Paths of Glory (Click here to own a copy)

It was such that I was unable to revisit Tibet this summer. Where I had planned to go, it is biting cold, harsh and pristine. Set at the top of the world, this grassland sits with the Himalayas since time immemorial. However I found some consolation in finding some time to read Jeffrey Archer’s “Paths of Glory”.

And it was some consolation. Archer, again, in his distinct style (and imagination) weaves another probable tale about the conquest of Chomolungma.

Chomolungma? Mount Everest, my friend. Goddess of the Earth, that’s how the Natives, the Tibetans address her before English changed her name.

Edmund Hilary & Sherpa Tenzing Norgay

Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay are recorded as having reached the peak of Mt Everest on 29^th May 1953 but this Archer tale tells us that a certain George Mallory succeeded long before Hilary. Of course, this is not what we care about when we read an Archer novel. It is the submission to his writing and his imagination that captivates us time and again, luring us into spending hours and hours lost in his world.

Within the cosy comforts of home, I could feel the piercing unforgiving cold as the story unfolds. I could empathize with the climbers as they struggled to acclimatize to the altitude. Every step of their breathless struggle reminded me of my own breathlessness before. And I was only at 12000 feet. Chomolungma is 29,028 feet. (Archer says 29,002 feet probably Everest has sunk since my schooldays.)

George Mallory

Each chapter is distinct and follows a straight chronological style. For aged readers like me, this makes it easier to put down. You know what I mean. When one is young, a novel is read non-stop. The story is feasted on the couch, on the floor, the meal table, on the bed never letting go until every morsel is devoured, eyes never leaving the pages. It makes one think that evolution has made man to have arms and hands strategically constructed to enable food to reach the mouth without need of eyes or brain.

Ruth Young (Mrs Mallory)

The novel has its juicy moments of romance which serves only as a byline. But come to think of it, the story would be only half as long without it. A simple tale which can, no doubt, be recounted in less than five minutes. But then, most novels are such. Novels are meant to enthrall us and unknowingly move on, eager to know the ending. On this, Archer has done exceedingly well here.

“Because it’s there” this is the famous retort, supposedly by Mallory when asked “Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?”

With the recent interest in Wing Chun Kung Fu movies, I find this screen test of Bruce Lee rather interesting. I am not a Bruce Lee fan as such but much credit is owed to him for popularising Wing Chun, directly or indirectly.

What is Reiki? 靈气

Reiki learning, at least the one that I underwent consists of three levels. More accurately, it should be called stages. But then, “levels” has a nice ring to it, giving the student the feeling of having attained something. Levels give the feeling of height and progress. The student likes it, the teacher likes it so it stuck. Stage is more horizontal and does not have give the same impression of moving upwards or forward as level does.

Reiki Level One

So Reiki has three levels. Levels 1,2 and 3. Many teachers teach level 1, instructs the new student to practice on themselves for a certain length of time before teaching level 2. Some teachers combine these two levels in one teaching and this is often done over a few days. Many take level 2 to offer healing to others.

The basics of healing are taught and of course what Reiki is all about is explained. Strangely or maybe not really so, each and every teacher seems to explain Reiki in a different way. I believe this is so because each teacher experiences the energy in their own special way. This does not take anything away from Reiki though.

Traditionally the hand positions are taught. Most would explain the hand positions as helpful in covering every part of the human body, the organs, the glands and so forth but essentially Reiki is, on its own, able to go where necessary to complete the treatment. In fact, that is the way that I would like to look at it. Reiki will provide healing as appropriate with the circumstances at hand.

Some teachers will teach a little ‘medicine’ and this may be necessary, at least, provide the newbie with some basic knowledge. After all, we are dealing with healing. And yes, I must mention there is an initiation ritual which is to provide the link between the new student with the Reiki lineage.

Reiki Level Two

Reiki Level 2 adds on to the earlier level. In level 1, we send healing Reiki to ourselves but in level 2 we are taught to take it a step further. We learnt the process of channeling healing energy to others. Isn’t this beautiful? We are taught to look beyond our ourselves, to help others.

