Traditional Reiki For The Masters

Traditional Reiki for the Masters
Non-westernized.
By Carl Karlowski
Illustrations by Michelle Karlowski
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Page
1 Cover page
2 Table of contents
4 Forward
6 A Brief History of Reiki
7 Reiki Lineages
8 What is Reiki?
11 The three levels of Reiki according to Dr. Usui.
12 Reiki: The universal healing energy, a brief view
14 Various topics
20 How to use Reiki cover sheet
21 Reiki Level One: Cho Ku Rei
23 Reiki Level Two, Part 1: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
25 Reiki Level Two, Part 2: Sei Hei Ki
28 Reiki Level Three: Dai Ko Myo
32 Reiki Breathing: The Sacred Secret of Raku-Kie. A Buddhist Meditation
35 Reiki Hand Positions
37 How would you conduct a formal Reiki session?
38 The Two Faces of Reiki
40 Focus and Intent
42 From the translated Reiki handbook of Dr. Usui.
43 The Elephant in the Room
44 Traditional and non-traditional Reiki
47 Translation of the Usui Memorial at Saihoji Temple, Tokyo Japan
52 Meditation cover sheet
53 Meditation is a truly misunderstood topic
57 Meditation Techniques.
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61 Energizing meditation
64 Gift of the spirit meditation
69 Ridding yourself of fear and negativity through meditation
73 Magical Reiki: An Ancient Tradition
77 Creating a sacred space using Reiki and Kabbalah
79 Hyperawareness of energy.
81 Non-Reiki Symbols
82 How to create a new symbol-mantra. For personal use only
83 Your Face in the Mirror
84 Attunements cover pagr
85 Reiki Attunements in General
88 Student’s Preparative Reiki Session
90 Reiki I Attunement Steps
94 Reiki II Attunement
97 Preparation for the Reiki Master
98 Reiki Master Preparation for the Student
101 Reiki III Master Attunement
106 Empowerment
108 Various topics and suggested Reading
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Forward:
Let’s attempt to define the undefinable. Meditation and Reiki are good examples. All we can do
is somehow describe a shared experience, but words fail. Reiki, Wicca, Kabbalah, Buddhism,
and many others, all use nonverbal symbols to convey meaning. Also, the stupa, tree of life,
pentagrams, Reiki symbols, and the Tetragrammaton’ all attempt to shed light on how the
spiritual can be accessed from the physical by symbolism.
How such beliefs are explained depends on culture, word meanings, and personal points of
view. It’s true that there is no such thing as a meter that can measure Reiki. However, there is
also no such thing as a happiness meter, sadness meter, depression meter, or a wellbeing
meter, but all of these influence our health. Reiki is defined by what Reiki does.
Nothing has more varied descriptions than the spiral Reiki symbol Cho Ku Rei. Different words
such as empowerment, doorway, spiritual opening, widdershin, and manifestation are all used.
However, we are only talking about a simple spiral and its meaning. Such shapes go as far back
as the Paleozoic.
The multitude of Reiki variations are connected to a single underlying higher truth. It is all part
of what makes sense to different individuals and how it affects them.
Differences are all mostly semantics.

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A Brief History of Reiki from a Different Perspective
Reiki began with Dr. Mikao Usui, a minister from Japan. He found what is known as the key to
Universal Life Energy while meditating in a monastery on Mt. Kurama in Japan back in 1914. His
enlightenment came upon him after a 21 day fast. Most of the history regarding Dr. Usui can be
found as an inscription on a monument marking his grave. Dr. Usui founded what is known as
the Usui Healing Method Learning Society. After his death in 1926. The headship of the society
passed onto Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, an ex-naval commander. Most of the formalized applications
of Reiki were created at this time. In addition, Hayashi created 13 masters in his lifetime.
At this point, the secrets of Reiki went in different directions. Fearing for Japan during WWII
one of Hayashi’s students, Hawayo Takata was sent back to Hawaii where she founded the
westernized branch of Reiki. Takata simplified Reiki for Americans. The original was considered
too complicated. Westernized Reiki, created after Takata, differs significantly from the original
version. Back in Japan, the traditional form of Reiki remained with several groups.
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Before his death in 1940, Dr. Hayashi continued to teach. One of his students, Ven. Takeuchi, in
turn, passed on his knowledge to a monk named Ven. Seiji Takamori, who later traveled to
Nepal, India and Tibet. In his travels, seeking further truths about Reiki and its origins, he
uncovered teachings older and more comprehensive in Tibet to those he had learnt as part of
the Usui-Hayashi-Takeuchi lineage. He uncovered two of Usui’s symbols, plus six more, as well
as the same Reiki methodology. Takamori also met Hawayo Takata in Hawaii after the war
around 1970. At the time, they each thought the other was the only living Reiki Master. An
exchange of information and energy was made between them but none was incorporated into
Takata’s teachings. Meanwhile in Japan other traditional forms Reiki survived to this day, but
some became westernized by not totally following Reiki’s Buddhist origins.
This story now takes an interesting turn. A seeker called Beth Sanders learned westernized Reiki
from several teachers in America. She was, however, convinced that more truth remained to be
discovered. One of her students was Dr. Ranga Premaratna.
Dr. Premaratna, another seeker of traditional Reiki, met Ven. Seiji Takamori in America around
1990, and became his successor. In turn Beth Sanders received the same training as taught by
Ven. Seiji Takamori from Dr. Premaratna. The teacher became the student. Ven. Seiji Takamori
died quietly at the age of 80 while still sitting in a lotus position.
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Reiki Lineages
Ven Takeuchi
(Takata’s cousin)
Rick and Emma Ferguson
Margarette L. Shelton
Komyo Reiki Kai Reiki Ryoho (Gakkai, Traditional Western plus Eastern)
Mikao Usui Mikao Usui
Chujiro Hayashi Juzaburo Ushida
ChiyokoYamaguchi
Chiyoka Yamaguchi
Inamato Chiyoke Kanichi Taketomi
Hyakuten Inamoto
Hyakuten Inamoto
Lilia Marquez Hoichi (Toyokazu) Wanami
Very effective form of Reiki. No

