Ki-Atsu Institute for Healing Arts Reiki Manual Level I & II
Disclaimers Rev Ki Kosut & Rev Tim Kosut The material in this manual is intended to present the ideas, concepts and techniques of Reiki to the participant. This manual is not a medical text, nor is it in any way intended to replace the need to seek professional medical care. All material in this manual is copyrighted. Some material in this manual is reproduced from other sources and is used with permission and is cited and documented as such. The Student agrees not to reproduce this manual without the express permission of the Ki-Atsu Institute for Healing Arts. Further, the tradition of Reiki is that information is passed from teacher to student, initiates to the higher levels of Reiki do not reveal the knowledge passed on to them, unless that initiate has reached the master level and is conducting training, having attuned the students. Again, this is tradition and not a rule or a law. There are no Reiki police that hunt down and enforce this tradition. We simply ask that students of this program respect the traditions of this art. 2
Table of Contents I. What is Reiki pg. 4 II. History of Reiki pg. 5 III. Principals of Reiki pg. 9 IV. Lineage of Revs. Ki and Tim Kosut.pg. 10 V. Guidelines for Treatment...pg. 11 VI. Emotional Source of Disease pg. 13 VII. The Chakras..pg. 17 VIII. Levels of Reiki.pg. 19 IX. Reiki Level 1 Self-Healing..pg. 22 Healing Others..pg. 26 Group Healing and Treating Pets.pg. 29 X. Reiki Level II Symbols pg. 31 Distance Healing..pg. 34 XI. Bibliography and Endnotes pg. 35 3
I. What Is Reiki Reiki is a simple, yet powerful healing technique that allows natural, healing energy to travel through the hands of the practitioner to the person receiving. Reiki is a Japanese word that consists of Rei which describes the universal or cosmic, and ki which is the basic life force flowing through all things. In a Reiki session, the practitioner acts as a channel for this energy, not exerting any of his or her own energy, and not drawing any of the receiver s energy into themselves. Thus, a practitioner can perform a Reiki session without becoming drained or depleted. Some students may get the impression that as well as acting as a channel, the practitioner also works to direct the energy, due to the fact that the hands of the practitioner are placed on certain areas of the receiver s body. Although this does affect the area where the energy enters the receiver s body, ultimately, the energy will travel to where it is needed in the body. It is possible for a practitioner to perform Reiki on his or herself. In fact, this is strongly recommended. By performing Reiki on oneself, the practitioner not only benefits from the healing energy, but this practice also allows the energy to flow more easily through the body, improving the practitioner s ability to act as a channel. In addition to performing Reiki on clients and oneself, Reiki can also be performed on animals and plants. Animals and plants respond well to Reiki sessions. Reiki can be performed on food and drinks, this is an especially good practice when eating out, and you are not sure of the energy of the person who prepared the food. Reiki can also be performed on inanimate objects. Many practitioners report using Reiki on electronic devices that have been working unreliably or incorrectly. The result is the device s improved performance. The foundation of the Reiki practitioner is the attunement. A practitioner may go though one or two attunements, depending on how he or she learns Reiki. Another attunement is then necessary if a practitioner then wishes to become a Reiki Master. 4
II. The History of Reiki The history of Reiki is one of ancient knowledge lost then found. The earliest records of Reiki are from 2500 year old Tibetan scrolls. Great teachers of antiquity have often been reported to have the ability to heal with touch, including Buddha and Jesus. The traditional modern history of Reiki however begins with Dr Mikao Usui in the 1800 s. The legend reports that Dr. Usui was a Christian minister and the director of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. One day, some of Dr. Usui s senior students asked him about the healings performed by Jesus, and if they could be performed in the modern day. Dr. Usui knew of the biblical accounts, however was at a loss to explain it any deeper. This was the beginning of a ten-year quest to learn more about the techniques and how to perform them. Dr. Usui began his quest by speaking with Christian authorities in Japan but was unable to find any specific information about the healing techniques. It is reported that during this time, Dr. Usui noticed the similarity between the report healing techniques of the Buddha, and those of Christ. Dr Usui is said to have traveled to the United States and remained for seven years, attending the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he received a Doctorate. It was during this time that Dr. Usui is said to have learned to read Sanskrit. Dr. Usui was still unable to find answers regarding the healing techniques, and returned to Japan and traveled to several Zen monasteries. At several of the monasteries, Dr Usui search was frustrated; as the monks informed that him that the Path to Enlightenment was focused more upon healing the spirit and not the body. At the final monastery he visited, Dr. Usui was encouraged by the Abbot to pursue his study. While there, Dr. Usui found several texts written in Sanskrit that described the healing techniques. The texts however did not include information on how to activate the energy or make it work. It is thought that these omissions were intentional to keep the powerful knowledge sacred. 5
