One of the misconceptions I have encountered as a Reiki Master Teacher is that if you practice or teach Reiki you cannot be a Christian. When I began studying Reiki, I found myself countering with strangers and family members regarding my faith. Many have been taken aback when I respond that my practice and teachings are Christ-centered. The concept of the two blending together, rather than the idea that Reiki integrated with other faiths, is simply an oxymoron.

I was raised in a Bible-based home by a mother who proudly labels herself a Christian. As a teenager, I was an acolyte in our Episcopal church near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As I got older, I mindfully chose modalities that allowed me the freedom to connect deeper with God. Prayer and faith are an integral part of my life and teachings.

My faith is something that has assisted me throughout my life yet strangers who reach out with their fair warnings of Reiki have a difficult time hearing my words, or seeing that one of my staple pieces of jewelry is a cross that I have worn since I was 16 years old. They see the word “Reiki “and assume that I am not aligned with Christian values. Strangers who were former Reiki Masters who no longer practice to those who felt called to warn me that Reiki is not of God. When I would respond. ”I believe in God”, the immediate response tends to be, “I will pray for you.” Then, in return, I typically respond in great sincerity. ”Great, please do that. I will pray for you as well.”

Just seeing the word Reiki evokes emotions in people and some make the immediate connection that Reiki is a Religion or it is a sin. I recall I was a vendor at a market, and a woman came up to my table. She read out loud the word, “Reiki”. She paused, looked at me, and responded. “Oh, I don’t do that,” and I responded, “Sounds good, have a great day.” It is the idea and respect that we all have different opinions and experiences.

I recall reading the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, “Four Locks and Keys” which refers to Sutra 1.33 and connects to Delighting in the Virtuous, the Punya, or the virtuous: Individuals exhibiting positive qualities and virtues. The idea of acquiring an attitude of not being offended, not defending your stance, or getting upset about the opinion or judgment being presented to you: rather celebrating and appreciating the virtuous actions of that person. In acknowledging the good, both in ourselves and admiring someone for their commitment and dedication. Instead of responding and leading into an argument, respond with great admiration for their commitment to their belief or value. Remember you do not need to partake in every argument that is being presented to you.

As Reiki practitioners and teachers, we know that Reiki is a healing practice and is not inherently religious. There is no dogma attached to it yet so many see it as that way. Here lies the question: Is it possible to be a Reiki Master and be a Christian? Can there be an integration of Reiki and other faiths?

Can you have a core belief in a God of your understanding and be a Reiki Practitioner or Reiki Master Teacher?

My experience is YES, it is possible to be both. This stress-reducing modality can and is practiced by individuals of various faith backgrounds, including Christianity. There are so many systems of Reiki out in the world, find the one that works with your core beliefs.

Many faith-believing individuals find that Reiki aligns with their practice and believe the idea that we are an extension of God’s love and healing toward others. There is this neutrality in Reiki as Reiki focuses on a universal energy life force that the practitioner or master teacher can open to their interpretation. If the practitioner or Master teacher brings prayer into the session or interprets the source connection of energy coming from the highest heaven, One can frame it that you are sharing God’s love with those who are struggling to access it.

When looking through the lineage I found a quote by Takeda Hakusai Ajari. “Ancient Japanese Shintoism viewed the universe not as mere material existence, but saw a noble power within everything, and this was called ‘Kami.’ In other words, the Japanese have traditionally felt the existence of God, or life, or Divine Spirit, in all things. And in our minds, the Buddha and the Shinto Kami are the same thing.” This is already within us that is given to us by a God of our understanding. We can take it further to break it down.

Here are some pros and cons from a Christian perspective. The idea is that God is in all things and why cannot exist within Reiki whether it is for ourselves or others?

From a Christian perspective let’s take a look at some Pros and Cons

Pros of a Christian who does Reiki

1. A way to express God’s healing.
2. Surrendering to God.
3. Trusting that God will assist with the illness, situation, or circumstance.
4. A way to express compassion.
5. A comparison with parallels laying hands-on healing.
6. Depending on the system of Reiki Integrating your core beliefs.
7. Helps deepen their connection to God or God of their understanding.

Cons (An individual who believes you cannot be a Christian and practice Reiki)

1. Reiki is replacing the faith in God.
2. This is a new age.
3. The idea you are channeling universal energy instead of God.
4. Roots in Japanese traditions.
5. Using symbols and chanting instead of trusting in God.

Reiki can be a deeply personal and spiritual practice for some while stirring up misunderstandings in others. Keep in mind when someone questions or begins to speak to you of the dangers of Reiki or that Reiki is a sin, just remember the “Four Locks and Keys, Punya, or the virtuous: Thank the individual and express that you admire their devotion to their faith.”

Take careful consideration of how Reiki fits into your spiritual and personal beliefs. Realize that as you continue to study and grow in Reiki, you may encounter someone who sees it differently. In the end, this comes down to an individual experience that works with your core beliefs.

Article by Tracy Searight

Free eBook download: We’ve created an eBook with our best articles on this topic, and offer it for free to all our newsletter subscribers.

Tracy Searight is an educator, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, Reiki Grandmaster Teacher, Author, and creative energy behind the podcast Ready Set Reiki. She is the owner of Feather Sister which offers Yoga and Reiki classes and training online and in person in the El Paso, Texas area. She lives in El Paso with her husband Kevin Dibert and their cavalier king Charles Spaniels. www.feathersister.com