What does it mean to be a Reiki Master?
The term Reiki Master is actually quite a modern concept brought to the West by Madame Takata. Researchers have confirmed that the master symbol and the term Master were never actually used by Mikao Usui. As the term Master in other spiritual practices normally refers to an enlightened person who has achieved a high state of spiritual consciousness, perhaps Reiki Teacher is a more apt term for this level of training. It is rarely the case that Reiki Masters are enlightened beings and in practice it is not actually necessary either.
This understanding does not take away from this beautiful practice or the people who devote their lives to sharing it with others. When I learnt this, I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief. This reaction was a clear sign that my ego had been struggling with the need to live up to this grand status that I didnt feel was really the truth for me. What does feel true is the very deep connection I have to Reiki that filters into every part of my life. There is no separation between doing Reiki or not doing Reiki – it is just there. It shakes me and it comforts me. It bridges a connection to myself, to others and the world around me and its a gift a feel a deep calling to share .
