Consumer Protection

The Consumer Protection section of this site is to provide the reader with information so that they can make a better choice regarding choosing a teacher for training. Also, to specifically evaluate commonly heard claims that some teachers make. These are evaluated in light of what is and is not necessary in Reiki. This is provided for the reader to be able to evaluate the ever increasing claims of some practitioners that what they do is "better", "closer to source", or some other thing that entails removing dollars from your wallet.

This section is comprised of two parts. The first are some thoughts and principles that will aid you in making better choices and evaluating claims and the second part is a list of specific questions (and my answers) that you might want to ask a prospective teacher.
 
 

Part One: Basic Principles and Information

1. The energy is the energy is the energy is the energy........

Above all else understand that whatever the system the energy is the same. What empowers Usui Reiki is the same as what empowers Usui/Tibetan Reiki or Karuna Reiki(TM) or any of the other "Reiki's".
 
 

2. Extra symbols do not equal a better system or more power

Many practitioners seem to continually add symbols to their systems. Symbols and their use are very misunderstood by many people and adding more of them create the perception that more are necessary.

The symbols were originally added to Reiki by Usui as a tool for those who had little energy experience or had trouble connecting to the energy. There were like training wheels on a bicycle. They are used until no longer needed and then let go of. The Reiki energy is a complete energy. The symbols are used to teach specific uses or energetic properties that can be done. In that light, additional symbols can help some people learn other ways of using the energy, however they are not required or necessary. Additionally, you can use the symbols from any system once empowered with Reiki and they will work with no additional attunement. (Question: who attuned those who have added symbols to the system to those symbols?)

Way back in 1968, I saved up my birthday money from my relatives and wanted to buy a small transistor radio. I went to the store with my father and evaluated my choices. There was one with three transistors, one with five transistors, and one with eight. I chose the one with eight because in my six year old mind, more equaled better. That was until a friend of my father's who was an electrical engineer came by the house. He explained that based on the design of the radio that the additional three transistors did essentially nothing and only five were really essential. I learned two valuable lessons that day. The first was that more is not necessarily better, just more expensive. And two, more does not improve the performance, just your perception of it and it is easy to create the perception that more is desirable.

There are some people who have gone so far as to state that since the market for Reiki and other energy healing systems is small, that there must continue to be "new" and "improved" systems and symbols in order to create demand.
 
 

3. People are "higher vibration", Systems are Not

These days there are many arts claiming to be "Higher Band" or "Higher Vibration" than Usui Reiki. While it should be said that learning any of the "Reiki's" will increase your personal "vibration", it is the additional practice and use of the energy that increases the "vibration", not the system. People who meditate regularly experience the same increase in "vibration" with never having taken Reiki or other healing art. Practicing consistently with any healing art will increase your "vibration". Avoid the "more is better" philosophy or thinking that you are getting something "higher" or better. There is NO substitute for hard work. Practicing daily with Usui Reiki (or even exchanging attunements regularly with your Reiki Pals) will have the same effect as taking an expensive "We are a higher vibrational system" class.
 
 

4. Add-on Material DOES NOT Enhance the Efficacy of the Healing

There is an abundance of extra symbols, Reiki "guides", healing attunements, psychic surgery, abundance manifestation, crystal talismans and other practices added to Reiki. Despite this not one of the advocates of any of these practices can demonstrate that they add anything to the system in terms of healing effectiveness. In theory, if you are adding something to the basic system should it not be something that increases the effect of the healing? Otherwise, what is it being added for?
 
 

5. Higher Prices do not necessarily equate with better information, teaching, energy or ability

Do not confuse high prices with quality. There are many reasons why people chose to teach for low fees, or even free. There are many masters who wish Reiki to be shared as widely as possibly and thus charge minimal fees. Many of these are excellent teachers committed to helping others. Likewise do not automatically dismiss those charging high fees. However there should be some clear tangible benefit from paying the additional money (i.e. you feel that this lineage is more "desirable", will get you more respect from peers, or they have additional material that you think is beneficial).
 
 

6. New insights do not equate the necessity for New systems

Some people reach a point in their Reiki practice where they become deeply connected to the energy. At this time some things may become more clear to them or they may receive a new symbol. Many incorrectly assume that because they were not taught this insight that it must be a "new" discovery and then proceed to start a new system. As wise King Solomon once said, "There is nothing new under the sun", and the world is littered with Reiki systems. It would seem that a "new" system should heal better, faster or something other than a symbol or two or some new sight before striking out in the world on its own.
 
 

7. My lineage is better than your lineage

This may be expressed overtly or covertly. Some overt statements might be "This style is closer to the source", or "I am 7^th in a direct line from Usui,". Covert statements might be "that master wasn't trained properly", or "that lineage is not valid", etc.