Mrs. Kimiko Koyama
attempt is made to control the
Mr. Kond
energy. The complete opposite of
western Reiki.
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What is Reiki?
Reiki stands for Universal Energy or Universal life Energy. There is one energy for all occasions,
not a rainbow of different energies. A Reiki practitioner is one who has had the level one
and/or level two Reiki attunements. The attunements are a process done by a Reiki Master who
has had the third attunement. A Master Teacher is an accomplished Reiki Master who has a
thorough understanding of Reiki.
Reiki attunements open a permanent channel for the user of Reiki. This energy is freely
available and saves one from having to use personal energy. Using Reiki can be energizing to
both the user and patient. There are specific traditional Reiki symbols to employ that have
specific purposes. Sometimes a non-Reiki symbol is used as well.
There is only one energy (Universal) that is not divided into separate different energies
according to Dr. Usui’s definition. Sometimes Reiki is translated as “True self “. The energy of
Reiki is delivered by placing the user’s hands on the receiver. Reiki breathing is also employed
to allow the energies to flow into the user. Different types of energy may be perceived but
there is still only one energy experienced in different ways or influenced by the practitioner.
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Traditional hand placements are used on the receiver but, in truth, the hands can be placed
anywhere that Reiki is needed. The most necessary requirement is compassion.
Reiki can be reduced to just four simple things: All else is technicality and semantics.
Remember, Reiki is universal and not split into different forms.
1 Healing Energy Channel.
2 Focus, Reiki Breathing.
3 Intent, the Symbols. (if any)
4 Release, Exhale Reiki breath
Focus and intent combine to keep us in the moment. All three are powered by compassion. The
channel is there to keep you from using personal energy. Such is the intent of the attunements.
The symbols are clear healing intent. Exhaling allows the intent to manifest in the physical by
letting go. Chakras are intended to be points of reference.
So what is the purpose of the traditions? We need them. It is much too easy to believe that we
know exactly where Reiki will do the most good. Direction is not up to us. This can lead to
forgetting about the free energy channel and begin using personal energy.
Some people really don’t need the channel, focus, and intent but they are very rare. We hang
on to the symbols by necessity, that is, until we get it. Everyone must start somewhere.
So what can go wrong? In one word its ego. One can use Reiki to show off or an excuse for just
another fad. At that point, it breaks down.
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Three levels of Reiki open the channel up to more tools and energy. That is the one difference
that matters. Energies from different people may feel differently, but once again it is about
focus, intent, and motivation. Those affect the feel of the energy. Your motivation must always
be compassion. Reiki energy may be Universal but can be taught many ways.
The bottom line about traditional Reiki and post Takata Reiki is this: They are not two different
types of Reiki. It is Reiki taught two different ways. There is only one energy defined as
UNIVERSAL energy. Any differences are due to the style of who is using the energy.
How where the symbols developed?
Usui studied symbols from China and Tibet but usually gave mantras to his students. Hayashi
turned those mantras into the symbols we see today as a means of focus and intent. Hayashi
created a format as a start for beginners who had no prior experience with such things. That
gave everyone an equal starting point. Now of the 4 original symbols only two are real symbols.
HSZSN and DKM are statements in the Japanese Kanji alphabet. The simple formula here is
focus-intent-release. A symbol without a statement of meaning has no power. It's simple going
through a meaningless motion. Now Takata had a language issue since she did not fully
understand Japanese. Hayashi was forced to draw these statements for her. Takata in turn
allowed no questions from her students. It was up to them to make further studies and discover
for themselves the truth of the matter. Unfortunately, some did not and thought Takata was
drawing something magical by virtue of its shape.
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The three levels of Reiki according to Dr. Usui.
1. First level: Shoden. Four sub-levels.
a. Loku-Tou
At this level the student must
b. Go-Tou
learn Chiro treatment. Byosen,
c. Yon-Tou Reiji-Ho, and Reiki breathing.
d. San-Tou
2. Second level: Okuden, the inner teachings. Two levels.
a. Okuden-Zen-ki CKR, SYK, and HSZSN
b. Okuden-Koe-ki
3. Master level: Shinpiden, mystery teachings Two levels.
a. Shihan-Kaku: Assistant teacher
b. Shihan: Venerable teacher
The first attunements were done by holding hands for a length of time. A more complicated
attunement was later created for several sub-attunements. Takata combined them into single
attunements each.
No symbols were used at first, only mantras. Later as Dr. Usui refined his method, he added
three symbols. A master symbol was added later.
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Reiki: The universal healing energy, a brief view
First degree Reiki: Connection
The first symbol of Reiki is Cho Ku Rei. The symbol envisions movement away from the physical
into the spiritual energy source. The name Cho Ku Rei is a mantra. When used along with
drawing the symbol, a channel is opened. The symbol can be drawn with the hands or with the
eyes as a creative visualization of energy flow. The counterclockwise version (widdershin)
empowers the other symbols into manifestation of their specific purposes. This is the actual
symbol used by Sensei Usui. This can be drawn anywhere Reiki energy is needed. The symbol is
very literally about going into spirit where the healing energies are tapped.
Second Degree Reiki: Harmony of Mind and Body
Sei Hei Ki: This is a Sanskrit letter with a Japanese Kanji definition drawn on the upper
chakras.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen are Kanji letters drawn on the back on the lower five chakras for the
purpose of:
1. Invocation of spirit guides to help connect between our higher selves.
2. Harmonization of the body’s five low chakras.
3. Person to person connection through spirit.
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Third degree Reiki: Harmony of spirit.
Dai Ko Myo: This concerns enhanced connection to the Universal Healing Energy and is
sometimes called the master symbol, the radiance of the divine light or holy nimbus of
enlightenment.
Clockwise Cho Ku Rei: A visualization of energy flow with a mantra. In third degree
Reiki, both forms of Cho Ku Rei are used in the attunements, counterclockwise to access healing
energy from the spiritual and clockwise to manifest it in the back to the physical. Another way
to visualize this symbol that it seals/manifests/releases the other symbols into action during the
attunement process. Used by itself, this symbol can disperse/neutralize any form of negative
energy.
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Various topics
How attunements were done in the time of Usui?
Originally, Usui did attunements simply by touching the student’s hands for a length of time.
Later in his career when symbols were added to his method, those also became part of the
process.
During this time, Reiki breathing was always part of any Reiki activity. The attunements were
finalized by Hayashi and Takata with another symbol known as the master symbol, a statement
in Kanji.
The core of any attunement by this time was known as the Tap, blow and slap. More
refinements were also added to harmonize the student, otherwise, the attunement would fail.
Today, Reiki breathing is unknown to most teachers. Online attunements lack any resemblance
to the real process.
By asking different Reiki teachers about their Reiki and you will
seldom get the same answer.
I once thought that there was only one correct way to do Reiki but the more questions I asked,
the more I found this not to be true. I had to adopt, what I call the middle road. That is, Reiki is
too easy to be explained. Something very simple is at work. Anyway, let’s face it, we all tend to
overthink and complicate what makes Reiki function.
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I feel that the basics should be taught as Hayashi outlined It. Everyone must start somewhere
so start at the beginning. Beyond that, the student has an exploration of discovery ahead of
them. In the end, it might not be about methodology but some other quality. I believe that
main quality to be compassion and a desire to help people. That is the middle road.
Which Reiki is right for you?
The art of Reiki has many different teachers with their own interpretation of the Usui method.
Which one is right or is the real question: Which one is right for you?
Usui Reiki Royho ranges from traditionalist (many different ones in fact) to what is called
modern western Reiki with its many different symbols, ways and means. Costs vary
significantly. So how do we pick which one? Here are a few suggestions.
1. You must have a teacher that you really like.
2. Simplest Reiki is really the best. (No overthinking)
3. Steer away from “channeled material”
4. Do not pick the costliest. There are many private teachers who will work with you on
cost issues.
5. Large organizational Reiki societies tend to be a little monolithic. Pick a fun small group.
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In Reiki, what is the difference between intuition and guesswork?
Intuition is your subconscious putting together a solution to an issue or need. The subconscious
collects and puts together related bits and pieces that your conscious mind did not see as
connected. Guesswork is over thinking and trying too hard to force together a solution.
How do we distinguish the two? Intuition works when we are least thinking about it and
allowing to just be. It may take a little practice to trust in yourself enough to do this. Some
people are gifted in this respect. Others who do not understand the influence of over thinking
may never understand the difference between guesswork and intuition.
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How hard is Reiki?
At level one it should be very easy, that is, if you do not overcomplicate or control it. Your
concern should be about two things:
1. Clear your mind and just be. Let the energy flow without trying to control it.
2. CKR. This is a no brainer should be the only tool to use. It’s not complicated and opens a
way into the spiritual where the Reiki energy is tapped. Also found in Tibetan healing practices.
Level two: Ok, we have a couple more tools, SHK and HSZSN. These may take a little practice to
draw but whole point here is to practice a little focus to set your intent.
1. SHK: The calming mind symbol which is a Sanskrit letter. Many Buddhist temples have it
inscribed there.
2. HSZSN: A statement in Japanese Kanji that connects higher self to higher self. Working
in the spiritual, it has no limitations in time and space.
Level 3: If you are committed to Reiki and wish to go on then mastery may take a little work.
Hey, anything worth doing is worth doing well.
1. DKM: This statement in Japanese Kanji is an appeal to the spiritual guides for assistance.
All masters should use this first before beginning anything.
2. Reiki breathing: Not everyone knows about this, but it should be learned and practiced.
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3. Attunements: This is simple, but it should come after a complete Reiki session. A Reiki
attunement should be done as a life changing ceremony. The ceremony itself is not totally
necessary but it makes a deep impact on the student.
Ok, so what can go wrong? Think back to the beginning.
1. Overcomplicating Reiki
2. Trying to control the energy.
Remember level one? Your most important lesson is there.
What is it like to Let Be?
If you are in a room of people talking with various activities going on. Find a comfortable chair
and close your eyes. This will show you what it is like to listen from the inside out. You will find
yourself shifting your focus between different noises and voices. Select a single voice or noise
and only focus on that. It is not possible to take it all in at once. Now listen to none of it and all
the noise will become a background hum without your attention on any single part of it. This is
known as Just Be.
In an earlier post, I was stating that you cannot do Reiki, watch TY, and wave a crystal around.
The problem here is that it is impossible to control more than two things at once. When doing
those three, you shift your focus around. Now this affects a very necessary part of Reiki called
mindfulness.
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Let’s see what we can establish about Usui and his method.
1. He studied many symbols from Tibet and of Shinto.
2. His method at first did not include any symbols but
instead he taught mantras
3. Hayashi created a Reiki format and added symbols
for focus, intent, and to make a lasting guideline for Reiki.
4. Dai Ko Moy was replaced with a Kanji pictogram.
5. Usui and Hayashi did not charge for their services
until their clinic was overwhelmed by beggars.
6. Usui always used hand position placed on the patient.
7. Hayashi introduced using a table.
8. Takata had to charge a high fee for Americans to take
her seriously. The west has a money culture.
9. Takata simplified the hand positions.
10. Reiki energy was called Universal as being the only
energy. Anything beyond this, Takata described as
fantasy.
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How to use Reiki
Reiji-Ho, three short rituals before doing a Reiki treatment.
1. Fold your hands in front of your chest in the Gassho position,

then connect with the Reiki power. Do this by asking the Reiki to
flow through you until you feel it. Repeat three times.
2. Pray for the recovery and/or health of the patient. This puts the
care of the client in the hands of the Reiki power and become a
tool for it.
3. Now hold your folded hands in front of the third eye and ask the
Reiki power to guide your hands to where the energy is needed.
From the original Reiki handbook of Dr. Usui, page 17.
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Reiki Level One: Cho Ku Rei
What do you see is someone draws a CCW CKR at you? From
your vantage point, you see the mirror image.
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Another use of the Cho Ku Rei is to empower the other Reiki Symbols into action. However, the
word, empower, is only one definition of many. The best definition is creation of an opening
into spirit.
To do this:
1. Take a Reiki breath.
2. Hold it.
3. Draw the appropriate symbol three times. With your eyes if hands are busy
4. As you do this, silently say the symbol quietly to yourself three times.
5. Draw CCW Cho Ku Rei three times with your eyes and say it silently again.
6. Exhale.
This sequence creates a focus for your intent, which is set in motion by a release and
exhalation. This is an example of empowerment.
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Reiki Level Two, Part 1: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Not just for long distance, a higher self to higher self connection
This is a symbol for focus and intent, spoken with a mantra. The literal interpretation of this
Reiki symbol is wish truly (Nen Ze) the healing energy (Sho Ze) to the right person (Ze Sha)
origin/ essence (Hon). Draw this symbol on the spine.
In other words, my spiritual self reaches out to your spiritual shelf through spirit to promote
Healing. The five syllables work together on the five lower chakras as a mantra to bring Reiki
energy from the spiritual realm and make a connection between healer and patient. Time and
distance make no difference in the spiritual plane.
This is the long-distance symbol and can also be used on a photo or a mental image. Draw Hon
Sha Ze Sho Nen on the photo or draw it in the air with a mental image of the person with whom
you want to make a connection. When used with Sie Hei Ki, it promotes Harmony and Healing.
1. Take a Reiki breath.
2. Hold it.
3. Draw HSZSN three times. On the spine. With your eyes if hands are busy
4. As you do this, silently say the symbol quietly to yourself three times.
5. Draw CCW Cho Ku Rei three times to empower HSZSN
6. Exhale.
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Reiki Level Two, Part 2: Sei Hei Ki
Kanji analysis
Hie-Ki: Calm and tranquil in
Hei: Calm and peaceful.

