Reiki and energy healing

[Bohemian Seeker]

Dear Kind Folks,

What is the Theravada attitude towards energy healing and relaxation methods such as Reiki, Qi Gong, Prana etc ?

Is it considered a healthy persuit ? Or does Theravada consider it to be against the Buddha's teachings ?

Can one practice Theravada and Reiki without a conflict ?

Thanks and best wishes

Mike

[Modus.Ponens]

Hello

The Buddha never spoke of subtle energy, as far as I know. He didn't say it didn't exist either. But if in thousands of recorded discourses he didn't mention it, it's safe to conclude that it's not a bit important to the buddhist path.

[richard_rca]

Many teachers use the word energy as a way of relating to the body during meditation and although the Buddha never spoke of it (which he didn't of numerous things that are helpful tools in the Theravada tradition). Ajahns Lee, Fuang and Thanissaro of the Forest Tradition for instance utilizes concepts of energy in the body to assist you in your meditation, something that I personally have found to be very useful. It isn't hocus pocus though and the goal in itself is not to manipulate these bodily energies.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/lee/inmind.html

http://www.dhammatalks.org/Archive/Writ ... 130123.pdf

[greggorious]

I listened to a podcast recently at Amaravati where one of the Nun's performed Reiki on a dying Bird to help it relax as it passed away.

[befriend]

buddha radiated metta to a wild elephant to pacifiy it saving himself. sounds like reiki to me.

[Bohemian Seeker]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated

[Cittasanto]

some people find it useful, others dont.
I know a couple of monastics who practice something allong the lines of Reiki if not Reiki itself, but it is not essential to practice, and what people project or manifest could be due to a number of reasons.
All that is certaion is that we are going to die, so make good use of your time.

[Mr Man]

I've heard that those who follow Goenkaji are told to make a choice. I believe that Reiki is seen as being incompatible with their practice.

[SamKR]

I've heard that those who follow Goenkaji are told to make a choice. I believe that Reiki is seen as being incompatible with their practice.

That's right.

[Modus.Ponens]

I'm sure Ben will know better than me, and correct me if I'm wrong; but what goes on is that during the retreat it's not alowed to do reiki. Outside the retreat it's permited if you haven't made the commitment to practice solely the Goenka method.

[Coyote]

I've heard that those who follow Goenkaji are told to make a choice. I believe that Reiki is seen as being incompatible with their practice.

Can anyone explain what reason is given for this?

Thanks

[mikenz66]

There are a lot of things that are detrimental to most types of retreat practice, not only Goenka retreats. In my experience talking, vigorous exercise, listening to music, reading, writing, eating too much, to name a few, make the development of mindfulness and concentration much more difficult. It's not that those things (and Reiki) are inherently wrong, just that they are unhelpful in the context of a retreat.


Mike

[Mr Man]

There are a lot of things that are detrimental to most types of retreat practice, not only Goenka retreats. In my experience talking, vigorous exercise, listening to music, reading, writing, eating too much, to name a few, make the development of mindfulness and concentration much more difficult. It's not that those things (and Reiki) are inherently wrong, just that they are unhelpful in the context of a retreat.

It is not just during retreat periods.

[beeblebrox]

I've had the opportunity recently (a couple in fact!) to experience reiki, from two different people.

The first one was provided for free at a place where I volunteered, along with a regular physical massage by someone else. Everyone went for the latter, and I was the only one to do the former... but only because the manager pulled me by the arm to try it.

I'm actually glad that he did... it was an experience for me at the very least. I was surprised at how similar it felt to what I would experience in my own sitting practice, without me actually putting in any effort. It felt very calm. It seemed like her "energy" was transferring through me. Though, towards the end the person started to feel unsteady to me, I think because she got distracted by someone talking to her.

The second time was someone who was visiting my friend from Japan. When I was getting ready to leave, she kept me down and then started to give me some kind of reiki massage. She seemed more sure compared to the other person, not shaky at all. The energy seemed more subdued, but it straightened my body right out... just with several different placements of her hands. This stayed with me for at least several days.

In the end, I think it's all just fabrications... but still a very nice one, nonetheless. Supposedly it was developed by a monk. I don't find that hard to believe since it seems similar to what I experience in samatha meditation, or even in the environment at a monastery that I go to.

It's very interesting, but still better to do your own practice, I think... and it's also probably not effective for a vipassana practice in itself.

[alan...]

the buddha didn't mention it so it's not necessary, nor is it prohibited. that doesn't mean it's not useful though, it's not like he listed off every medical tactic, herbal remedy, and other health things in the suttas, so not mentioning them does not mean they are not useful, just that they are not directly related to and necessary specifically to the dhamma.