In 1998, while studying for my diploma, my paternal uncle introduced us to something intriguing. He would give us colorful woolen threads to help resolve challenges—mostly exam-related stress. He called it Reiki. The belief was that as the challenges in our lives diminished, the woolen threads would wear off.
Fast forward to October 2019, I stumbled upon YouTube videos about Reiki. Curious, I dived deeper. Around the same time, I heard a remarkable story of a relative’s friend’s life being saved by pranic healing. One of my close friends also practiced Reiki healing. It felt like the universe was nudging me to explore this ancient art.
I began researching Reiki courses. Online training helped me understand the basics, but I learned that initiation needed to happen through a master. My search led me to Ms. Ashwini, a Reiki master in Bangalore, who had authored several books on the subject.
Why I Sought Reiki
Looking back, I realize my quest for Reiki stemmed from a need to heal myself and feel rejuvenated. After my startup was acquired by a global company, I tasted financial success but also gained weight and battled laziness, compounded by constant domestic and international travel. Reiki seemed like a way to restart and restore fresh energy.
Ms. Ashwita Goel introduced us to chakras, the philosophy behind Reiki, and testimonials from her students. After meditations and learning the basics, I underwent initiation into Level 1. This process involved visualizing and applying designated symbols virtually on the chakras. It was a profoundly calming experience.
We were taught to perform Reiki healing on ourselves daily, based on the formula of our age multiplied by three. Over time, I noticed its cleansing effects on my body and mind. I even started practicing Reiki on my kids, helping them sleep soundly. The benefits were undeniable, and I felt immense gratitude for my teacher.
A Funny Anecdote
During my search for a Reiki teacher, I encountered someone who quoted an initiation fee of ₹20,000, while my teacher charged just a quarter of that. While the money didn’t matter much, it was an eye-opening moment about how differently this practice is valued.
Sharing the Gift
Inspired by the benefits I experienced, I encouraged my wife, sister, and cousin to join the Reiki program to help them become stress-free. By December 2019, I had completed Level 2, which allowed me to send Reiki energy remotely to anyone. This proved invaluable, as I could send healing energy to my parents in my hometown.
A Shift in Perspective
In late 2020, as I deepened my spiritual journey through formal learning at the Kauai Hindu Monastery, I started to see Reiki from a new perspective. I learned about the karma cycle and how emotions like anger and jealousy can impact consciousness. It was emphasized that if a Reiki healer harbors unresolved negative emotions, their energy can inadvertently affect the recipient.
Moreover, I realized that Reiki initiation should never be done solely for money, nor without proper training and supervision. This understanding led me to step back from Reiki practice in 2021.
Takeaway
Reiki is a powerful healing practice that can bring immense physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits when practiced with purity and proper guidance. However, like any spiritual art, it requires a foundation of emotional clarity, ethical intent, and responsible mentorship.
For anyone considering Reiki, approach it with mindfulness, and seek a teacher who values the practice as more than a transaction. Ultimately, healing begins within. As life unfolds, embrace every opportunity to grow, heal, and align yourself with the higher good.