With the information he had, Dr. Usui decided to meditate on the material for twenty-one days on Mt. Koriyama. On the twenty-first day, it is said that Dr. Usui experienced a vision. A white light struck him in the third eye, after which he saw a flash of vivid colors, and then, as if on a movie screen, he saw each of the Reiki symbols and received the understanding how to activate and use them. As he was returning from his mediation, it is told that Dr. Usui struck his toe on a large rock, and the toe began to swell up and bleed. Dr Usui placed his hand on his toe, and the bleeding stopped and the swelling disappeared. This is the first recorded healing of Dr. Usui using Reiki. Dr. Usui spent many years in Kyoto, performing healing in the town s beggar s quarter. It was here that Dr Usui further developed the techniques of Reiki, and learned an important lesson. Dr. Usui noticed that he would continue to see the same people, even though he had healed their ailments and they should be able to find employment and leave the beggar s area. Dr. Usui realized that it is also necessary to heal the spirit as well as the body. It is important to note that while there is no doubt, that Dr. Usui is the modern founder of Reiki, many of the details of the traditional story are in doubt. There is no record of Dr. Usui attending the University of Chicago, and some doubt as to whether or not he ran the Doshisha School in Japan. Indeed, there is no proof that Dr. Usui was a Christian minister but it is documented that he was a Buddhist monk. There is some speculation that the Western and Christian aspect were added to the traditional story in order to facilitate Reiki s acceptance in the West. In 1925, while traveling through Japan, Usui met Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer. Hayashi received Reiki training from Usui, and become his successor. Usui died in 1930, and although it is said he trained other Reiki masters, only Hayashi s name is recorded. Hayashi trained many practitioners and sixteen Masters. Hayashi operated a clinic in Tokyo, where people would come to live during their healing and would be treated 6
by teams of practitioners. The clinic would also send practitioners to those unable to come to the clinic. It was 1935 when Hawayo Takata came to the clinic to be healed. Takata was a Hawaiian born woman suffering from a severe gall bladder condition. Takata was told her condition required surgery, however the use of anesthesia was risky since she also suffered from a respiratory condition and she had difficulty breathing. The night before her surgery, Takata heard a voice telling her that the surgery was not necessary, and inquired about other ways to heal. Takata learned about the Hayashi s clinic in Tokyo, traveled to Japan and healed over four months. Takata also learned Reiki from Hayashi and received level two training before returning to Hawaii to practice. She worked for several years and Hayashi once traveled to Hawaii to train her as a Reiki master. Prior to World War II, Hayashi summoned Takata to Japan, and there announced her as his successor. The legend is that Hayashi foresaw the coming of the war, and passed the traditions to Takata so that they would not be lost during the war. Takata carried forth the practice of Reiki, training many practitioners and masters, as well as spreading Reiki to the mainland United States and Canada. 7
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III. The Principles of Reiki Dr. Usui adopted five principles that he felt were necessary to assist us in channeling life energy. These principles have some different variations, depending upon the text. The traditional accepted version is: Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings Just for today I will not worry Just for today I will not be angry Just for today I will do my work honestly Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing 9
IV. The Reiki Lineage of Rev. Ki Kosut and Rev. Tim Kosut Third Degree Usui Reiki Masters Dr. Mikao Usui Dr. Chujiro Hayashi Mrs. Takata Phillis Lei Furumoto William Rand Andrea Booth Asara E Lovejoy Constance Farmer Phyllis Victory Asara E Lovejoy Rev. Michael A. Bennett Rev. Ki F. Kosut Rev. Tim Kosut 10
