Most people wonder why there is a need to charge for Reiki treatments as well as for Reiki attunements. It is a matter of respect. Reiki is something sacred and should not be profaned. By giving Reiki away for free, it is quickly taken for granted and cheapened. Dr. Usui gave Reiki away to beggars in slums, hoping to give them a better life. Yet after time, he started seeing familiar faces. They came back to begging because it was easier than making a living. Thus the gift of Reiki was abused.
In a similar story, Mrs. Takata, who brought Reiki to the United States, met with the same type of problems. She did a healing for a relative and did not charge for it. The sickness came back. Another time she gave a treatment for another relative but charged for it. The sickness never returned. Thus by paying for the treatment, respect was shone and better results were accomplished. In America we tend to place monetary values on everything. The statement, "You get what you pay for," rings especially true. Things that are free tend not to be valued nor respected.
With attunements, the same principle applies. Fees insures that those serious about Reiki and who are willing to make full use of it, will come forward. Those who are less serious will stay away and Reiki will remain sacred. Those who receive the attunements for free usually end up not utilizing the Reiki gift and it goes wasted. But for those who pay, however, Reiki becomes an important part of their lives. I can honestly say that not a day goes by where I don't use Reiki in one form or another. It is one of the cornerstones of my existence, and a constant font of joy.
While I feel that the need for fees is legitimate and valid, I do not agree with exhorbitant fees. Espcially not Takata's $10,000 fee for Master level. I never would have been able to reach the Master level if I had to pay this huge amount. Reiki is a gift that should be readily available to those who wish it. It is too important.