JIM FREW

Some
frequently asked questions
about
Reiki Jin Kei Do training

What is the difference between what you refer to as the ‘Western tradition’ of Reiki practice, and Reiki Jin Kei Do, which you refer to as the ‘Eastern tradition’?

The modern-day founder of Reiki as we know it today was Mikao Usui (1865-1926), a Japanese man, who gave the practice the name with which we are familiar.

The practice of Reiki was brought to Western countries in the late 1970's by Hawayo Takata, an American woman of Japanese origin. The form that she taught was very simple, and was accepted by Western students primarily as a healing technique. This form has undergone various adaptations and modifications as teachings have been handed down from teacher to teacher, resulting sometimes in the form being taught in a way very different from the original practice.

There are now many hundreds of thousands world-wide who practice this form of Reiki, and many thousands of teachers.

Reiki Jin Kei Do was introduced to Western culture in the early 1990's by Dr Ranga Premaratna, Ph.D. He was trained by a Japanese teacher, Seiji Takamori, who had spent years in central Asia researching and training in the practice, where he was also taught an ancient practice from which Reiki as we know it was obviously sourced. Dr Ranga Premaratna is now regarded as the authority on the practice.

He has taught a small number of selected students as Reiki Jin Kei Do Masters. This Eastern tradition contains aspects of the practice that were never introduced into the Western form of Reiki. These aspects are taught in a Reiki Jin Kei Do class.

You taught the Western tradition of the practice for some seven years up until 1999. Why did you decide to change traditions?
The information that was shared with me by Dr Ranga Premaratna was so obviously authentic that it called me to explore this form.
For me, this was a way of deepening my practice of Reiki, both as a teacher and as a practitioner. The form of giving a treatment acknowledged the significance of the human body’s energy system, (i.e. chakra centres, nadi channels, and marma energy points) rather than just physical organ - so logical to an Eastern way of healing. Meditation is also a significant component of the practice, thereby encouraging, amongst other things, the development of compassion and of mindfulness in the student. All this seemed so logical to me.
The practice of Reiki by the committed student in this lineage develops an awareness that this is a ‘way of being’ rather than just a healing practice. Spiritual ideals, which are taught to the student at the beginner level, offer a philosophy for life, which strongly appealed to me.

However, I totally respect all those – including many former student of mine – who are happy in their practice of the Western tradition. Reiki Jin Kei Do is not a ‘better’ form of Reiki; however, for me, it offered to me a ‘completeness’ – a fulfilment in my journey in Reiki. This is a way of life rather than just another healing practice.

This practice originated in the Buddhist culture of northern India and Tibet. Am I required to adopt new beliefs, or change my religion?
No! There is no belief system involved in Reiki practice. If you have a particular religious belief – or, for that matter, no special belief – you are encouraged to continue with any belief, or religious affiliation. Compassion is the cornerstone of this practice, and this will strongly resonate with any religious belief.

Can anyone learn Reiki Jin Kei Do? Is there any prerequisite knowledge required?
No. Anyone can learn this practice. Medical or anatomical knowledge is not required. We do not offer a ‘cure’ for any disease, condition or syndrome, and there are no known contraindications. Our objective is to enable people we treat to achieve their own healing process through us acting as facilitators. We enable them to connect to the universal energy field, which is a limitless source of energy, so it is not our personal energy that is used.

The essence of a treatment is the expression of compassion for another human being through gentle and caring touch.

Do I need to have previously trained in the Western tradition – or any other form – of Reiki before taking training in Reiki Jin Kei Do?
No – certainly not. However, if a student who has previously taken Reiki training in another form wishes to take the Jin Kei Do training, they will be required to take the complete 1st Stage training in the Jin Kei Do form, including the receiving of fresh attunements, as the attunements in this form are significantly different. The mode of giving treatments is also different.

Similarly, for a student who has taken Reiki training in another tradition and wishes to take their Level 2 training, that student will need to take Jin Kei Do 1st Stage in preparation for moving to Stage 2.

Can I treat myself with Reiki Jin Kei Do?
Yes – the daily self-treatment is the cornerstone of this practice. It is first and foremost for our personal care on all levels - physical. emotional, mental and spiritual.

I understand meditation practice is important in this form of Reiki. I have tried meditation and have found this difficult. What is involved?
Do not be frightened by the term ‘meditation’. It is not a question of trying to make your mind ‘go blank’! Although the student is taught some simple meditation routines, the most important aspect is to develop an ‘awareness’ of one’s thoughts – especially the negative thoughts, such as envy, greed, and anger.

This can be achieved through ‘awareness’ as we go about our daily activities, thereby not allowing such thoughts to become harmful. Moreover, meditation is now being accepted in Western medical circles as being a practice offering great benefits, both physiologically and psychologically.

How would I identify a reliable teacher?
Enquire about the background of the teacher – with whom they trained as a Master; how may students have they trained; how long they have been in practice; can they supply the line of Masters between themselves and Mikao Usui (the Japanese man accepted as modern-day founder of the practice).

This will help identify the degree of experience, and the shorter this lineage is - the longer the experience of the teacher is likely to be. Beware also of very inexpensive training fees; remember - you tend to get what you pay for!

Perhaps ask to receive a treatment, and see if it is given in a professional way in a clean and peaceful environment. Find out what follow-up support is available after your training.

How would I identify a Reiki Jin Kei Do teacher?
Such a person will be able to quote their lineage of teachers from Mikao Usui to you. This lineage should have as a minimum the names Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Venerable Takeuchi, Venerable Seiji Takamori, and Ranga Premaratna (present lineage bearer), and any other subsequent teachers stemming from these.

I believe there are two further levels of training that are available after taking the beginner level? Can I take these trainings, and when?
Yes – there is an advanced level called 2nd Stage. However, what is taught at 1st Stage is complete for most students and will enable them to practice self-treatment, treatment of others – in fact, to be able to treat all living things including animals and even plants.

I encourage all students to practise what they are taught at this 1st Stage for at least a year before considering taking any further training. At that stage, they are then able to make an informed decision as to whether they feel a calling to take this further stage in training.

This further training may be seriously considered by the student after discussion with his/her teaching Master and after extensive mentoring and preparation.

The Master level is the final level of training, and is only considered after a long period of maturity both in practice and in life itself. It is a huge commitment in many ways and the Master candidate will be of no value as a teacher to students without that wealth of experience. Therefore it is certainly not a step to be contemplated at the commencement of one’s Reiki journey.