How is Komyo (Japanese) Reiki Different from Western Style Reiki?

As Reiki came West, many branches or schools developed, some with very complicated techniques that have nothing to do with Reiki. Unfortunately, much of what is taught about Mikao Usui (the founder of Reiki) and the history of Reiki is not based on facts. Komyo Reiki has a very short, direct lineage as, in the spirit of the original intention of Usui Sensei, the Japanese Shihans (teachers) have recently begun sharing with Westerners. Reiki is actually a very simple technique. So simple that Westerners have a difficult time understanding that something so simple can be so effective. Reiki is as easy as quieting your mind, getting yourself out of the way by finding the space between your thoughts, and allowing the Reiki energy to flow through you, not from you. By daily practice of self-Reiki, meditating on and living the Reiki precepts, as a Reiki student you are actually following a path to enlightenment. As you heal, you become a stronger, clearer, more pure channel for the Reiki energy. In addition, creativity and intuition increases while the ability to pass this gift of healing on to yourself and others becomes a beautiful outgrowth of your inner spiritual practice.

What Does Reiki feel Like?

A "hands-on" Reiki treatment can be given on a specific area or on the entire body using a series of hand placements. Most receivers of Reiki generally report that it feels like a gentle warmth. They report feeling very relaxed and balanced after a treatment. Most Reiki treatments are given in the same way as a massage with the exception that the receiver remains FULLY clothed. Usually soft lighting and music are used as well as a supportive table or resting place for the receiver.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. There is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. Reiki will work whether you believe in it or not. While Reiki is frequently used as a "hands-on" technique, no previous bodywork experience is required to practice it. However, Reiki integrates well with all types of body and massage work, making it a deeper and richer experience for both the recipient and the therapist. And since it works on the "whole" being, Reiki can bring balance and harmony to all areas of life.

The Four Levels of Reiki

There are four levels or degrees of Reiki:

Reiki Shoden, also known as the First Degree, introduces you to the Reiki energy through your attunement (Reiju) and begins the cleansing process of your own being. You will learn to channel Reiki through the laying on of your hands in order to bring about a healing. First Degree Level training will include discussion of Reiki, the history of Reiki, an overview of breathing techniques, the chakra system, and the major skeletal, muscle and organ systems of the body, Reiki ethics and principles, hand placements, and attunements. The focus in the Shoden Degree level is on the therapeutic aspect of Reiki and on self-healing, health and happiness. The training for Shoden level is 8 hours.

Cost for the Shoden level is USD $100.00.

Reiki Chuden, also known as the Second Degree, is where you will be given your first three Reiki Shirushi (symbols). These symbols will be powerful tools that can be utilized to send Reiki distantly. Reiki Two brings about a deeper and more powerful understanding of the Reiki energy and an increase in abilities. The energy of the second degree level of Reiki is highly multiplied and a period of 3 to 6 months of working with Reiki Shoden Level is required before receiving attunement to this level. The practitioner will learn to "send" Reiki distantly using various methods and will be provided with three of the four Shirushi (symbols). Second Degree Level training will include discussion of Chuden Reiki, simple physics discussion, training in drawing and usage of the Reiki symbols, scanning, beaming, looking, and Reiju (attunement). The Chuden level is the practitioner level (or healing others). Its focus is also on the therapeutic aspect of Reiki, health and happiness, but includes the healing of others and not just the self. The training for Chuden level takes a total of 8 hours.

Cost for the Chuden level is USD $100.00.

Reiki Okuden is also known as the Third Degree. Sometimes also called Advanced Reiki Training, it is available for those who wish to go beyond the Level Two (Chuden) degree, but are not ready or willing to make the commitment necessary to become a Reiki Shihan (Teacher). The energy of the third degree level of Reiki is highly multiplied and a period of 3 to 6 months of working with Reiki Chuden Level is also required before receiving attunement to this level. The final fourth Shirushi or symbol is given and training includes meditation techniques, additional Reiki techniques other than just hand placements, space clearing, and Reiju. The focus of the Okuden level is connection with the higher self to achieve enlightenment, spiritual upliftment and development. Okuden level is for those who wish to LIVE by the teachings of Usui Sensei and can be a doorway to a new and deeper way of life through health, happiness, peace and prosperity. The training for Okuden level is 8 hours.

Cost for Okuden level is $100.00.

Reiki Shinpiden is Fourth Degree or Teacher Level. It is known in the West as the Master, or sometimes Master-Teacher, Level/Degree and is given only to those who are willing to make the necessary commitment to teach and have had at least one to two years experience at the practitioner level. A year-long apprenticeship is required and when training is completed, the student will be a fully certified Reiki Shihan (teacher) and have the knowledge and experience necessary in order to teach all four degrees and give Reiju (attunements) to all four levels. In addition, various hand mudras, self-Reiju techniques, and transcendental techniques are taught. The focus of the Shinpiden level is on sharing the way, accepting full responsibility for Karmic deeds, and achieving Anshin Ritsumei (inner peace) and greater oneness with All There Is on a more universal level. The training for Shinpiden level is 20 hours. Reiki masters with previous experience with Reiki may take this class. Proof of Reiki Lineage will be required.

Cost for Shinpiden level is USD $300.00.

Please see the class and events for pricing for the Komyo Reiki training.

Komyo Reiki Master Class with Inamoto Sensei in Sacramento - November 2008.