A01
Resignation from Jikiden – Why and What now?
19'53''
2024-2025
Summary
Frank Arjava Petter resigned from Jikiden Reiki and discussed this sensitive topic with outsiders for the first time on January 7th, 2025.
A02
Mission Statement
06'37''
2025
Summary
The agreement between the producer René Vögtli and the interviewee Frank Arjava Petter.
A03
Carefree Childhood
08'41''
1960-1975
Summary
The father's war induced nightmares, the loss of an unknown sister and an elusive brother. Yet a carefree childhood.
A04
Rebellion, Disaster, Vision
10'51''
1975-1976
Summary
Trouble starts as a teenager. An escape ends in injury and leads to the first exposure to mystical literature.
A05
Exotic WomenExpelled from SchoolYoga and Farming
6'09''
1977-1979
Summary
The allure of exotic women and the attraction of Yoga end in the sobering observation that industrial farming comes first.
A06
Saving Himself and Becoming a Disciple of Osho
15'04''
1978
Summary
Rushing to save his brother from the fangs of what the parents thought might be a devilish sect, Arjava saved himself.
A07
Objecting Army Duty – Escaping from Social Service
7'57''
1979-1981
Summary
Osho appears during the night and calls Arjava to come to India immediately. His father's nightmares are compelling arguments for the judge.
A08
Life at the Ashram – a Pressure Cooker
9'51''
1980-1981
Summary
Encounter groups, free sex, drugs at the ashram? Early impressions. Later, Arjava writes a book about his experience with Osho from 1978 until 1990.
A09
The Master’s Gardener Holds a Wisdom for Life
9'19''
1980-1983
Summary
Menial jobs help to ‚ego-check'. And are prerequisite to learn a life lesson with the promise of the most valuable of all prizes.
A10
Deserted, Sick and Facing Jail –
Social Service Provides Shelter
10'28''
1981-1983
Summary
Sick with Hepatitis, Arjava escapes to Germany, avoiding prison. Only to be invited to Osho's Oregon commune after a stint of social work!
A11
The Elusive Guru Triggers
18'18''
1984-1989
Summary
Osho gets deported. Lovers travel the world. A broken heart and a new Japanese love in India. Arjava's epic journey: gardener to bodyguard.
A12
Essence of Osho versus Essence of Reiki
6'58''
1989
Summary
Can the essence of Osho be compared with the essence of Reiki? What are their overlaps?
A13
Search for Meaning Across Borders
8'23''
1989-1990
Summary
A journey with Chetna through Japan, the U.S. and Germany - between cultures, jobs and identities. It ends in a language school in Sapporo, Japan.
A14
Tokyo → Berlin → Tokyo German re-imports Japanese Healing Art
11'44''
1988-1992
Summary
A headache leads Arjava to Reiki, but his path is anything but linear. He flies to Berlin to learn a Japanese healing technique to bring it back to Japan. The heart is tickled and big questions fill the mind.
A15
Too Close to Teach?
5'51''
1992-2002
Summary
Teaching partners or family? Arjava chooses romance over teaching to preserve personal boundaries. The conversation unpacks taboo boundries and the question of ethical conduct.
A16
Was Reiki Even Japanese?
15'07''
1992
Summary
Arjava doubts Reiki's roots. Yet, he is teaching it and discovers a Western Reiki legacy in Japan. They flock into his classes for the higher degrees of Reiki.
A17
From Guilt to Guidance
14'41''
1992-1994
Summary
His initial success kindles guilty feelings in Arjava, as well as a need for research. His brother initiates what would become 'Reiki Fire'.
A18
Feisty and Abrasive – Yet, She Reveals the Secret
12'28''
1994
Summary
A cold lead makes Arjava almost quit – until a mysterious feisty elder dropped the truth.
A19
Chasing Ghosts – Tangible Discovery
12'28''
1994
Summary
The research of Usui's biography hits dead ends, but a clue from a survivor of his era leads to his burial site, promising an ever more tangible Reiki quest.
