Am I a Reiki Master?

Forgive me, but I can’t help but notice continuing misnomers in the system of Reiki. After all this time, you would think the cultural and contextual mistakes created when adopting a Japanese practice like the system of Reiki into an English-speaking world would have disappeared. But no, I am surprised to see that the term “Reiki Master” is commonplace, and I still hear people talking about ‘doing their Masters’, which translates to taking a Reiki Level 3 (or Shinpiden) class, and dare I mention the word ‘Doctor’ still being attributed to the founder Mikao Usui.

So, I thought I’d put on my commonsense hat and see if I could tease out some of the inaccuracies and help clarify the language around what we are doing when we practice the system of Reiki. It gets a little technical but it gives the system so much more clarity and honor. The best way to do this is to understand the nuances of its terminology and practice levels.

The Japanese Connection: Understanding “Sensei” and Terminological Misunderstandings

When the system of Reiki spread to the West, a misunderstanding occurred around the Japanese term “Sensei.” This term is often translated as “Teacher” or “Master” in English, but its usage in Japanese culture is more nuanced:

The “Sensei” Misconception

– “Sensei” is a respectful term that students use to address their teachers or instructors.

– Importantly, it’s not a title that teachers typically use to refer to themselves.

– The term conveys respect for someone’s expertise and role as an educator.

The “Master” Confusion

The use of “Master,” as in “Reiki Master,” is a cultural and contextual misalignment of the term “Sensei.” To be a Master implies mastery or superiority over others, which is not in line with the essence of being a Reiki teacher, where self-growth and balance are supported by a teacher rather than given to students. 

– In many Western societies, doing one’s “Masters” typically refers to postgraduate-level academic study, often taking years to complete. In contrast, Reiki Level 3 (unfortunately, sometimes called the “Master” level) is usually classified by the number of hours or days it takes to complete rather than years of study. This discrepancy can lead to misconceptions about the depth or breadth of training needed to become a Reiki teacher.

The “Doctor” Misnomer

A similar misunderstanding occurred when naming the system’s founder, Mikao Usui. Initially, Usui was called “Dr. Usui”, despite not having formal medical training.

– This was likely another incorrect translation of “Sensei,” as “Doctor” has a particular meaning in Western culture.

– This misattribution highlights the challenges of translating honorifics and titles across cultures.

These examples illustrate how easily terminology can be misinterpreted when a practice like the system of Reiki crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries. Significantly, these misunderstandings can alter how the system is viewed as a complete and respected practice. 

The Reiki Journey: Understanding Your Role

In the system, your role is defined more by your active engagement with the practice than by the level you’ve completed. Here’s a helpful breakdown:

1. Reiki Practitioner: 

   – This term applies to anyone actively practicing the system of Reiki, regardless of the level completed (1, 2, or 3).

   – As long as you regularly engage with the Reiki practices you’ve been taught, you’re a Reiki practitioner.

2. Professional Reiki Practitioner: 

   – Upon completing Level 2, you have the opportunity to work professionally (I recommend completing a certain number of treatments and gaining training in basic counselling skills first).

   – If you offer Reiki sessions for compensation, you can become a professional Reiki practitioner.

 3. Reiki Teacher: 

   – After completing Level 3, you know the system to pass it on to others.

   – However, it’s advisable to undergo additional teacher training before teaching (unless that is provided in your course).

   – Only when you actively begin teaching others would you be considered a Reiki teacher.

It’s crucial to understand that these roles are not mutually exclusive. A Reiki teacher, for instance, is still a Reiki practitioner. The key is active engagement with the practice.

The Importance of Active Practice

Your status within the system of Reiki is fundamentally tied to your ongoing practice:

– If you’ve studied any Reiki Level but don’t actively practice, you wouldn’t be considered a Reiki practitioner. This is the same as saying that you are a yoga practitioner but you did a course 30 years ago and haven’t touched it since (hence, you don’t aren’t a yoga practitioner).

– Even if you’ve completed Level 3, if you’re not teaching, you’re still a Reiki practitioner (or professional practitioner if working with clients).

– The focus should always be on your current engagement with the system of Reiki, not just the highest level you’ve completed.

The concept of active practice aligns beautifully with the Reiki Precepts, particularly “For Today Only.” This foundational idea reminds us that the system is not just a set of techniques we’ve learned in the past, but a living practice we engage with in the present moment. Each day offers a new opportunity to embody Reiki, to work on our own healing, and to be of service to others. When we approach our Reiki practice with the mindset of “For Today Only,” we free ourselves from the burden of past achievements or future expectations. Instead, we focus on how we can best Be Reiki and the precepts in this moment, this day. This keeps our practice fresh, relevant, and truly active, regardless of the level we’ve attained or how long we’ve been on the Reiki path.

Embracing Your True Role

Instead of focusing on titles like “Master,” it’s more authentic and respectful to the essence of the system of Reiki to consider your actual practice:

– Are you regularly practicing Reiki techniques? You’re a Reiki practitioner.

– Are you offering professional Reiki sessions after completing Level 2? You’re a professional Reiki practitioner.

– Have you completed Level 3 and actively teach Reiki to others? You’re a Reiki teacher.

Remember, at all levels, as long as you’re actively practicing, you remain a Reiki practitioner. The additional roles of professional practitioner or teacher are extensions of this foundational identity, not replacements for it.

The Practical Approach

Understanding your role in the system of Reiki is about recognizing your day-to-day engagement with the practice. It’s not about claiming grandiose titles, but about honestly reflecting on your journey and current activities within the system.

By embracing this practical approach and understanding the cultural context of terms like “Sensei,” “Doctor,” and “Master,” we honor the Japanese roots of the system of Reiki and maintain a more accurate and humble perspective on our place within this spiritual healing tradition. 

Remember, in our practice, as in life, it’s not the title that matters but the genuine impact we have on ourselves and others through our practice.

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