Ki, the Energy of Life

KI is the Japanese word meaning, generally, the energy of life. Within this ki, a hierarchy of 7 particular energies has been distinguished, as follows:*

1) Kekki -- the "Ki of the blood" -- provides fundamental strength. It is the most powerful and most basic of the 7 energies, but the least structured and least intelligent. Associated with the Root Chakra.

2) Shioke -- the "Ki of the salt" or "Ki of minerals" -- provides bodily structure and connectedness, which makes possible and organizes to a degree the action of Kekki. Also associated with the Root Chakra.

3) Mizuke -- the "Ki of the water" or "Ki of liquids" -- makes possible relationship and communication (by allowing the flow of Kekki among various forms of Shioke). It is the basic energy of all emotions, and allows for nourishment and metabolism. Associated with the Sacral Chakra.

4) Kuki -- the "Ki of the air" or "Ki of gases" -- provides the motivation for self-discovery. It gives us the ability to define our own course in life, not to be overly influenced by others. Also, the energy of digestion (of ideas as well as physical food). Associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra.

5) Denki -- the "Ki of the thunder" -- gives the ability to balance our own ego with consideration for others. The element of Thunder implies the forces of Heaven -- and Denki makes possible our trust in a Divine Creator, as well as feelings of love, empathy, fairness, tolerance and understanding toward our fellow beings. Associated with the Heart Chakra.

6) Jiki -- "magnetic power" or "gathering force" -- provides charisma and aligns us with our true, Divine will. It gives the qualities of truth, beauty and kindness. It attracts the perfect complement to our own being in every situation, as well as coordinating the 5 lower energies. Associated with the Throat Chakra.

7) REIKI -- "soul force" or "spiritual power" -- organizes and directs all the lower energies in the most holistic, synergistic way, to bring about the good of all. In the material world, this is the energy closest to the Divine Creator, the Source of all energy and life. Reiki is associated with the Brow Chakra, and acts as a bridge between the material energies and the purely spiritual, Divine energy, called Shinki, from which everything is created and to which everything eventually returns.

* This information is condensed from the writing of Walter Lübeck in The Spirit of Reiki (Lotus Press, 2001).

THESE 7 ENERGIES are also listed by Michio Kushi in Macrobiotic Home Remedies (Japan Publications, Inc., 1985). Kushi translates REI KI as " 'ki of spirit,' 'the invisible force of soul.' " He explains further:

All of these stages of ki came out from SHIN KI, God-ki. Out of Shin Ki (the source), Rei Ki (yin and yang) is born. Between yin and yang**, Ji Ki (magnetism) arises, and next vibration, in the form of electricity (Den Ki), is produced. Then atmosphere, water and minerals are formed. We take all these in the form of food and transform them into Kek-ki, ki of blood, which nourishes our body.

** I found it interesting that Kushi had equated Reiki with yin and yang. My own feeling was that yin and yang arose at the level of Jiki (magnetism, polarity), and that Reiki, located just above that level, was indeed, as Walter Lübeck describes, the mysterious connector between the spiritual and physical realms. My feeling when experiencing Reiki has always been one of being suddenly connected to my true Self, to my Source. I believe that's what Reiki does for us, whether applied as a "treatment" or as an "empowerment/attunement." It feels to me like an "extension cord" connecting me to the Source.

However, Reiki Teacher Mike Fuchs pointed out to me that yin and yang can never really be separated, that yin and yang together make up the indivisible reality of tai-chi -- and that is what Kushi is referring to here, with the words "yin and yang." "Also," he says, "it is generally regarded that the energy/force depicted by the tai chi symbol is identical to the force/energy which is called either 'tao' or 'dao.' So, tai chi and dao are the same, just named differently...." If this is the case, then "reiki" and "dao" are also just 2 different words for the same thing: that indivisible, life force at the first level of manifestation, which brings about the dynamic balance of ever-changing energies in all things.

EVEN SO, is there only one Reiki, or is Reiki a different energy for each individual? There's considerable evidence to suggest the latter, and I've come to believe that.