What Is A Reiki Master – Understanding Its Responsibilities And Benefits

A Reiki Master is a person who chooses to manifest the will of Divine energy here on Earth.

Among other attributes, it’s a person who brings peace and does well to humanity.

As a more technical definition, a Reiki Master can initiate and teach others the art of Reiki.

Before going deeper, let’s first understand what exactly is Reiki and who is it for.

Understanding Reiki And Where It Comes From

Reiki is a spiritual practice, sometimes referred to as an alternative therapy. It was developed by Mikao Usui around the year 1922 in Japan.

Through Reiki our physical, mental, emotional, and energetic body transitions into a state of healing. This is possible by connecting to the Universal Life Force Energy.

Doing so determines our consciousness to reach a better understanding of the spiritual potential of human nature and its connection to the Earth and Divine.

Different People Different Views

People see and understand Reiki in various ways. This has been the norm from the very beginning. Even among practitioners, Reiki is sometimes looked at from different lenses.

At the two opposite poles, you have people who believe Reiki is just a way to fool people, while others use it for spiritual growth.

Everybody has the right to express themselves. I just argue that one has to study and experience before having an opinion.

In Japan for example, where Reiki was born, some practitioners become a master after 10 or 20 years.

In the West, this process takes a lot less and it’s more linked to how the person wants to advance.

That’s why sometimes it’s good to stop and think about what a Reiki master really means. What attributes and responsibilities come with this status. Become aware of its importance in helping yourself evolve as well as others.

In the end, it all depends on us to activate the will to become better and to experience new things that can help us understand life.

Reiki Is A Catalyst For Helping Us Understand Life

Reiki connects us to the universal life force energy which begins to have a rich flow through us and into our lives.

But this energy, this light, needs to be guided and directed towards what we wish to achieve. This can bring tremendous awareness of ourselves and of the world we live in. 

The learnings that take place at the emotional, mental and energetic levels will gradually raise our consciousness.

When we let it flow, it will “know” where the healing is needed the most. Yet, you have to activate and use it. Your clear intention triggers this guidance.

Even if Reiki can, to some extent passively heal, it needs us to have that specific intention.

This is why Reki “helps us heal”.

We are vessels through which the universal energy flows, but we are not its keepers.

We don’t heal per se. The healing flows through us.

Then the question then becomes:

Who is Reiki for?

Anyone knowledgeable enough to understand that there is a universal creative force and that we are capable of connecting to its energy and use it for our benefit and the benefit of others can choose to practice Reiki.

Before Becoming A Reiki Master You First Need To Be A Practitioner

As a Reiki practitioner, you should be aware of the changes and responsibilities that come with it.

Why so?

The practice itself is very beneficial. It’s the people who are not acting accordingly.

You have to know what exactly you are healing and at what level. 

Also, you need to be aware of the changes that might occur.

Everybody talks about healing but few are willing to accept the change that comes with it.

That’s why it’s important to understand that by practicing Reiki we have a responsibility to ourselves and others.

This comes with knowledge and practice. You don’t have to worry about it too much, for now, just be aware of the concept.

Join Local Groups And Find A Reiki Master

I cannot stress enough the importance of Reiki classes.

If you have such events in your area, they can become the core of your Reiki performance.

After Reiki becomes second nature to you, practicing on others is the next step. Listening and even talking to someone in need, will significantly improve your Reiki skills.

Today, even some hospitals in the U.S. have accepted Reiki as a treatment for their patients. Imagine the experience you can accumulate by offering Reiki treatments to these people.

Practice makes perfect and it’s no different when it comes to Reiki.

What Should You Be Aware Of Before Becoming A Reiki Master

Reiki can help us change our lives for the better.

This isn’t done solely with the hands-on technique, but also through meditation with your inner-self.

One of the best things you can do in Reiki is to learn more about yourself.

I would argue that this is the most important thing.

If you do it harmoniously and without rushing, it can help you as well as others.

The flow of universal energy gradually opens your energy centers. This way, the awareness towards yourself increases.

This will make you mindful of the sources of your imbalances at the emotional and energetic level.

A common example is “forgiveness”.

This is for sure one of the most important and beneficial things you can learn throughout your life.

It manifests itself at the spiritual level.

The inability to forgive will deteriorate your energy fields. It will also allow negative energy to transition your chakras.

If it’s not recognized and healed, this series of events will eventually lead to illness.

This manifests itself at the physical level. 

But by listening and learning, such a situation can be the awareness activator for understanding how important is to do and be good, to forgive and forget.

Listening and learning as a Reiki Master will help you become more aware of these types of situations.

Using Reiki will provide additional aid, moving you quicker towards understanding the issue.

As a good Reiki practitioner, but even more, as a Reiki Master, you will be able to get to the root of such problems.

Only by getting to the very core of your issues, you’ll be able to heal them.

Eventually, this will lead to wisdom which in turn will open your mind to a new world of spiritual understanding.

What Changes

As a Reiki Master, you’ll probably see changes on the outside as well.

Your vibration will increase with time and your resonance with certain people can change too.

This isn’t a rule by any means but it’s a very possible outcome.

When it comes to karma, being a Reiki Master may speed up certain life lessons or karmic “debts” that need to be paid off.

Again, this is not mandatory.

But if this happens, it won’t be without a reason. Once you free yourself from any “debts” you may safely and easily travel in your life journey.

Benefits Of Being A Reiki Master

For starters, you will be entitled to initiate people who want to practice Reiki. Not only this, but you’ll also have to pass on your learnings.

As a side note, this is not supposed to sound like an obligation. It’s a beautiful thing that you’ll feel proud of.

For Usui Reiki, at the Master Level, your vibration rises and progressive expansion of awareness takes place.

