We all have beliefs and opinions and each and every persons should be valued and respected.  Please be encouraged to explore this subject on your own. Come to your own conclusions. Discuss it with friends, your teacher, and other practitioners. We only offer the following as an inspirational viewpoint and - hopefully - as encouragement for each person to determine their own answers to the questions raised.

Whenever we discuss Reiki, the question inevitably comes up: "Is Reiki a religion?" The simple answer is no. Reiki is not a religion, nor is it associated with any particular belief system. Yet most Reiki Practitioners - especially master teachers - have a "spiritual" outlook in their day to day lives. It is rare to fully incorporate Reiki into your life and not have it change or supplement your view of the universe. In this way, most Reiki practitioners become reverends or ministers of non-denominational faith (interfaith) to respect and honor the spiritual aspect of each client.

Reiki is an extremely personal experience. Whether receiving Reiki during a session or being attuned as a practitioner, no two experiences are alike. Most Reiki practitioners believe that our Spirit or Ki, directs Reiki to go where necessary during a session. In the same way, our spirit works with the Ki as we are treated with Reiki. A Reiki session changes us, both physically and metaphysically. The vibrational rate of our cells is increased through each Reiki session. As a result, many of our personal issues fall away, and we are quite literally "shaken up" by the experience. As our chakras are cleared and balanced by the Reiki energy, our spiritual perceptions may be heightened.

So what does this mean to the practitioner/client relationship? Some clients may be discouraged by a healing system that discusses spirituality at all. It is important that the client is prepared for the possibility of these changes, though. We must achieve a delicate balance here. Reiki does not subscribe to any particular spiritual viewpoint, nor does it even require our belief. It is entirely possible to receive and/or practice Reiki without believing in any form of God, Higher Power, or Religious Intent. On the other hand, it is also entirely possible that a client who formerly did not believe in anything of the like will find him/herself having experiences that raise questions about universal energy and why it works. Reiki is about acceptance and unconditional love. Your Reiki practitioner will not try to change your religious beliefs in any way or discuss religion with you at all.

Your own beliefs will always be honored and incorporated into your session if you want it to be included.

Trust is given in Reiki - and in the client's spirit- to direct just what is needed and no more. And above  all, to let each person walk their own path. In that way, we are truly honoring every living thing.