More information about Levels Taught in Reiki

One of the most comprehensive and yet down to earth explanations of the levels of Reiki has been written by Rick Rivard the creator of “Threshold Reiki” based in Canada which is an in depth and extensive system that combines Western and Japanese Methods of Reiki.  It is this explanation I am sharing with you.

Most Reiki Masters now offer the complete Reiki training program in 3 or 4 steps. Originally these were called Shoden, Okuden, Shinpiden and Shihan (teacher) and outside Japan you will usually see Reiki 1, Reiki 2, Reiki 3 and Reiki Master.

The first step is called Shoden, First Degree Reiki, Reiki Level I or just Reiki I. The student is attuned or aligned to the Reiki energy and taught various hand positions and methods for administering Reiki on the self and others. The main concepts or affirmations of the founder are explained, as well as the ideals around the practice of Reiki. The student may receive from 1 to 4 attunements, depending on the style of Reiki being taught.  In Japan, this level is called Shoden
Note: the multi-attunement process originated when the founder, Mikao Usui, would perform an energy transformation on the student each time he met with them, usually to mark the completion of certain material.  This helped the student acquire and flow stronger Reiki over time. Usui's students made this a standard process of the classes and would give 3 or 4 attunements.

However, the connection to Reiki happens with the first one, and some teachers feel the additional are unnecessary, or simply give them after the class -over the next week or so.  To this date the original Japanese Reiki society still gives reiju or attunement to everyone at their weekly or monthly meetings.

The second step is called Okuden, Second Degree Reiki, Reiki Level II or just Reiki II. The first 3 Reiki symbols and their use are taught and the student receives another attunement, or up to 3 attunements (one for each symbol), depending on the style of Reiki being taught. After this, the symbols can be used to increase the strength of the Reiki energy, deal with mental and emotional issues, and to send Reiki at a distance. In Japan, this level is called Okuden, and has two parts to it.  In the original Japanese system you would not be offered this level of training unless you can exhibit certain energy sensing skills.  However originally it was presented to the student immediately after the Shoden training.

The final 2 steps, Shinpiden and Shihan may be taught as one process (as was originally introduced into the West) or may be split into 2 parts (the original Dr. Hayashi approach and the way Japanese masters continue to teach). The first part is called Reiki III, Reiki 3(a), Advanced Reiki Training, or the Practitioner Level (as in Japan). It includes the Usui Master symbol and its use, and another attunement.  Again, some instructors teach additional symbols as part of the style of Reiki. In Japan this level is called Shinpiden.  In The second part is called Reiki Master, Gokuikaiden (highest level), Shihan (teacher), Reiki Teacher, Reiki III / Master or just Reiki III. Here the student is taught how to give Reiki attunements and how to teach Reiki. Some instructors require an apprenticeship period to allow time to practice and integrate the teaching process. Others offer detailed documentation, ongoing support, and co-teaching of initial classes to guide and encourage the new Reiki teacher.  In the original society, this level is only conferred on the head of a branch or chapter within the society. 

In the West, all of the above may include additional Reiki techniques and instruction in complementary healing practices, depending on the master/teacher. Some teachers offer ongoing Reiki exchanges or Reiki circles where Reiki can be shared amongst practitioners and introduced to newcomers. Please verify what you will be taught at each level, and the support you can expect, especially if you are moving between Reiki Masters.

Note: In much of the teachings that have come from the Far East, "Master" has been a term that many have used to refer to someone who is an enlightened teacher.  However, in the title "Reiki Master", the term "Master" is essentially a representation of the Japanese word "Shihan" which can be translated into English as "teacher". In Japan, a Reiki teacher calls themselves a "Shihan"
In Japan however, a student may refer to their teacher by the term "sensei."  But this is not a term a teacher would use for himself nor demand a student to use as using it is to show respect of the teacher.

"Reiki Master" was the term first used for the teacher when Reiki was brought out of Japan in the late 1930's, and it seemed to stick (for whatever reason). Therefore Reiki Master means a "teacher or instructor of Reiki".