Essential Reiki

1. Reiki is an Ancient Universal Healing Energy Accessible Through Attunement

Being a universal force from the Great Divine Spirit, it belongs to all who seek and desire to learn the art of healing.

Instinctive healing touch. The act of laying on hands for comfort and pain relief is as old as instinct itself, a natural human and animal response to distress. This simple touch conveys warmth, serenity, and the life force energy known by many names across cultures, such as Ki in Japan, Prana in India, and Ch'i in China. This energy is the vital force that creates and sustains life, radiating from all living things.

Attunement is the key. What distinguishes Reiki from other touch healing methods is the attunement process, a direct initiation from a trained teacher that opens and clears the body's energy channels. This connection to the limitless source of universal life force energy allows the recipient to channel Ki automatically by simply placing their hands on themselves or others, without depleting their own energy. The attunement is not a healing session; it creates the healer, increasing their personal life force and enabling them to channel healing energy for life.

Ancient origins and modern revival. The traditional Reiki story traces back to Mikao Usui in the 1800s, who rediscovered the healing method of Buddha and Jesus in ancient Sanskrit texts, but the energy itself is described as originating from extraterrestrial colonizers and being part of humanity's genetic coding from the civilization of Mu. Passed through esoteric Buddhist teachings, it reached Jesus and later Usui, who reactivated the system through meditation and a profound energetic experience on Mt. Koriyama. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki to the West, ensuring its survival through turbulent times, though the system has since evolved with various teaching methods and philosophies regarding its accessibility and cost.

2. The Attunement Process is a Miraculous Empowerment that Opens Energy Channels

The attunement has to be experienced—it cannot be described in any left-brained way.

Beyond description. The Reiki attunement is often described as a miracle, a profound spiritual experience that defies logical explanation. It is the core mechanism by which a person becomes a channel for universal life force energy, a process that must be passed directly from a trained Master to a student. This initiation opens and expands the recipient's energy channels, particularly the Hara Line and chakras, increasing their capacity to hold and transmit Ki.

Energetic transformation. During the attunement, Heavenly Ki enters from the Crown, Earthly Ki is drawn upward, and Original Ki in the Hara is replenished, clearing energy blockages and removing obstructions to the full use of energy. This process is a form of karmic payback, lifting negative karma from the receiver as their energy level is temporarily boosted by the Master's heightened state. The attunement is a powerful force in human evolution, reconnecting broken DNA and reactivating latent healing abilities wired into our genetic code.

Profound effects and adjustment. Each attunement brings unique experiences, from seeing colors and past lives to feeling bliss or intense energy sensations, and immediately results in the characteristic "hot hands" of a Reiki healer. Following the attunement, the recipient undergoes a period of adjustment as their energy bodies expand, which can manifest as physical detoxification (Reiki I), emotional/mental clearing and life changes (Reiki II), or spiritual realization and joy (Reiki III). The process is safe and guided, ensuring the recipient receives only what they can handle, and can be adapted for individuals with physical limitations, demonstrating the energy's inherent intelligence and adaptability.

3. Reiki Heals the Whole Person Across Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Bodies

Healing cannot be physical alone, but must include the vibrational energy bodies.

Holistic approach. Unlike conventional medicine that primarily addresses the physical body, Reiki is a holistic healing system that treats the entire person across four interconnected levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. When hands are placed on a person, the universal life force energy flows where it is needed, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of dis-ease, which often originate in non-physical realms. This means that healing a physical ailment like a headache might also involve addressing related emotional stress or digestive issues.

Addressing root causes. Most metaphysical healers believe that physical pain and illness have non-physical roots, often stemming from emotional trauma, negative mental patterns, or spiritual despair. Reiki energy works to heal these roots, facilitating emotional releases where held-in feelings are expressed and cleared, and transforming negative mental patterns. This comprehensive approach ensures that healing is more complete and lasting, often resolving issues that medicine alone cannot.

Beyond the physical. Reiki's ability to heal extends beyond human adults to include children, infants, pets, plants, and even inanimate objects like cars or medications. It is beneficial for acute and chronic conditions, easing pain, speeding recovery, and promoting relaxation and balance. For those who are dying, Reiki provides comfort and eases the transition without preventing the natural process. The energy is always positive and cannot cause harm, adapting to the needs of the recipient regardless of their condition or belief system.

4. Reiki Symbols are Sacred Keys for Focused Healing and Expanded Abilities

These symbols are the essence and formula of Reiki.

Keys to energy. The Reiki symbols are sacred representations of ancient energy, serving as keys to focus and intensify the flow of universal life force. Introduced consciously in Reiki II, these symbols are not merely abstract drawings but embody specific energies and intentions that enhance healing abilities. While traditionally kept secret and passed down orally, the author advocates for their publication to prevent loss and make the system universally accessible, arguing that their sacredness lies in their function and intent, not their secrecy.