Symbols are taught in level 2. These symbols invoke the cosmic energy that is ever present making it more present and powerful. Why do we need symbols? It sounds very supernatural. Just like mantras which some believe to grant supernormal or mystical powers, symbols are similar. It aids us to focus on the work we are about to do. This is where its potency lies.

Reiki symbols are representative of the mind behind the healing. For quite some time, these symbols were treated with great secrecy but as with all secrets, they are no longer so. Out of respect to my teachers who believed that I should stay with the ethics of their tradition, I shall not reveal them here.

However, I think it is alright for me to discuss them briefly here. Each of the symbols has a name. The names themselves reveal the intention of the healer. It allows the healer to direct, to harmonise and to connect with the healee. By chanting the mantra associated with the symbols, it acts as a focusing tool as well as a prayer. Wonders are possible with prayers.

Reiki Level Three

Level 3 is the ‘highest’ level of Reiki. Traditionally it is meant for those who have intention to teach and this makes it special.

To continue on to level 3, the preparation is just as important, if not more so, than the formal lessons. It is good that the master-to-be examine their inner self. Soul searching contemplations like motivation, knowledge, spiritual awareness, embodiment of the core Reiki values, cross healing modalities amongst others.

These are the basics. I believe that Reiki cannot be Reiki if one’s own motivation is selfish. The underlying power of Reiki is non-selfishness. If this quality is missing, it is hard to imagine that Reiki works. In some ways, the receiver merges with the energy and aura of the giver. Colorations can alter the quality of the Reiki process.

Knowledge is necessary in all aspects of our life. As part of the process of growing to be a Reiki master, it is inevitable that the student picks up many aspects of the world of healing. The world is such a wonderful place and there are so many wonders of the known and unknown. Our mind learns to break mental barriers. Sometimes, long held beliefs are broken down and new ones take its place. We think and act out of the box.

Whether one likes it or not, most who works towards Reiki mastership has in them some spiritual leanings. I may be wrong but many of the healers I know have gone through life challenging circumstances which put them on the threshold of Reiki mastership. There are mediums and channellers, health care providers, alternative therapists and truth seekers.

I came upon Reiki by chance. And before I realized what was happening, I got a piece of thick paper with ornate flower motifs with my name on it. It proclaimed that I had undergone all the necessary training and requirements to be a master and teacher. Wasn’t that something!? But that doesn’t that make me a master. True mastery means being a master of oneself.

I just had a brief conversation with Minam Rinpoche and learnt:

1. The situation in Yushu has stabilised but the greatest concern now is the coming winter. In two months or so the weather is going to turn cold again. As we know, the winter there is harsh and temperatures is sub zero. Without proper shelter, it is going to be a huge challenge for the poor folks there.

2. Unreported but the Yushu area was recently struck by cyclone. Apparently, about 200 were killed.

3. Along with the rain, the folks there have to contend with the strong winds. Out in the open, it is tough.

4. Come winter, tents will not be able to hold out the cold. It is difficult to know how best to deal with the situation. Hopefully, we can do something. Life is indeed a struggle there. Each will have to fend for themselves but again, hopefully, Minam Rinpoche and others will be able to come up with something. From sources, he has worked tirelessly to do the best he can.

It is difficult for us to imagine how harsh cold can be. Speaking from expereinces of brief exposures to cold, it is terrible. For Yushu, where food is inadequate, facilities non-existent, the suffering is compounded.

One thing you have to allow when you are planning a trip to Siem Reap is to have USD25 left to pay the airport service tax. As far as I can see this amount is to pay the salaries of the officers to frisk you, tell you rudely to drink whatever water you have left in your flask or plastic bottle and to stare you for a terrorist before stamping your passport. Seriously, I see no other reason why they should charge 25 dorlah.

I thought this service tax was paid for along with my Airasia ticket but no such luck. Quite a few fellow passengers were just as bewildered as I was. Luckily they had spare cash. But then again no worries if you have a credit card. They accept Visa and Masters. Airasia didn’t warn you, did they?   What did you expect?!

Leaving that unpleasantry behind, Siem Reap is a great place to be. Even in the humid and hot summer, I enjoyed myself. Probably it is the holiday mindset. You feel good and do not mind the dust and smog and flies. Even with sweat dripping down and shirt clinging wet on your back, you will still be having fun.

