The Reiki Cafe 

On the "Dispirited" thread on the Reiki Discussion board, someone said Phyllis Furumoto stated in the 1990s that it's no longer possible to make a profession out of reiki. I then asked whether the Reiki Alliance (which Ms. Furumoto leads) should consequently reduce the rate that its members charge for third-level initiations. Someone asked about what that rate is now.

It appears to be the same as it was before, U.S. $10,000. See the following, from the Reiki Alliance website: "Money: This element bridges the material and non-material worlds offering healing for humanity through the power and energy of money. Each step of the Usui System path has a specific monetary fee: $150 US, $500 US, and $10,000 US. These fees are a part of the form and are often the most difficult element for students to reconcile with spiritual practice. This challenges the practitioner to widen the scope of understanding regarding the energy of money and the energetic transmission that occurs when money is exchanged."
http://www.reikialliance.com/engaspects.htm

One of the things about becoming a reiki master in the "earlier" days, is that the reiki practice was expected to be THE ONLY source of income for the master. See the following, from someone initiated by Furumoto:
"I was initiated as a Reiki Master on April 1, 1982. I was the fourth Reiki Master that Phyllis initiated. I paid Phyllis $10,000. Phyllis asked me to make two commitments: to honour Reiki as an oral tradition and for it to be my sole source of income. I committed."
http://www.reiki.org/CurrentTopics/grmaster.html

Aside from the high cost itself, what led me to ask about whether the Reiki Alliance should reduce the 3d-level rate is this: Previously, apprentices paid the fee in exchange for receiving something that was to be their sole source of income (as well as a good thing in itself, presumably). But now, apparently the head of the organization says it's no longer possible to make a profession out of such a practice. Doesn't that mean the apprentice receives a reduced mundane value from the 3d-level initiation? So I'm asking -- shouldn't the mundane fee for that initiation be reduced accordingly? Any thoughts, anybody?

Bruce

Addendum: I guess someone could say that if inflation is considered, then $10,000 today is worth less than $10,000 25 or so years ago. But I'm interested in any other considerations people are willing to discuss.

Dear Bruce,
Thanks for posting this information. It seems many have lowered their rates and some it seems have done 1st and second degree and claim they are teachers, which is hurtful as overqualifying oneself is dishonest yet many who do not know better buy into it.
peace,
Prosperity

Hi Bruce,

It does seem somewhat unfair and outdated to continue asking such a high fee now that Master's are unable to make it their 'profession' so to speak.

I wonder if there is some 'elitism' involved in keeping their fees so high. Or perhaps they feel that for a Master to truly value Reiki and their apprenticeship, then they must pay a substantial fee. Maybe they feel that by only paying a nominal amount that candidates might not take it seriously and it is more likely to be done on a whim.

Personally I think a fairer way of ensuring potential RM students are committed would be to have some kind of strict selection process rather than charging huge fees or even to consider scholarships for those who cannot afford it but meet the selection 'criteria'.

Gentle Blessings
Helen

Bruce,

Hi,

Yes, joining the (country) club is sometimes expensive. The question might be, though: "of what value is membership?" If it means the RA will help with recruiting paying students from which the RM can try to earn a living then perhaps it might be worth it to some (which it obviously has been). If one thinks of RM as graduate school aand training toward being 'professional' then the idea of cost becomes sort of irrelevant since graduate school is usually expensive as well.

BTW, whatever a Teacher might charge for Reiki training (since not all hands-on trained folks are in the RA), being asked to pay for training does not justify accepting distance attunements as substitutes for in-person practice and training.

Cheers,

RC