Finding the Right Reiki Teacher

Article by Ashwita Goel, Reiki Master

Reiki can transform lives in ways that defy imagination, but this long, wonderful journey starts with a person – a Reiki teacher/ master. Needless to say, it is very important to find the right teacher to start off on the right foot. Now, how do we make this happen? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Ask Reiki for help

Your real journey with Reiki begins long before you step into a Reiki class. Spend a few moments every day in meditation, becoming aware of the desire in your heart, for a good Reiki teacher, and imagine that desire expanding and merging with the universe.

Some questions you can ask

• How long have you been working with Reiki?
• What is the value of Reiki in your life?
• How many people will be there in the class?
• What will the class cover? Will there be any practical sessions?
• What is the fee for a class? Will I receive a manual and/or a certificate?
• How will you support me after I learn? Do you have meet ups or Reiki groups?
• Will I be able to reach you directly after the class, in case I have doubts?

Usually, it is better to learn in a class that covers at least a demonstration, or maybe a practice of the Reiki healing methods. The lack of it can lead to considerable confusion. The accessibility of the teacher also matters so that it is easy to clarify doubts after the class.

The ‘perfect’ Reiki teacher does not exist

No matter how good a Calculus teacher might be, she might not succeed very well in teaching a little girl some algebra. The right teacher for you at any stage is one who will teach you what you need to know to move to the next level. For this reason, I advise against being biased towards the number of years of experience, the number of certificates on the wall, or any other list of accomplishments.
It is important to understand that Reiki teachers or masters are human beings and have flaws. Reiki practice does not make one perfect – it helps one deal with imperfections better. All you need is someone who can help you bring a greater degree of acceptance of your own flaws. Therefore, it is best to ask Reiki to guide you to the best Reiki teacher ‘for you’.

Ultimately, it is the purity of the heart that matters

Make sure you have a good conversation with the teacher first, either on phone or in person. If the teacher is right for you, you are likely to feel happy, content and peaceful after the conversation.

Once you are decided

If you wish to fill a cup with tea, it is essential that the cup be empty first. If it is filled with coffee already, we’re going to end up with a distasteful mess. When with a teacher, we gain the most when we bring an attitude of gratitude, openness and acceptance. Be alert, ask questions, and clarify all doubts, but also remember to respect and trust.

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Having learned Meditation as a child, Ashwita incorporated Reiki into her life during her early teens. After a decade of witnessing the magic Reiki, she felt compelled to take up Reiki professionally, and ended her corporate career in 2007, taking up Reiki full-time. She eventually incorporated EFT, hypnotherapy and past life therapy into her work. Apart from her healing work, she teaches Reiki and meditation, and her book ‘Healing Through Reiki’ is available on Amazon. She holds regular full moon and new moon meditations at @AshwitaGoel. Her website is www.reiki-bangalore.com and her blog www.ashwita.com