TheLostBoy
Jedi
A little while ago I had read about a potentially trustworthy Reiki teacher in my state, and I had mentioned that if I had the chance to check it out or take a class there that I would post back with my experiences for the Forum. This is that post. Basically it summarizes my experiences with Reiki and gives a review of my experiences of the class that I took (which was found through the forum).
Moderators, if this belongs at the end of the "Recommend a Reiki Master" thread or anywhere else, my apologies for you having to move it.
Well everyone, I finally took the plunge and enrolled myself in a Reiki class after a long time of reading up on it. I mentioned in the Recommend a Reiki Master thread that I would report my experiences on the Forum, especially since the teacher I chose was briefly discussed in that thread. So! Here are my experiences with Reiki and with the class I took last weekend.
I’ve been interested in Alternative Medicines/Therapies for several years now. Unfortunately those fields are littered with some therapies and techniques or ideas that span the range from ‘a little out there’ or seemingly ‘too good to be true’, to blatant BS designed to take advantage of people and their wallets. When I first heard about Reiki, I thought that it sounded a little too good/easy to be true. I didn’t completely dismiss it though, and I’ve been listening and reading about Reiki for the past couple of years now. I found that there are plenty of documented cases of faster recovery periods after surgery, reducing stress, helping relaxation and so on, and that kept my interest with it going. It also helped to find that it is being allowed in established medical institutions. Not that I trust the established medical complex much, but as I understand they more allowed Reiki than implemented it due to a large number of patients requesting it. Reading about Laura’s experiences with Reiki in The Waves series was the final factor in convincing me that there is something to it, while at the same time realizing that I couldn’t go to just anyone or otherwise risk coming to believe misinformation/lies and giving my wallet a diet for no good reason. Finally, I began looking for a suitable Reiki teacher. I first really heard about Reiki from the mother of my ex-girlfriend. She had been getting into the New Age Movement a little before I met her daughter, and had taken her Reiki classes. Over the next couple of years, she delved into more and opened up a center/shop where she offers Reiki, Angel Readings and other services both herself and from local associates she came to know. She also sells metaphysical books, crystals and so forth. She is a wonderful person in her own way, but often can be a little naïve, as I see it, and believes in certain things a little too religiously tinted and/or far-fetched for me personally (YCYOR/The Secret, for example). Don’t misunderstand; I am grateful for her role in bringing such things to my attention as they opened an important door in my life, including discrimination of said multitude of therapies and ideas. I simply think that at times her discretion can be a little lacking regarding what to believe and how easily and completely those beliefs can be. In any case, I thought that the time within which she acquired her Reiki Master status to be a little fast (can’t remember the specifics, sorry). I didn’t feel comfortable with her to be my or to recommend a Reiki teacher, especially after reading of the potential pitfalls surrounding improper Reiki training and of becoming involved with certain circles through Laura’s writings. I found the Recommended Reiki Master and other Reiki threads on the Cassiopaea Forum, and found that there was a potentially trustworthy Reiki teacher not too far from me. After looking into her lineage, looking at word choice and phrasing from her website and so on and finding no overt red flags, I contacted her and signed up for her Reiki 1 class, which took place last weekend. I had mentioned on the Forum that should I go and check out or participate in a class there that I would report back with my experiences, so here we are!
The Reiki teacher I decided on is Karuna Krinsky, teaching out of Racine, WI. Her website is located at www.reikiteacher.org, and includes sections on Q&A, How to Choose a Reiki Teacher, Pictures of the Facilities and more.
The class took place at her home which also includes her Reiki business and a natural therapeutics/book/Reiki store. Our Reiki 1 classes ran from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a 30 minute or so break for lunch. It included 4 attunements total, 2 per day, spaced out roughly equally over the time we were there. We received a folder containing documents written by her covering the Three Pillars of Reiki, Hand Placements, Self-Treatments, Chakras, The Five Reiki Principles, Kenyoku, Biography of Dr. Usui and Reiki in the West. The folder also included “The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui by Dr. Mikao Usui and Frank Arjava Petter” (thought she actually didn’t teach from this at all and was basically for our personal inquiry) and Karuna’s business card. There were 5 of us in the class total. All were middle-aged women, with me being the only youngin’ and the only male, which wasn’t too unexpected. One of the participants had already taken Karuna’s Reiki 1 and 2 classes and was there mostly to support her sister in learning Reiki as part of her battle with breast cancer. The other students included a local Yoga instructor and a massage therapist working towards a Reiki massage therapist position at the Cancer Centers of America. The class was held in Karuna’s L-shaped Reiki room, which was set up with two massage/Reiki tables, two wooden-framed futon couches, a coffee table, extra chairs including for use at the Reiki tables, a small bookcase with Reiki-related materials, a tea station and a bathroom (among tastefully sparse oriental/Indian-themed decoration). We went through Reiki’s History, Hand Placements/Reiki Training and all participated in sharing Reiki between ourselves both in learning/practicing and as a Reiki Share at the end of the classes (including Karuna giving Reiki to us all with us).