A20
The Stone That Spoke
8'27''
1994
Summary
The amazing discovery of the memorial stone. It finally reveals the first written account of Usui's life and teachings.
A21
Whispers of Silence
8'24''
1994
Summary
Arjava faces a bewildering silence about Usui in his own family. A dramatic teaching document reveals Usui's vision: Reiki for all.
A22
No Wrong Reiki
11'31''
1995
Summary
A newly discovered Gakkai member answers a flood of questions from the West. Confusion ensues. And a message resonating louder today than ever before.
A23
Hands Like Waterfalls
5'53''
1995
Summary
Arjava debunks lineage myths, affirming Reiki's purity beyond tradition. Practitioners become living sources of nature, like waterfalls or sacred trees.
A24
Predicament
10''32''
1995-1997
Summary
Arjava guards a private archive, but sees this video series as real legacy. A hands-on exchange sparks access to original Japanese techniques he now teaches.
A25
Silenced by Blood
14'38''
1996-2000
Summary
Raj is evasive about his lineage; the book needs to be re-written. It is received with antagonism and eventually Arjava needs a new Western Reiki lineage.
A26
Painful Truth and Integrity
8'14''
1997-1998
Summary
After his book is out, Arjava learns his lineage is fabricated. He gets re-initiated in a verifable Western lineage and offers his own students re-training. Many return, some don't.
A27
Ghosts in the Lineage
14'46''
1997-2002
Summary
Grappling with broken lineages and lost records, Arjava reflects on an unexpected "grand-parenthood", a surprise present and the weight of a past he both carries and questions.
A28
Polemics, Ridiculing and Apologies
16'44''
1996-1997
Summary
Arjava hoped 'Reiki Fire' would enlighten–critics saw ego and arrogance instead. He owns his tone and humour, but denies chasing fame or power.
A29
Boycotted but Persistent
12'06
1997
Summary
The boycott against 'Reiki Fire' was instigated by Phyllis Furumoto. Arjava stood by his work and now muses why people react so strongly to him and seeks answers in self-reflection.
A30
Beyond Flames – Peace
18'33''
1997-2013
Summary
Reiki Fire' unleashed threats, sabotage and break-ins. Resilience was needed to hold the ground and to carry on. Nowadays, Arjava chooses peace: no victimhood, no grudge - just heartful presence.
A31
The Beach of Forgivenesshas Two Sides.
12'57''
1999-2017
Summary
In 2017, Phyllis Furumoto intended to express her apology in person to Arjava. Unfortunately they never met. Arjava ponders on reconciliation and opens the door to closure.
A32
Finding Chiyoko Sensei
6'29''
1999-2000
Summary
After key people die, a new door opens and Arjava finds Chiyoko Yamaguchi. Her son's simple welcome defies expectation, launching a rare, small-scale training journey.
A33
Constellation Reveals: Usui is Done – Hayashi Reverberates
5'27''
1999-2000
Summary
An astonishing Reiki constellation with Bert Hellinger reveals Usui's peace and Arjava's link to Hayashi. This shifts Arjava's mission and foretells his destiny even before meeting Chiyoko Yamaguchi.
A34
Venerable Simplicity
7'32''
2000
Summary
Her life blends Reiki and daily life – simple, powerful, lovable. In her high age she is living proof of her practice. Arjava finds in Chiyoko Yamaguchi the humble, heart-based teacher he longed for.
A35
Practice is Teaching
11'03''
2000-2001
Summary
Arjava is the first to be invited onto the Jikiden teacher's path, not by request but through practice. A cultural mix-up between Kyoto and Tokyo Japanese gives birth to the Institute almost by accident.
A36
Honourable Tradition or Enrichment?
15'07''
2000-???
Summary
Arjava reveals traditional teacher hierarchy of Jikiden Reiki and defends it against pyramid-scheme claims – while questions around ownership and succession cast long shadows.