mind
Ki: Energy
Sei: Essential quality
In Reiki, Sei Hei Ki operates on the upper two chakras by working with the emotional and
mental bodies to provide healing of the mind. This symbol goes directly to the subconscious to
promote, peace, harmony, tranquility and provide the release of blockages.
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To use Sei Hei Ki:
1. Place your right hand under the skull with your fingers at the base.
2. Next, inhale a Reiki breath and hold it.
3. Use your left hand to draw Se Hei Ki silently 3 times on the head..
4. Speak the symbol silently to yourself three times.
5. Empower with Cho Ku Rei three times.
6. Lastly, the Reiki breath is exhaled to release this symbol into action.
If the patient is experiencing a severe emotional event, cover the forehead gently with both
hands and hold them there as you draw Sei Hei Ki with your eyes. Continue to gently hold the
forehead and imagine peaceful thoughts. With your mind’s eye, project a white mist around the
person.
Please, remember that healing is sometimes a choice. We do not have the right to override a
person’s acceptance or non-acceptance of help. That decision is up to them. Let Reiki do the job
it is meant to do with the help of spirit guides. The patient will get what they need. Our purpose
is to provide the opportunity for healing by channeling Reiki energy.
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In the case of denial, we may be unwilling on one level to overcome emotional blockages, but
still willing to try anyway. Denial is complicated and tricky. Sei He Ki will help us see or
eventually understand what we are unable to see in ourselves. Ask the spirit guides for what is
appropriate. We are channels
It is easy to see the problems in another person but not as easy to see it in ourselves. Seeing
your problem in somebody else and recognizing that it is also yours, may be the road to healing
for both.
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Reiki Level Three: Dai Ko Myo
The master’s symbol
This is the fourth symbol, it is a mantra, pictogram and a visualization for focus and intent to
bring forth spiritual energy. Used to activate all chakras, Reiki is received by the
spiritual/mental bodies and flows to the emotional/etheric bodies to manifest physical healing.
Dai Ko Myo is sometimes used with a non-Reiki energy visualization called Tumo. Here are two
versions. The modern DLM was created in Japanese Kanji as a pictogram in the style of Tibet.
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Notice both envision energy coming from above and spiraling down counterclockwise. It is a
meditative, creative visualization process to envision energy coming down like a bolt of
lightning into the Reiki master, and subsequently retransmitting into the crown chakra by Reiki
breathing.
Usui gave mantras to his students. Although Usui studied Tibetan and Shinto symbols, Hayashi
turned those mantras into symbols as a means of focus and intent. DKM underwent a change
from the old Tibetan symbols to the sentence we see today. The modern DKM is also a
pictogram in the style of Tibet but rendered into Kanji. Hayashi created a format as a start for
beginners who had no prior experience with such things. Takata simplified Reiki for Americans.
That gave everyone an equal starting point. Now of the 4 original symbols only two are real
symbols. HSZSN and DKM are statements in the Japanese Kanji alphabet. The simple formula
here is focus-intent-release. A symbol without a statement of meaning has no power. It's simple
going through a meaningless motion. Now Takata had a language issue since she did not fully
understand Japanese. Hayashi was forced to draw these statements for her. Takata in turn
allowed no questions from her students. It was up to them to make further studies and discover
for themselves the truth of the matter. Unfortunately, some did not and thought Takata was
drawing something magical by virtue of its shape. This misunderstanding of the nature of the
"symbols" continues to this day in many westernized Reiki schools.
In the master attunement process, Cho Ku Rei is used to open an inward vortex channel
through which Dai Ko Myo can be introduced to make one a master of Reiki. Do not
29
underestimate the importance of this action. In ordinary use, all symbols come first then are
empowered by Cho Ku Rei.
When used with Reiki breathing, compassion and emotional intent, Dai Ko Myo channels an
immense amount of Reiki energy. Both Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and Dai Ko Myo, invoke spiritual
energy and guides. The difference is that Han Sha Ze Sho Nen transmits through the spiritual
plane while Dai Ko Myo brings spiritual energy to the physical plane.
Since Han Sha Ze Sho Nen does not involve time and space, working from your spiritual self to
your target’s spiritual self is accomplished quickly. Manifestation to the physical plane by Dai Ko
Myo, however, requires the passage of time.
The sequence for using Dai Ko Myo is as follows:
1. Inhale a Reiki breath.
2. Draw an appropriate Reiki symbol three times.
3. Say the mantra to yourself three times.
4. Empower with Cho Ku Rei
5. Exhale
6. Draw another Reiki Breath
7. Draw Dai Ko Myo three times down spine
8. Say Dai Ko Myo to yourself three times.
9. Empower with Cho Ku Rei.
10. Exhale.
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Dai Ko Myo is used along with Reiki breathing and empowerment by Cho Ku Rei. It is a direct
expression of the spiritual onto the physical. This symbol is drawn on the head, but may be
used anywhere or to empower other symbols, Reiki or not.
However, when working with any energy down to the physical plane there can be
complications. For example: denial spaces, inability to focus on the present, self-doubt, or lack
of compassion. Further, without love in your heart, none of this is any good. It may also take
some time to work.
But there is help.
The Reiki master symbol connects the user to the forces of spiritual beings who are there to
assist. From a spiritual point of view, this is the highest level of enlightenment.
Finally, in the words of my teacher, Beth Sanders, “All the people who have gone before us (and
who will come after us) and have used the Reiki symbols, are united in one large gestalt of
energy on the astral plane. Anytime you use one of the symbols, you tap into this energy.”
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Reiki Breathing: The Sacred Secret of Raku-Kie. A Buddhist
Meditation
The following procedure is attributed by Ven. Seiji Takamori from his predecessors including Dr.
Hayashi and has been passed to us as a means to learn Reiki breathing. This is also known as
the sacred secret of RaKu-Kie or kidney breathing. Also see Tau of Chi.
Preparing yourself: Prior to a session, stand in front of the student or patient and bring your
palms together in front of your face with forefingers touching the third eye. Seek guidance from
Reiki spiritual beings with their unlimited compassion to help in healing. Become a clear
channel for Reiki with love and compassion. Feel that emotion in your heart and allow it to flow
to your palms. Reiki breathing will bring in and focus energy and intent. Bring your palms
together in front of your heart chakra then proceed.
As you breathe, imagine a white mist gathering at your root chakra, moving upwards to your
crown chakra.
Also visualize your breath flowing into your kidneys as a dark blue color while you inhale.
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First Breath:
1. Slowly inhale and allow the abdomen to expand, pulling in energy by contracting the
perineum (pulling in the anal muscles).
2. Visualize Reiki energy as a white or golden light entering your crown chakra, flowing down
through the third eye, throat, heart, and into the root chakra.
3. Continue to bring down energy through both arms to the palms.
4. As you exhale, relax then contract the perineum once more (pulling in the anal muscles).
5. Visualize energy flowing upwards from the root chakra to the heart chakra then down both
arms to your palms.
6. Feel the heat and energy accumulate in your palms.
While breathing, keep the rest of your body relaxed. Practice will allow you to feel the energy
flow very clearly. At this stage the muscle contractions are unnecessary.
Second breath: Inhale again and do the same visualization.
Third breath:
1. Inhale again and hold your breath as you visualize energy flowing up your spine to your
heart center and upward to your crown.
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2. You may feel the energy in your crown chakra as a tingling or as a white light in your
inner vision.
3. Still holding your breath, bring the energy down to the palms via the heart chakra.
4. Focus the energy into the index and middle finger of your dominant hand.
5. Do not exhale yet.
6. If you intend to draw symbols, use those two fingers to do so. Otherwise, use your eyes
to trace them out.
7. Exhale.
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Reiki Hand Positions
Traditional Reiki involves many hand positions developed by Dr. Usui called, Chiro. Touching
and healing are two aspects of one unity, one of the three pillars of Usui Reiki. In general, these
areas are usually treated with the palms, forefingers, or thumbs. Oval shapes indicate palms.
The thumbs and/or forefingers are marked by dots
A quote from the translated handbook of Dr. Hayashi by Frank Petter on page 24. "While
experiencing pain *healing session), some people may become worried about receiving
negative energy from the patient, but this is not possible so do not worry unnecessarily. Taking
your hands off the patient can easily relieve this pain although it occasionally continues for a
short time”
The sequence of hand placement is head, back, front, and feet. It can be done sitting or
standing. The areas can be touched directly but some patients may prefer you to hover instead.
Spend as must time as your intuition feels is necessary. Use a light touch but stay focused in
what you are doing. Touch with compassion. These positions have been simplified by Takata.
When finished, run your hands up the chakras with a sweeping motion above the client.
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How would you conduct a formal Reiki session?
1. Create a serene atmosphere to relax the client. Of course, this can optionally include
your crystals, incense, candles, and soft slow music. Have the client lay on the table,
face up.
2. Conduct a guided mediation. This works well in groups. The earlier post on an energizing
meditation will allow the client to create a ball of Reiki energy. First time clients are
usually surprised to find they can feel the energy between their hands. As you conduct
this, your and anybody else helping can also follow along. When done, the ball must be
slowing given to your heart chakra.
3. Do a little scanning with your outstretched arm from head to toe. If you fell a tingle, ask
the client about that area. Do not diagnose.
4. Begin the Reiki session, but first ask if is ok to touch them. Many start with the front
side, working their way down, and following traditional hand positions. Symbols are
optional. The hand positions are also actually optional but it gives the client a more
comforting feeling. If working in a group, have everyone take a position. Take your time.
The group can switch positions as you proceed.
5. Have the client turn over and do the back. How long you spend on this is through
intuition. If you speak, do so with a soft voice.
6. When finished, allow the client time to stay where they are and relax for a while. Many
fall asleep so wake gently. Help them from the table.
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7. Ask the client about their experience and what it may mean to them. It’s not really up to
us to interpret but share any insight from yourself and the group.
A quote from the translated handbook of Dr. Hayashi by Frank Petter on page 24. "While
experiencing pain *healing session), some people may become worried about receiving
negative energy from the patient, but this is not possible so do not worry unnecessarily. Taking
your hands off the patient can easily relieve this pain although it occasionally continues for a
short time”
This is how Reiki lets you know where the troubled areas are at.
Hayashi’s advice on the Attire of the practitioner
It is important to avoid resembling a physician. No need for white doctor’s jacket nor medical
charts on the wall of your session room, and it’s important not to give your clients any medical
advice. It is also important not to suggest taking or reducing any medication. If your client is in
psychiatric treatment, ask him first to discuss the proposed Reiki treatment with his
psychiatrist. A good way of working is to collaborate closely with a physician.
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The Two Faces of Reiki
1. Physical emotional/non-technical Reiki: The truth is very
simple.
This is a common form of Reiki used by many women. Just let go, feel the energy and allow the
Reiki channel to operate. No direction is necessary. Flow where your intuition takes you. Similar
to westernized Reiki but also works with a traditional background.
This form of Reiki requires a person with an innate talent for working with spirit. The Reiki
channel frees the practitioner from using personal energy. Most attunements are performed
this way even if the Master has an incomplete understanding of the attunement process. The
Reiki guides are always there to assist anyone who desires their help. Energy must operate
through passive acceptance.
The Tarot can be very instructive here. The Lovers card has a man, a woman, and a divine being
above them. The woman can look up directly at the divine but the man looks through her. The
card demonstrates her closer connection to spirit.
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2. Mental spiritual/Technical Reiki: The truth is also inspiring
and fun.
This may be the most misunderstood form of Reiki. Most men follow this approach. This form
of Reiki requires a person who enjoys getting down to the details. In the process, a boost of
confidence helps to create the intuition needed for handling spiritual energy. The main benefit
of technical Reiki is seeing how it is part of a larger tradition of spirituality. The biggest
drawback is a tendency to want to direct or control the Reiki energy. Practice passive
acceptance for the channel to operate.
Westernized Reiki has some differences when compared to the original tradition developed by
Dr. Usui. However, by looking deeper, common ground may lead you to discover that both
systems are part of something bigger.
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Focus and Intent
A complete and purposeful understanding of the traditional symbols sharpens the focus and
intent. It is one thing to understand them, but you can also meditate on the symbols. Ask for
help from the Reiki spirit guides while gazing into incense smoke or a flickering flame. A
comfortable chair in front of a fireplace is excellent for this. This will help you achieve a high
alpha state (Dream) where higher knowledge is acquired. Knowledge removes doubt and
confusion, which can be a real hindrance to your work.
The better the understanding, the better your focus. Intent must be black or white, not in
between. Also, ego and chaos will not achieve desired results. Sometimes hindrance can come
from the conscious or subconscious mind when you are not mindful of what you are doing. Stay
in the moment. Do not wave a crystal around and watch TV while doing Reiki.
Beware of troublesome tendencies which may occur in group activities. The participating
people must be of one mind. Some people join groups for other reasons. This is especially
40
troublesome when someone takes over as group leader. The whole group may end up handing
over their power to that person. Ego clashes may begin to occur.
Keep in mind that ego will only create more ego and chaos will only create more chaos.
However, love will only create more love. Beware the ego trap. It is very hard to see it coming
in yourself.
Emotional intent and denial are your true enemies. When you do not accept responsibility for
your true feelings, your subconscious will dictate the outcome. We end up not getting what we
think is needed. The path of need and the path of desire must unite for clear purpose. Do not
go in two different directions. What your conscious mind refuses to acknowledge, your
subconscious will instead. The symbols are there to set your mind straight on Reiki and focus
your healing.
Keep Reiki a part of your life. Disuse over time will make Reiki harder to use at first. Practice
and meditation will enhance your ability to sense the energies again.
We have the ability to change ourselves. That is the true meaning of the philosopher’s stone, to
improve yourself.
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From the translated Reiki handbook of Dr. Usui.
The 5 affirmations, 3 pillars, and two breaths of Reiki
The Reiki affirmations

