When should a student decide to go for Master level training?
A lot of Reiki students ask when they should go for the Master level class. Obviously, the answer is going to vary from person to person, but there are definitely some key points to consider this.
The core focus of Master level (regardless of whether it is Level 3, 3b, or 4) is the teaching of Reiki. Masters goal should be to “spread the light of Reiki,” as Sensei Hiroshi Doi puts it. If you do not want to teach Reiki – for free or for pay, then taking the Master level is probably not right for you.
However, it is also important to understand that Master is not defined by having completed a course, received the proper number of attunements, or a certificate on your wall. You define yourself as a Master by the actions you take. Being a Master isn’t just about understanding the material, it is about integrating the material fully into your life.
Acquiring a degree or initiation is meaningless unless it really indicates a certain mastery has been attained. -Kerr Cuhulain
There is a lot of stigma attached to the word “Master.” In the West, the word carries a lot of emotional charge with it. In Japan, the word is “Sensei”, which translates to “Teacher” or “Master.” To Japanese students, the two words mean the same.
So when deciding whether you are ready to take your Master level or not, you should consider your personal goals. What do you want to achieve in your personal Reiki practice? What do you want to achieve in your professional Reiki practice? As long as you are honest with yourself, there is no wrong answer.
The big key is to look for the answer within. No one can tell you if you are ready or not. Ask yourself deep down and trust that you have the answer. If you still think you don’t know; pretend that you do know. What is the answer then?
Thank you for this post! It is very important that the title of Master isn’t some reward, it is the next step in a spiritual journey. There is much insight here.