During the class we were given the option of taking notes or not as we each saw fit. As I had been reading up on Reiki for some time and wanted to absorb the teachings more than worry about note-taking, I instead took down quick notes on how the class was proceeding and things I found positive/helpful or questionable/negative. These notes were to help me better understand Karuna’s understanding/view of Reiki and help form an overall picture from which to discern if I had come to the right place. You’ll see that they are almost exclusively generally positive, though honestly I was looking as much or maybe even more for red flags and anything that might rub me the wrong way. Considering the range of experiences possible in finding Reiki circles and that the only other ‘Reiki person’ I knew seemed to buy a little too much into the New Age Movement, I was basically ‘on guard’. I admit in some cases I may not have enough knowledge to discern something as questionable, but I did my best. The notes are all paraphrased from Karuna’s teachings, and quotes are her word choices and phrases specifically. In any case, here are my notes from the class:
-Karuna got us learning and then practicing the hand placements pretty quickly, and saved more of the background of Reiki and Dr. Usui and other ‘book knowledge’ for later. She emphasized that Reiki is not so much ‘book knowledge’, but something that is learned by experiencing and doing.
-We cannot “force” or so much direct Reiki, it will go where it is needed.
-Reiki cannot and does not interfere with “Free Will”. Karuna emphasized not manipulating anyone in any way, for your own benefit or theirs.
-All of her Reiki students are welcomed to re-attend the class, including receiving attunements again (though after 1st-time students receive theirs and time-permitting). You’re welcomed to attend again to solidify your knowledge and experience, but it is understood that you’ve already taken the class and the focus will not be on you at any expense of the paying 1st-time learners.
-Emphasized feedback, especially on the table as a receiver. She acknowledged that many clients will not speak up even if they are uncomfortable and encouraged us to periodically ask the receiver if they are comfortable, especially if we sensed they were discomforted in any way. “We are never helpless victims, speak up on any discomfort”.
-In taking her class, we now have access to the wholesaler of various books, vitamins, herbs, meditation and massage tools, aromatherapy and so on that she buys from for her store. Also in her store she offers most items at a very steep discount. This is through overstock, not charging a lot to make high profit margins and offering items with slight dents or bumps in the packaging (which she sells more cheaply as she gets a discount on them in said condition).
-Makes clear distinctions between Reiki (which is secular), Religion and Spirituality.
-Gave a generalized overview of the Chakra system, but states that “the Chakra system is not part of traditional Reiki, but it can help in understanding physical and physiological conditions”. Knowledge of the Chakras is not required to practice Reiki.
-The Gassho Meditation and Kenyoku were very basic, with basically no bells or whistles, and were mostly about getting oneself in the right state of mind and being to be most helpful to our client.
-Emphasized the most common, major hand placements but mentioned that hand placements specific to particular ailments and so forth are explained in the Handbook we received and encouraged us to pursue that knowledge ourselves if we are so inclined (and can ask her questions regarding such).
-Had a rather plain looking ‘volunteer’, Lucy, for use in showing hand placements and how to help the client be comfortable on the table throughout a session. The volunteer seemed waaay too relaxed to me, as she needed Karuna to lift and carry her in every instance and sat silently limp in the corner otherwise… ;)
-Had extra warm socks for everyone in case our feet got cold (even though she had previously advised us to bring extra socks and/or house slippers for comfort). Also had blankets for use on the tables or on the couch if we were cold.
-Karuna referred to Reiki for looking younger, communicating with the dead and so on as “New Agey”, and made it clear that we were learning the most traditional and authentic knowledge that she knew of. Also said, however, that while she does not personally work with Angels or the like, there are no “angel restrictions”.