1. Just for today, do not anger.
2. Just for today, do not worry
3. Just for today, be grateful.
4. Just for today, do your duty.
5. Just for today, be kind to others.
1. Gassho: The coming together of two hands. Listening within. Being in the moment.
When doing Reiki, channeling, or getting in touch with your spirit guides/intuition, clearing the mind is
essential but many people do it without realizing it. If you are in a room of people talking with various
activities going on, find a comfortable chair and close your eyes. This will show you what it is like to
listen from the inside out. You will find yourself shifting your focus between different noises and voices.
Select a single voice or noise and only focus on that. It is not possible to take it all in at once. Now listen
to none of it and all the noise will become a background hum without your attention on any single part
of it. Your mind is now quiet enough to listen within yourself.
2. Reji-Ho: Indication of Reiki power.
This like very much like my energizing meditation I frequently recommend.
3. Chiryo: Treatment
Hands on according to Usui’s handbook. Quoting the book: Touching and healing are two
aspects of one unity. Also called Tea a te, the laying on of hands is considered natural and
instinctive.
In addition:
1. Joshin Kokyuu-Ho: Breathing (RaKu-Kie)

This is what’s known as Reiki breathing. I have mentioned this in my Reiki Guide also in “The Tau
of Chi.
2. The Tanden: Reiki breathing combined with the energizing meditation.
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The Elephant in the Room
Many Reiki teachers feel it is appropriate to charge the student and patients. They believe in
an exchange of energy, perhaps in the form of money. (I somehow cannot wrap my mind
around spirit guides collecting receipts.) The money connection was made out of context by
later teachers. Dr. Usui and Hayashi who both worked in the beggar’s quarter for years. Many
of the beggars, who they convinced to find jobs, returned to begging because “It was easier”. In
an attempt to make the beggars take responsibility for themselves and show respect, a fee was
created. In truth Reiki is empowered by one thing, compassion. There is no real necessity for an
“Energy Exchange” for Reiki to be effective. It is not in the nature of compassion to require
anything in return but here perhaps are some guidelines.
1. Compensation to cover the cost of materials, room rentals, and time spent by the
teacher it is permissible. Attunements may be considered part of teaching Reiki.
2. A licensed massage therapist may also charge if Reiki is part of their service.
3. Never charge for using Reiki to heal.
4. If a student cannot pay for instruction and desires to learn Reiki, it is appropriate for the
student to pay it forward. For their gift of Reiki, they must in turn teach another for free.
5. Free Reiki is never wasted Reiki, but a lesson must be learned about gratitude.
Compassion must not become conditional. These two qualities of compassion and
gratitude are essential to grow in spirit. Spirituality is about compassion, anything else is
about stuff. The material has no place in the spiritual.
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Traditional and non-traditional Reiki
Traditional Reiki places emphasis on special breathing (Reiki breathing) and meditation. In
addition, only the four basic symbols/ mantras, are required with the addition of clockwise Cho
Ku Rei as technically a fifth symbol. Additional new symbols are considered as not Reiki but as
personal development. Other Tibetan symbols are may be mentioned as part of the history of
Cho Ku Rei and Sei Hei Kie, but not required. As defined by Dr. Usui, Reiki is translated as
Universal Energy. Universal energy is only one energy and not many different ones. This is a
matter of perception as seen from the many points of view from different people.
Non-traditional Reiki has a simpler approach with the emphasis on energies. The energy is
considered to come in different forms. To generate the various energies, separate techniques
and different symbols may be learned, depending on the situation. Westernized Reiki also uses
many symbols not found in the traditional approach. Unpowered by traditional means, they do
provide intent and focus and are considered useful by the practitioner as an expression of
individual style.
Some very old symbols are a part of our subconscious and provide help on levels of which we
are not aware. Such symbols work better when an understanding of their nature is known.
Remember, it is by involving our conscious and subconscious together, very powerful spiritual
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energy can be manifested. Therefore, the purpose of Reiki breathing is to draw in the energy
and retransmit it to the patient or student being attuned. In traditional Reiki, therefore, the
power is not in the symbol but in the ability to draw the energy from the source then use the
symbol as a focus/intent for healing. The sequence is as follows:
1. Reiki breathing. (Actually, a meditation/visualization of the forces at work in the spiritual).
2. Hold it (Focus)
3. Draw the symbol and say it mentally to yourself. (Intent)
4. Exhale (Release the energy to allow it to go to work in the physical, also known as
manifestation).
In both forms of Reiki, you are provided by an attunement the energy channels required to use
healing energy. However, intuition and trust are also needed to work in flow with Reiki spiritual
energy. That is something no one can teach. You must find it in yourself.
In non-traditional Reiki, using non-Reiki sources are nothing new. This has been going on since
the concept of healing began. The creation of new, workable symbols can be done. The actual
means by which this is accomplished is not exclusive to traditional Usui Reiki. Such knowledge is
can be found from many sources such as Kabbalah, Buddhism, and Wicca. Dr. Usui was himself
a student of such esoteric wisdom. (See memorial translation.).
In conclusion, it is important not to dismiss other ideas because they do not fit into your
current world view of the truth. By making an effort to understand a different viewpoint, you
might find a higher truth. Everything is a part of something much bigger.
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Tibetan symbols and counterclockwise energy
The Tibetan symbols were an attempt to model the energy flow of

Reiki. The Tibetans knew that you cannot use words to accurately
describe what is happening with the energy. Words from the physical
realm can only vaguely approximate the events of the spiritual realm.
Toward that end they went with a mental picture of an inward
expression of energy.
Tumo and the Tibetan Dai Ko Myo show a counterclockwise motion to

