Reiki and the bright light

The great bright light within us and Reiki is one of the most important aspects of Reiki, as are the precepts.

I’m not going to explain the final Kanji at the Shinpiden level, your teacher will do that. What I will try to explain is that the light we are all walking towards in our Reiki journey is already within us – it is our essence (whether we take the final level or not).

What is the bright light in Reiki? 

The light represents the universe and our true self. We are not separated, we are interconnected. The light is 'self' and works and shines in us moment to moment. We are working with light and our true self constantly. This light will shine on others with compassion and freedom. 
 
There is a lovely quote by Ven Tong Songchol:

The great light has no colour, yet it is all colours. It transcends
past, present and future. It existed before the universe appeared and will exist after the universe is gone.

He goes on to say, "This light can be talked about for ever, but it cannot be explained in words, it also cannot be seen with a microscope or a powerful telescope. It is magnificent beyond description, it can only be seen with wisdom’s eye. Our basic nature is clearer than the sky."
 
What the quote is saying, I think, is that the feeling of the bright light is Hibiki – it can’t be touched, only felt, and is non-dual.

When we look at the Reiki precepts, we can see they are also non-dual. We are at one with ourselves, regardless of rules and regulations. This light transports us to our true nature. We have no need to explain it; we feel it.

The system of Reiki and the bright light 

Everything within the system of Reiki is connected, just like the five elements. If something has disappeared, we cannot practice correctly. Our Hara is our centre and is a major part of the teaching of the Reiki system. It is Reiki as is the 'great bright light'. In Japan, it is thought that we can’t attain enlightenment without the Hara. The Hara has many meanings, such as 'abdomen', 'centre', 'true being' and so on. Mikao Usui used the Hara in his teachings to explain what it means. Hibiki, again.
 
So, the law of the universe, in human terms, is the light – the Hara – and connection, and we need to constantly practice in order to attain enlightenment. 
 
We need to 'feel' all of this and all of the system of Reiki, as each level connects to the next. The journey will never end which I think is exciting and rewarding. We humans want to have answers to everything, it seems. So, to let each of us feel the light is for us and no-one else.
 
We all need to feel the light and we all need to feel 'compassion' for ourselves or we cannot help anyone. The Reiki system is for everyone. It is not a 'gift', it is realisation that nothing inhibits our feelings – they are ours! Simplicity is the key, no complication, no rules, just simplicity and honesty.