Reiki.On 7/18/97, Anne Harris wrote:
<<... I am confused with what is going on in Reiki. Any additional info greatly appreciated.">>
Hi Anne,
I too am confused.
There seems to be a competitive, almost capitalistic thing going on. People are trademarking names and attunments... Sheesh, it's a mess.
Phyllis Furumoto, (Takata's granddaughter and current Reiki Grand Master), is trademarking the name Usui Shiki Ryoho(tm).. I was taught this style of Reiki first.
I was told that simply put, that Usui Shiki Ryoho(tm) is what is known as 'Traditional' Reiki. This is the style that Takata herself taught. Theoretically, what Hayashi taught her.
People like Diane Stein, and also William Rand of the Center For Reiki Training, teach traditional with a couple of additional Master symbols, and these diciplines are often termed "Tibetan Reiki" as the additional symbols are Tibetan in nature. They also make use of Tibetan breath work that Usui Shiki Ryoho does not.
Enter Kathleen Milner.. she studied with a Tibetan Master and he gave her abunch of new symbols and instruction. Somehow or another, William Rand got a hold of these symbols, and starting using them.
I was told that his associate Laura Ellen , a devout Christian, wasn't comfortable with Master Baba's symbols and technique, so after a year, William changed the name,dropped some of the symbols, maybe added some new ones... ( I can't remember), came up with some new attunments, and a different style of teaching, and called it Karuna(tm) Reiki.
Laura Ellen practiced with it a year before giving it a final Ok.
There are 9 symbols in Karuna(tm).
Then, when it went over big, he trademarked the name, attunment process, and style of teaching. It was decided in a suit that William was involved with, that no one could trademark or copyright thousands of year old Tibetan symbols. Just the name of the system of teaching, and the attunement process he came up with.
I am not sure that I agree with trademarking a healing diciple of any kind... yet, I can not in good heart judge a situation that I know nothing of... I send Love and Healing to the situation, and have faith that it will turn out for the benifit of the Highest Good.
I hope this answers your questions.. Thank you for writing.