Dear Prosperity,
So easy to get confused around the issue of "payment".
I do not know for sure about Usui Sensei. It is true that Hayashi Sensei charged people attending his clinic - he had a number of the Japanese "upper crust" as clients, and they could certainly afford to pay. The stories coming out of Japan in more recent times suggest that Usui Sensei charged those who could afford it, and offered assistance free to those who could not (in terms of treatments, such as his humanitarian work after the earthquake in Tokyo).
My teacher said if we had to pay for the attunements/access to reiki, no one could ever afford it as that is a priceless gift! However, when you think about it, if courses are to be run, venues hired, photocopying done, a website and phone maintained etc, these things do cost money. Also, reiki is not "instant", and a practitioner and/or teacher should receive something for the many hours invested. This doesn't always have to be money (though in the west, that's the common "unit of exchange").
I give treatments for free and for fee, based on need, the capacity to pay, and for some people, the simple desire they have not to feel beholden to me (and most of us don't want to feel as though we owe a favour - it can lead to resentment).
I currently accept a fortnightly session with a practitioner friend as an exchange for when I provided her with a home when she was in need. This way, she feels as though she is reciprocating my original generousity, and I very much appreciate the gesture and treatment sessions. It also negated any need for a financial arrangement, which suits both of us.
So, my feeling is there is no clear cut "rule", just that if you (or anyone), wishes to receive training and/or treatments in reiki, then the person providing you with the service will need financial (or other) support to establish the appropriate environment, equipment etc.
I would be interested to know where your thoughts and heart take you on this subject.
Kind regards,
Suzibeth