Far as I can see, both young and old were enjoying the Tuk-tuk rides. They do look so but with big black sunglasses, who can tell? But they seemed happy.

Now, how many days make a good trip? I would say five. Most seem to make it a two night affair, flying into town (ok, city) in the morning, rush off to see the sunset, rise early to see the sunrise and then fly off the next day. Some may squeeze in Tonle Sap lake ride in the afternoon. IF I might say so, this is not good.

Faces of Angkor Thom

I initially thought Angkor Wat was just one temple. Was I wrong! True, Angkor Wat is indeed one temple but actually Angkor is the ruins of an ancient kingdom spanning over 600 years from the late 8^th century until the 14^th century. If you are a history or archaeology buff, this is it. Some ruins like the Banteay Srei look s so intact, you would not believe that it dates from the late 10^th century. That’s a thousand years ago.

Banteay Srei

Five days. That would be just about right for a ‘short’ rendezvous with Angkor. A day pass is US20 and for US40 it allows you to enter any 3 days within the next 7 days. This is the one to go for. No two ways about it. I made early morning runs and then headed back to my hotel for a shower, rest before tackling the ruins in the afternoon. But to do what I do, either have a prior understanding with your tuk-tuk or tip him handsomely. Petrol is expensive, a dollar a liter, so it costs them is they charter you back and forth. Remember, the common take home for these folks is US30 a month.

With 5 days, the first day can be nicely spent exploring the town, savoring the local delicacies, checking out the old market or simply just walk along the river. It may bring back childhood memories when you see naked little children having a gale of time bathing in the river.

Day 2, take in a lazy breakfast (don’t forget to try the local coffee), then tuk along to Angkor. You could hire a car but at this time and place, it is just not Angkor. No sour grapes here but allow me some disdain at those who flash about in 4-wheel drives in a city that is so much a reminder of a lost past. Sunglasses and pale faces along with hats and zoom cameras in big cars somehow seems distant and patronizing. It is more fun to just take time with all Angkor has to offer.

There need be no hurry. It is usual to start off with Angkor Wat herself. For refreshment, local coconuts go for 1 to 2 dollars and it is very serene just sitting under the trees watching the world go by.

Glorious Sunset over Angkor

Go for the Angkor sunset. It is a 10-20 minutes walk or climb depending on how fit you are. This sunset thing seems to be the in-thing to do. Almost everyone does it. So did I. Just like a cinema show before the curtain rises, people are jammed pack on the summit which actually is an old ruin itself. Some take pictures, others loiter while yet others stare at the open horizon. Occasionally, a plane glides across the sky. You have to be lucky this one to catch a real glorious sunset.

Day 3. It could be another day for temple trotting but it could also be a day out further afield like visiting the outskirts. Hire your favorite tuk-tuk driver for the day. The current rate is US10 from sunrise to sunset. Of course, you may have to pay more if you are going long distances – more petrol burnt. Check out those stilt houses which are ideal for the Khmer weather.

Or you could go to the lake Tonle Sap. There are boat hires at Chong Kneas, a little village, where for US10 per person, the boat takes you out to the floating village. This is a standard 1-1/2 package. For US25, you get 2-1/2 hours. Board after 5.30pm and you just get to view the sunset over the lake.

Angkor Sunrise over the Baray (Reservoir)

Day 4. Wake up early to catch the Angkor sunrise. After that, there is the the bigger circuit which you would not have the time to take in the first time. Believe me, the forest that forms part of the heritage is ever inviting. Feel the ageless faces and stones as they take you back to a different era in time. Imagine busy lives once bustled those silent corridors as flames burnt and chants resonates all around. If you have time ask the tuk-tuk driver to take you to the local night market. I am not sure but I believe everything is local and comes straight from the farm. I will not say more.

Banteay Srei

Day 5 would be time to make a run to make a run to Roulos or to Banteay Srei and beyond. Banteay Srei is not to be missed for its well preserved architecture and bas relief work. The kampong scenery is the bonus part of the trip. On the way back, look out for the mines museum. It is private owned and is a stark reminder of how human ingenuity and intelligence can be used to maim and cause suffering.