A37
More in Common Than Meets the Eye
10'31''
1982-2025
Summary
Arjava shares insights on Reiki's shared roots, defends Jikiden's monetary practices, and urges aspiring authors to be guided by passion, not dreams of profit.
A38
Poetry in Motion
14'04''
1999-2025
Summary
Arjava uses travel and Covid downtime to publish 25 years of poetic work. A trilingual Meiji poetry project merges Reiki roots with artistic reverence.
A39
The Best Reiki Is Yours!
13'16''
2001-2002
Summary
Arjava dismantles the idea of "correct" Reiki, urging practice beyond ego and technique. He emphasizes intention-free practice, unity over style, and compassion through both self- and shared treatment.
A40
Between Two Worlds
14'18''
2001
Summary
Arjava finds his Reiki home with Chiyoko Yamaguchi and becomes instrumental in Jikiden's global rise. The failed attempts to 'fuse' East and West leave him wondering whether true 'bridging' is even possible.
A41
Life is Good
10'19''
2001-2025
Summary
Arjava resigns from Jikiden, tired of cultural mediation–but stays optimistic for his future. Though labels fall away, he stays committed to supporting his students.
A42
Heeding Her Wisdom
6'04''
1987-2025
Summary
Arjava and René reflect on intuition, trust and encouragement, honoring how their wives' wisdom grounds them when need it most – even amid dreams they don't always share.
A43
The Grandmaster Dilemma
11'47''
2000-2025
Summary
Arjava honors Takata with gratitude. With view to the OGM and Jikiden he questions where spiritual teaching and business entwine.
A44
No Master Symbol – No Master Initation
16'10''
1990-2025
Summary
An excursion into the Japanese idea of soul serves as background to explain that in Jikiden Reiki, mastery comes from experience, not initiation or symbols. Reiju clears ego, again and again.
A45
The ‚Master Symbol‘ Has a Long History – or Does It?
12'47''
BC-2025
Summary
Arjava honours the master symbol's value in Western Reiki and sheds light on its origin. Long live diversity!
A46
In the Same Boat, Yet Drifting Apart?!
14'53''
1999-2025
Summary
Arjava reflects on ego and division – in the real and in Reiki and urges self-awareness as a cure. Even failed efforts to unify Reiki in the past, he says, sparked unexpected growth and connection eventually.
A47
A Hell with Nobody in It
11'38''
2000-2025
Summary
Arjava and René explore collective wisdom and unity beyond culture or ego. A Jesuit Zen Master offers a powerful image: a hell with 'nobody in it'. Silence becomes the gateway to shared truth.
A48
Arjava & Phyllis: Free to Let Go
11'58''
1998-2025
Summary
The constellation session with Hellinger freed Arjava from a sense of obligation towards Usui. Arjava reflects on Phyllis's apology – revealing strong parallels in their words and philosophy.
A49
Ethics of Exceptions
9'06''
2025
Summary
Arjava tackles absentee Reiki ethics, prioritising participation over consent – Western individuality meets Eastern collective. In practice, there are no rules without exceptions. This is universally true.
A50
The Controversial Topic of Absentee Initiation
10'34''
1960-2025
Summary
Arjava rejects absentee initiations as incompatible with his sacred, physical Reiju. René offers a nuanced view. Both uphold ethical considerations and code of conduct.
A51
Free Will and KarmaCelebrating Uniqueness
14'11''
?-2025
Summary
Arjava redefines freedom as inner alignment, not external circumstance – seen in Reiju and marriage alike. Most choices aren't free, they're shaped by lifetimes of unconscious momentum.
A52
Lost in Translation: Secrecy
11'33''
1937-2025
Summary
Arjava demystifies 'secrecy', tracing it back to Hayashi and Takata in Hawaii. Ideally, Reiki is taught in its entirety – as one organic package. Internet practices shouldn't distract from the original teaching.