This means that you begin to understand that you are a spiritual being having a physical experience.

You are in control of your life but at the same time, you are also guided by the Divine universal life force energy.

It also means you have an important part to “play” in this world and you should fulfill it according to the Universal Laws.

The potential for mental and emotional healing will be stronger at this level and it is up to you to activate that healing. It will all take place in your own optimum rhythm.

As a Reiki Master, you will experience all the benefits that Reiki has but at a whole new level.

Take It Slow, There Is No Rush In Reiki

After achieving the Reiki Master Level you should give some time before you start a new type of Reiki.

The energy and information that comes with the Usui Reiki Master attunement have to settle in. (The initial Reiki attunement is the process through which you can practice Reiki. It’s different for the Master Level but the term is the same.)

More than this, it’s important to experiment and learn about yourself at this new stage.

For this level, I would recommend working with other people as well. This is how you’ll speed up your learning curve.

Some schools intentionally have quite high prices for such attunements. This way the student will value it more and eventually give it extra time and attention.

This practice began with Hawayo Takata and the $10,000 fee.

Misconceptions About Reiki Masters

A Reiki Master/Teacher is just a person. They are people like me and you.

This is important because even if one reaches this stage it’s only the beginning of their spiritual evolution.

Let me give you an example!

One day, at the weekly seminar I attend, there was a student who had to leave early.

Nothing wrong with that.

Before reaching for the door, the student kneeled and bowed in front of his teacher, like a samurai.

We were all a bit surprised.

My teacher asked why he did it. He continued to explain that he’s only human, like everyone else in the room.

“If you cut me I will bleed. This is unnecessary. Stop this nonsense!”

The lesson here is very simple, yet quite powerful. If you look at someone with admiration, especially an imposing figure, always remember they are only human.

Nobody is better than you are. We are just at different levels in our life.

If you are a Reiki Master, it doesn’t mean you are an Ascendant Master. You are still someone learning your way into this world just like everyone else.

The beauty of achieving this level is that you should gain more wisdom and discover who you are.

People will look at you with admiration but you’ll simply serve. Your purpose is to give back, help, and guide when you’re needed.

The more you evolve, the humble you become, the happier you’ll be.

Responsibilities Of A Reiki Master/Teacher

From the moment you accept to become a Reiki Master/Teacher you are responsible for what comes with. The way you learn your life lessons and how you pass that on to your students, it’s on you.

Once again, this isn’t meant to sound harsh. Know that your actions from now on influence others more than before.

What Is A Reiki Master vs Teacher

There are two “titles” so to speak: Master and Teacher.

Reiki schools teach different paths for the levels of attunement.

Some schools prefer to have Reiki Level 3 as a master and teacher level, while others choose to have 3 levels plus one extra attunement.

In both cases, the latter enables you to initiate as well as teach others.

Neither is wrong, as they both share the same goal.

The way I did it was with 3 Usui Reiki levels and an extra one for becoming a Master/Teacher.

So what’s the difference between “Master” and “Teacher”?

Whether you call it Master or Teacher, it usually refers to that Reiki Practitioner who can initiate and teach others.

But you can also get the Master Level without being able to do attunements (initiate others). In this case, an extra attunement is required.

It all depends on your Reiki Master.

At a more spiritual level …

Having gone through the attunement for Reiki Level 3 doesn’t make you a master right away.

It implies that you now have the opportunity and potential to become a specialist, mentor, and guide. You are an entity that offers a flow of knowledge and wisdom.

A Master, in any field, learns with time and practice but the best way to learn is to teach. That’s because it forces you to deliver information that others can understand. This extra research will enable you to become a second-time student and eventually grow as a master.

Therefore the two terms are one and the same even though their meanings and roles are different.

Two become one in this case.

Being a Reiki Master is a life-long process that’s not only enjoyable but also highly rewarding.

Best Practices For Reiki Masters

You are allowed to trigger the thoughts and emotions for change in people who have this desire. This trigger may not always be under the form of extreme kindness and empathy.

Unfortunately, some people wake up under stress and pressure.

Sometimes you need to act as a mirror. Reflect the needs of their true inner-self to produce the will to change.

Do not force people into doing something, even if it’s in their best interest. You may show the “door” of knowledge and understanding if you wish, but you have to let them open it.

Do not force people in practicing Reiki or any other spiritual practice.

You are allowed to guide nobody who doesn’t wish to be guided. They will do so when they are ready.

If both sides accept to collaborate, it’s your duty to find that person’s optimum rhythm.

If you’re unclear, start by showing them your way of doing things. 

From my experience, “do what you love and he/she will be there” works best. If two people resonate and have to be or work together, that will happen. You just have to believe.

A Reiki Master Is A Connection Between Light And Earth

Dai Ko Myo is the symbol that represents you as a Reiki Master

Its translation is “The house of great white beaming light”. That is what you should aspire to be.

As a Reiki Master and as a person who desires to become a channel of good into this world, you are an example who chooses to:

• Bring light where there is darkness;
• Bring love where there is hate;
• Seek to replenish your knowledge;
• Be open to learning from others as you have learned from your teachers;
• Understand that everyone’s life is different and they might perceive it in their own way;
• Do not judge because you are in no position to do so;
• Have a positive attitude as much as possible and become an example through that;
• Be truthful, accept and love yourself. Should you believe there is a need for change, then you will do so in a harmonious manner;
• Show respect towards yourself and others;
• Understand that by helping people, you help humanity evolve;
• Guide others on the right path and pay attention to their needs;
• Be a good person;

A Reiki Master is the change she/he wants to see in the world!

Once you feel comfortable practicing Reiki at this level you might be interested in trying the Reiki Grand Master System >>