Reiki Degrees, Stages of Learning Reiki

Reiki training is imparted in different stages, called levels or degrees. Anyone new to Reiki would obviously begin with first level but everyone does not have to learn all the four levels. You can learn according to your needs as you do for your normal education. Depending upon the requirement and aim of learning, many feel satisfied and happy with just the first degree, some learn first two levels while very few want to reach Level-3A. Becoming a Reiki teacher is not common.

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. By bringing in more energy, one can affect the healing more rapidly taking lesser time. 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. A Master is simply the one who has received attunements for this 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).