V. Guidelines for Reiki Treatment 1. Perform Reiki on yourself everyday. Performing treatments on yourself allows you to enhance your health and allows you to be more effective in treating others. With practice you can fully experience the growth and blessings that Reiki can bring into your life. 2. When starting Reiki Practice, perform full treatments. When beginning practice allow yourself to treat each client fully, as you become more experienced with Reiki, you may develop intuition as to specific areas, which need treatment. 3. The timing depends on the client. Some Reiki texts or manuals recommend spending about three to five minutes at each hand position, others may recommend five to ten. With practice, you will develop a sense of how long you should spend at each position. Some positions will require less time, some much more. 4. Establish a peaceful environment and tranquil state of mind. Have relaxing, tranquil music, soothing colors and décor. Be sure that your clothing is comfortable and that you can move easily around the client. You may elect to burn candles or incense. 5. Remove all jewelry from yourself and the client. Metal can interfere with the flow of energy. so it is necessary to remove all jewelry. It is also important to wash your hands before commencing each session. 6. If performing a series of treatments, try to do on consecutive days. 11
Performing treatments on consecutive days can assist in clearing toxins from the body and diminishing symptoms. It is important to note that while Reiki energy is not harmful, it is possible that clients may experience some discomfort after a treatment due to the detoxification process. 7. With practice, you will attune to greater amounts of Reiki Energy Your continued use and practice of Reiki will help you in aiding your clients. You may or may not notice a difference in the feeling you experience during a session. It is important to stress again, that Reiki is not meant to replace traditional healthcare or other alternative systems of healing. Reiki is very useful prior to and following surgery. 8. Always obtain permission before performing Reiki. It is always necessary to obtain a person s permission prior to performing Reiki. If performing Reiki on an infant, obtain permission from the parent. In an emergency situation, it would not be necessary to obtain permission prior to beginning Reiki. Obviously, it is not necessary to obtain permission prior to performing Reiki on animals, plants or inanimate objects. 9. It is important to always charge for a Reiki session. Although this last guideline may sound self-serving and contrary to the spirit of Reiki, it is a principle learned by all of the early masters. The story of Dr. Usui refers to this when he was treating the beggar s in Japan, and Mrs. Takata always charged for sessions, even from family members. As humans, we tend not to value something that is given to us. By charging (or ensuring some type of exchange) for the session, the receiver places value on the session. 12
VI. The Emotional Sources Of Disease. It is important to note when discussing the healing of diseases that many healers believe that the source of all disease is more that physical, but is rooted in emotional trauma, either recent or from the past. Louise Hay and Alice Stedman are two authors who have both written books on this topic. It is important to recognize that a disease not be resolved simply by addressing the physical manifestations. The following is a listing of problems and their possible emotional sources found in the book Essential Reiki, by author Diane Stein. Problem Source Accidents Expressions of anger, frustration, rebellion Anorexia/Bulimia Self-hate, denial of life nourishment, not good enough Arms Ability to embrace, old emotions held in joints. Arthritis Pattern of criticism of self and others, perfectionism Asthma Smother-love, guilt complex, inferiority complex Back Upper-not feeling supported emotionally Middle-Guilt Lower-Burnout, worrying about money Breasts Mothering, over-mothering a person/thing/place/experience. 13
Burns, Boils, Fevers, Sores, Swelling Cancer Colon Ears Feet Fingers Genitals Hands Breast cancer-deep resentment attached to over-mothering Anger Deep resentment, distrust, self-pity, hopelessness, helplessness Constipation is inability to let go, lack of trust, diarrhea is fear of holding, Too hard to accept what is said, Earaches-anger, deafness-refusal to listen Self-understanding, moving forward Index-ego, anger and fear Thumb-Worry Middle-anger right: a man, left: a woman Ring- unions and grief Little- family and pretending Femininity or masculinity issues, rejecting sexuality. Bladder infections-anger. Vaginitisromantically hurt. Prostate- self worth, sexual prowess. Impotencefear or spite against mate. PMSdenial of female cycles or worth. Holding on too tightly to money or relationships 14
Head Headaches Heart Knees Legs Lungs Migraines Neck Overweight Pain Sinus Skin Stiffness Us, what we show the world, something wrong Invalidating of self Heart is love and blood is joy. Heart attacks are a denial and squeezing out of love and joy. Inflexibility, unable to bend, pride, ego, stubbornness, fear of change, self-righteousness Fear or reluctance of moving forward, not wanting to move. Varicose veins- standing here we hate Inability to take in and give out like, denial of life. Emphysema-denial of life, inferiority Anger and perfectionism, frustration Flexibility issues Needing protection, insecurity Gilt seeking punishment, notice where it manifests Irritated by someone Threatened individuality, others have power over you. Stiff body=stiff mind, inflexibility, fear, only one way resistance to change. 15
