you.
love indigo xxx
Answers:
Amazon, like Jaffa Cakes, should be banned. ;)
I noticed Amazon makes it so easy that you don't need to retype in your credit card details or delivery address. [sm=banghead.gif]
Answers:
Well I love jaffa cakes and shopping on amazon:D! Don't ban them, please:D
I've been asking myself the question lately, as I've done Reiki Advanced Master level but not yet the Reiki Master Teacher level. From what I've been reading on HP and in bookshops, internet there is a huge variety of Reiki out there. I'm no longer sure that there can be a standardised answer, as everyone seems to experience Reiki in different ways. I do believe Reiki is a spiritual journey, unique to every individual, it guides us, facilitates our development but everyone has a different experience. The reason that there is not much info on the spiritual journey on Reiki is that in our western culture spirituality is not as highly regarded as science. There is a lot of research going to prove that energy healing and Reiki can be measured scientifically, there are processes in place to introduce occupational standards etc. for Reiki practitioners - all I believe to make it more acceptable for western society. I'm not saying it's wrong to do but I believe that may explain the lack of spiritual focus.
On the other hand, once you reach the Advanced and RM teacher level, I also believe that you need to trust Reiki to guide you in your own path and seek the answers within, rather than seeking all the answers without which I think is why Reiki Masters can be quite different from each other. I have been taught psychic surgery but to be quite frank, it does not do anything for me, putting my hands on someone works much better for me. Same with crystals, they do not resonate with me in any way, yet with other people they do. I'd be happy to experiment and introduce students to those techniques but would stress that they work with some but not others, and in the end let them decide. Guides on the other hand, I do resonate with, so probably would have more focus on those in a teaching session.
I know this may not be clear but basically in a nutshell, I believe you can trust Reiki to guide you on your spiritual journey if you ask it to and you will find the answers within yourself - just listen, and trust.
Reiki hugs,
Beate
Holistic Earth[sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]
Answers:
Thanks Holistic Earth for that, what you say resonates and makes a lot of sense. I'm noticing more and more now how I'm sensing inner promptings and that I get on better in my life when I heed them, and that these promptings have become much more noticeable since I was first attuned to Reiki and then to Reiki II. I'm also beginning to realise that, say, reading a book or article can only take us part of the way, if indeed any of the way, and that the thing is as you say to ask Reiki to guide on the personal journey and to trust it.
BTW I've just noticed you're from Aberdeenshire, my dad's family are from the North East of Scotland and I've always felt a strong kinship with that corner of the world.
Oh and 'Mmmm, jaffa cakes'! (Hope they don't start selling Jaffa Cakes on Amazon, then I would have to be locked away! :D)
love indigo xx
Answers:
Hiya Indigo
Glad to be of help :) Re. North East Scotland - I am only a mere 'newcomer' having moved up here from North Wales 4 years back, but I have moved around a lot. I'm from Germany originally and as such my first name results in the inevitable pronounciation of 'Beattie' :D wherever I go, after 20 odd years I no longer whince;). Funny thing though, before we moved up here, and I had no idea what to expect, when I heard the name of the local prominent hill it immediately resonated with me, almost sounded familiar for some strange reason. And it is absolutely beautiful up here, despite the weather.... Mind you, Chester is lovely, too and Snowdonia just on the doorstep - wonderful!
Hugs,
Beate
Holistic Earth[sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]
Answers:
That is exactly why I need to have them banned. I can do a whole roll in one sitting!
[sm=rollaugh.gif]
that would be a deadly combination! I felt my wallet panic slightly there.
Answers:
On the subject of books, Indigo, I have to say that I agree with you about buying from bookshops. I'm very happy to listen to recommendations and read reviews, but I still prefer to browse the shelves and read the chapter headings and a few pages before I decide what most resonates.
Holistic Earth said:
I agree, particularly about trusting Reiki and your own inner voice. I have a Reiki Master manual in which the authors, far from laying down any kind of stipulations about the uses of the Master Symbol, actively encourage the individual to own their Mastership and in so doing to make the symbol their own, exploring all possibilities for its use. Further, they honour and respect other lineages and their teaching and attunement methods. Which I think is how it should be.
Laura.
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