-Had a large selection of herbal teas (both decaff. and caffeinated) and a hot water container, providing unlimited hot teas throughout the day. She also had homemade ‘healthy’ brownies and almonds on the coffee table for us. (note I put healthy in quotes as I am not sure the exact recipe, but they were not store-bought, processed brownie mix variety).
-Karuna maintained solid eye contact very equally with all students throughout the class. She spoke to us, and looked down at her own notes almost only to organize the various sections of the class and to quick double-check a few specific dates if she didn’t remember the exact year offhand (but was actually correct or within a year or two every time, I noticed).
-They (Karuna and her husband) have a 6,000+ book library including some videos, etc. that her students have access to and can borrow from. Some were old, hard to find or out of print texts they found in their travels to India and other countries.
-Karuna encouraged self-work (in all aspects) and discouraged attempting to have a ‘spiritual experience’ simply for the sake of an experience. “Too much too fast and/or letting others mess with you energy can be unhealthy”.
-Said small amounts of alcohol (not directly before, but on the same day as a treatment-giving or receiving) was okay, but obviously you don’t ever want to be intoxicated during any Reiki session ever.
-Advised that in certain regards staying below the radar so as to avoid any unnecessary troubles from society can save one from many annoying and possibly detrimental events/interactions.
-Karuna said “knowledge is our greatest tool”, referencing using knowledge to pre-empt being at anyone’s mercy. Basically she stated in so many words our beloved motto “Knowledge Protects”.
-Karuna only teaches 6 people at maximum per class. She doesn’t feel she and her students get enough of each other with any more participants.
-Admitted she doesn’t do things exactly the way her teacher taught her. She said this was mostly because her teacher was slightly more involved in the New Age movement than she prefers to model. Karuna prefers the most “authentic” modalities and self-studies much in that direction.
-Karuna openly shared when a piece of information she was giving us came from her own observations and experiences vs. a specifically referenced text or other source. She often phrased such bits of information as “this is what I have found”, “in my experience” or similar.
-Karuna has higher requirements for taking a Reiki Master Teacher (vs. Master Practitioner) class with her, including being solidly knowledgeable in the material and teaching a Reiki 1 class alongside her while she helps and observes. She mentioned that most often taking the Master Teacher class is not required for most people’s goals with Reiki (including offering one’s services to paying clients) and she has yet to teach anyone to be a Reiki Master Teacher who will go on to teach others.
-Karuna said it is okay to re-learn or further pursue Reiki with another teacher, but that if we do she asks that we direct all questions to them and not to begin studying with another teacher and then call her with questions. She said she does not want to get between anyone and their chosen teacher nor confuse a student in any way. She will still welcome back any students who choose another teacher for a time, but asks that one is not learning Reiki from anyone else at the same time. She also welcomes any former students who have chosen another teacher to her Reiki shares.
Overall my experience was very pleasant and positive. Basically nothing Karuna said or did put any skeptical hairs on end (despite being on alert the whole time), and that was reassuring. The very most questionable thing I could pick out was a short prayer that Karuna sang/chanted at the beginning of class (I believe Indian/Vedic in origin), and that only stood out for me because I have no knowledge of what it was or where/why it came from.
As for my personal experiences with the class, I enjoyed it very much. Everyone there was very friendly and easy-going. The woman having previously attended Karuna’s classes was very enthusiastic about Reiki, super friendly and once having heard I had come from hours out of town offered that should I come down for a Reiki Share or additional classes I am welcome to stay in her Reiki/spare bedroom to help save on costs. She and her husband have 3 grown boys roughly my age, and she asked me to text her when I got home after the last day of the class (which I thought was pleasantly ‘mother hen’-ish of her). All of the ladies offered me food at lunch when they saw I had brought none (though that was by design of mine as part of efforts to help my body be receptive to the attunements). Karuna’s home I found to be very pleasant,with sparse Indian/oriental themes, a very open design, lots of sunlight and a generally positive feel. We were all very supportive of each other, and overall it created a very helpful atmosphere for learning.
I did my best to not anticipate and just observe and absorb the whole experience. Having had almost no direct experiences with anything unseen, the most being déjà vu, I was somewhat concerned that perhaps I wouldn’t feel anything at all. I was basically silent unless directly addressed to speak, and rather enjoyed putting myself in that position of more attentive, quiet observation than I am used to in busy day-to-day life.
