I'm not sure if this is the best place in the forum to post this. I'm looking for general comments.

A lot of people who practice reiki take ordination with the Universal Life Church. Their goal is to provide legal protection for their practice. Would anybody care to comment?

Jonathan Lobl

Well, this has been asked and answered so many times, in various diferent threads on this site. Take a moment and read the last sermon by Br Daniel, as I feel he had a lot to say about it, as do I.

But you asked for comments and so, I'll give my opinion as briefly as I know how. Yes, it is true a lot of people have tried to take advantage of this church, which I feel is absolutely absurd. Secondly, various States who's laws govern the slightest possibility of enabling these individuals to actually "get by with it," will ultimately come back to haunt those who do not actually minister on a full time or semi full time basis. Third, If a person for whatever reason does not actually believe that an insurance company will easily default or weasel out of providing any such policy coverage (should the need arise), then they are only fooling themselves. They obviously are not aware how insurance companies easily avoid their responsibilities, when faced with "any acts of god"... Ironic isnt it.

Excuse me if I seem blunt, but I have seen this question asked over and over again and always for the same reason. We've seen sooooo many others ask if they just need to be ordained to get such as healers or malpractice insurance or if they need to buy the degrees too. Let me just say that is not what ordination in this or any church is about, and for it or any of the Honorary degrees to be used for this purpose alone, at least in my mind; constitutes a deceptive act and perhaps even violates any code of ethics in their professional field of endeavour, business practice, including massage therapy, reiki, etc.

In closing, if one truly believes in what they are doing and that it honestly has a positive impact on their customers life. Fine, they should go ahead and do what they want to do (as long as it is within the law). Although they should keep in mind how they also have the right to "refuse service to anyone." It is better insurance to place a sign stating that in their office. Since ultimately, it would only be non-believers who would consider suing. Even then I would why?, perhaps only because their lives had not changed or they are still not living in gold coated castles. I know that would probably be the case, since every one who has come through and stating they practice reiki are masters and are the best of the best, but they just cant practice it legally until they obtain malpractice insurance or become a license massage therapist, which is who this art is designed to be focussed on in the first place.

Well, thats my 2 cents on the matter


Respectfully

Reverend Jack

Thank you. Where is Br. Daniel's sermon to be found?

Jonathan Lobl

You can view it here
http://www.themonastery.org/index.php?d ... iel&id=274

Thank you for the link to Br. Daniel's sermon. I've read it.

So, this usage of ordination constitutes criminal fraud intended to circomvent the health care provider laws. Does that about cover it?

If there is more such material from Br. Daniel, or you, I would like the links.

Thanks,

Jonathan Lobl

This issue is not as dead as I thought. I got a link from About.com about starting a reiki practice. This link took me to a blog about reiki. The blog urged reiki practitioners to get ordained and that link took me--here--to the ULC Monastery.

Maybe I shock easily, but yikes! If the moderator wants a few harsh words with them, I can send you the link. Otherwise, I will just delete it. Comments?

Jonathan Lobl

I dont know if the moderators are interested or not, but I would like to view it. Who knows, maybe I'll be inspired to provide a few words of my own...

Resectfully

Reverend Jack

O.K.: Since you want it. http://healing.about.com/b/2007/10/26/e ... siness.htm

When you get there, click on "How to start up a Reiki Practice.

Click on "become certified as an ordained minister."

You will find yourself looking at the ULC Monastery home page. Clearly they did not ask if the Monastery administratin was willing to be a resource for these purposes. Well, there it is. Have at it, if you're so inclined.

Jonathan Lobl

Forgiveness and Love.

As ministers of the Universal Life Church, aren't we all on the same path? Are we not striving for the salvation of all?

If you are a person who practices any kind of healing art, ask yourself this question: Are you a healer of the body or a healer of the spirit. If you are a healer of the body, you might be a doctor. But if you are a healer of the spirit, you're goal is to bring love into a person's soul and let that love resonate in the body so that the body may be healed. For what is a body but a vehicle for the soul?

If others "take advantage" of this perceived power granted by the church, then I have a few questions. Why is it a power? And why, if we are all ministers of the same church, can't we forgive? If I was an insecure person and was unable to forgive my brothers and sisters and love them regardless, then I would feel that people might take advantage of the Church. But that is not the case. My heart is full of love and forgiveness. If only everyone person was a minister of the Universal Life Church! Then maybe we could reach the entire world and deliver our message of forgiveness and love.

So if you practice Reiki, as I do, and you strive only to deliver to each and every person the healing their spirit requires then nothing is stopping you from becoming a minister. May your parish be universal and your message of love understood. Some of us carry this message with our words, some of us carry the message in our writings, and there are still some of use that carry this message with our hands. If you happen to make money delivering your message, whether you be a priest, minister or healer, don't feel guilty about money. How could any person be able to carry the message of forgiveness and love to the world without a healthy body to do it in? Let go of your guilt, forgive whatever it is in your heart that makes you feel guilty and let it go.

I hope everyone finds their own way of delivering the message of...

Forgiveness and Love...


All my love,

Chuck

Hello Chuck:

Thank you for your interest in this thread. I'm not sure you understood the direction of this conversation.

Nobody is questioning the value of reiki. I am a reiki master and have never had cause for regret. Nobody is questioning the value of the ULC. I enjoy being a ULC minister.

The problem is that the idea persists; that being a ULC minister will somehow provide legal protection for a professional reiki practice. This brings us to the points of this thread.

1. Does a ULC ordination provide such legal protection? (I say, no. Fell free to disagree.)
2. Does ordination for this purpose constitute an abuse of the church?

Comments?

Jonathan Lobl

While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

Master Usui was a practicing Buddhist. Reiki was derived from that Buddhist practice. The attunements themselves are a watered down version of Medicine Buddha initiation ritual.

Jonathan Lobl