If you see big woks cooking by the roadside, they are making palm sugar candy. These candies are made from palm flowers soaked in bamboo tubes, very fragrant. You can buy some and give them to the little kids who ask, “Please give me candies.” Of course, you will be leaving tomorrow so you may never see those plightful-looking kids again. (actually the kids are asking for money, not candies)

Tonle Sap Floating Village

Tonle Sap lake ride is one of the offerings but it is disappointing. You could go for the ride cum dinner and sunset package at US33 but what the heck? If you leave from the jetty your little boat skims over shallow muddy water for  30 minutes before you reach the open lake of boat houses. A few mandatory stops at a crocodile farm (nothing to see) and a sundry shop where you are expected to be generous to buy books.

Dancing Girl or Goddess?

Ok, if you are not into old temples and stones, what is there? You could enjoy the forest. Actually, it reminded me of a friend, now deceased bless him, who was a nature and spook lover. He came here a few years back and I could imagine him falling in love with the place. The air is cooler under the canopies and it is nature herself. In fact, some of the setting of the ruins reminds me of Thai monks and temples. It brought back memories of my time in Thai monasteries. Everything is leisurely and serene and just right for one to seek enlightenment under the ancient boughs.

The real majesties of Angkor are the trees. You can’t but fall in love with them. One woman though looked at me rather curiously when she saw me touching the trees. She must thought this fellow rather queer. Probably nuts.

Angkor Wat Enlightenment

If you are neither Buddhist or Hindu, is there anything for you? Of course! One Muslim couple I met were sweating it out under the hot sun and I would say they were having just as much fun as anyone. Their young daughter loved the climbs and ‘funny’ stone faces. Come to think of it, all these stones do require a lot of clambering about but that’s great exercise. Losing a good kilo a day is very possible.

Face of Buddha, Angkor Thom

Anyway, Angkor is a city ruins with a history. I look at it that way just as I would look at Machu Picchu or the Sphinx. It holds no significance for me and honestly, nor were there any oomphs and aahs. Beside thinking how civilizations and kingdoms can rise and fall, the other thought I had was that I now know where all those film makers get their inspiration from.

My Friend

We all get tired in the end. Age does funny things to you. What was a flight of stone steps then? But for tired legs, there’s hope. For a dollar, you could sit back, relax and dip your weary feet in a fish tank filled with piranha lookalikes. These hungry creatures will peck whatever they can get from your feet. No fear, they say it is the best natural form of healing – no side effects.

Siem Reap Fish Food

You could try their massage though. That’s five dollars, that is if you speak Khmer. Otherwise, it will be seven dollars. No need to seek then out, they are everywhere. I hear they do a good job but I’m ticklish. Besides my tender vertebrae is prone to fractures so I can’t really give you a first person account.

I talked about food earlier but if you are selective there are (I was told) two Muslim restaurants in town. Pub Street is food heaven and if are well-heeled, then there are no shortage of fine dining at any of the multi-stars hotels that abound.

I see one restaurant in pub street with a sign that says “fully Khmer owned. Please help”.  This is very telling.  I was told that only 2 out of all those outlets in Pub Street are owned by Khmers. It is a reflection of the state of Siem Reap. Foreigners see this as a cheap enclave and very soon the place becomes unrecognizable. For us used to western food and taste, it makes the place ‘visitable’ but something is lost. Draught beers and wine is fine and adds a flavor to the place but if overdone, Khmer is sacrificed. When that happens, one might as well buy a CD or watch National Geographic.

NGOs are active. In the villages, I see signboards outside houses proclaiming who sponsored or gifted those houses. I do not know whose idea it was to put them up but it is so out of place. I hear that handouts make the locals complacent and sink them into apathy.

On the streets, kids sell things when being in school would have been better. Some beg, fortunately not many. These are not good signs for the future. Khmers may be poor but that is no excuse to be robbed of their pride and self esteem. It will be a tough battle as it is already happening. The boatman starts off a conversation by telling you how much, rather how little, he earns. It is a simple play, paving the way for a tip at the end of the ride.