Core symbols and their functions:

• Cho-Ku-Rei: The Power Symbol, acts as a "light switch" to increase the flow of Reiki energy, focusing it on a specific area. It is used for boosting power, protection, and manifesting abundance.
• Sei-He-Ki: The Emotional Symbol, targets emotional and mental healing, purification, and protection. It helps release suppressed emotions and clear negative energy patterns.
• Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen: The Distance Symbol, enables healing across space and time. It is also a key to accessing the Akashic Records for healing karma and past-life traumas.
• Dai-Ko-Myo: The Master Symbol (Reiki III), works on the spiritual body and soul level, facilitating profound healing and miracles. It is also the symbol used to transmit attunements.
• Raku: The Grounding Symbol (Reiki III), used only in attunements to ground the energy and separate the Master's and student's auras.

Beyond healing. The symbols have various non-healing applications, such as clearing and charging crystals, blessing food and medicines, clearing houses of negative energy or entities, and manifesting intentions. Their power lies in the combination of visualization, intent, and the attunement that activates their energy. While variations exist, the core function and power remain, guided by the inherent intelligence of Reiki energy and the assistance of Reiki guides.

5. Distance Healing Transcends Space and Time Through Visualization and Symbols

All time is now.

Healing across distance. Reiki II introduces the ability to perform absentee or distance healing, allowing practitioners to send healing energy to anyone, anywhere, regardless of physical presence. This process operates on the mental body level, utilizing visualization and the Reiki symbols to connect with the recipient across space and time. It is a powerful technique that expands the reach of Reiki healing far beyond direct touch.

Methods and techniques. Distance healing typically involves entering a meditative state, creating a representation of the person to be healed (through visualization, a photograph, or an object), and obtaining permission to send energy. The practitioner then sends light and the Reiki symbols, particularly the Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen, which facilitates transmission across distance and time. Various Reiki-specific methods include imagining being present with the person, visualizing them shrunk small and held in the hands, using one's knee or leg as a surrogate body, or using a teddy bear or other object as a focus.

Transcending limitations. The Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen symbol, meaning "no past, no present, no future," is key to understanding how distance healing works. It signifies that time and space are ultimately illusions that can be transcended by the mind. This allows for healing to be sent not only to the present but also to past events or future possibilities, facilitating the release of karma and the reprogramming of mental patterns. Distance healing is a powerful tool for helping others and can be as effective as a hands-on session, though its effects on the physical body may take longer to manifest.

6. Reiki II Initiates Emotional and Mental Clearing and Connection with Spirit Guides

After the attunement, old emotions, unhealed former situations, past lives, and negative mental patterns resurface to be fully healed at last.

Profound personal transformation. The Reiki II attunement significantly increases the amount of healing energy channeled and focuses specifically on emotional, mental, and karmic healing. This often triggers a period of profound personal transformation, where outgrown emotional and mental patterns, past traumas, and even past-life issues surface to be addressed and healed. While this process can be challenging, it is ultimately positive and necessary for deeper healing and growth.

Expanded awareness. With Reiki II, the healer's psychic abilities often begin to grow, leading to increased intuition and awareness of non-physical realities. This includes becoming consciously aware of spirit guides and Reiki guides, discarnate healers who participate in every Reiki session. These guides offer support, information, and direction, enhancing the effectiveness of healing work and making the process a collaborative effort between the healer, the recipient, and the spiritual realm.

Working with guides. Conscious contact with spirit guides makes healing a more joyful and miraculous experience. Guides can provide insights into the root causes of dis-ease, suggest specific healing techniques, and help navigate complex situations like emotional releases or karmic clearing. Developing this connection, often through meditation and conscious invitation, broadens the healer's capabilities and provides a vital support system for both personal growth and healing work for others and the Earth.

7. Opening Kundalini and Energy Channels Enhances Healing Capacity

Reiki is a Kundalini discipline.

Ancient energy systems. Reiki is deeply connected to ancient energy channeling systems like Kundalini Yoga from India and Ch'i Kung from Asia, which focus on the circulation of life force (Prana/Ki/Ch'i) through the body's energy channels. These systems describe primary central channels (Sushumna/Hara Line) flanked by paired directional channels (Ida/Pingala, Conception/Governing Vessels) that form the body's electrical network, connecting to chakras and acupuncture points. Understanding these channels reveals how Reiki energy enters and moves through the healer.

Expanding capacity. The Reiki attunements open and clear these primary channels and chakras, increasing the body's capacity to hold and transmit Ki. The Ki Exercises, derived from these ancient disciplines, are introduced in Reiki II/III to consciously work with these channels, further expanding energy capacity and preparing the body to handle the heightened energy required for passing attunements. These exercises, such as the Microcosmic Orbit and specific practices for men and women, help circulate Ki, replenish Original Ki, and integrate energy flow.