A53
Too Much Standardisation, Too Little Reiki
14'14''
1920-2025
Summary
Arjava supports minimal standards but warns against overregulation. A code of conduct and simple curriculum – more risks distorting the inherent simplicity of the practice.
A54
Unity Without Uniformity: The Role of Reiki Associations
10'59''
2009-2025
Summary
Arjava supports minimal standards but warns against overregulation. A code of conduct and simple curriculum – more risks distorting the inherent simplicity of the practice.
A55
Trademark – Not Again!
8'25''
1996-2025
Summary
René questions Arjava about rumours of Jikiden trademarking Reiki in China, seeing paradoxical parallels to the 1990s. Arjava dismisses this but clarifies that the institute has registered 'Jikiden Reiki' as a defensive move.
A56
East meets West: Rifts to be healed everywhere
15'44''
2017-2025
Summary
Japanese Reiki tensions mirror the West's past division. Willingness for dialogue is necessary – despite legal entanglements. Arjava's controversial 2017 statement is discussed. Also, we get an insight into his role in Jikiden Reiki's unfolding.
A57
The Absurdity of Old Grudges
6'28''
1884-2025
Summary
Letting go of ancestral trauma does not mean agreeing or forgetting. Healing fateful past encounters – like Arjava's imagined meeting with Phyllis Furumoto – reveals the absurdity of old grudges.
A58
The Rumour Stops Here
5'44''
2017-2025
Summary
A persistent rumour confronts Arjava: that Hyakuten Inamoto forced him to sign a legal document. He categorically denies it, preferring to end the conflict with peace over retaliation.
A59
As Learned», Not «Better
13'14
1999-2025
Summary
Reiki is one, names differ. Jikiden remains unchanged, says Arjava, though its structure evolved. He diffuses insinuations from both sides and urges: name your changes (like e.g. Gendai).
A60
No Judgment. Just My Way.
9'27''
1999-2025
Summary
Reiju and initiation are clarified as practices in both Western and Jikiden traditions alike. Arjava shares his affinity and encourages practitioners to trust their path – without judgment or comparison.
A61
Without Takata, No Reiki Today
12'00''
1938-2025
Summary
Debunking a grave myth, Arjava honours Takata's pivotal role in Reiki's expansion to the West and transmigration back to Japan. He also embraces conflict as spiritual polish.
A62
The Promise of Peace
10'28''
1922-2025
Summary
Arjava honours Usui's wisdom and courage in not making Reiki a religion, thus opening a path to universal peace. A moving tribute to Don Alexander opens this episode.
A63
The Time is Right Now
8'10''
2011-2025
Summary
Arjava explains why he once rejected the project: concern for others and wrong timing. Behind unread emails lies care, not rejection. Krishnamurti's thoughts on love.
A64
Rivalry: Krishnamurti vs Osho(German with English subtitles)
2'28''
1986-2025
Summary
A humorous tale of synchronicity and spiritual rivalry. Arjava recalls Osho's sharp yet respectful jabs at Krishnamurti – two giant spiritual teachers with clashing styles.
A65
You Are His Hands, includes a collective meditation
18'18''
2025
Summary
A shared silent meditation and a thank you all round. Arjava reminds us Reiki is a tool – our true task is to spread love and heal the world.
A66
6 … 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … No-One!
19'44''
1924-2024
Summary
Arjava reveals Usui's radical humility – placing himself below an empty top level. True mastery lies in openness, vulnerability, and students who excel the teacher.
Dai Shihan, Dai-hyo, Hierarchy, Kaicho, Kancho, Mikao Usui, Okuden, Shihan, Shihankaku, Shinpiden, Shoden, Zen
A67
Exclusive: Bert Hellinger’s Reiki Constellation
20'21''
2000
Summary
Exclusive footage: Bert Hellinger explores Reiki's divisions and 'vicious fighting' with his family constellation method. Profound insights, emotional responses–and a surprising personal discovery for Arjava.