the incoming energy. The fire dragon symbol is different. It is about
Reiki breathing. The exultation of the breath comes out in a clockwise
flow. An outward expression of energy.
None of these symbols were ever part of the Usui method. The
traditional Reiki symbols has both a form and an intent (substance). The
Tibetans only had form and lack substance.
The role of Tibetan symbols in traditional Reiki.
1. The Raku/ Raku-Rei is a Tibetan symbol represents a mental image of energy entering the drown
chakra during an attunement. It is not a mantra like the other four symbols. It can be Blue or
purple. It is an action and not considered in the same as the other traditional symbols.
2. The fire dragon symbol is about Reiki breathing. Once again, it is about a mental image of the
forces being drawn in to retransmit to the client. No specific mantra, just an action.
3. Tibetan Cho Ku Rei. This one again an action and not a mantra. In traditional Reiki Dai Ko Myo is
rendered in Kanji to creates a pictogram of a man holding Reiki fire over his head, this is an
expression of enlightenment. The Tibetan form is only an energy expression. Tumo is the same
but drawn differently.
4. It is interesting to note that SHK is a Sanskrit Buddhist symbol rendered in Kanji to give intent.
This is Dr. Usui’s attempt to create a strictly Japanese spiritual practice.
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Translation of the Usui Memorial at Saihoji Temple, Tokyo Japan
© Copyright 1998-2011 Emiko Arai and Richard Rivard
-- Please feel free to share this document with others – as is, with no changes --
Since a friend in Japan sent us pictures of the Usui memorial in the spring of 1996, we had been
wanting to put this web page up. Many other projects got in the way, and we didn't get a good
close-up of the monument until our friend Shiya Fleming brought back some good photos in
July 1997. Emiko and I spent several days going through the old dictionaries she had, and I was
very happy at the end to compensate her with Reiki Mastership training for her part in the
process. Finally, I felt we had completed enough to present this to others.
This is a fairly literal translation of the Usui memorial, as we wanted you, the reader, to get as
close a rendition to plain English as possible, without any paraphrasing. This allows you to
decide how you would rephrase sentences and paragraphs.
All comments in (brackets) are either our translations of previous kanji (in quotations), or our
explanation of previous words. Please note: there are no periods or paragraphs on the original,
so we have added these in to make it easier to read. Also, as in all translations, we had several
choices of words for each kanji, and tried to pick what we felt best, depending on the content.
Our thanks to Melissa Riggall and Miyuki Arasawa for their corrections offered, and to later
translations shared with me.
Although this location does contain the remains of Usui Sensei’s wife – Sadako; son – Fuji; and
daughter – Toshiko, it only has a part of Sensei’s remains. The Saihoji site is not the original
resting place of the Usui family. The original grave site was set up a year after Sensei’s death in
a Tendai Buddhist graveyard near what is now Nakano station. Then in 1960 the entire
graveyard was moved to the Saihoji Temple site in order to make wy for an extension to the
main subway line. This was confirmed by Saihoji Temple workers in 2009. Sensei’s living
students (there were several at the time of this writing in 1998) said he was a Tendai Buddhist
all his life (the Saihoji temple is a Jodo Shyu (Pure Land) Buddhist temple). There is also a small
private shrine elsewhere in Tokyo - donated by an Usui doka (student) - that holds some of the
original remains of Usui, as well as the original Usui Concepts (Precepts) wall hanging, and the
original large photo portrait of Sensei taken by Dr. Hayashi (who was an amateur
photographer). This was set up shortly after his death in 1926.
Please share this information with all, but we ask you to leave this introduction portion and
copyright with it. For pictures and location of the memorial, please visit my Saihoji Temple
pages.
(I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have offered changes and corrections to
the translation)
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===== translation begins =====
"Reihou Chouso Usui Sensei Kudoko No Hi"
Memorial of Reiki Founder Usui Sensei's Benevolence
( The kanji at the top of the memorial reads, from right to left: "Reihou" - spiritual method,
Reiki method; "Chouso" - founder; "Usui"; "Sensei" - teacher; "Kudoku" - benevolence, a
various (pious) deed; "no Hi" - of memorial, a tombstone, a monument - this is also what the
first line in the main text says).
It is called 'toku' that people experience by culture and training, and 'koh' that people practice
teaching and the way to save people. ('koh' + 'toku'= 'kudoku; Kou = distinguished service,
honor, credit, achievement; Toku = a virtue, morality)
Only the person who has high virtue and does good deeds can be called a great founder and
leader. From ancient times, among wisemen, philosophers, geniuses and ? (a phrases that
means - very straight and having the right kind of integrity), the founders of a new teaching or
new religion are like that.. We could say that Usui Sensei was one of them.
Usui "Sensei" (literally "he who comes before", thus teacher, or respected person) newly
started the method that would change mind and body for better by using universal power.
People hearing of his reputation and wanting to learn the method, or who wanted to have the
therapy, gathered around from all over. It was truly prosperous. (by "therapy" is meant the Usui
Reiki Ryoho - Usui ancestral remedy - of his Usui-Do teachings, including the 5 principles.)
Sensei's common name is Mikao and other name was Gyoho (perhaps his spiritual name). He
was born in the Taniai-mura (village)in the Yamagata district of Gifu prefecture (Taniai is now
part of Miyama Village). His ancestor's name is Tsunetane Chiba (a very famous Samurai who
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had played an active part as a military commander between the end of Heian Period and the
beginning of Kamakura Period (1180-1230). However Hirsohi Doi revealed at URRI 2000 that
Tsunetane was a son of Tsuneshige, who was 1st son of Tsunekane, and that Usui Sensei is
descended from Tsuneyasu, the 3rd son of Tsunekane.) His father's name was Uzaemon (this
was his popular name; his given name was Taneuji ). His mother's maiden name was Kawai.
Sensei was born in the first year of the Keio period, called Keio Gunnen (1865), on August 15th.
From what is known, he was a talented and hard working student. His ability was far superior.
After he grew up, he visited the western world and China to study (yes, it actually says that,
NOT America and Europe!). He wanted to be a success in life, but couldn't achieve it; often he
was unlucky and in need. But he didn't give up and he disciplined himself to study more and
more.
One day he went to Kuramayama to start an asceticism (it says "shyu gyo" - a very strict process
of spiritual training using meditation and fasting.) On the beginning of the 21st day, suddenly
he felt one large Reiki over his head and he comprehended the truth. At that moment he got
Reiki "Ryoho" (This term originally meant ancestral remedy or therapy.)
When he first tried this on himself, then tried this on his family, good results manifested
instantly. Sensei said that it is much better to share this pleasure with the public at large than to
keep this knowledge to our family (it was customary to keep such knowledge in the family to
increase their power). In April of the 11th year of the Taisho period (1922) he moved his
residence to Harajuku, Aoyama, Tokyo. (this is next to the Meiji Outer Gardens and the huge
Aoyama Cemetery.)There he founded "Gakkai." (a learning society) He taught Reiki Ryoho.
(According to his student Tenon-in, who in 2003 is 106, Sensei was teaching his spiritual
method simply called "his method," referred to by his students as "Usui-Do." It was based upon
the concepts he wrote called Usui Reiki Ryoho. )People came from far and near and asked for
the guidance and therapy, and many shoes lined up outside of the building. (In Japan you take
your shoes off at the door.)
In September of the twelfth year of the Taisho period (1923), there were many injured and sick
people all over Tokyo because of the Kanto earthquake and fire. Sensei felt deep anxiety.
Everyday he went around in the city to treat them. We could not count how many people were
treated and saved by him. During this emergency situation, his relief activity was that of
reaching out his hands of love to suffering people. His relief activity was generally like that. (Mr.
Hiroshi Doi was told that Sensei would actually lay on the ground and give Reiki from his hands
and feet to at least 4 people at time.)
After that, his learning place became too small. In February of the 14th year of the Taisho
period (1925), he built and moved to a new one (a dojo or training hall) outside Tokyo in
Nakano. (Nakano is now part of Tokyo.) Because his fame had risen still more, he was invited to
many places in Japan, often. In answering those requests, he went to Kure, then to Hiroshima,
to Saga and reached Fukuyama. (Fukuyama was also the location of Sensei's creditors - his final
trip was mainly to meet with them). It was during his stay in Fukuyama that he unexpectedly
49
got sick and died. He was 62 years old. (In Western terms, Sensei was 60 - born August 15,
1865; died March 9, 1926 as per his grave marker; however, in old Japan, you are "1" when
born and turn another year older at the start of the new year.)
His wife was from Suzuki family; her name was Sadako. They had a son and a daughter. The
son's name was Fuji who carried on the Usui family (meaning the property, business, family
name, etc. Born in 1908 or 1909, at the time of his father's death Fuji was 19 in Japanese years.
We learned that Fuji may have taught Reiki in Taniai village. According to the Usui family grave
stone, the daughter's name was Toshiko, and she died in September 23, 1935 at the age of 22
in Japanese years. Sensei also taught his wife's niece who was a Tendai Buddhist Nun. As of this
writing (2003) she is still alive - approximately 108).
Sensei was very mild, gentle and humble by nature. He was physically big and strong yet he
kept smiling all the time. However, when something happened, he prepared towards a solution
with firmness and patience. He had many talents. He liked to read, and his knowledge was very
deep of history, biographies, medicine, theological books like Buddhism Kyoten (Buddhist bible)
and bibles (scriptures), psychology, jinsen no jitsu (god hermit technique), the science of
direction, ju jitsu (he also learned Judo from Jigoro Kano, according to Tenon-in), incantations
(the "spiritual way of removing sickness and evil from the body"), the science of divination,
physiognomy (face reading) and the I Ching. I think that Sensei's training in these, and the
culture which was based on this knowledge and experience, led to the key to perceiving Reiho
(short for "Reiki Ryoho"). Everybody would agree with me. (The origins of the Usui-Do system
are now known to be from Taoism and Shinto brought to Japan from China, probably around
the 5th century.)
Looking back, the main purpose of Reiho was not only to heal diseases, but also to have right
mind and healthy body so that people would enjoy and experience happiness in life. Therefore
when it comes to teaching, first let the student understand well the Meiji Emperor's
admonitory, then in the morning and in the evening let them chant and have in mind the five
precepts which are:
First we say, today don't get angry.

Secondly we say, don't worry.
Third we say, be thankful.
Fourth we say, endeavor your work.
Fifth we say, be kind to people.
(My friend Emiko Arai was very firm about the above wording.)
This is truly a very important admonitory. This is the same way wisemen and saints disciplined
themselves since ancient times. Sensei named these the "secret methods of inviting
happiness", "the spiritual medicine of many diseases" to clarify his purpose to teach. Moreover,
his intention was that a teaching method should be as simple as possible and not difficult to
understand. Every morning and every evening, sit still in silence with your hands in prayer
(gassho) and chant the affirmations, then a pure and healthy mind would be nurtured. It was
50
the true meaning of this to practice this in daily life, using it. (i.e. put it into practical use) This is
the reason why Reiho became so popular. (see the my document on the Usui Precepts for more
on this.)
Recently the world condition has been in transition. There is not little change in people's
thought. (i.e. it is changing a lot) Fortunately, if Reiho can be spread throughout the world, it
must not be a little help (i.e. it is a big help) for people who have a confused mind or who do
not have morality. Surely Reiho is not only for healing chronic diseases and bad habits.
The number of the students of Sensei's teaching reaches over 2,000 people already (This
number may also include the students' students). Among them senior students who remained
in Tokyo are carrying on Sensei's learning place and the others in different provinces also are
trying to spread Reiki as much as possible. (Dr. Hayashi took title to the dojo in November, 1926
and together with Admiral Taketomi and Admiral Ushida, re-located it to his clinic in Shinano
Machi in 1926, and ran it as a hospice.) Although Sensei died, Reiho has to be spread and to be
known by many people in the long future. Aha! What a great thing that Sensei has done to have
shared this Reiho, which he perceived himself, to the people unsparingly.
Now many students converged at this time and decided to build this memorial at his family
temple in the Toyotama district (this was originally in a Tendai graveyard near what is now
Nakano station. The grave sites were all moved to the Saihoji Temple in 1960 in order to make
way for an extension of the main subway line) to make clear his benevolence and to spread
Reiho to the people in the future. I was asked to write these words. Because I deeply appreciate
his work and also I was moved by those thinking to be honored to be a student of Sensei, I
accepted this work instead of refusing to do so. I would sincerely hope that people would not
forget looking up to Usui Sensei with respect . (The location of the burial plot and memorial
may have been the work of the Admirals and the URR Gakkai. Usui Sensei was confimed by his
living students Tenon-in and Suzuki-sensei to have been a devout Tendai until his death. Yet
the Saihoi temple is a Pure Land sect or Jodo Shu Buddhist temple.)
Edited by "ju-san-i" ("subordinate third rank, the Junior Third Court (Rank) -- an honorary title),
Doctor of Literature, Masayuki Okada.
Written (brush strokes) by Navy Rear Admiral, "ju-san-i kun-san-tou ko-yon-kyu"("subordinate

