The Three Levels of Reiki Training
I Recently Had A Very Cool Experience At The Big Bear Yoga Festival…and it taught me something valuable.
An inspiring group of inquisitive minds have heard of Reiki but aren't sure how to learn the practice for themselves.
I was reminded of this while channeling Reiki for attendees at the festival earlier this month. During my Reiki lecture and Yin Yoga with Reiki classes, I met so many lovely yogis who wanted to learn more about Reiki. But, they didn't know where to start.
Some knew that Reiki has 3 levels, or that they should take Reiki Level 1 first… but why?
A Brief History Of Modern Reiki
We can trace today’s Reiki back to the matriarch of modern Reiki, Sensei Hawayo Takata. She’s the person responsible for the structure of Reiki training widely taught today, and many teachers can trace their lineage back to her.
Takata’s own teacher, Chujiro Hayashi, was a student of Mikao Usui, the person who formalized the process behind Reiki techniques. Just one separation from the man who formalized the practice of channeling Reiki, Mrs. Takata could have taught Reiki closer to its origins. Yet, Hawayo Takata changed and standardized the process of training Reiki students — she had to.
Around the time of Pearl Harbor and World War II, many Japanese Americans, like Mrs. Takata, were forced into internment camps. Mrs. Takata survived this fate, but she reduced her public presence, changing and hiding the name of her former Reiki healing center and waiting decades to teach others Reiki. When she began teaching publicly in the 1970s, she adjusted the practice to appeal more to Westerners to help ensure its survival.
Under her guidance, students learned specific Reiki symbols at each level. She also created a specific type of Reiki induction ceremony — known as an attunement or Reiju — for each level. She taught the symbols and attunement formats deliberately for each level, so students received more uniform training irrespective of their personal connection to the process. One author called her changes the “McDonaldization of Reiki,” which I understand, but don’t fully agree with.
Sensei Takata was a smart and perceptive person. She accordingly established Reiki for it to survive and thrive. We ultimately can credit the popularity of modern Reiki to Mrs. Takata, and we can also help preserve a clear and complete picture of the origins of Reiki by understanding the shifts from its origin.
The Three Levels Of Reiki
…or modern Reiki, to be specific.
This is of utmost importance: you are inherently whole and complete. So before we examine the 3 levels of Reiki, know this — you possess the gift of channeling energy as an intrinsic ability. A Reiki training may enhance or ignite that gift, but the gift already exists.
Although the levels of Reiki build on each other, students may stop after Level I, particularly if they feel complete and want more time to explore the depths of the practice. There should never be pressure to go further; however, students may feel called to explore beyond the first level of Reiki training by continuing to Level II or III.
Every Reiki training includes an attunement — Reiju — that’s unique to the practice of Reiki. The attunement is a sacred ceremony between teacher and student to increase the flow of Reiki energy in the student. The attunement is a series of mindful, structured movements placing Reiki symbols within key energy centers of the body. A Reiki attunement can help clear blockages from the student’s energy. Students often report the attunement as a marker of transformational change, reflection, and progression.
Some teachers may offer training in rapid succession, like 2 or 3 levels over the course of a weekend, but many — including myself — prefer a more spacious approach to each level so learners have more time to acclimate and practice.
Level 1 - Shoden - First Teachings
The first level is a history of Reiki, as well as a fundamental understanding of Reiki energy. This level “sets the stage” with a fundamental overview of the “who, what, when, where, why & how” of Reiki. Teachers encourage new students to focus on daily self-Reiki and studying the principles of Reiki, known as the Gokai. Instructors may limit new students’ channeling Reiki to themselves and very close friends and family. This is because the student is still acclimating to a newly increased association to Reiki energy. Depending on the teacher, they may either introduce 1 Reiki symbol — known as Shirushi — or reserve symbols until Level 2. The Level I attunement may be an intense energetic experience for the student, akin to a temporary cleanse or flu, so teachers may have students wait at least 21 days before taking Level 2.
Level 2 - Okuden - Inner Teachings
The second level of Reiki builds upon the first. Level 2 develops students for client-focused Reiki treatments. Whereas in Level 1, the teacher may have students wait on taking clients, Level 2 offers a context for how to begin a client-based practice. This includes how to conduct full Reiki sessions, plus the basics of the business of Reiki. Teachers review 1-3 Reiki symbols, including the distance symbol, to aid students in conducting Reiki sessions over distance. Distance Reiki is a notable part of Level 2 training. Channeling Reiki to help others over space and time can be an inspiring connection to the limitless power of Reiki energy.
Level 3 - Shinpiden - Mystery Teachings
Reiki level 3 is also called Reiki Master. It is a commitment to Reiki practices and a continual, inward journey to reflection, empowerment, and a connection to true self. This level integrates philosophy, spirituality, history, and knowledge. Students learn 1-2 new Reiki symbols. It prepares students to teach and attune others to Reiki. The Level 3 attunement is often more mild because students have already been working with Reiki for some time.
The above is my best understanding of the history of the transition to modern Reiki and the reasons for the changes from how Mikao Usui taught. Many variations exist regarding the specific history of Reiki. I invite you to be curious and open.
If you choose to learn Reiki for yourself, choose a Reiki Master Teacher who inspires you. Variations exist in different teachers’ styles and offerings, so connect with a teacher and learning environment that truly feel both comfortable and motivating.
Want to learn more? I’ve written about the benefits of Reiki here.