First, if you are talking about Western Usui Shiki Ryoho (the Hayashi - Takata style that is practiced in the western world), then no lineage is any better than any other in transmitting the energy to you. Even if the person claiming this has actually come from Japan and is a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, I would be suspect of the boisterous nature of such a statement. Those that make claims like, "I am 7^th in a direct line from Usui," often reveal a subtle irony in that it is obvious that they were teaching some add-on "Tibetan" material that Arthur Robertson or William Rand had added in, which is hardly what Usui would have taught. Therefore despite the "superior" lineage what they were teaching was not Usui Reiki, but rather some Usui/Tibetan mix that someone along the way added in. It is essential here that the point is not a criticism of the "Usui/Tibetan" systems, but rather that the claimants of this "superior" lineage do not even know (or care?) that obviously that they are teaching add-ons.
 
 

8. Channeling is not a reliable practice to evaluate history or technique

These days there is much "channeled" information regarding Reiki. This has been done by people talking to their "Reiki Spirit Guides" or channeling past lives. It should be obvious to even those casually familiar with new age techniques that channeled information is not reliable and is not a legitimate practice to learn about the history or techniques of anything. Some people find channeling a positive personal practice that aids them in their spiritual path. However to take information from a channeled session and then proclaim that Reiki is from Egypt, Tibet, Atlantis, Lemuria or other mythical civilization simply confuses the issue.

Part Two: Finding a Teacher / Specific Questions to Ask a Prospective Teacher

Once you have made the decision to learn Reiki, the next logical step is to find a teacher. There are many ways to do this. Most herb shops and new age shops will have bulletin boards with practitioners placing business cards on them. Some bookstores (such as "Barnes and Nobles", and "Borders") will have topic nights where practitioners of a certain discipline will come and speak (and they have books for you to purchase!). Many schools, colleges, and Park Districts have adult education classes that offer Reiki. Generally public libraries maintain a list of local events.

Making the decision to learn Reiki can be an expense in both time and money. It is important that you make good choices and to do so requires having good information regarding the people you are potentially to work with and what they do and teach. What follow is a list of questions that you may wish to ask a prospective teacher.
 
 

Questions to ask your teacher:

1. What Material is covered (History, System, add-ons, etc.)?

This question address the many "histories" that are currently in existence. Do they pass the information that Mrs. Takata told regarding Usui being a Christian Monk, or do they present the information that Frank Petter and others have uncovered from Japan that is more historically accurate? Additionally do they teach some of the "alternative" histories that are speculative such as "Reiki is from Tibet, or the Ascended Masters, etc.)

What specifically will the class contain? Is it strictly Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho, or will it have such things as "Dolphin Breathing", or go into "Mystery School" material, past lives, Ancient civilizations and other material not part of Reiki?
 
 

2. How long is the class?

This addresses the length of training. Most (not all!) first degree classes are over a weekend. Most second level classes are over a weekend as well. Master training classes may vary greatly in length. Some require apprenticeships while other are a weekend class. Find out from the instructor of you will be able to "audit" classes to review material, or if they will be available for questions after the class is over.
 
 

3. How much time for practice will there be?

Classes should have time for "theory" as well as practice. Reiki is a hands on healing art so it is important to practice. The weakness of on-line classes is that there is not supervised practice. That being said, a willingness to practice and following the pictures of the hand positions are generally sufficient and are easy to do.
 
 

4. What branch of Reiki is the Teacher from (Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho, Usui/Tibetan, Tibetan, etc.)

This information gives you an additional indication of what you are likely to see in the class. For example, a class in the Usui/Tibetan Lineage is more likely to teach you about chakras, Reiki "Guides", crystal healing and speculative histories (like Reiki being "rediscovered" or from Tibet, or was the healing method Jesus used and other Reiki myths) that were not part of the original Usui Reiki System. It is important to know these things so that you can better decide if they are to your liking.
 
 

5. How many levels are there in this system?

These days there are ever more levels. Mrs. Takata taught three levels. Now it is common for there to be four levels, with the "Level III being split into a IIIa and IIIb. Generally the Level IIIa is an amalgam of New Age spiritism and spiritual practices and added symbols, and the level IIIb is where you actually learn to teach others. Some teachers have gone beyond four levels and now have six levels, or have come up with "higher band" energies that are presented as "higher vibration" than Usui Reiki.
 
 

6. What are the differences between levels?

Generally there are fairly specific things taught at each level.

Level one generally teaches the Reiki History, The hand positions, Specific areas to treat for a variety of illnesses, and you receive an attunement. Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho masters do a series of 4 attunements while some of the independent masters use one attunement. In the Usui/Tibetan schools you are likely to also get a speculative history of Reiki from Tibet, learn about Reiki Guides and Chakras.