Conscious control. By practicing these exercises and becoming aware of the energy flow, the healer gains conscious control over Ki manipulation. This is essential for the Reiki Master, who must be able to contain and propel intensified Ki through the Conception and Governing Vessels to transmit attunements. The Hui Yin position (perineum contraction) and tongue placement are key techniques that connect these channels, creating a complete energy circuit (Microcosmic Orbit) and propelling Ki upward for transmission, demonstrating that Reiki is not just a passive channeling but an active engagement with the body's sacred energy system.

8. Reiki III Empowers Teachers to Pass Attunements and Heal the Soul

Teaching Reiki is another way of healing people and the Earth.

Mastery and responsibility. The Reiki Third Degree, often called the Master/Teacher degree, is the culmination of the Reiki journey, empowering practitioners to pass attunements and teach the system to others. While traditionally exclusive and costly, modern methods aim to make this level accessible to committed healers, recognizing the urgent need for more teachers in the world. Becoming a Reiki Master is not about hierarchy but about taking on the responsibility to share this healing gift.

Attunement transmission. The core skill of Reiki III is the ability to pass attunements, a process that requires the Master to hold a heightened energy state, often utilizing techniques like the Hui Yin position and breath control to channel Ki through their body and into the student. This transmission activates the student's energy channels and implants the Reiki symbols, initiating their journey as a healer. The process is powerful and requires practice, but the inherent intelligence of Reiki ensures that the attunement is received correctly, even if the Master makes mistakes.

Healing the soul. Reiki III introduces the Dai-Ko-Myo, the Master symbol, which works on the spiritual body and soul level, addressing the deepest roots of dis-ease and facilitating profound healing and life changes. This level of healing resonates with the Buddhist concept of freeing the mind from delusion and attachment to attain liberation. Teaching Reiki is seen as an extension of this healing, empowering others to heal themselves and contribute to the collective healing of humanity and the planet. The ethics of Reiki III emphasize affordability, scholarships, and a commitment to spreading the healing energy widely.

9. The Ethics of Reiki Emphasize Compassion, Accessibility, and Non-Manipulation

Cost or compensation is not primary, and to me any cost that puts the information out of reach is immoral.

Universal access. A core ethical principle in Reiki, particularly emphasized in non-traditional teachings, is the belief that this powerful healing system should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means. The author strongly advocates for low class fees and the provision of scholarships, arguing that keeping Reiki exclusive through high costs goes against the compassionate philosophy from which it originated. The value of Reiki is seen as priceless, and its widespread availability is crucial for the healing of people and the planet in times of crisis.

Permission and free will. A fundamental ethic across all Reiki degrees is the requirement to obtain permission before performing healing, whether hands-on or distance. This respects the recipient's free will and ensures that the energy is accepted willingly. Reiki energy will not violate free will, and attempting to force healing or manipulate others with the energy is considered unethical and ineffective, as the energy is designed only for positive purposes.

Integrity and responsibility. Reiki practitioners are encouraged to maintain integrity in their practice, avoiding manipulation, misuse of psychic abilities, or engaging in healing while under the influence of substances. Teachers have a responsibility to teach the system accurately and support their students, while also taking care of their own energy and well-being. The focus is on being a clear channel for the healing energy and using it for the highest good of all, trusting that the Universe provides abundance when one acts with ethical intent and dedication.

10. Reiki Symbols Represent the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment and Liberation

The Reiki symbols are Sanskrit-derived Japanese forms, at least 2500 years old.

Symbolic journey. The five Reiki symbols are not merely tools for healing but represent the five levels of mind and stages on the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment. Derived from ancient Sanskrit texts and Tantric Buddhist philosophy, they embody wisdom, energy, and creation, leading ultimately to liberation from suffering and the cycle of reincarnation. Their original purpose was spiritual, with healing uses considered secondary to the goal of attaining Enlightenment for the benefit of all Be-ings.

Mapping the path:

• Cho-Ku-Rei: Represents the generation stage, the beginning of the path, focusing on the physical/etheric body and learning to detach through meditation (like focusing on a mandala).
• Sei-He-Ki: Symbolizes the transformation of emotions and ego (emotional body), purifying the impure self through wisdom and realizing the emptiness of the ego.
• Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen: Corresponds to the mental body, representing the creation of true reality by understanding Pure Mind and transcending the limitations of time, space, and karma.
• Dai-Ko-Myo: Embodies the spiritual body and the attainment of the Bodhisattva Path, a state of profound spiritual realization and dedication to helping others achieve Enlightenment.
• Raku: Represents Enlightenment itself, transcendence, and Nirvana, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of suffering and reincarnation, connecting to the Transpersonal level.

Wisdom and liberation. Understanding the symbols in this context reveals the deep spiritual foundation of Reiki. It is a system designed to heal not just the body but the mind and spirit, guiding individuals towards a realization of their true nature (Buddha Nature/Goddess Within) and freedom from the delusions that cause suffering. The symbols are a formula for spiritual growth and liberation, reflecting the core tenets of Buddhist philosophy and offering a path to inner peace and oneness with all life.

Last updated: June 14, 2025