I didn’t feel a lot during the attunements, mostly a not-uncomfortable pressure in the middle of my forehead directly behind the vertical ridge running up my forehead between my eyebrows (basically where one would ascribe a ‘third eye’ to be). Actually, that pressure/sensation has been there off and on/varying since the class. During our sharing Reiki with each other I did notice a sometime slight and sometimes very noticeable ‘heat’ coming from my hands. I thought that perhaps I was simply feeling the person’s body heat, so I also tested the sensation when keeping my hands a few inches above their body (where I thought their body heat wouldn’t be easily detected) and found it still present. On the second day it at one point evolved from simply heat to a mix of hot and cold similar to putting ‘Icy Hot’ on your skin. It was only during one person’s time on the table. The second day I noticed the heat more and several times during a periodic break I noticed my hands were sweating. We were asked and all discussed amongst ourselves any sensations we had while on the table. All of the ladies said that my hands had felt very warm and comfortable and that they felt I had made a suitable decision in learning Reiki. This was reassuring for me and I appreciated their support. I have to say it felt very good, thinking that I can help others find more balance and/or healing in any way.
While I was on the table I was just generally relaxed and felt warmth coming from the ladies’ hands. During the Reiki Share/practice at the end of the second day (30 minutes on the table), I felt my head nod a bit as it does when one is falling asleep. This happened once again, but instead of my head nodding, my left hand ‘nodded’, or rather it felt as though it shot away from me and perhaps off the table to the point I was concerned I had almost hit/tapped the person on my left. Upon asking, the ladies said they saw this motion, but where I felt my hand had shot out they said it barely moved a millimeter. I was not at all sleepy and basically aware when both of these ‘nods’ happened. The two sensations I quickly related in my own mind to the ‘zoning out’ experience described during EE (though I haven’t personally had that experience in my practicing the meditation thus far). Generally speaking this was an affirmation for me that at least something was happening as a result of my receiving Reiki (and I had no reason to suspect any negativity in any way).
Today I emailed Karuna with a copy of what I've posted here for her to read before I posted it online. I felt it was respectful to send it to her first before posting it online. She was perfectly fine with my posting it and offered a few words which may be found helpful, so I'm adding them here:
[Karuna]: I detected an uncertainty in regards to the prayer so I will clarify. It is an ancient Sanskrit prayer traditionally chanted when individuals meets for the purpose of learning. Although we stick generally to the Japanese teachings but all teachers bring with them also their own background and understanding. There is no such thing as a standardized Reiki class model. Of importance is that we are authentic and not simply copy someone else’s class. It came from a different tradition, time and language but truly captures the spirit of Reiki. The translation was given in English immediately after. But I failed to mention that. It is:
“May the Lord protect us together. May he nourish us together. May we work together uniting our strength for the good of humanity. May our learning be luminous and purposeful; may we never hate. May there be peace, peace, peace.” It is my expression of the kindness and good will I feel after this prayer for all participants.
Your second uncertainly involves the “healthy” brownies. I was vague on this point – no doubt. In reply I’m attaching the recipe for your own definition of “healthy”. I still grind my own flour and use as many organic ingredients as possible.
I didn’t exactly understand the paragraph about continuing with a different teacher. To clarify in simple terms: It makes no difference to me. Only, if you take, for example, level 2 from a different teacher then address them for questions regarding this level. I shouldn’t be caught in the middle of it. There would be no change in our relationship with each other.
Thank you very kindly for your consideration and respect. Even if I didn’t agree with your report I wouldn’t object. After all, this was your experience and you have the right to express yourself accordingly. [/Karuna]
Generally speaking, I’ll say that I would recommend Karuna’s Reiki 1 class to someone looking to learn. In my experience she is very practical and logically-based as far as I can discern. The atmosphere was supportive, there were few to no bells and whistles and overall it was a very positive experience for me. Karuna taught and said her pieces and was otherwise somewhat quiet though not detached in any way. I found her to generally be peaceful and very helpful in all ways. I was glad to find an experienced student of hers in the class, as I was able to observe her and get perhaps a better idea of Karuna’s influence in that way (all of which were positive again). I believe that I will enjoy continuing Reiki for self-healing and helping others who ask/are interested.
