By: Samantha Hall
With the number of teachers, trainings, and institutions teaching Reiki, interested apprentices are at a loss as to where and who to enroll under in order to receive the Reiki attunements necessary to practice the art. It is also quite hard to find which Reiki institutions and Reiki masters are truly qualified in initiating new learners. For students, finding the right master is crucial. They’ve got to find that person who has the energy to bring them exactly what they need and expect from Reiki.
If you’re looking for a Reiki Master and are willing to enroll in a Reiki school, here are the things that you have to know before enlisting:
1. Reiki proficiency
It is very important that your master has been working with Reiki long enough to know everything about it, including the techniques not written in any book or manual. His own training is going to be very relevant as well. As much as possible, the teacher should spend ample time teaching the craft and is using it personally.
2. Lineage
There are different types of Reiki and each of them follows certain techniques and teachings. If you want to learn Usui Reiki, it is very important that you learn the art from a real Usui Reiki master. Know the lineage of your Reiki master as it will determine what type of Reiki he’ll teach you.
3. Qualifications
Certain institutions require qualifications before students are taught the basic principles of the art. But for Usui Reiki, there are rarely any qualifications required. For advanced Reiki classes though, like Karuna Reiki, you would have to be a certified Usui Reiki master first.
4. Classes Coverage
When learning Reiki, you have to know beforehand what are the things you will learn once you have decided to enroll. Know the total class hours required and how much time is allotted to theoretical instructions and the amount of time given for hands-on practice.
5. Application
Students should also ask the Reiki master about the things they will be able to do after the training. It should be clear right from the start if the lessons that will be given to you would make you an advanced Reiki practitioner or it would be more for personal use.
6. Fees and certification
Reiki instructions correspond to a certain amount of money. Know how much you have to pay for the training sessions and whether you’ll get a manual and a certification after completing the course.
7. Taking Notes
Some Reiki masters forbid the use of notes or recorders in their class. This practice can be traced back during the time when Reiki and its symbols are regarded to be sacred. As such, the whole lesson has to be memorized and not written down.
8. Symbols
The most important elements of the art of Reiki are its symbols. Know straight from the Reiki master whom you’ll train under the actual number of symbols you will learn in the course.
9. Support
A Reiki support group is very essential because through it, you will be able to enrich your knowledge in the art after completing the training sessions. There should be adequate support from your master too – even after you have finished all the necessary sessions with him.
10. Respect and reputation
Before enlisting for a Reiki training under a master or an institution, it is necessary that you know first whether they enjoy good reputations as Reiki masters and practitioners. They should also be respectful of other practitioners and masters who don’t belong to their lineage.