third rank, the Junior Third Court (Rank), 3rd order of merit, 4th class of service" -- again, an
honorary title) Juzaburo Ushida (also pronounced Gyuda).
Second Year of Showa (1927), February
51
Meditation
52
Meditation is a truly misunderstood topic.
The easiest way to look at meditation is as the body falls asleep the mind stays awake. This can
indeed be accomplished by holding onto one thing, breathing.
Whenever you fall asleep, your brainwaves pass through four stages.
Waking state
Relaxed state
Dream state
Deep sleep
Beta is the waking state. Alpha is the daydream and dream state. Theta is the active dreaming
state. Finally, Delta is the deepest stage without dreaming.
An important event during Alpha is the shutdown of voluntary muscles shut down. This keeps
you from hurting yourself while in a dream stage. If you ever woke up and could not move
anything, your mind woke up before the rest of your body did.
So, how do we meditate? Here is the key: Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary with
regards to muscle movement.
It is possible to concentrate on breathing as your brainwaves pass from Alpha to Theta and
Delta. Breathing acts like an anchor to hang on to your consciousness.
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You may find yourself unable to move and lose any sense of gravity, but remember: You can
still breathe.
There are other practices that help as well. Creative visualization or concentrating on slow
moving smoke from burning incense can be done with proper breathing. This can set the stage
for interesting encounters and problem solving. Memory recall is enhanced as well as creativity.
Gazing into a fire, a flickering flame or listening to a babbling brook help accomplish meditation
This is called entrainment. The mind has the ability to synchronize to the pulse of the flame
which is similar to Alpha brainwaves. An excellent example of the whole process is a piece of
music called Evening Song by the composer Alan Hovhaness. He understood the process and
set it to music. Entrainment can occur while listening to it.
In review, two things must be done to meditate: Concentration and breathing.
Do not be discouraged if you fall asleep time after time. Eventually, you will find yourself in
spaces you never knew existed. This becomes easier with practice. Be sure to set up a quiet,
softly lit environment where you will not be disturbed. Nighttime is best.
Meditating to the dream state is fairly easy to accomplish, however, Delta is different. You only
go there for short periods. Delta is like a sensory deprivation environment where you have no
sound, no light, and no sense of touch. This state is the home of the “Still Small Voice” that holy
men refer to. The overall feeling can be an immense joy that something loving is near. There
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are other things that can happen here but you have to go there yourself to find out. I must not
spoil your journey and say too much ahead of time.
If you read up on the meditative Kabbalah, you will find that it is describing the same
experience you will encounter while in deep meditation. This secret has been known for
millennia and is the basis for many esoteric mystery schools.
There is one more important detail, an unusual phenomenon called a Klipah. It is a French
word that concerns an explosive sound that may go off in your head as you try to meditate.
Read the book, Meditation and the Bible by Aryeh Kaplan for more details. Do not be alarmed.
Beginning meditation is like a free lunch, but sooner or later more is required of you. This is the
universe’s way of telling you to stop playing around and get on with your personal
development. It seems the universe has a subtle sense of humor. A klipah can be overcome
through music with a beat like an Alpha wave. A good example is “Hey Jude” by the Beatles.
There are many more. Guided meditations are good but they will only take you to Alpha.
In summary: By pinning the objective, conscious mind using the correct medium and being
mindful of your breathing, the subconscious, subjective mind is free to receive relevant images.
Sometimes you even find the “Still Small Voice”.
Such media include tarot, rosaries, crystal balls, incense smoke, and Reiki symbols.
Entrainment may also be achieved by music, by gazing into the dancing flame of a fire, by
mantras, drumming, or anything with an Alpha rhythm. .
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. Remember: Intent, Focus, and mindful breathing puts the conscious mind aside and allows
subconscious imagery through.
Good Journey.
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Meditation Techniques.
1. Choose a comfortable chair in a dimly lit room where you will not be disturbed. The
sound of a ticking clock may help.
2. Meditation music must be soft and repetitive.
3. Do the energizing meditation for relaxation first.
4. Sit and concentrate on your breathing.
5. Imagine a door appearing in your room.
6. Now you create an avatar of yourself to move and feel as you do.
7. In your mind’s eye, see yourself getting up and walking through it.
8. The hallway is very long with many side doors.
9. Each door is a different destination, past or present.
10. Begin by choosing a door to a beach.
11. Enter the door and change into a bathing suit in complete detail.
12. When you sit on the beach, do the following:
13. Feel the wet sand.
14. Listen to the waves.
15. Hear some far away birds.
16. Feel a slight breeze.
17. Feel the warm sunshine.
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Only by making the experience as real as possible will you go deeper. You may not be able to
move at this point. Do not panic, you can still breathe. At all times maintain awareness of your
breathing. A slight fluttering in the ears is sometimes felt.
If you go deeper, you will lose your sense of hearing and gravity, experiencing a floating
sensation. At this point you might fall asleep but sooner or later you will go deeper. Return
through the hallway back to the door into your room and reenter your body. In time you may
achieve the floating shut time without the other measures. You can even be aware of your real
environment, from the inside outward. This state can be maintained for hours if desired.
Let’s talk in detail about meditation.
Step 1: Find a comfortable place to sit with soft lighting like a candle. Make sur you will not be
disturbed.
A lotus position is unnecessary. Just be supported but not lying down.
Step 2: Do a relaxation routine. At all times be very mindful of you breathing in slow deep
breaths.
Take a deep slow breath and exhale slowly. (Repeat several times)
Inhale, tense your toes, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Take a deep slow breath and exhale slowly.
Inhale, tense your feet, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
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Inhale, tense your calves, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your knees, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your thighs, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your lower abdomen, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your stomach, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your chest, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your neck, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
Inhale, tense your face, let go and slowly exhale. Relax, relax.
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Step 3: By now you should be in Alpha and very relaxed. Continue mindful breathing and begin
creative visualizations.
In your mind’s eye, stand up and walk across the room. Make a door appear. Enter a long
hallway with many side doors. You can name them, for example, the seashore. Inside you will
find a beach. Sit down in the sand. This is very important. You must involve all your senses. This
is just one example of many such journeys.
The feel of the sand
Sea gull crying.
Wind.
Sun
Sea waves slowing crashing.
Keep this up with mindful breathing and soon you will begin to enter Theta. There you will lose
your sense of gravity, hearing, and not be able to move. Remember you can still breath. You
should stay here if you can. Remember I told you to sit in a comfortable chair where you will be,
otherwise you would fall over due to lack of muscle control.
It may take many sessions to not fall asleep but keep trying. Sooner or later a wonderful thing
will happen, the still small voice.
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Energizing meditation
Step 1: Place yourself in a comfortable position either lying down or sitting in a comfortable
chair. Play soft music and light some candles to create a suitable environment for the
meditation. Optional would be to light an incense stick and place in front of one of the
candles. Hold your attention on the slow, curling, stream of smoke. Now begin.
Step 2: Take a deep slow breath and exhale slowly. (Repeat several times)
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Step 3: Now each time you inhale, bring up warming energy from the Earth, into your feet
and up your shoulders. Exhale and relax.
Take a deep breath, bring up energy to your arms and out to your hands, exhale and relax.
(Keep doing this for the rest of the meditation)
Step 3: Slowly bring your palm together. Every time you inhale bring the energy to your hands
and between your hands. Repeat several times
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Begin to slowly bring you palms apart a little at a time. Continue to inhale, send the energy
between your palms, and exhale. (Repeat several times)
Your hands are becoming warm.
As you move your hands apart a little at a time, feel for the outside edge of a ball of energy
forming between your hands and warming them. Slowly move your hands slightly together
and out again expanding the ball.
Continue to send energy between your hands feeling the edge of the ball getting bigger.
keep moving your hands together and out becoming wider apart. (Repeat)
Continue to inhale, sending up the energy, exhaling and relaxing. Feel the warmth in your
hand, making the ball as big as you want.
Now slowly bring your palms to your chest, giving yourself the ball of energy into your heart,
warming your chest. Continue to breath, bring up the energy, and give it to your heart. Relax
Continue to sit quietly and relax.
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Gift of the spirit meditation
Step 1:
Place yourself in a comfortable position either lying down or sitting in a comfortable chair. Play
soft music and light some candles to create a suitable environment for the meditation. Optional
would be to light an incense stick and place in front of one of the candles. Hold your attention
on the slow, curling, stream of smoke. Now begin.
Step 2.
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Now each time you inhale, bring up warming energy from the Earth, into your feet and up your
Head
Exhale and relax
Take deep slow breaths and continue to breathe slowly (For the rest of the meditation).
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Step 3.
You see a door. Enter.
You find yourself walking along a forest path.
The air in the forest feels comfortably cool on your face.
You can hear birds off in the distance.
And smell the scent of the trees all around.
As you pass by you put a hand on one of the trees.
Feel the rough texture and see the color of the bark.
The tree is pleasant to touch.
Continue walking along the path.
Walking, walking, walking.
Continue to experience the beautiful forest.
Up ahead you see an area, well lit by the sun, off in the distance.
You are approaching a meadow.
Entering the meadow, you feel warm sunshine and a slight breeze.
It is pleasantly warm and makes you a little sleepy
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As you continue walking, you hear the insects and see wildflowers.
There is a wonderful scent in the air of grasses and scented flowers
You hear the buzzing of bees and the passing of butterfly wings.
Up ahead, you see a low rock that you can sit on.
You approach the rock and sit on it
The rock is warm from the sunshine, the slight breeze is still there.
Feel the texture on the rock with your hands.
Continue to sit there and feel the warm sun
And smell the flowers and hear the insects.
You are getting very sleepy.
Up ahead, you see a spirit being coming toward you off in the distance.
Continue to enjoy the meadow and sunshine as the being approaches.
The being comes and stands before you, smiling.
Feel the outpour of happiness filling your body.
You even have a few tears welling in your eyes.
You and the spirit being communicate only through love.
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The being stays for a while and puts a gift in your hand.
You will not know what the gift is until later.
The being departs, walking back from which it came.
Off in the distance it disappears.
Step 4
Continue to enjoy the scents and sounds of the meadow.
And feel the warmth of the sun and the slight breeze.
Finally, you stand and depart the meadow.
You are walking back along the path to the forest.
As you enter the forest, the air feels cool again.
The scents of the woods and the sound of distant birds are still there.
Continue to enjoy the forest as you walk back along the path.
You find yourself back at the door
Enter back into the room and into your body. Open your eyes.
Open your hand and look at.
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End.
Ridding yourself of fear and negativity through meditation
Step 1: Place yourself in a comfortable position either lying down or sitting in a
comfortable chair. Play soft music and light some candles to create a suitable
environment for the meditation. Optional would be to light an incense stick and
place in front of one of the candles. Hold your attention on the slow, curling,
stream of smoke. Now begin.
A lotus position is unnecessary. Just be supported but not lying down.
Step 2: Do a relaxation routine.
At all times be very mindful of your breathing in slow deep breaths.
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Step 3: Creating a ball of energy
Slowly bring your palm together. Every time you inhale bring the energy to your
hands and between your hands. Repeat several times
Begin to slowly bring you palms apart a little at a time. Continue to inhale and
exhale, sending the energy between your palms. (Repeat several times)
As you move your hands apart a little at a time, feel for a ball of energy forming
between them and warming them.
Continue to send energy between your hands until you feel the edge of the ball.
When you feel the edge of the ball, continue to make it bigger and bigger by
moving your hands apart slowly and slowly together a little at a time. Keep doing
this until the ball is of a large size. (beachball)
Step 4: Filling the ball of energy.
Continue to breath but every time you exhale, send your fear,
negativity, and any other bad energy into the ball. Watch it get bigger
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and bigger, filling with everything you want to get rid of.
When you feel it is full, blow it away with a quick breath and clap your
hands together hard.
Sit and relax. The ball will float away, doing no harm to anyone,
Smile.
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Magical Reiki: An Ancient Tradition
This work attempts to compare the paths into the spiritual where healing energy can be tapped
and manifested onto the physical. There is a connection between traditional Reiki, Wicca,
Buddhism, and Kabbalah. All start in the physical and journey into the spiritual where the
energy can be tapped, molded, and released for a purpose.
The four important points to remember are:
1. The Stupa and the Tree of Life are both symbols which convey the difference between
Earth and Spirit.
2. Both are roadmaps of the mind, describing meditation.
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3. Each section of the Stupa is linked to a brainwave pattern.
4. We start in the waking state and journey into deep meditation, however both show no
return from the end stage. This final event is extremely unlikely.
The Stupa Meditation
In this chart, I have compared an image of the Buddha to a slightly different interpretation of
the Stupa, showing a connection between earth and spirit through meditation.
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Earth
In review, both the Stupa and the Tree of Life symbol have much to tell us about going into the
spiritual from the physical plane. They are also represented by brainwave patterns.
Procedurally, Reiki is similar and should be done in an alpha state. Reiki is enhanced by
frequent deep meditation. This is how Reiki should be expressed.
1. Travel widdershin. (ccw Cho Ku Rei)
2. Into the spiritual plane where the energy dwells.
3. Take that energy and mold it into your requirement (healing).
4. Focus that requirement with creative visualization.
5. Meditate further on that need.
6. Release deosil, (CW Cho Ku Rei) the intent back into the physical plane to accomplish
manifestation.
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There is a direction connection between the use of CCW and CW Cho Ku Rei in ceremonial
magic. In ceremonial magic, a common procedure is as follows:
1. The participants dance widdershin (CCW) to raise a cone of power in the spiritual.
2. The power is focused on and programmed toward a purpose (meditation).
3. The intent of the energy is released to manifest in the physical by the participants
dancing sun wise (CW).
Dr Usui, being a well-studied student and seeker of wisdom, must have known such esoteric
knowledge. It all started with his meditations. That aspect of him is written on a monument
near his gravesite.
Whenever he undertook a task, he made elaborate preparations for it and accomplished it
patiently with unflinching courage. He was blessed with very much talent. He liked reading and
was well versed in all learning, such as history, biographies of great people, books on medical
science, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, Taoism, magic, the art of ancient Chinese
divination, physiognomy and so on.
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Creating a sacred space using Reiki and Kabbalah
He chose three letters.
He set them in his great Name and with them He sealed six extremities.
He sealed above and faced upwards and sealed it with Yod Heh Vav.
He sealed below and faced downwards and sealed it with Heh Yod Vav.
He sealed east and faced and faced straight ahead and sealed it with Vav Yod Heh.
He sealed west and faced backwards and sealed it with Vav Heh Yod.
He sealed south and faced to the right and sealed it with Yud Vav Heh.
He sealed north and faced to the left and sealed it with Heh Vav Yod.
Sefer Yetzirah
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Hyperawareness of energy.
This exercise can be performed between two adults of any gender, size, or age. One of the
participants must at least have second degree Reiki attuned hands. The two participants must
have a willingness to lower barriers between each other. Some degree of affinity is required.
This can be done with two chairs or on a Reiki table and is best accomplished with the eyes
closed. The only physical interaction should be through the sense of touch. Wear no clothing
from the waist up if done in a chair or on a Reiki table.
Create a relaxing environment with soft lighting and music. A lightly scented incense should be
used. Place the two chairs with one facing the back of the other. The outward facing chair
should allow the sitter to lean forward a little.
The participant in the back chair should begin by using their thumbs to massage a rotating
motion starting at the base of the neck on each of the vertebra. Use gentle but firm pressure
and to work your down along the spine to the base of the back. Take your time. Too hard a
pressure will be disruptive. Keep your breathing slow and steady, work your way down and up
the spine three times. Gently draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen down the spine. Take a Reiki breath and
blow gently. Now place your palms flat on the back and stay with the moment for a while.
When ready to proceed, resume massaging with your thumbs from the base of the neck to the
top of the skull. Draw Sei Hei Ki with your eyes, take a Reiki breath, and gently blow onto the
top of the head. Next find the two knobs in the back of the skull on either side of the spine.
Gently continue with the circular motion until ready to move on. Take your time.
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Now using the forefinger and middle finger of the hands, very, very gently work on the temples.
Continue on to the forehead, eyebrows, and cheekbones using a firmer pressure with the same
fingers. Next, place your palms flat on the shoulders, and use a gentle sweeping motion down
the arms to the hands using your palms.
Massage the palms and each finger joint. If done on a Reiki table, sweep down the torso to the
legs, along the legs, and massage the bottom of the feet and each toe. A firmer pressure can be
used here.
Gently sweep back up the torso with the palms of your hands to the chest and touch the heart
chakra lightly. Hold the moment.
Now turn your chairs to face each other. If you are using a Reiki table the person on it should
stay there. Each of you should now hold your hands toward each other without touching. Hover
using a very slow sweeping motion between your palms, on each other’s third eye, along the
side of the face and down the torso. You should have a hyperawareness of each other’s
energies even at distance. Stay in the moment until ready to end the exercise by tracing Cho Ku
Rei on the chest, drawing a Reiki breath, and gently blowing into the heart chakra.
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Non-Reiki Symbols
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How to create a new symbol-mantra. For personal use only.
1. Fully understand the function of CCW and CW Cho Ku Rei before attempting to do this.
2. Decide on the purpose of the new mantra.
3. Draw the stylized symbol-mantra. Carve it wood or stone, draw it in the sand, or on a
beach. You can even depict it in any language besides kanji.
4. Draw Dai Ko Myo in the air over it and ask the Reiki spirit guides for assistance.
5. Empower with a counterclockwise Cho Ku Rei.
6. Meditate on the symbol-mantra and its purpose. Look into the smoke of an incense stick
or gaze into a flickering flame to focus your mind and bring it into an alpha state (near
dreaming).
7. Draw in Reiki breathes while doing this.
8. Hold onto the clear intent of the mantra and do a creative visualization of its function.
9. When you feel it is ready, close with a clockwise Cho Ku Rei. This is important. It will
allow manifestation into the physical plane.
10. Drink some fresh water.
If your purpose has been in harmony with Reiki, it will work.
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Your Face in the Mirror
Do you seek to intimidate If you feel intimidated