So there we are! These have been my experiences with Reiki in general and particularly with Karuna’s Reiki 1 class. I hope this has been somehow helpful and that future prospective students in my state can/will find this and that it might help them in making a more informed decision in finding a Reiki teacher that is suitable to them. Any comments are welcome if anyone has anything to say or ask further. Cheers!
Moderators, if this belongs at the end of the "Recommend a Reiki Master" thread or anywhere else, my apologies for you having to move it.
Well everyone, I finally took the plunge and enrolled myself in a Reiki class after a long time of reading up on it. I mentioned in the Recommend a Reiki Master thread that I would report my experiences on the Forum, especially since the teacher I chose was briefly discussed in that thread. So! Here are my experiences with Reiki and with the class I took last weekend.
I’ve been interested in Alternative Medicines/Therapies for several years now. Unfortunately those fields are littered with some therapies and techniques or ideas that span the range from ‘a little out there’ or seemingly ‘too good to be true’, to blatant BS designed to take advantage of people and their wallets. When I first heard about Reiki, I thought that it sounded a little too good/easy to be true. I didn’t completely dismiss it though, and I’ve been listening and reading about Reiki for the past couple of years now. I found that there are plenty of documented cases of faster recovery periods after surgery, reducing stress, helping relaxation and so on, and that kept my interest with it going. It also helped to find that it is being allowed in established medical institutions. Not that I trust the established medical complex much, but as I understand they more allowed Reiki than implemented it due to a large number of patients requesting it. Reading about Laura’s experiences with Reiki in The Waves series was the final factor in convincing me that there is something to it, while at the same time realizing that I couldn’t go to just anyone or otherwise risk coming to believe misinformation/lies and giving my wallet a diet for no good reason. Finally, I began looking for a suitable Reiki teacher. I first really heard about Reiki from the mother of my ex-girlfriend. She had been getting into the New Age Movement a little before I met her daughter, and had taken her Reiki classes. Over the next couple of years, she delved into more and opened up a center/shop where she offers Reiki, Angel Readings and other services both herself and from local associates she came to know. She also sells metaphysical books, crystals and so forth. She is a wonderful person in her own way, but often can be a little naïve, as I see it, and believes in certain things a little too religiously tinted and/or far-fetched for me personally (YCYOR/The Secret, for example). Don’t misunderstand; I am grateful for her role in bringing such things to my attention as they opened an important door in my life, including discrimination of said multitude of therapies and ideas. I simply think that at times her discretion can be a little lacking regarding what to believe and how easily and completely those beliefs can be. In any case, I thought that the time within which she acquired her Reiki Master status to be a little fast (can’t remember the specifics, sorry). I didn’t feel comfortable with her to be my or to recommend a Reiki teacher, especially after reading of the potential pitfalls surrounding improper Reiki training and of becoming involved with certain circles through Laura’s writings. I found the Recommended Reiki Master and other Reiki threads on the Cassiopaea Forum, and found that there was a potentially trustworthy Reiki teacher not too far from me. After looking into her lineage, looking at word choice and phrasing from her website and so on and finding no overt red flags, I contacted her and signed up for her Reiki 1 class, which took place last weekend. I had mentioned on the Forum that should I go and check out or participate in a class there that I would report back with my experiences, so here we are!
The Reiki teacher I decided on is Karuna Krinsky, teaching out of Racine, WI. Her website is located at www.reikiteacher.org, and includes sections on Q&A, How to Choose a Reiki Teacher, Pictures of the Facilities and more.
The class took place at her home which also includes her Reiki business and a natural therapeutics/book/Reiki store. Our Reiki 1 classes ran from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a 30 minute or so break for lunch. It included 4 attunements total, 2 per day, spaced out roughly equally over the time we were there. We received a folder containing documents written by her covering the Three Pillars of Reiki, Hand Placements, Self-Treatments, Chakras, The Five Reiki Principles, Kenyoku, Biography of Dr. Usui and Reiki in the West. The folder also included “The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui by Dr. Mikao Usui and Frank Arjava Petter” (thought she actually didn’t teach from this at all and was basically for our personal inquiry) and Karuna’s business card. There were 5 of us in the class total. All were middle-aged women, with me being the only youngin’ and the only male, which wasn’t too unexpected. One of the participants had already taken Karuna’s Reiki 1 and 2 classes and was there mostly to support her sister in learning Reiki as part of her battle with breast cancer. The other students included a local Yoga instructor and a massage therapist working towards a Reiki massage therapist position at the Cancer Centers of America. The class was held in Karuna’s L-shaped Reiki room, which was set up with two massage/Reiki tables, two wooden-framed futon couches, a coffee table, extra chairs including for use at the Reiki tables, a small bookcase with Reiki-related materials, a tea station and a bathroom (among tastefully sparse oriental/Indian-themed decoration). We went through Reiki’s History, Hand Placements/Reiki Training and all participated in sharing Reiki between ourselves both in learning/practicing and as a Reiki Share at the end of the classes (including Karuna giving Reiki to us all with us).
