Reiki and Christianity

This article is first in a series discussing Reiki and its compatibility or incompatibility with specific religions.

Is Reiki compatible with your religious beliefs if you are a Christian?
There are several viewpoints on this topic. Reiki is certainly considered spiritual but not necessarily of any specific religious descent. Even though Dr. Usui, who rediscovered Reiki, was considered a Buddhist monk, this does not mean that is not entirely connected with Christianity.

Reiki Principles teach us:
Just for today I will not worry
Just for today I release all anger
Just for today I shall earn my living with integrity
Just for today I will be kind to every living thing
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings

You will note that these are written in the way that some Christian teachings are as the “just for today” and the love-filled messages and direction. Certainly Christian principles acknowledge the purity and benefits of these Reiki Precepts. These precepts, which are at the core of one’s Reiki practice, are very compatible with Christianity.

REI – Spiritually guided, all of creation. The first half of the word “Rei-ki” translates as “God Light” or “Spiritually Guided”. It can mean God, Love or Light It is meant to describe the creation in its totality – every cell, blade of grass, stone, tree, animal, human, every planet and star. Christians can interpret this as God’s love.

KI – Life Energy. This is the name given to the vital energy that is used to give life to God’s creation. This energy, also knows as chi or prana, can be viewed as the loving energy that surrounds our physical world. This energy provides vitality for wellness, balance and wellbeing on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The word “Reiki” can then be viewed as God’s love shining on us, giving us healing love. Reiki is a special type of energy, one guided by God’s love..

Reiki can be viewed as a personal or spiritual path– not necessarily a religious one, although it can be used to enhance Christian work.

Whatever your views are on spirituality, Reiki should be seen as a way for us to reconnect with ourselves. Reiki teaches us that pain, suffering, and illness is caused in some part, by separation from the oneness of creation on some level. Christians understand the oneness of creation as God and the holy trinity. Reiki helps to reconnect us as humans with our loving Creator.

Reiki can be considered “God’s Work” just as many other things can be. If you are a Christian and believe in God, then practicing Reiki can bring you closer to God and to your own personal spiritual and religious path. Many very religious individuals practice Reiki and feel that it is the work of God and that God brought them to Reiki in order to follow his example and to help heal others. There are many dedicated and selfless members of the clergy who are Reiki Masters and teachers. By giving the gift of Reiki, either in a session or a class, you are without a question doing God’s work.

This article appeared in the July 2006 issue of The Reiki Times, the monthly magazine of the IARP.
© 2006. International Association of Reiki Professionals LLC. All Rights Reserved.