Level II generally teaches the three Reiki Symbols (the focus {power}, connection {distance}, harmony (Mental/Emotional} symbols). There may be an emotional program taught. It also teaches methods of distance healing and you receive another attunement. Some of the "Mystery Schools" have added in the Hermetic laws and use phrasing and wording in distance healing along the lines of these principles.

Level III generally teaches the Usui Master symbol as well as the attunement process. There is time to learn the attunement and practice it.

In the Usui/Tibetan schools (and various other independent masters) the level III is divided into a level IIIa and IIIb. Level IIIa generally teaches a symbol meditation to empower goals, the "Tibetan" Antakarana symbol, Psychic Surgery, Making Crystal Grids to send Reiki healing, a meditation to meet your "Reiki Guide", and a "healing attunement". This is often taught as a level of "personal mastery", and is called the "Master Practitioner" level. Understand fully that all of this material is added onto the Reiki system from Hermetic Magick, Tibetan Tantra, and New Age spiritism. This is not to denigrate these practices or to say that these are not legitimate practices of their own, simply that they were never part of the Reiki system before 1980 and are not in the least bit necessary to practice Reiki.

Level IIIb will include the "Reiki from Tibet" history, the teaching of an additional three "Tibetan" symbols (the "Dumo" or "Tibetan Master Symbol", The "Fire Serpent" and the Raku. Some consider these a good addition to the original 4 Usui symbols. The student then learns the Usui/Tibetan attunement process. It is important to note that in these "Tibetan" systems the additional symbols are used in the attunement process at all levels.
 
 

7. How long should you wait between levels?

Most instructors require that the student wait a set period of time between levels. This can be a set time, or at their discretion. There are no set guidelines for this since the practice is so variable. Different people assimilate the energy at different rates, as well as practice more or less than others. Someone that is good with handling energy and uses the system to self heal daily might integrate the energy faster than one who was not as familiar or did not use the energy regularly. If you are looking for an actual length of time guideline, some suggest three months between Level I and Level II, and 9 months between Level II and Level III.
 
 

8. What are the course fees? What are the fees for the other levels? Why are these fees more/less than other masters?

It is important to know up front what the fees for the class are, as well as if it provides certification. Additionally, many people have a significant difference in the fees for Level I (which are reasonable), and Levels II and III. In the past, associations like the "Reiki Alliance" had a $10,000 dollar set fee for Level III (which I have heard has been dropped as a requirement). Some guidelines: Level I between 50 and 150 dollars; Level II between 100 and 300 dollars; and Level III between 200 and 800 dollars. These fees are based on observations of the prices practitioners charge for training.
 
 

9. How many people will be in the class?

Class size is important. Classes that are too big often lack personal attention from the teacher. The class should be big enough to allow you to practice on a variety of people.
 
 

10. What am I to expect from and attunement, and what is expected of me?

Avoid people that promise outlandish things from an attunement. If they are promising fireworks, enlightenment or other things I would tend to avoid them. Attunements are generally a relaxing pleasant spiritual experience, but even this generalization lacks the infinite individual response to an attunement.

What is expected of you is very important. You should never be made to feel uncomfortable during any Reiki practice. You need NEVER remove clothing to receive treatments or attunements. If you find you are "required" to take the attunements nude, or with clothing removed, I suggest you RUN, not walk, from this person.
 
 

11. What is the teachers attitude regarding, "spirit guides", "Reiki guides", "channeling", etc.

As previously stated, these are add-on techniques that were never part of the Reiki system as taught by Usui, Hayashi or Takata. If these things do not resonate with you, or would cause you difficulties personally or religiously then look for another teacher.
 
 

12. What post-class support from the teacher is there?

Getting feedback after the class is over is essential. Often you have questions that only surface after practicing the system for a time. Will the teacher be available by phone, in person, or email to answer your questions at a later date, and is there a charge for this?
 
 

13. Do they teach any of the material that has surfaced from Japan that was taught in the Gakkai?

There is a lot of material that has been surfacing due to the efforts of Frank Arjava Petter and Hiroshi Doi. This material appears to be many of the practices of Usui and is becoming more widely available. Does the teacher also provide this material?
 
 

14. What is the teacher's view on other systems of healing such as the "Tibetan Reiki's", "Raku Kei Reiki", Tera Mai Reiki/Seichim, Karuna Reiki, Seichem Reiki, etc.?

This question is an important one. Since the death of Mrs. Takata in 1980 the number of "new improved" Reiki systems is legion. Some people go from system to system searching, while others do not. Some of these systems see themselves as "superior" or exclusive (i.e., you cannot train in other systems). How does the teacher see these systems in terms of being essential, useful, etc. Do they also teach other healing modalities?

This list is by no means exhaustive but should provide general outline to help the aspiring Reiki student be able to intelligently ask questions of a prospective master. Hopefully the information given will allow you to make a better choice as well as avoid being overcharged or talked into things that are not necessary.