During the class we were given the option of taking notes or not as we each saw fit. As I had been reading up on Reiki for some time and wanted to absorb the teachings more than worry about note-taking, I instead took down quick notes on how the class was proceeding and things I found positive/helpful or questionable/negative. These notes were to help me better understand Karuna’s understanding/view of Reiki and help form an overall picture from which to discern if I had come to the right place. You’ll see that they are almost exclusively generally positive, though honestly I was looking as much or maybe even more for red flags and anything that might rub me the wrong way. Considering the range of experiences possible in finding Reiki circles and that the only other ‘Reiki person’ I knew seemed to buy a little too much into the New Age Movement, I was basically ‘on guard’. I admit in some cases I may not have enough knowledge to discern something as questionable, but I did my best. The notes are all paraphrased from Karuna’s teachings, and quotes are her word choices and phrases specifically. In any case, here are my notes from the class:
-Karuna got us learning and then practicing the hand placements pretty quickly, and saved more of the background of Reiki and Dr. Usui and other ‘book knowledge’ for later. She emphasized that Reiki is not so much ‘book knowledge’, but something that is learned by experiencing and doing.
-We cannot “force” or so much direct Reiki, it will go where it is needed.
-Reiki cannot and does not interfere with “Free Will”. Karuna emphasized not manipulating anyone in any way, for your own benefit or theirs.
-All of her Reiki students are welcomed to re-attend the class, including receiving attunements again (though after 1st-time students receive theirs and time-permitting). You’re welcomed to attend again to solidify your knowledge and experience, but it is understood that you’ve already taken the class and the focus will not be on you at any expense of the paying 1st-time learners.
-Emphasized feedback, especially on the table as a receiver. She acknowledged that many clients will not speak up even if they are uncomfortable and encouraged us to periodically ask the receiver if they are comfortable, especially if we sensed they were discomforted in any way. “We are never helpless victims, speak up on any discomfort”.
-In taking her class, we now have access to the wholesaler of various books, vitamins, herbs, meditation and massage tools, aromatherapy and so on that she buys from for her store. Also in her store she offers most items at a very steep discount. This is through overstock, not charging a lot to make high profit margins and offering items with slight dents or bumps in the packaging (which she sells more cheaply as she gets a discount on them in said condition).
-Makes clear distinctions between Reiki (which is secular), Religion and Spirituality.
-Gave a generalized overview of the Chakra system, but states that “the Chakra system is not part of traditional Reiki, but it can help in understanding physical and physiological conditions”. Knowledge of the Chakras is not required to practice Reiki.
-The Gassho Meditation and Kenyoku were very basic, with basically no bells or whistles, and were mostly about getting oneself in the right state of mind and being to be most helpful to our client.
-Emphasized the most common, major hand placements but mentioned that hand placements specific to particular ailments and so forth are explained in the Handbook we received and encouraged us to pursue that knowledge ourselves if we are so inclined (and can ask her questions regarding such).
-Had a rather plain looking ‘volunteer’, Lucy, for use in showing hand placements and how to help the client be comfortable on the table throughout a session. The volunteer seemed waaay too relaxed to me, as she needed Karuna to lift and carry her in every instance and sat silently limp in the corner otherwise… ;)
-Had extra warm socks for everyone in case our feet got cold (even though she had previously advised us to bring extra socks and/or house slippers for comfort). Also had blankets for use on the tables or on the couch if we were cold.
-Karuna referred to Reiki for looking younger, communicating with the dead and so on as “New Agey”, and made it clear that we were learning the most traditional and authentic knowledge that she knew of. Also said, however, that while she does not personally work with Angels or the like, there are no “angel restrictions”.
-Had a large selection of herbal teas (both decaff. and caffeinated) and a hot water container, providing unlimited hot teas throughout the day. She also had homemade ‘healthy’ brownies and almonds on the coffee table for us. (note I put healthy in quotes as I am not sure the exact recipe, but they were not store-bought, processed brownie mix variety).
