I have been asked this question many times from both interested seekers and casual observers. Reiki is difficult to define as you will discover on your own Reiki journey. What it is to you and what it is to me may be two different things with the exception that we will both be aware of the fact that Reiki is a manifestation of love.

Reiki is Universal life force energy: What does it mean?
Is it a gift of energy from the universe? Perhaps. I do not discount the common rhetoric defining reiki this way I do however challenge its simplistic aloofness. When you give and receive a Reiki treatment with the true intent of healing the wounds of the soul and body you will feel love.
What is Reiki? It is love with the intention of healing.