NICK Bateman, the 'Nasty Nick' of C4's programme Big Brother, must have horrified many Reiki Masters and students of Reiki all around the country with his scheming ways.

Nick was observed by millions who watched the television show administering Reiki to other occupants in the house during his five week stay - whilst playing each one off against the other.

The final blow for the Reiki community was when he described himself as a Reiki Master, meaning teacher.

"Part of a Reiki Masters development is learning to take responsibility for their actions," says Allison Agius, a Reiki Master based in Darlington.

"Nick appears to be a master not of Reiki but of self deception and deflection. Even when caught he insisted on blaming his actions on his upbringing and his competitive environment."

She says Reiki is not only a therapy, for many it is the beginning or deepening of their own personal spiritual journey. Whilst it has no doctrine or religious belief it is underpinned by five Reiki principles. All those attuned to the Reiki energy are encouraged to live by them.

Reiki Masters, being teachers of Reiki, are themselves expected to lead by example. Although the wording of the principles differ slightly between Reiki lineage's their essential meaning is the same.

'Just for today I will do my work honestly' was the principle most obviously flouted by Nick.

"Nick did not have to do the things he did to stay in the game," Allison says. "For him it was the power he exercised over others that he seemed to enjoy. I appreciate that Big Brother is a game but games have rules. Nick deliberately broke those rules for his own gain - that is what many Reiki Masters and their students will find difficult."

She explains that we are all shaped by our early influences but it is not necessarily appropriate to continue to hold onto them as an excuse for our current behaviour. "Nick Bateman is now 32 years old. It is time he took responsibility for himself, particularly if he is claiming to be a master.

Being a good Reiki Master begins with mastering the self," says Allison. "We are human and make mistakes, but it is important to accept responsibility for the choices we make."

However, Nick did hold up his hands and admit he'd made a mistake, but he blamed the choices he had made on his parents, peers and environment.

"I have no desire to crucify him, but we do need to get his actions into perspective. He flouted rules on what is essentially a game show. However, I am concerned about the representation his actions give Reiki and it's teachers to the general public," says Allison.

She advises Nick to look to the other principles for guidance now and in his future.

'Just for today I will let go of worry' and 'I will count my many blessing' might help him, whilst 'I will be kind to all living creatures' might help him to avoid trouble in the future.

Allison adds: "Let's hope that those around him will practice restraint and follow the fifth and final principle: 'Just for today I will let go of anger'." Allison Agius is a Reiki Master registered with the Guild of Complementary Practitioners and a member of the Reiki Federation.

Both organisations are committed to raising standards of Reiki teaching in the UK. Allison has taught hundreds of students and she is based at The Natural Healing Centre, Greenbank Road, Darlington. Call (01325) 486263 for details