Learning Reiki, Stages of Learning Reiki

Who can learn Reiki

Out of all the healing systems, Reiki is the simplest, easiest and the only healing system that everyone, male or female can learn and practice at any age. No special educational, intellectual or spiritual level is required to learn or practice.

The very first and most important step in learning is the decision to learn. Those who remain indecisive, never move forward. Waiting for free or ideal time is simply a waste of time.

Once you decide to learn, just find a Reiki teacher, make the appointment, go and learn. You can learn each level in just one sitting of few hours except Teacher’s level, which takes longer time.

How Reiki is taught?

Reiki is not taught like the other healing systems. Basic and essential ingredient of every Reiki training class is the attunement, which takes 10 to 15 minutes individually. The explanation of how to use the technique takes just one session of few hours. Thus Reiki training does not involve regular classes for several days, weeks or months, conventional tests or examinations.
 

Stages of Reiki Training

There are four stages in learning Reiki, which are also called levels or degrees. Different techniques are taught in different levels. There is a separate course for each level. The student is required to attend the class once only for each level. One does not have to learn all the four levels. Many feel satisfied and happy with just the first degree, some learn first two levels while very few want to reach Level-3A. However, I strongly recommend that one should learn at least first two levels to develop the ability to send Reiki beyond time and space, to any distance, past or future. Yet, it is purely a personal choice.

Level-1 (Shoden). The student is taught healing by hands-on method and is given attunements for this level. This is the first step towards using the unlimited and wonderful healing powers of Reiki for treating oneself, others and even plants and animals.

Level-2 (Okuden).  It is for those who have successfully completed the training for Level-1. The student is taught three Reiki symbols, which are secret and sacred as well. At this level, energy is not bound by time and space. Healer can send the energy and perform the healing from any distance. Healing power becomes much stronger than the first level. It is at this level that emotional and mental healing can also be done.

Level-3. Some Master/Teachers treat this level as one and final whereas some teach it in two parts, namely Master Level (3A) and Teaching Level (3B).

• Level-3A (Shinpiden).  It is for those who have completed first two levels and now wish to enhance their own abilities but do not wish to take teaching responsibilities. The words "Reiki Master" do not mean Master of Reiki. It simply means that a person has received Reiki training up to Master level. No ego or ownership is otherwise involved in the term. Master Reiki symbol is taught in this level.
• Level-3B, The Teacher Level (Shihan). It comes after the Master level. The word “Shihan” means a teacher. As the meaning goes, this is a teaching level and is recommended for those who are committed to Reiki and want to take up the responsibility of teaching Reiki to others but at the same time, it is not strictly denied to those who want it for themselves only. At this level the emphasis is on the ability to pass attunements to others, not on healing abilities. The student is taught to pass attunements for the First Degree, Second Degree, Master Degree (3A) and Teacher’s Degree (3B).

If for some reason you do not want to wait between various levels and wish to learn all levels in a shorter time, discuss it with your teacher. If he is willing to go along, you can become a Reiki Master in less than 48 hours.