-Karuna maintained solid eye contact very equally with all students throughout the class. She spoke to us, and looked down at her own notes almost only to organize the various sections of the class and to quick double-check a few specific dates if she didn’t remember the exact year offhand (but was actually correct or within a year or two every time, I noticed).
-They (Karuna and her husband) have a 6,000+ book library including some videos, etc. that her students have access to and can borrow from. Some were old, hard to find or out of print texts they found in their travels to India and other countries.
-Karuna encouraged self-work (in all aspects) and discouraged attempting to have a ‘spiritual experience’ simply for the sake of an experience. “Too much too fast and/or letting others mess with you energy can be unhealthy”.
-Said small amounts of alcohol (not directly before, but on the same day as a treatment-giving or receiving) was okay, but obviously you don’t ever want to be intoxicated during any Reiki session ever.
-Advised that in certain regards staying below the radar so as to avoid any unnecessary troubles from society can save one from many annoying and possibly detrimental events/interactions.
-Karuna said “knowledge is our greatest tool”, referencing using knowledge to pre-empt being at anyone’s mercy. Basically she stated in so many words our beloved motto “Knowledge Protects”.
-Karuna only teaches 6 people at maximum per class. She doesn’t feel she and her students get enough of each other with any more participants.
-Admitted she doesn’t do things exactly the way her teacher taught her. She said this was mostly because her teacher was slightly more involved in the New Age movement than she prefers to model. Karuna prefers the most “authentic” modalities and self-studies much in that direction.
-Karuna openly shared when a piece of information she was giving us came from her own observations and experiences vs. a specifically referenced text or other source. She often phrased such bits of information as “this is what I have found”, “in my experience” or similar.
-Karuna has higher requirements for taking a Reiki Master Teacher (vs. Master Practitioner) class with her, including being solidly knowledgeable in the material and teaching a Reiki 1 class alongside her while she helps and observes. She mentioned that most often taking the Master Teacher class is not required for most people’s goals with Reiki (including offering one’s services to paying clients) and she has yet to teach anyone to be a Reiki Master Teacher who will go on to teach others.
-Karuna said it is okay to re-learn or further pursue Reiki with another teacher, but that if we do she asks that we direct all questions to them and not to begin studying with another teacher and then call her with questions. She said she does not want to get between anyone and their chosen teacher nor confuse a student in any way. She will still welcome back any students who choose another teacher for a time, but asks that one is not learning Reiki from anyone else at the same time. She also welcomes any former students who have chosen another teacher to her Reiki shares.
Overall my experience was very pleasant and positive. Basically nothing Karuna said or did put any skeptical hairs on end (despite being on alert the whole time), and that was reassuring. The very most questionable thing I could pick out was a short prayer that Karuna sang/chanted at the beginning of class (I believe Indian/Vedic in origin), and that only stood out for me because I have no knowledge of what it was or where/why it came from.
As for my personal experiences with the class, I enjoyed it very much. Everyone there was very friendly and easy-going. The woman having previously attended Karuna’s classes was very enthusiastic about Reiki, super friendly and once having heard I had come from hours out of town offered that should I come down for a Reiki Share or additional classes I am welcome to stay in her Reiki/spare bedroom to help save on costs. She and her husband have 3 grown boys roughly my age, and she asked me to text her when I got home after the last day of the class (which I thought was pleasantly ‘mother hen’-ish of her). All of the ladies offered me food at lunch when they saw I had brought none (though that was by design of mine as part of efforts to help my body be receptive to the attunements). Karuna’s home I found to be very pleasant,with sparse Indian/oriental themes, a very open design, lots of sunlight and a generally positive feel. We were all very supportive of each other, and overall it created a very helpful atmosphere for learning.
I did my best to not anticipate and just observe and absorb the whole experience. Having had almost no direct experiences with anything unseen, the most being déjà vu, I was somewhat concerned that perhaps I wouldn’t feel anything at all. I was basically silent unless directly addressed to speak, and rather enjoyed putting myself in that position of more attentive, quiet observation than I am used to in busy day-to-day life.
