Traditional Usui Reiki is taught in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one. Each level opens new capabilities and techniques, deepening the practitioner's connection to universal life force energy.
| Level | Meaning | Prerequisites | What It Enables | Key Techniques | Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reiki Level 1 Shoden | First Teachings / Entrance | None - open to all | Hands-on self-treatment and treating others (family/friends); channeling Reiki energy for physical healing | Self-treatment hand positions; treating others; Gassho meditation; Gokai recitation; Kenyoku; Hatsurei-ho (in Japanese traditions) | None (Level 1 has no symbols in traditional Usui Reiki) |
| Reiki Level 2 Okuden | Inner Teachings | Level 1 (Shoden) completed | Distance healing; mental/emotional healing; use of symbols to amplify and direct Reiki energy | Cho Ku Rei (power); Sei He Ki (mental/emotional); Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance); Byosen scanning; beaming (Gyoshi-ho); Seiheki Chiryo-ho; distance healing methods | Cho Ku Rei; Sei He Ki; Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen |
| Reiki Master/Teacher Shinpiden | Mystery Teachings | Level 1 and Level 2 completed; significant practice experience | Teaching Reiki; performing attunements/reiju; using the master symbol; advanced healing techniques | Dai Ko Myo (master symbol); attunement/reiju process; Raku; Dumo (Tibetan traditions); Fire Serpent; teaching methodology; advanced techniques | Dai Ko Myo; (Dumo; Raku; Fire Serpent in some traditions) |
Level 1 — Shoden (First Teachings)
Shoden is the entrance level of Reiki. It focuses on self-healing and hands-on treatment of others. No prior experience is needed. Students learn the basic hand positions, Gassho meditation, and the Five Reiki Principles (Gokai). Level 1 has no symbols in traditional Usui Reiki.
Level 2 — Okuden (Inner Teachings)
Okuden introduces the three sacred symbols — Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (mental/emotional), and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance). Students learn distance healing, mental/emotional healing, and techniques like Byosen scanning and Gyoshi-ho (beaming).
Level 3 — Shinpiden (Mystery Teachings)
Shinpiden is the Master/Teacher level. Students receive the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo), learn the attunement/reiju process, and gain the ability to teach Reiki to others. This level represents a commitment to spiritual development and lineage responsibility.