Elsewhere, the tuk-tuk driver and masseur have the idea that all tourists are rich. They ask, how much do we earn. Whatever amount we tell,  it becomes a ridiculous astronomical figure to them. Little do they know that we are just scraping through. It justifies the expectation of a tip. Greed creeps in and cheapens. I hope this does not happen.

Victims of the Khmer Rouge

As a visitor, it is so easy to forget that Cambodia once suffered under a terrible regime. Young carefree children we see make it so easy to forget. And hope says Cambodians will never experience such tragedy again.

Future of Cambodia

Kompong Phhluk Boat Child

‘Five for one dorlah’

‘Buy sum thing’

‘Xiao je ni hern piao liang’

‘See temple so lucky’

‘Temple nothing to see’

Such are the phrases you hear over and over again while in Siem Reap and Angkor. The first three at least. The last two were uttered by a cynical ticket inspector at East Mebon ruins. (Their tags say controllers). In fact, he was the only cynical Cambodian I have met on my recent trip there. Cambodians are very friendly warm people.

Siem Reap is a bustling tourist city. I wouldn’t really call it a city but what’s in a name? Thanks to Airasia, it has become more accessible, cost wise. Not too long ago, we had MAS and other airlines fleecing us off. But having said that Airasia is not necessarily cheap. You have to be careful with them. You have to be very sure of your itinerary because I am sure Airasia makes a fair bit from cancellations and no-shows. I know because I have contributed to their balance sheet this way.

Siem Reap Old Market

Getting to Siem Reap is a breeze. I did this time with Airasia from Kuala Lumpur and it is just like riding a bus. You wake up early (the flight is 7am), walk a few miles to the aircraft toting your hand carry, climb the ramp, sit up straight and in two hours you are in Siem Reap. By the way, I would suggest straight seats instead of the ones they have now which are concave and bad for the back.

Siem Reap River - Idyllic

Like I said, Siem Reap is a bustling city. Correctly it is a kampong with some very expensive hotels. The most expensive can cost over US2000. On the other end of the scale, you can bunk in for US3 a night.

We stayed in an unnatural house

Shopping malls you will not find less so air-conditioned places. There is a KFC and Lucky Burger, the Cambodian equivalent of McDonalds. Lucky burger is better than McD, in my opinion. I suppose most are in for a few days and most of the time tourists are out in the Angkor ruins so air con malls are not the in thing. The 7-Eleven has their origins here. It is called 6-Eleven.

Siem Reap 7-Eleven

As in Phuket, the place teems with Caucasians. Some appear to have been around for a quite some time and though not as common a sight as in Phuket, I do see white men with local women in tow. The travel crowd tends to be backpackers and there were a few ugly behaviors from them. Coming from a better part of the world, hmmm…

There is the interesting Pub Street. Yes, there actually is a road sign that says pub street. I wonder what the old name was but if it had been some local hero, sorry. Practicality or money comes first.

Pub street is food street. There you can have a draft from 50 cents, if you dine there that is. This is one road that starts from the local food stalls at one end to the next junction. That is not all as there are passages, what we would call back lanes that have been converted to seating areas and restaurants. There you find western fare as well as local Khmer food. For US3, you can get something to bite but if you fork out US10, you can have quite a fill. Is that cheap? I find food expensive but maybe it was because my brain keep converting them and comparing them to what is available back home.

I hear that the restaurants in pub street are foreign owned. The locals put up the buildings and foreigners rent them and fit them out. What happens is what you get to see, a good mixture of tastefully done up joints. Once inside those narrow passages, the dust and dirt of Cambodia seems so far away.

It seems these joints fold up often. Competition is stiff and investors with thin budgets don’t last long. Some though have been around long as the locals can remember. For now, it seems likely that pub street is there to stay. For good or for bad, time will tell. Cambodia is poor and the poor don’t get to choose their destiny, not much. The dollar speaks loud. By the way, the greenback seems more like the national currency than the riel. What does that say? Should the Cambodians do something?

Next to pub street are the local roadside stalls. I did not take a photo but these local food stalls are make-shift off the road side concrete balustrades. You won’t see the balustrades as they drape a plastic sheet over it. The cooking area is one side and guests sit on the other near the road.