Stomach Strokes Swelling Throat Tumors Ulcers Inability to digest ideas and experiences. Fear Negative thinking, stopping of joy, forcing change of direction Stagnated thinking, feeling trapped Fear of change, inability to speak up, frustrated creativity False growth, tormenting an old hut, not allowing healing Fear, not being good enough, lack of self worth. 16
VII. The Chakras i First Chakra Root or Base Chakra Location: Base of spine Center: Grounding, physical energy, physical energy Organs: Kidneys, Suprarenal glands, Spinal column, Large Intestines, Bladder, Bones, Legs, and Feet Color: Red Keyword: I Have Second Chakra Belly, Navel, Spleen, or Sacral Chakra 17
Location: About two inches below navel center Center: Desire, Emotion, Sexuality, Creativity, Procreation Organs: Kidneys, Urinary system, Ovaries, Womb, Testicles, Prostate Color: Orange Keyword: I Feel Third Chakra Solar Plexus Chakra Location: A little above navel Center: Power, Intellect, Will, Ambition Organs: Liver, Gall bladder, Stomach, Pancreas, Digestive systems, Muscles, Adrenal glands Color: Yellow Keyword: I Can Fourth Chakra Heart Chakra Location: Middle of chest Center: Love, Spirituality, Compassion Organs: Heart, Circulatory System, Thymus, Blood, Arms, Hands Cellular Structure Color: Green Keyword: I am Love Fifth Chakra Throat Chakra Location: Throat, Neck Center: Sound, Expression of Creativity, Compassion Organs: Throat, Jaw, Thyroid gland, Respiratory organs, Neck, Shoulders, Parathyroid Color: Blue Keyword: I Communicate Sixth Chakra Third Eye Chakra Location: Between and slightly above eyebrows Center: Psychic power, Intellect, Intuition, Dreams 18
Organs: Left Eye, Pituitary gland, Nose, Central Nervous System Color: Indigo Keyword: I See Seventh Chakra Crown Chakra Location: Crown of head Center: Spirituality, Wisdom, Knowledge, Dynamic Thought, Enlightenment Organs: Pineal Gland, Right Eye, Cerebrum Color: Violet Keyword: I Know VIII. The Reiki Degrees Reiki training can be thought of as divided up into three or four degrees, depending on the school or the instructor. When thinking of Reiki in the terms of four degrees, there is very little difference between the second and third degree. It is important to note, that in the Usui system, there is no hard and fast rule about whether the teaching should be done as three or four degrees, thus both can be considered to be valid. At the Ki-Atsu Institute for Healing Arts, we choose to teach Reiki in three degrees. The First Degree The first degree of Reiki is the initiation into the history and energy of Reiki. In the first degree you will be attuned to channel the Reiki energy and learn the hand positions to perform Reiki upon yourself or upon others. You will also learn how to perform Reiki in groups. Your experience with Reiki will be a very individual one. Some report that there hand get hot every time they perform Reiki, some do not experience the heat all of the time or at all. This should not be interpreted to mean that the Reiki energy is not traveling through you, but rather that this is the way that you are experiencing the session. Some practitioners report that they never experience Reiki the same way, which reflects the ever-changing nature of energy. 19
The Second Degree In the second degree of Reiki, the student will learn symbols and accompanying mantras to allow for a more efficient flow of universal life energy. The student will learn three symbols in the second degree. In addition to allowing for a more free flow of energy, the student will also learn the symbol for sending Reiki across space and time. The second degree of Reiki allows for the practitioner to become a more efficient channel of universal energy, and also allows the practitioner to perform distance healings. The Third Degree The third degree of Reiki, where the title Reiki Master is conveyed allow for a Reiki practitioner to attune others to become practitioners. The title Master is misleading to some students, as they believe that the third level will provide tools to enhance their Reiki sessions. This is a misconception, the third level is a teaching level only, and provides no further information or symbols for channeling energy more efficiently or effectively. 20
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IX. Reiki Level One Self Healing ii 22
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A. Performing Reiki on Others 26
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C. Group Healing and Treating Pets 29
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Reiki Level Two The Symbols and Mantras iii 31
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A. Distance Healing 34
XI. Bibliography 35
Empowerment Through Reiki, Paula Horan: 2000 Lotus Light Publications Essential Reiki, Diane Stein: 1995, Crossing Press Reiki Fire, Frank Petter: 2000, Lotus Light Publications The Power of Reiki, Tanmaya Honervogt: 1998, Gaia Books Lmt. i Picture from Diane Stein s Essential Reiki pg32 ii Pictures From Diane Stein s Essential Reiki pg 36-39, 44-46, iii Symbols from Diane Stein s Essential Reiki pg 58 36