Meditation Dojo

There are two schools of thought about Reiki symbols. The first says that Reiki symbols are sacred and not to be shared with those who are not initiated into Reiki. It is thought the Reiki symbols will not work, and will be diluted if they are shared with someone who has no knowledge of how to use them. The second school of thought is sharing the Reiki symbols with everyone is really what the energy of Reiki is all about – UNIVERSAL life force. And thus, it should be available to all to share. Seems there is no right or wrong here, just which school of thought you subscribe to, or what your Reiki training has been.

There are still some old Reiki masters who will tell you right off the bat that the Reiki symbols are not to be shared with just anyone, as it takes away from the power of them. There may be sense in this argument if you stop to think about the Reiki symbols themselves. They don't mean anything to someone who has no idea what they are or what they can achieve with them. On the other hand, there are so many self-help books on the subject of Reiki and using the Reiki symbols that you might think you can learn how to do Reiki through using a book and teaching yourself.

If the books dealing with Reiki symbols are to be believed, you should not only be able to learn the symbols, but attune yourself and become whatever level of practitioner you wish. While this sounds simple, there really is a whole lot more to it than just reading a book. Particularly when you get more advanced in levels.

Without getting into too much about the symbols, as in drawing them, we can certainly tell you the names of the symbols used for the lower levels of Reiki energy channeling. If you are just starting, the first level of Reiki requires no symbols to work. It does however need an attunement from the Reiki master who is training you. Level 2 symbols need to be given to you by the Reiki master along with an attunement to the second level. Self-help books indicate you can do attunements yourself. That is still a highly controversial level and a word of caution here. Do energy work with respect and caution.

But, back to the Level 2 symbols. There are three of them – the Power symbol, the Mental/Emotional Symbol and the Distance Symbol. The Power symbol means "by Imperial decree, put all the power of the universe here". The Mental/Emotional Symbol means "God and humanity become one, to create a new habit". The Distance Symbol means "May the Buddha (enlightened one) in me connect with the Buddha in you to promote peace and dignity."

There are two schools of thought about Reiki symbols. The first says that Reiki symbols are sacred and not to be shared with those who are not initiated into Reiki. It is thought the Reiki symbols will not work, and will be diluted if they are shared with someone who has no knowledge of how to use them. The second school of thought is sharing the Reiki symbols with everyone is really what the energy of Reiki is all about – UNIVERSAL life force. And thus, it should be available to all to share. Seems there is no right or wrong here, just which school of thought you subscribe to, or what your Reiki training has been.

There are still some old Reiki masters who will tell you right off the bat that the Reiki symbols are not to be shared with just anyone, as it takes away from the power of them. There may be sense in this argument if you stop to think about the Reiki symbols themselves. They don't mean anything to someone who has no idea what they are or what they can achieve with them. On the other hand, there are so many self-help books on the subject of Reiki and using the Reiki symbols that you might think you can learn how to do Reiki through using a book and teaching yourself.

If the books dealing with Reiki symbols are to be believed, you should not only be able to learn the symbols, but attune yourself and become whatever level of practitioner you wish. While this sounds simple, there really is a whole lot more to it than just reading a book. Particularly when you get more advanced in levels.

Without getting into too much about the symbols, as in drawing them, we can certainly tell you the names of the symbols used for the lower levels of Reiki energy channeling. If you are just starting, the first level of Reiki requires no symbols to work. It does however need an attunement from the Reiki master who is training you. Level 2 symbols need to be given to you by the Reiki master along with an attunement to the second level. Self-help books indicate you can do attunements yourself. That is still a highly controversial level and a word of caution here. Do energy work with respect and caution.

But, back to the Level 2 symbols. There are three of them – the Power symbol, the Mental/Emotional Symbol and the Distance Symbol. The Power symbol means "by Imperial decree, put all the power of the universe here". The Mental/Emotional Symbol means "God and humanity become one, to create a new habit". The Distance Symbol means "May the Buddha (enlightened one) in me connect with the Buddha in you to promote peace and dignity."

If you have the fair interest in knowing Reiki and how it is practiced, the best thing to start with is that of getting familiar with the healing procedure. Reiki imparts the knowledge on how the present life can be lived to the fullest and to let go of all the worries and stress. It is necessary to put away the concerns that bother the mind, the spirit, and the body because it is the only way on how a full life can be enjoyed. Reiki healing employs the force that opens the doors in our lives towards the most unexpected and positive things that can occur. As soon as we allow our hearts, minds, and spirits to open up to the wonders of its healing procedure, we can start to live in harmony with the rest of our brothers and sisters.