Siem Reap's Best Cook

Food good? The BBQs are ok but anything fried or soup comes with loads of seasoning and sodium glutamate. No, not for me. And the price is not cheap either. A plate of fried noodles is US3 to US4. That’s aircon comfort in Kuala Lumpur. Same bland fare, the only difference is that in Siem Reap, the food is fresh whereas in KL, it’s microwave.

Best Food in Siem Reap

Now I must really talk about the best food to be found in Siem Reap. Nothing like good local good. This is the one. Porridge with pig’s blood and internals. This stall is just across Lucky Mall. Make friends with the flies. They are very friendly.

This time I was in Cambodia, Siem Reap specifically. There I learnt something new about coffee.

Me and the inn owner debated whether Cambodian or Vietnamese coffee was better. In between he fixed me a cup. Cambodian style, lime to go with the coffee! That was when I first learn of lime coffee.

Does this strange mixture taste good? Well, it goes quite well and I would not mind another cup. You’ve got to try it yourself though. Strange flavor perhaps but quite nice really.

Cambodian coffee is relatively mild. Very unlike the Vietnamese variety which is bitter and caffeine loaded. No burnt sugar taste like the Malaysian ones. In fact it has a sweet tang to it. The Khmers call this real coffee and I agree. But if you are looking for that expresso pump, don’t. You can drink a bucket and there won’t be enough oomph to perk you.

I think adding lime juice is not a local thing. Probably, some kwailo came along and found the bitter not to their liking and squeezed in some lime. The ever observant Cambodian (they went through a war, remember) mistook this and thought that all foreigners like lime with their coffee. So lime coffee was born.

So, next time you find yourself in Cambodia, try the local coffee. And ask for the lime.

This morning, during that routine, I got thinking. The way one looks at a person makes a world of a difference. For example, seeing a person as a spouse and loving that same person is entirely different.

When a person is a spouse, there are expectations. Got to be this tall or that pretty. Got to measure up. Got to be successful. Doesn’t snore and throw out the rubbish. Works a full time job and still cooks dinner, washes the dishes too. Afford a maid and the holidays twice a year as well.

Being a spouse exposes one to all sorts of dangers. And limitations as well. Not to forget the rules of behavior, unilateral rules naturally. Every misstep is glared at and toted up in that mental book that never gets erased. You may not see it but it’s there.

To love someone is entirely different. Nothing has changed, at least on the outside. The love of our life still snores the same way and the rubbish is still feeding the cockroaches and the ants. To love someone makes us see all the sweet and wonderful things about them. We see their kindness, their concern for us, their love. They are angels and their light glows every time we bring them to mind.

When we love someone, we want the best for them. For to us, they are the most delicate thing in the world. We fear for them, we want to protect them. We feel their every hurt and our hearts break when they are in pain. We will give everything and anything to take their pain away. We want them to be happy.

I think that when someone becomes a spouse, there is this ‘taking’. When we love someone, we ‘give’. There lies the difference. And to give is to love. And vice versa. And I believe this same thinking applies to whether a child is a naughty incorrigible rascal or … is that an old troublesome grumble or the mother who nursed to what we are today?

Reiki Healing Hands

Well, not really my first Reiki treatment but the first time that it really set me thinking about how Reiki benefits.

Many of us, and I think that would include many Reiki practitioners, sometimes do wonder how this universal energy helps in healing bodies. That treatment got me thinking about how Reiki energy works. We were taught to give Reiki to others (some teachers make it mandatory to give Reiki to oneself and to clock in hours in giving to others as well) but it is in receiving Reiki that one gets a good insight into the energy of Reiki.

This ‘first’ happened during a Reiki course. It was a pretty hectic course, helping here, giving a hand there, making sure everyone is comfortable that I was quite tired from all the running about. During one of the intervals, I lied down for a quick rest on one of the tables that was free. My fellow masters (I think they liked me) gathered round and laid hands on me. With the tenderness of six pairs of hands on me, I slipped gently off to dreamland.

Sort of snoozed off but I could feel the charge of their hands on me all the while. That was what I thought. In reality, they had long wandered off leaving me for dead (they didn’t like me that much after all!). But to me, their hands were there all the time.

I woke refreshed, very much so. And the wonderful thing is that during the rest of the day, I felt fully charged and the Reiki energy did not diminish.

