REIKI: WHAT PEOPLE WONDER ABOUT – PART 1

As we begin Reiki and move through its stages, there is a great deal of misinformation—things we misunderstand, misuse, manipulate, or were simply taught incorrectly. Unfortunately, once these enter into practice, they create a chain effect, become ingrained, and are difficult to correct. They can disrupt us on many levels. That’s why I place great importance on these topics and try to emphasize them as much as possible during training.

Incomplete or incorrect initiations, non-existent levels or types of Reiki, and failure to respect the appropriate timeframes for practice and integration are some of the most critical issues.

One frequently overlooked topic is the waiting period between Reiki levels—what it means, how long it should be, and why it’s necessary. Being initiated into an energy healing modality is a multi-layered journey. Before moving on to the next level, it’s crucial to reach the maturity, competence, and responsibility required for that level, and to fully integrate and embody the benefits of the current one. That’s why there are waiting periods and continued practice, which generally increase with each level (with few exceptions). Otherwise, we inevitably face a kind of holistic indigestion.

For instance, someone who moves rapidly from Level 1 to Levels 2 or 3 without sufficient time and practice ends up carrying unresolved issues and unprocessed energies into the higher levels. Instead of finding balance, they may end up even more out of sync. It’s like trying to move on to higher education without completing secondary school—it causes multifaceted challenges and can lead to greater problems. In short, if the foundation of a building is weak, if it’s been built hastily with makeshift materials, that building is bound to collapse.

Reiki levels are not a display of status or a race driven by ego; they are deeply personal. Often, there's a hunger for energy and growth between levels, which creates a desire to consume everything quickly. This is a common and problematic phenomenon that can lead to difficult-to-correct consequences. Spiritual hunger, ego illusions of “being there,” and impatience can lead to overloading in a way that’s unconscious and unbalanced. But we must remember: no matter how much we collect, store, or consume, unless we experience them in our own lives, and use them in the right way, they’re of no real benefit. This is why shortcut solutions don’t work, and why theory means nothing unless it becomes lived experience.

Knowledge must be integrated gradually into our consciousness, body, and being. This happens through a feedback loop between the inner and outer worlds. Transformation—from seed to flower, caterpillar to butterfly, coal to diamond—only occurs within the triangle of knowledge, experience, and embodiment. This process can only unfold through proper channels, certain principles, and a gradual path. Anything else is temporary illusion or misdirection.

Each aspect of our being—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual—progresses in different forms and speeds. At early stages, we may not perceive this balance clearly, and get pulled by one dominant aspect while others lag behind. Unfortunately, fabricated styles, rushed levels, and nonexistent initiation forms are part of the problem. That’s why it's vital to follow spiritual ethics, truth-based knowledge, and core principles rather than egos that shout “I did it, so it is.” Especially if we truly want to walk this path.

A balanced, harmonious journey means honestly sensing whether we’re ready for the next level—after fully understanding and completing the work at our current level. This readiness is deeply personal and naturally arises as the process progresses. Questions like “When should I take the next level? Am I ready?” don’t usually occur if the path is unfolding healthily. An important aspect is also the teacher's ability and responsibility to evaluate their student. Every initiation a teacher performs and every training they offer carries a responsibility—not just for their student but also for that student’s future students.

This is why, traditionally, the 3B Master Level cannot be requested by the student but must be offered by the teacher when deemed appropriate.

Today, the commonly suggested minimum waiting times between levels (3 months, 6 months, 1 year) are largely symbolic—they are actually indefinite and person-specific. Transitions between levels have generally shortened due to various factors. This can be used constructively or destructively by both student and teacher. The key is to neither accelerate nor delay progress due to fear or ego. Trying to pour a bucket of water into a glass will break the glass and waste the water. Pouring glass-sized water into a bucket is just as pointless.

There’s also a problematic belief that using certain unusual abilities means someone has “graduated.” This can be used as a tool to manipulate others, especially by those lacking awareness. A person’s ability to use certain powers—especially when revealed through ego—does not indicate spiritual maturity. With certain techniques and effort, anyone can develop certain abilities, but without heart-centered guidance and conscious integration, these powers remain unbalanced and can become harmful. Sometimes, less is more. Sometimes, slow is the most direct and safest path. Some evolve with just a pebble; others aren’t satisfied even by the whole world. Wisdom is not about quantity but about quality, awareness, balance, and wholeness.

Real strength lies in being content with who you are in every situation while still striving to grow. If someone is far from self-awareness, the doors to certain powers won’t even open—and if they do, it’s because the person has reached a maturity where they can use them wisely and respectfully.

Trying to combine multiple techniques, teachings, or disciplines too early rarely yields good results. Even if they don’t directly contradict each other, they may follow very different paths. One teacher may say “be silent,” while another says “speak up.” One may tell you to walk, the other to stop. Even if both are valid in their own right, you may not be ready to discern or apply what’s best for your own state. This can lead to confusion and chaos. I wish us all a path of light guided by the right teachers, with clarity and alignment.

Ahu BİRLİK