The Healing and the Healer
As per the believers of Reiki, they manifest the techniques as they abide by the Divine consecration and the sacred covenant that they share with the Creator. Others even have the faith that the ability to heal themselves and others by means of using Reiki is innate. The technique is both a therapy and a way of allowing one to live the present day at a given moment. The healing ability is empowered as the person decides to accept his responsibility in getting attuned to it. Apart from acting as a form of treatment, it is also a lifestyle that encourages an individual to do good deeds in their entire lifetime.

The Early Beginnings
The methods of healing through Reiki is said to have been rooted from the age old Tibet and was actually rediscovered by no less than a Japanese man by the name Mikao Usui in the latter part of the 1800s. When Mikao Usui died, his loyal followers took over the responsibility and continued the practice. They established clubs and alliances which still exist to this day to teach the variations of the Reiki method. The teaching is basically based on the learner's level of spiritual maturity. In the early times, the club was exclusively for the Japanese so the foreigners were never allowed to partake in the course. However, one Japanese woman by the name Hawayo Takata introduced the same teachings in the western world in the 1970s. Nowadays, the knowledge on Reiki is known to all parts of the world.

Using Reiki Methodology
If there are some people who question the efficacy of Reiki, it is but necessary to believe that it truly works. The person has to be simply open to accept the healing energy which is always around. You don't necessarily have to feel anything during the healing process. If one fails to receive the energy, it means that the process is obstructed by the imbalanced chakras. In order to fully enjoy its effect, it has to be rebalanced. It may take a while but with the help of other Reiki healers, the process of recovery can be made faster.

It is but important to do the Reiki healing procedure with all of your heart and mind. Your action has to be driven by your greatest emotion called love. It is by opening yourself up to the whole process that you will only be able to receive its rewarding effect. Good deeds are also going to be returned to you.

The Purpose of Reiki Healing

Reiki healing has been in continuing practice for several years now. It is recognized to be a great tool that is aimed at personal treatment and growth. Reiki energy is rooted from an optimal spiritual source which never fails to come up with the best results. The healing applies for the spirit, the mind, and the body which has to serve as the guide in an individual's journey called life. Reiki likewise aids in the enhancement of the personal talents. Of course, all of these can only materialize if you prefer to get attuned to this sacred practice. There exists a sacred covenant that has to be maintained and nurtured for always.

Learning the Program of Self-Healing

For you to be able to acquire the depth of the knowledge on Reiki's self-healing process, you must develop a sensible time for practice. You need to master different techniques. The way on how you execute it will move you forward near your goal or pull you away from your desired aim. In the course of self-healing, the appropriate technique must be used and thus should be learned by you. If you are qualified enough to do so, you may choose to develop your own healing system which will work to your advantage. If you have your spirit, mind, and heart into Reiki, you will surely succeed.

The Allotted Time for Self-Healing

The Reiki system of self-healing is best done by regularly allotting at least 30 minutes to yourself. It is time that you realize how important it is to value yourself and therefore spend some time for your complete healing. You may use either the scanning or hand positions as your technique. Your focus should be on those regions that require healing the most. As the session begins, you will be carefully guided as to where your hands should go and which body part should you touch. You have to feel everything that you are doing. Let the energy flow and feel it vibrating. While the session is going on, ponder on your daily activities and where your life is heading. It is by means of thinking over your practice in life will your quest for self-healing produce a great impact. This is a kind of technique that promotes the development of a healthy attitude. More so, this self-reflection technique will similarly give you more room for the generation of very creative ideas and ways on how it will be best to handle your own troubles.

Self-Healing in Groups

Again, Reiki treatment can be administered to yourself or to others. Hence, you may form a special group with the rest of the Reiki self-healers whom you know and do the session altogether. This practice is a lot more effective because you don't only get to heal yourself but the rest of your group mates as well. A daily practice can do wonders. You will heal each other faster. The complete healing is also sure to materialize. The secret to it is the sharing of energy and support as the group gets on with the session.

Being in a group will give you the opportunity to discuss among yourselves the things that you want to get healed with. A once a week meeting will generate a more serious focus and a deeper purpose in each and every one of you. Let the prayers guide you through as you convene in the Reiki healing practice.

For more information about Reiki Healing go to http://reikiforhealing.org/ .

Its been a very long time since anybody posted here. Just came back from a short vacation and just thought of a new direction for the community. Meditation Dojo has always been a pet project, something that has always been a part of my self expression that I can't quite find the words to describe it. Has that happened to you before?

Would like to start the ball rolling on some thoughts that I have collected sometime back. You can check out my full (read: LONG and UNEDITED post up at http://sidneyng.wordpress.com/2011…)

This relates to meditation / martial arts and life. That was the initial idea of the community and I think the other community meditators have already covered the nuts and bolts of meditation already.

