The only thing you need to become a Reiki channel is selflessness, natural compassion and a willingness to practice regularly.
And it is these very qualities that set one Reiki master apart from the other.
Unfortunately these days, quite a few Reiki practitioners are increasingly viewing themselves as health care providers and are themselves confused about the basics of Reiki. Therefore it is not uncommon to hear - "I healed him/her of... (Problem) in just... (Days)"
In short, they have forgotten that they are just mediums for the corrective flow of Reiki and it is NOT THEM but the divine Reiki energy that heals!
Which also means that they cannot (and should not) either take credit or give a time frame for healing. All they should focus on is being humble, acknowledge the divine Reiki's healing power (not their own) and ensure that the person who comes to them goes back with positivity.
Positivity can never come if a practitioner doesn't have the compassion and a sense of oneness with the universal bond.
I have seen Reiki practitioners refusing to heal or teach someone who cannot "pay their fees". Reiki, like air and water, belongs to no one and is free for all the living beings in this universe.
Yes, they should charge; NOT for Reiki, but just for their time and effort. And of course, never ask so much that a person cannot give. It's a positive energy exchange- which means, it should also create positivity.
So how do we evaluate whom to go for learning Reiki or for a session of Reiki healing?
Since Reiki has emerged not from schools and colleges but from the grass-roots of humanity, there are many varying perspectives as well as practicing styles. All of them are good in their own way.
While there are differences in these styles, a few common factors indicate the authenticity as well as the genuineness of a Reiki practitioner.
- Do not go solely by the possession of certificates or the photographs with the well known personalities. A true Reiki practitioner will never boast by showing how well connected he or she is!
- Ask a few specific questions before deciding upon someone to attune you or heal you.
- Look for a person who has experience in Reiki healing. Most so called Reiki practitioners are "teaching" as opposed to healing.
Teaching after reading various resources is very easy. What sets a good Reiki practitioner apart is the amount he or she practices healing.
Therefore ask these questions-
Q-1. Does he/she practice Reiki every day?
Q-1. Do they also hold healing sessions regularly? (Many insist that you learn Reiki from them and then heal yourself - thus shifting the onus of healing to you!).
Insist on a healing session first and see that if it makes any difference in your condition.
Stop and think!
If a Reiki master cannot heal you, what will he or she attune you with which would help you heal yourself?
Also insist on them to describe the process and structure of their class content.
Many people don't tell this on phone and insist on personal visit which means that they want to "rope you in". Many do not want to explain and “waste" their time. Such people have done more harm to the cause of Reiki than they realize.
Attunement is a very very sacred ceremony which can only be done properly if it is through a proper channel. When attunement is done properly, the development of other qualities takes place naturally.
Therefore, spending a little time and asking these questions is one of the best ways to make up your mind before you decide upon the right person to be your Reiki Master.