(01-10-2017, 03:07 AM)SMC Wrote:(01-09-2017, 10:32 PM)Glow Wrote:(01-09-2017, 07:52 PM)Agua del Cielo Wrote: Although i cannot speak of reiki, i would like to add some points on "initiation" ( as im practicing a breathing technique that you need an iniation for):This brings up some questions I've been pondering about symbols. I am comfortable saying the reiki doesn't trigger redflags when ive seen their symbols, that likely is because of how they have done what is possible to keep some control of the "initiation" so I see that good that comes from that.
The purpose might not be to keep it secret for secretness sake, as well as it might not be a means of control.
It might be a good idea to be initiated by someone who has been practicing the technique for a long time, knows it inside out, knows the common mistakes and stumbling blocks.
Not sure if "silent post" is a common term in english, but if a technique such as this would be completely available, it would very quickly degenerate, probably losing its power and possibly even doing harm.
Additionally (dont know if its the case with reiki) some techniques could be considered an energetic entity, the purer and more correct it is being practiced, the more powerful it will be for everyone practicing it.
The more distortion each practitioner adds, the more it loses power for everyone.
This might take some years of practice to discover.
But its a good idea to protect the purity by insisting on initiation, instead of risking that people who not yet understand this ruin the whole thing.
Apart from that, iniation usually transfers energy and powerful insight, that might be very useful.
I hope it wasnt too off-topic and applies to the thread in some way.
Most symbols/sigils i am weary of using myself because I think it would be very easy to make a symbol for one thing tell everything it represents something else and have it charged by those who are being lied to about it's true meaning.
K now I'm getting way off topic. I'm going to go start another.
Thanks for all your insight folks!
from this (and your reply prior also) - I'm getting the feeling that a Reiki initiation isn't 'right' for - or necessary for you - at least not at the moment and maybe your path to the same Energy will be different but just as valid/useful (and it seems it's already underway also) ....
- remember Reiki isn't a brand or a 'product' - it's concentrated 'Life Force Energy'
for example: When I met Phyllis Lee Furomoto (granddaughter of Hawayo Takata and current Usui Reiki Grandmaster) and asked her if the Energy ("hara") used in Aikido (a Japanese martial art) aka: 'chi' (Chinese) ... is the same Energy - she said yes - it is -
the only difference is that with a Reiki initiation it's now entering through your crown chakra permanently for the rest of your life...
- having learnt Aikido (and Tai Chi and Wing Chun Kung Fu) I realised that Reiki's main 'thing' is that it's automatic and permanent.
Also - Reiki is so simple - the symbols aren't a doctrine or 'magick' unto themselves... (they're not comparable to a western magickal tradition of sigils or talismanic practice...)
Currently - as long as you focus on using, bringing through energy not from within you but from the highest positive or neutral good - you will be fine... you may not actually need to be initiated into Reiki - always go by heart not brain - your 'gut' knows what's right for you at all given moments Glow - I mean - look at your instincts to leave that negative situation with 'family' - you have a strong intuition!
I am also in the Furomoto lineage although I have not had the pleasure of meeting him and there are a few degrees of separation, such as through William Rand. I agree with what you are saying here, also having experience with the same martial arts and Qi gong. The purpose of the initiation is essentially to increase the flow from the crown and to elevate the flow from the root. I was taught that the symbols aren't even really necessary if you have a strong enough intention, however I differ slightly in that I do not think they are different from any other magical symbols and that the symbols are significant in the transmission as I consider them to be a physical concentrating mechanism for Reiki as well. I view them as their own individual entities rather than merely being purely a functional aspects of the practitioner and are 'alive' in their own right. You could probably do an initiation without the symbols though and still get the same effect I imagine.
However, it is absolutely simple and very easy to access and understand. I think Reiki is very fundamentally a very universal 'white' magical practice when it is used honestly with genuine intent that is designed for its simplicity to be able to be used by many.
There are of course many different healing techniques which use the universal energy as their modus operandi so I definitely agree that it may not even be what you need to pursue a path of healing, it is simply 'available' in the world, but you might have an even more effective path before you that you have not seen yet. I am sure you will discover much on whichever path you choose to take. Speaking to Glow I mean.