As per the profile page, I have always been fascinated with meditation and martial arts and how it relates to everyday life. Applied martial arts / meditation if you will. I don't mean picking up fights everywhere you go or switching off to a meditative state during work (which would be fun) but rather how do you apply the insights learnt from meditation and martial arts to living.

Martial arts and meditation has always been about balance, grace and being optimum. Of course there are lots more other adjectives you may use but these are the essentials. Here are a few observations I have on Martial Arts / Meditation / Life:


Showing Up Even When Things Are Bleak

In meditation, karate and in life, we need to just show up and do our best even when things are the ugliest -i.e. you don’t feel like meditating, you are dreading the strain you will go through, you are in the rut. In the dojo, no matter how ridiculous something sounds, you still need to bow and give a loud OSU! and just do it. The same applies to the area of meditation and in life.

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Do share your insights. Would love to hear from other meditators and martial artists alike on this :)

To those of you who meditate, whether new or veteran :)

What kind of meditation?

What were the results?

Was it what you expected?

Is it, as I suspect, a process as opposed to a means to an end?

Do you practice secular meditation?

Does it work?

I ask because in my unceasing search for peace of mind and truth I think meditation may be a good path, as well as cold sobriety. (I have done the drugs and booze thing and no "doors of perception" were opened for me. Doors to humiliation and near friend loss, yes. perception? No.)

I have tried a few guided meditations (I do not live in a quiet area and am quite far from being disciplined enough to incorporate perhipheral stimuli into my meditation) on various podcasts I have found and do have a sense of peace, at least for a while afterwards. I am trying to make it a part of my day, maybe on waking in the morning and before bed. I was wondering about other methods of meditation (trancendental e.g.) and if any of you have tried them and what your thoughts were.

I really am turning into a stereotypical aging hippy, but I am quite sincere I assure you :)

[appologies if it's not allowed, and i'll delete if necessary]

An outlet for release- just created/please join:)

the_outlet_101

Hi everyone,

I hope I'm allowed to do this!

I've just created a community that some of the members here may be interested in. It's inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's wonderful book Eat, Pray, Love, and is a space for anyone to put forward their petitions and prayers to the universe, and for others to comment with their support.

You can find it at petition_prayer.

With loving kindness and thanks.

I think in my years of practice. I found that the most vital point of meditation...lies in breathing and posture. Posture can be easily corrected by meditating with the wall as a back support and gradually getting used to sitting upright.

Breathing is a little tricky.

One has to perfect the art of breathing deep full breaths. Sometimes having sinus impedes breathing properly.
But breathing correctly is the key to relax the body and point the mind to itself.

Thus finding itself and gaining a sense of peace.

In other literature, breath is like energy...Ki or Chi or Prana...Life force that keeps us healthy. If we do not breathe...we die....

Simple.

However most people just breathe half breaths thus not having enough oxygen in the blood. That coupled with a bad posture would just make matters worst when you meditate.

The best way to know if you are breathing right is to observe if your tummy rises when you breathe. It might be odd at first if you are used to shallow breathing. But soon you will find yourself more restful.

Things work for the better once you get a good nights rest. You will definitely be more productive and life would be easier to cope.

Any inputs on breathing? I heard of Chiba Breathing (usually used in martial arts). Any other comments on breathing would be helpful.

As usual the Dojo is open for whomsoever who has difficulties in breathing right as well. Do step up on the tatami mat and feel free to ask.

You. Yes you reading there.

Feeling that your meditation practices have been getting a bit 'pointless'?
Or given up meditation after all those commitments and the endless things that keep popping up when you just start to sit for a short pause of life?

OR

Perhaps you have been meditating for some time and want to take your practice one step ahead.

IF the above describes you. Perhaps a nine day experiment can be of use to you and the community.What am I talking about?

A vegetarian diet.

My question is, would a vegetarian diet help in meditation? For those of you who are vegetarians and who meditate do share some inputs.

While those who wish to partake in this little endavour of going cold turkey on meat for 9 days. Do tell us how it feels like.
Most of us are quite unaware of the sources of our food.
We just eat but we are not conscious of what we eat, why we eat, what goes into what we eat, etc.

Perhaps the 9 days can be an eye opener to how hard good, clean food can come by. Perhaps it will also lead us to know how our taste buds have changed and we are more addicted to artificial ingredients rather than pure natural spices.

It will also show us how much dependent we are on meat. When we are actually created to chew vegetables (based on our teeth structure).

SO

Who is game to try out the 9 days vegan diet program? Just for 9 days. No meat. All natural food. Can food and drinks are not advisable. Just a pure diet. Cheap and healthy.
Just for 9 days.

This is an open challenge, if you think it has done no good for you. Then discard it, but take the experience of trying along with you. How many people can rightfully claim eating no meat for 9 days? I think less than half of our world population.

So try it? What have you got to lose?

All the best ;)