Because you deal in fear? It is because you have fear.
Do others feel vulnerable If you feel vulnerable

Because you tell them where to hide? It is because you are hiding.
Do you take away everyone’s power If you lost your power

Because they hand it over to you? It is because you gave it away.
Do you inhibit growth If you lack growth

Because you teach the quick fix? You have accepted the quick fix.
Do you sell fear If you have bought into fear

Because others will buy it. .Because someone is selling it.
And if everyone feels disempowered And if you feel disempowered

Because you are feeding their denials. Because
. someone is feeding your denial.
. .
Then Then
Lacking love in your heart By lacking confidence in your heart.

No method of healing No method of healing
Will do anyone any good Will do you any good.
In losing your way By looking outside of yourself

You have lost your sight You are looking too far
And the magic ceases to work. And the magic ceases to work
Finally, all you can see is yourself Where do you see yourself?
For the world has become a reflection By letting the world become a reflection
But you don’t even recognize Because you no longer recognize
Your Face in the Mirror
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Attunements
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Reiki Attunements in General
A few symbols used to visually convey the attunement process are explained here.
1. Reiki Breathing.
2. Transfer of energy.
3. Breathe energy into palm points.
4. Hand motion, Clockwise in and clockwise out.
5. Palms outward over a chakra.
6. Neck points.
7. Exhale.
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8. Sealing points.
This last one indicates using both hands on the seal points, thumbs on top of the head and two
fingers on each temple. The rest of the visual cues should be self-explanatory.
Prior to any attunement, there is a preparation for the master as well as the student. The
student must be in a state of harmony for the attunement or else the energy could be diverted
toward healing instead of the intended purpose.
There are four symbols to be introduced for different levels of Reiki.
1. Reiki one: Cho Ku Rei
2. Reiki two: Han Sha Ze Shon Nen and Sei Hei Ki
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3. Reiki three: Dai Ko Myo
Everything must be done in threes unless otherwise indicated. Three Reiki
Breathes, draw Reiki symbol three times, and empower by drawing Cho Ku Rei three
times before exhaling.
The only other real symbol is the clockwise Dai Ko Myo used by the Reiki master to
seal the other symbols. This is a form of manifestation and is different from the
counterclockwise Cho Ku Rei used to empower the other symbols into action. The
symbols all act as points of focus and intent for Reiki to operate. This prevents the
use of personal energy and insures the intended outcome. Anything else is not
traditional Reiki as Dr. Usui intended.
For the Level one or two students, do the Student’s Preparative Reiki Session first.
Follow this with the Level one or two attunements. The master attunement must be
done in steps.
1. Preparation for the Master, done prior to the attunement.
2. Reiki Master Training session.
3. Reiki Three Master Attunement.
4. Empowerment session.
The Reiki Master Training session is intended to put the student in a state of harmony. If this is
not done, then the Master attunement energy will be used to achieve the harmony and not for
attunement with Dai Ko Myo.
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Student’s Preparative Reiki Session
1. Place your palms on the crown and transfer energy for a few minutes.
2. With one hand press the points on the crown and press the third eye with the
other hand. Transfer energy from your crown and heart chakras to the students
crown chakra.
3. Follow the same procedure with the rest of the chakras. Always keep one hand
on the crown chakra of the student. Press each point with gradually increasing
pressure.
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4. Repeat with the back chakras.
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Reiki I Attunement Steps
1. Do the preparative Reiki session then place student’s hands on their thighs.
2. Reiki breathing, first breath. Slowly inhale and pull down energy to the crown chakra.
3. Bring the energy down from the crown to the root chakra.
4. Exhale and bring the energy up to your heart chakra and down to the palms.
5. Second Breath. Repeat.
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6. Third Breath. Inhale again and bring the energy up the chakras to the crown and to
your palm from the heart chakra. Hold.
7. Do not exhale yet. Draw CCW Cho Ku Rei three times over the heart chakra.
8. Tap the student on the shoulder and have them bring their palms over their heart
chakra.
9. Open the palms and blow purple Cha Ku Rei into the open palms and heart chakra
while pressing the palm points.
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10. Visualize purple energy flowing from your heart chakra to your palms and into the
student’s heart and palms.
11. Close the student’s palms together. Hold together a few minutes before placing the
palms back on the thighs.
12. Seal by pressing the sealing points and blowing CW Cho Ku Rei and energy over the
crown.
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13. Put your palms over the heart chakra and focus the energy there. Put your palms
over the crown, third eye, throat, and heart chakras. Hold for a few minutes there.
14. Put the student’s hands, palm side up, on the thighs.
15. Now hold your hands over the shoulders and sweep down to the student’s
palms.
16. Hold your palms over the student’s Palms to feel the energy.
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Reiki II Attunement
1. Stand behind the student and do Reiki breathing three times. Hold on the third breath.
Have the student place their hands on their thighs, palms up.
2. Draw Sei Hei Ki three times on the head of the student mentally saying it.
3. Draw Cho Ku Rei three times mentally saying it.
4. Breathe out.
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5. Seal.
6. Treat the crown and third eye.
7. Empower the palms one at a time. Draw Sei Hei Ki, Cho Ku Rei, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and
Cho Ku Rei three times each, on the palm. Breathe out into the palms while drawing the
last Cho Ku Rei, pressing the palm points of the student.
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8. Repeat for the other palm.
9. Seal after second palm.
10. Have the student focus on their palms, then turn the palms over and let them sense the
flow.
11. Let the student focus on their crown chakras.
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Preparation for the Reiki Master.
1. Do the energizing meditation prior to the attunements.
2. Practice Reiki breathing.
3. Meditate on the seven chakras.
4. Draw Dai Ko Myo in the room and empower
With Cho Ku Rei.
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Reiki Master Preparation for the Student
1. Place your hands just above the crown chakra of the student. When the sensation of
energy begins, hold for a few minutes.
2. Begin moving your hands, starting with a clockwise spiral contracting inward and
clockwise expanding outward.
3. Draw Cho Ku Rei then repeat the spiral motions.
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4. Move your hands to cover both ears, touching lightly.
5. When you feel the energy flow, repeat the spiral
6. Move in front of the student to the third eye. Keep the left hand the back of the head.
Touch the third eye gently.
7. Keep the left hand at the back of the head. Draw Cho Ku Rei three times over the third
eye then move the right hand in the spiral motion.
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8. Follow the same procedure for the rest of the chakras.
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Reiki III Master Attunement
1. Place the student’s palms over their crown chakra.
2. Do Reiki Breathing three times.
3. On the Third Breath, Draw Hon Sha Ze Sho. Nen on the back from the throat to root
Chakras. Use the index and middle fingers. Keep the other hand on the shoulder.
4. Empower with Cho Ku Rei and breath out down along the spine from throat to root
chakra while pressing the neck points with thumbs.
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5. Envision energy flowing with your breath and thumbs down the spine of the student.
6. Do Reiki breathing.
7. Draw Cho Ku Rei over the crown and breathe out over the crown and through the palms
on the student while pressing their palm points.
crown.
9. Do Reiki Breathing. Hold on third breath.
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10. Draw Dai Ko Myo down the spine and breath out Cho Ku Rei while pressing the neck
points.
11. . Do Reiki Breathing three times and hold.
12. . Visualize Dai Ko Myo and a ray of light coming down from the sky and entering your
crown chakra.
13. Breath out the ray of light as a lightning bolt hitting the throat chakra and down back
of the spine.
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crown.
15. Do Reiki breathing three times. Hold.
16. Draw Cho Ku Rei followed by Dai Ko Myo over the crown. Breathe out Dai Ko Myo
over the crown chakra while pressing the crown points. Hold.
17. Do more Reiki breathing.
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18. Visualize Dai Ko Myo and a ray of light or lightning bolt entering your crown chakra.
19. Breathe out the lightning bolt hitting the crown chakra of the student and down the
rest of the chakras in front.
20. Seal by pressing the sealing points and blowing CW Cho Ku Rei over the crown.
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Empowerment
1. After the Reiki III master attunement, allow the student time to focus attention on the
areas you have touched.
2. Place your right hand on the crown chakra and your left hand in back of the head, not
touching it. Hold.
3. Now place your left hand on the crown and the right hand over the third eye. Hold.
4. Place your left hand in back of the head and touch the third eye with the fore and index
finger of the right hand.
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5. Repeat for the throat, heart and navel chakras. Keep your left hand In back of the head,
not touching.
6. Now place the left hand at the base of the spine and use your hand to continue down
the chakras.
7. Now move your right hand to the back and run up the spine. Keep your left hand over
the chakras on the opposite side.
8. End by placing both hands on the crown chakra.
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Why do some people think they need shields or the necessity to sever
connection with the client after a session?
1. During a Reiki session, some feel they are experiencing a negative

