Reiki is a Japanese word that means sacred or spiritual energy. Ki is that life energy or universal energy that is cultivated and used in the art of Reiki. The term “universal” is not just the energy in this solar system but, as Bronwen and Frans Stiene wrote in The Japanese Art of Reiki (2005), “everything that can be understood and not understood.” The Stienes also wrote, “Everything animate and inanimate, pulses with the rhythm of the universe.” Donna Eden wrote in her book Energy Medicine, (1998) that “energy really is all there is.” Eden reminds us that Albert Einstein’s formula E=MC² is the scientific evidence of this concept. Ki is an essence we are born with. Nevertheless, Reiki is a practice which can only be mastered through attunements and dedicated practice on the development of one’s personal energy.

This universal energy is quite universal indeed. However, many different names are used to describe it. Ki is a Japanese word but in China the same universal energy is called Qi or Chi (Ch’i). In India and Tibet the word prana is the same universal energy, but used in relation to energy healing and yoga practices. In Native American cultures the Iroquois people call this energy Orenda and the Lakotas call it wakan. The Sufis call this same energy baraka, the Polynesian Hunas call it mana, the Ituri Pygmies call it megbe, the Christians call it the Holy Spirit, and in Hebrew it is called Ruach. All of these names point to the same idea of universal energy.

Ki is also used in traditional Japanese martial arts such as judo, karate, kendo, aikido, toate, and shintaido. It is also the main principle in johrei and mahikari. Hospitals in China have an herbal unit, an acupuncture unit, and a unit devoted to Qi healing and Qi Gong. Some modern hospitals in the West are beginning to talk about energy medicine and healing as an option. In the magazine Massage & Bodywork, an article titled “Energy Medicine” contained the words of the cofounder of the Colorado School of Energy Studies, John Chitty, who believes that energy therapy, medicine, and healing will not become well-known in modern western hospitals because, “It’s too effective and inexpensive.” Nevertheless, despite the lack of recognition from hospitals, the world of alternative medicine is widely accepting energy healing therapies such as Reiki. Furthermore, yoga and martial arts use the same universal energy by a different name, both of which have spread throughout the modern world with respect and recognition. However, the Japanese art of Reiki is a particular method of cultivating and using this energy to heal or to make whole. The concept of Ki is universal, but the art of Reiki is unique.

The healing aspects of Reiki often overbear the significance of the personal developmental aspects of the art. Too often people read about Ki and then begin to try healing others without cultivating Ki in their own body. One cannot properly heal another being’s energy without first developing healthy Ki in his or her own body. Once Ki flows freely throughout one’s own body, he or she can begin to practice on others. Nevertheless, I must strongly emphasize that no one can use Reiki to heal others without an attunement by a Reiki master. This course is not a substitute for a Reiki master’s attunement.

Even without an attunement there is still much to learn about the art of Reiki and there are many simple ways that a beginner can cultivate Ki without a master. The cultivation of Ki is called Qi Gong, which translates as Ki cultivation. This is another art in itself, but its most basic principles are often taught to Japanese students who want to learn Reiki.

Course Continued…