I didn’t feel a lot during the attunements, mostly a not-uncomfortable pressure in the middle of my forehead directly behind the vertical ridge running up my forehead between my eyebrows (basically where one would ascribe a ‘third eye’ to be). Actually, that pressure/sensation has been there off and on/varying since the class. During our sharing Reiki with each other I did notice a sometime slight and sometimes very noticeable ‘heat’ coming from my hands. I thought that perhaps I was simply feeling the person’s body heat, so I also tested the sensation when keeping my hands a few inches above their body (where I thought their body heat wouldn’t be easily detected) and found it still present. On the second day it at one point evolved from simply heat to a mix of hot and cold similar to putting ‘Icy Hot’ on your skin. It was only during one person’s time on the table. The second day I noticed the heat more and several times during a periodic break I noticed my hands were sweating. We were asked and all discussed amongst ourselves any sensations we had while on the table. All of the ladies said that my hands had felt very warm and comfortable and that they felt I had made a suitable decision in learning Reiki. This was reassuring for me and I appreciated their support. I have to say it felt very good, thinking that I can help others find more balance and/or healing in any way.
While I was on the table I was just generally relaxed and felt warmth coming from the ladies’ hands. During the Reiki Share/practice at the end of the second day (30 minutes on the table), I felt my head nod a bit as it does when one is falling asleep. This happened once again, but instead of my head nodding, my left hand ‘nodded’, or rather it felt as though it shot away from me and perhaps off the table to the point I was concerned I had almost hit/tapped the person on my left. Upon asking, the ladies said they saw this motion, but where I felt my hand had shot out they said it barely moved a millimeter. I was not at all sleepy and basically aware when both of these ‘nods’ happened. The two sensations I quickly related in my own mind to the ‘zoning out’ experience described during EE (though I haven’t personally had that experience in my practicing the meditation thus far). Generally speaking this was an affirmation for me that at least something was happening as a result of my receiving Reiki (and I had no reason to suspect any negativity in any way).
Today I emailed Karuna with a copy of what I've posted here for her to read before I posted it online. I felt it was respectful to send it to her first before posting it online. She was perfectly fine with my posting it and offered a few words which may be found helpful, so I'm adding them here:
[Karuna]: I detected an uncertainty in regards to the prayer so I will clarify. It is an ancient Sanskrit prayer traditionally chanted when individuals meets for the purpose of learning. Although we stick generally to the Japanese teachings but all teachers bring with them also their own background and understanding. There is no such thing as a standardized Reiki class model. Of importance is that we are authentic and not simply copy someone else’s class. It came from a different tradition, time and language but truly captures the spirit of Reiki. The translation was given in English immediately after. But I failed to mention that. It is:
“May the Lord protect us together. May he nourish us together. May we work together uniting our strength for the good of humanity. May our learning be luminous and purposeful; may we never hate. May there be peace, peace, peace.” It is my expression of the kindness and good will I feel after this prayer for all participants.
Your second uncertainly involves the “healthy” brownies. I was vague on this point – no doubt. In reply I’m attaching the recipe for your own definition of “healthy”. I still grind my own flour and use as many organic ingredients as possible.
I didn’t exactly understand the paragraph about continuing with a different teacher. To clarify in simple terms: It makes no difference to me. Only, if you take, for example, level 2 from a different teacher then address them for questions regarding this level. I shouldn’t be caught in the middle of it. There would be no change in our relationship with each other.
Thank you very kindly for your consideration and respect. Even if I didn’t agree with your report I wouldn’t object. After all, this was your experience and you have the right to express yourself accordingly. [/Karuna]
Generally speaking, I’ll say that I would recommend Karuna’s Reiki 1 class to someone looking to learn. In my experience she is very practical and logically-based as far as I can discern. The atmosphere was supportive, there were few to no bells and whistles and overall it was a very positive experience for me. Karuna taught and said her pieces and was otherwise somewhat quiet though not detached in any way. I found her to generally be peaceful and very helpful in all ways. I was glad to find an experienced student of hers in the class, as I was able to observe her and get perhaps a better idea of Karuna’s influence in that way (all of which were positive again). I believe that I will enjoy continuing Reiki for self-healing and helping others who ask/are interested.
So there we are! These have been my experiences with Reiki in general and particularly with Karuna’s Reiki 1 class. I hope this has been somehow helpful and that future prospective students in my state can/will find this and that it might help them in making a more informed decision in finding a Reiki teacher that is suitable to them. Any comments are welcome if anyone has anything to say or ask further. Cheers!
