MysticMag chats with Frans Stiene, co-founder of the International House of Reiki, and a world-renowned Reiki teacher and researcher dedicated to preserving and teaching the traditional Japanese form of the system of Reiki. Known for his down-to-earth approach, Frans combines deep spiritual insight with practicality, emphasizing personal development and professional Reiki training. He is the author of acclaimed works such as The Inner Heart of Reiki, Reiki Insights, and The Way of Reiki, which explore the profound teachings of Mikao Usui. Through the Ki Campus, an innovative online platform, Frans continues to support students in integrating Reiki into their daily lives.
Frans, how does the International House of Reiki integrate traditional Japanese teachings into modern Reiki practices, and what value does this approach bring to students and practitioners?
I believe many traditional practices, particularly when viewed through a Japanese lens, tend to be rigid, with a strict and demanding teacher-student dynamic. In my own experience training with a priest in Japan, I found this traditional approach extremely challenging. While I deeply respect the clarity and precision of these teachings, bringing them into a more fluid, open, and modern context has been essential for me.
My goal is to preserve the essence of these practices—their focus on helping individuals remember their inner luminosity—while adapting the delivery to make them more accessible. For instance, traditional Japanese methods emphasize an unyielding teacher-student hierarchy, which my teacher himself admitted might not translate well into a modern, Western setting. He encouraged me to reshape the approach while keeping the teachings intact.
By presenting these ancient teachings in a contemporary and approachable way, students can still experience the transformative power at the heart of the practice. I’ve found that this adaptation allows the teachings to resonate deeply while remaining true to their original purpose.
Could you elaborate on the five basic elements of Reiki as described in your book The Japanese Art of Reiki and why these foundational elements are essential in every Reiki course?
Reiki, meaning “spiritual energy,” emphasizes cultivating a mindset that creates spaciousness and harmony within. This system is built on five foundational elements, each integral to its practice:
Precepts: These guidelines encourage emotional balance and ethical living through principles like “For today, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, be true to your way and your being, and be compassionate to yourself and others.”
Meditation Practices: Techniques like focusing on the breath and calming the mind help reduce distractions, worry, and anger, fostering present-moment awareness.
Hand Positions: By placing hands on specific areas of the body, practitioners anchor themselves in the present. This tactile connection helps the mind, often caught in past or future concerns, align with the body, which exists solely in the present.
Symbols and Mantras: Used in Reiki levels 2 and 3, these tools focus the mind and deepen concentration, helping practitioners remain grounded in the moment.
Reiju (Attunements/Initiations): These rituals reveal the inner peace and luminosity that practitioners already possess but may have forgotten, enhancing their awareness and connection to these qualities.
Together, these five elements unite the mind, body, and energy, fostering a state of calm and balance across all aspects of one’s being.
How does the Ki Campus support students’ ongoing development after their initial in-person training, and what role does community play in enhancing their practice?
Practicing the system of Reiki can sometimes feel isolating, which is why community plays such a crucial role in supporting and sustaining growth. To address this, the Ki Campus for the International House of Reiki was created as a vibrant online community. It offers forums, chat programs, and additional teachings to keep students engaged. Daily posts, often drawn from various books, inspire reflection and foster active participation without any pressure.
This platform serves as a space for practitioners to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange advice on focus, practice duration, and more. It creates a sense of togetherness, like gathering in a café to share thoughts and ideas. Beyond interactions with teachers, connecting with peers strengthens the foundation of the practice, providing a supportive environment to walk the path of inner luminosity hand in hand with others.
What are some common misconceptions about Reiki, and how does IHReiki address these to provide a clearer understanding of the system’s purpose and benefits?
When discussing Reiki, many people associate it solely with hands-on healing, but it is far more profound, encompassing the foundational Five Elements of the practice. These elements emphasize that true healing begins with the practitioner’s mindset. While hands-on healing is a universal birthright, its effectiveness depends on the state of the practitioner’s mind. Energy flows in alignment with one’s mental state—if the practitioner is angry, worried, or stressed, the energy they work with reflects those emotions.
Mikao Usui, the founder of the system of Reiki, emphasized for us to return to our inner true nature which is the core of his teachings. This involves focusing on cultivating a calm and focused mind, as this clarity directly influences the energy’s quality. A calm mind creates calm energy, which is essential for effective healing. This perspective represents a significant difference in how the system of Reiki is taught in some modern practices versus a traditional approach rooted in Usui’s traditional teachings.
With numerous books and resources available, what do you feel distinguishes The Inner Heart of Reiki and other IHReiki publications in helping readers connect with the deeper spiritual aspects of Reiki?
In most Reiki books, the emphasis often lies on the techniques and external aspects of practice, but my focus is different—I delve deeply into the mindset needed to truly embody Reiki. The essence of the practice is how we integrate its teachings into our daily lives, not just during meditation or hands-on healing sessions. For example, the precepts—”Just for today, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, be true to your way and being, and be compassionate”—aren’t meant to be abstract concepts. They are guiding principles for every action we take throughout the day.
The word today emphasizes mindfulness in the present moment, applying these principles to all aspects of life. This approach transforms our daily existence into a healing process, spreading compassion, gratitude, and love wherever we go. My recent books focus on this core of the system of Reiki —practicing it in all facets of life to foster joy, compassion, and healing for both individuals and society as a whole. By living these precepts, we cultivate a life filled with love and harmony, creating a ripple effect that touches everyone around us.
Through my practice of the system of Reiki, I’ve experienced profound personal transformations. I find myself less prone to anger and worry, and I feel less impacted by external events or societal pressures. This has allowed me to remain grounded and centered in my body, mind, and energy, which helps me approach others with greater kindness.
Physically, the changes have been remarkable as well. For years, I suffered from chronic lower back pain—around 15 years—and was even told by my doctor that I would need therapy for the rest of my life. However, this pain has completely disappeared, and I feel stronger now than I did in my late twenties. Reiki has truly empowered me to embrace a more balanced and vibrant way of living.
If you would like to find out more about IHReiki, please visit http://www.IHReiki.com
