Many people combine reiki and meditation. They are practices that attract similar people -- seekers of peace, balance, and self-knowledge. But are they the same thing?
What Is Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing system created by Mikao Usui in the early twentieth century. The idea is that a universal life energy (rei = universal, ki = energy) can be channeled through the hands to promote healing and balance.
The reiki practitioner receives an "attunement" from a master and can then channel this energy to themselves and others.
What Is Meditation
Meditation, in the Vedic tradition, is dhyāna -- a state of sustained attention on an object of contemplation. It can be the breath, a mantra, or -- in Vedānta -- the nature of the self (ātman).
How They Relate
In popular practice, people frequently do "reiki meditation" -- they sit in silence, activate reiki energy, and remain receptive. This can produce relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
But from the perspective of the Vedic tradition, they are different things:
- Reiki works at the energy level (prāṇa)
- Vedic meditation works at the level of understanding (jñāna)
Energy and knowledge are different domains.
What Vedānta Says
Vedānta is not against energy practices. If reiki helps you relax and feel better, use it. But know that working with energy does not produce self-knowledge.
You can have perfectly balanced prāṇa and still not know who you are. Energetic health is good. Self-knowledge is something else.
Use what works for the body and energy. Use Vedānta for knowledge of yourself.
[Understand what meditation is according to Vedānta](/blog/meditation-vedanta-how-it-works).
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