A traditional Reiki treatment calls for the laying on of hands and most traditions teach twelve hand positions on the front and back of the body from head to toe. It is an effective way to focus on the whole body allowing Reiki energy to work as it deems fit.

As it deems fit. That sums it up. In my case, the energy refreshed me. With my body fully charged, it was functioning at its peak. I believe that sums up how Reiki energy works. Our body is a complex organism. If each part is well-oiled and is working in tip top condition, all maladies can be overcome. Reiki energy charges the body giving it the resilience and power to heal itself. There is no need for diagnosis, no necessity of the practitioner trying to be knowledgeable or smart.

Try a Reiki treatment. Given with love and sincerity, it is one of the most wonderful and natural gift.

Reiki Healing Hands

The river of life flows almost always in strange ways. Things that we used to do before suddenly become relevant again. Sometimes they take on new meanings. What do they call it? Oldies remake? Retro?

Recently, Reiki nudged me again.  Its coming back brought back stories of great Tibetan Buddhist masters who say that it is the power of compassion that facilitates curing of the sick who came to them for healing. There is also the story of The Buddha who was ill and got relief when he asked one disciple to chant a paritta for him. Recently, I heard a Tibetan teacher whom I greatly respect speaks favorably of Reiki. It seemed that he has received and benefited from Reiki.

Healing was and still is a catch word for the ills that confronts us daily. Some credit this to the new media and info overload that make it seems that some catastrophe or other is happening every moment. I would disagree. Back in the old days, we had newspapers too but natural disasters do not occur as frequently as they do now. Our Mother Earth seems to be sneezing. Is she ill? Goodness – what if she starts coughing? Heaven forbids!

I like it when I meet people who are genuinely involved in energy work. They energize me. They are often weird people and they have beliefs which appear very arcane to the point of seeming insane. For example, there was this wonderful lady whom I interviewed. Petite she was but in that small body was loaded mega kilo tons of dynamite enthusiasm. Talk to her about lightworks and world healing, her minute arms will flail and if you are not careful, hit and imprint you with bolts of memory so strong it will stay forever in your memory cells.

Reiki. I had never heard of it when I was first introduced to it. Little did I know then that it eventually led me to learn and teach it. Call it one of those twists in an otherwise colorless life, it happened at the right time. Reiki appeared at the same time as an old interest in the mysterious and the unknown flickered.

This Reiki is a Japanese healing art. It calls for nothing more than the laying on of hands. Simply idiot-proof. It calls for no diagnosis, no herbs, no frowning focus of directing “energy”, no visualization. Completely idiot-proof. But if you google it, I promise you will be amazed at the number of pages that shows up ( at the last search, there were about 9,810,000 results). Impossible to read them all.

Sorry but Reiki is, to my mind, the utmost simplest healing art. Very contrary to what you will read from those pages or some books. Some practitioners have combined new age arts, healing arts as well as non-healing arts and ideas alike into Reiki. So do not be too surprised that Reiki has evolved with many new ‘masters” who carry “true’ lineages. There will also be many who are carrying “new transmissions from other dimensions”, there will be those who have channeled from avatars, angels, higher beings, spirits etc, there will be…these go on, limited only by the capacity of the mind.

Somehow, I like to believe that Reiki is for everyone. By that I mean that everyone can do Reiki, that is, everyone can heal. It is a simple art requiring no more than a simple initiation and much from-the-heart good intention. The stories just told are proof of this. Jesus was recorded as administering to the sick by touching them. That to me, is proof enough that miracles can happen through our hands and our hearts.

Reiki Healing Hands

For those encouraged to learn Reiki, I say, practice ignorance – ignore all that is said, claimed, publicized, hyped and what-not by Reiki people you may have heard or read about. Motives vary from individual to individual. Reiki cuts across all barriers. It represents one of the basic essences of human life. That is the cry for help, for healing, for soothing of the trouble soul and mind, of the abundance of compassion and love in each of us, our capacity to manifest and increase love and kindness and live fruitfully this human life.

Oh, I forgot. Reiki was (they say) re-discovered by a Japanese man called Usui (click to know something about him). With respect, to Him, I pay homage and respect.