influence. Hayashi explains quite clearly that this is Reiki’s way of telling
you where the client’s issues are located. The more you feel in your hand,
the more serous the issue. Reiki may be intelligent and know where to go
but Hayashi say that is only half the story. By attempting to shield
yourself, you are crippling your Reiki. The sensation may be a warm hand
or as bad as some pain. Hayashi’s advice was to let go and the discomfort
will shortly go away.
2. Takata’s advice is to address those area but the rest of the body needs
Reiki as well.
3. Usui never told anyone to fear what goes on during a Reiki session.
4. Some people use a Tibetan symbol called Raku to disconnect from the
client after session. One again, Hayashi says that this cannot happen.
Reiki does not connect you to the patient in such a way. Reiki connects
you to the healing energy source to retransmit to the client. There is no
backward flow of any kind. The Reiki energy heals you on its way to the
client.
5. If you think there really is an issue, then perhaps the client is a mirror to
you. Never look outside yourself when the answer lies inside. Perceiving a
negative influence is of your own fear and making. Time to address that
issue and learn from it.
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6. Don’t worry about the chakras. A full Reiki session will balance them. If
you feel that it is not balanced, then the issue lies elsewhere and not in
your chakra technique.
7. Do not give into to fear Reiki. That is disempowerment.
Suggested Reading
The Translated Reiki Handbook by Frank Arjava Petter
The Hayashi Reiki Manual by Frank Arjava Petter
Living Reiki: Takata's Teachings by Brown, Fran
109
Interesting comparison
Reiki attunement
1. Open with counterclockwise Cho Ku Rei (depending on who you
ask. Don’t look in New Age books shops for the correct information)
2. Set the intent with a symbol
3. Meditate on the purpose
4. Blow in the symbol
5. Seal clockwise Cho Ku Rei and release to manifest.
Wicca
1. Participants do a counterclockwise circle, Widdershin.
2. Build up the power
3. Meditate on the purpose
4. Shape that energy to the need.
5. Clockwise circle sun wise, Deosil. Release to manifest.
Several Reiki related issues can be learned from this.

1. The healing Cho Ku Rei is counterclockwise to open the
energy.
2. The healing energy must not be closed by
counterclockwise Cho Ku Rei in order to keep the healing
channel open.
3. The sealing clockwise Cho Ku Reiki must be used at the
end of any attunement to manifest the symbol being
given.
110
Let’s talk about spirals.
In the Reiki I present; I use the counterclockwise version of Cho Ku Rei for opening
a channel into the healing energy of Reiki. This was the spiral used by Hayashi and
Takata. Usui knew about the spiral form from his studies of Shinto but did not use
symbols. He chose mantras. . Hayashi added the symbols to represent the
mantras to create a format for future generations to learn and follow. The
symbols represent intent and focus for the beginner. Once you understand the
substance, you can no longer need the form.
There is a controversy about which spiral to use and for what purpose. The
original form was counterclockwise. How it got changed around is the result of
guessing instead of intuition.
Here is a quote: The design alludes to the meandering of the spiral form of the
snake and often conveys the symbolic richness associated with them: the spirals
can turn right or left, in the first case, if that figure turns clockwise, a positive
sign indicates that energy emerges from consciousness, in the opposite
direction, counter clockwise, instead suggests an involution of the energy that
collapses towards the center or in the unconscious. This from the esoteric
meaning of spirals by Runlore.
Another quote: Some Celtic art scholars believe the direction of the spiral may
be significant. Some say clockwise spirals are associated with the sun and
harmony with the Earth, while counterclockwise spirals are associated with
manipulation of nature in the form of Pagan spells. This is from Celtic Spiral
Resources:
The collapse inward is toward spirit where the Reiki energy can be tapped for
channeling to the client.
I take a lesson from the Kabballah concerning the Tetragrammaton YHVH, the
name of God minus syllables. A great secret known only to the high priest of the
Temple and forgotten in time.
Forward, YHVH means to go from spirit into the physical.
111
Backward means to go from the physical into the spiritual
The Reiki Cho Ku Rei works the same way.
Counterclockwise opens a channel into the spiritual.
Usui, being a student of such esoteric studies, knew this.
Clockwise manifests back into the physical. This is only used at the end of an
attunement to manifest the symbols intent into the levels of Reiki. Another word
for the clockwise Cho Ku Rei is Sunwise, an outward expression of energy. Aside
from manifestation, it can also disperse negative energy. The words here are
imprecise since we are trying to describe a spiritual event using words based in
the physical.
Another clue comes from Wicca. A group will do a counterclockwise dance
followed by a raising of the power and shaping it to a purpose. The ritual is
concluded with a clockwise dance to manifest the shaped energy into the physical
to manifest its purpose. Many New age Books have this turned around. Many less
know books say otherwise.
On Reiki healing, only the counterclockwise form is used to open the Reiki
channel. That channel must be kept open to continue the healing. Never close off
the Reiki energy by going clockwise.
There is one other ruse for the clockwise Cho Ku Reiki. It is used in hospices to
release a dying spirit. Many Reiki practitioners specialize in this.
112
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Traditional Reiki For The Masters

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Traditional Reiki For The Masters

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Traditional Reiki for the Masters

Illustrations by Michelle Karlowski

spiritual can be accessed from the physical by symbolism.

of what makes sense to different individuals and how it affects them.

Differences are all mostly semantics.

some became westernized by not totally following Reiki’s Buddhist origins.

discovered. One of her students was Dr. Ranga Premaratna.

died quietly at the age of 80 while still sitting in a lotus position.

Rick and Emma Ferguson

Mikao Usui Mikao Usui

Chujiro Hayashi Juzaburo Ushida

Very effective form of Reiki. No

thorough understanding of Reiki.

specific purposes. Sometimes a non-Reiki symbol is used as well.

anywhere that Reiki is needed. The most necessary requirement is compassion.

Remember, Reiki is universal and not split into different forms.

1 Healing Energy Channel.

2 Focus, Reiki Breathing.

3 Intent, the Symbols. (if any)

4 Release, Exhale Reiki breath

letting go. Chakras are intended to be points of reference.

another fad. At that point, it breaks down.

How where the symbols developed?

drawing something magical by virtue of its shape.

1. First level: Shoden. Four sub-levels.

c. Yon-Tou Reiji-Ho, and Reiki breathing.

2. Second level: Okuden, the inner teachings. Two levels.

a. Okuden-Zen-ki CKR, SYK, and HSZSN

3. Master level: Shinpiden, mystery teachings Two levels.

a. Shihan-Kaku: Assistant teacher

b. Shihan: Venerable teacher

three symbols. A master symbol was added later.

First degree Reiki: Connection

eyes as a creative visualization of energy flow. The counterclockwise version (widdershin)

Second Degree Reiki: Harmony of Mind and Body

1. Invocation of spirit guides to help connect between our higher selves.

2. Harmonization of the body’s five low chakras.

3. Person to person connection through spirit.

How attunements were done in the time of Usui?

to the real process.

seldom get the same answer.

overthink and complicate what makes Reiki function.

Which Reiki is right for you?

significantly. So how do we pick which one? Here are a few suggestions.

1. You must have a teacher that you really like.

2. Simplest Reiki is really the best. (No overthinking)

3. Steer away from “channeled material”

may never understand the difference between guesswork and intuition.

concern should be about two things:

in the spiritual, it has no limitations in time and space.

Hey, anything worth doing is worth doing well.

All masters should use this first before beginning anything.

necessary but it makes a deep impact on the student.

Ok, so what can go wrong? Think back to the beginning.

2. Trying to control the energy.

Remember level one? Your most important lesson is there.

What is it like to Let Be?

known as Just Be.

1. He studied many symbols from Tibet and of Shinto.

2. His method at first did not include any symbols but

instead he taught mantras

3. Hayashi created a Reiki format and added symbols

for focus, intent, and to make a lasting guideline for Reiki.