All Reiki classes are not created equally

Reiki Level One classes and Reiki Master classes are as different as night and day, and there are quite different requirements involved in teaching them. In this article I would like to look at my understanding of what is required at the different levels, as well as what might be done to make the teaching more effective. I will be using the traditional four Japanese Levels of Shoden, Okuden, Shinpiden and Gokuikaiden as the basis for the different levels discussed.

Teaching Reiki Level One Classes – Shoden

Shoden in Japanese means “Beginning Level” and this generally revolves around an introduction to the Reiki energy, along with a discussion of Reiki history and an orientation to the student’s new ability to channel Reiki energy for self-healing and for the healing of others.

This level does not really require you to be a master of the Reiki energy. Although its mastery is helpful, it is not mandatory. I generally find that the ability to clear up common misconceptions is greatly needed at this level, as well as the ability to answer a lot of “common” questions. A favorite practice of mine is to have my higher level students actually teach these classes… and I only jump in when (and if) needed. It is very good practice for them on their own paths to Reiki mastery.

Teaching Reiki Level Two Classes – Okuden

Okuden in Japanese means “Inner Level” and the main emphasis of this training lies in the complete understanding of the Reiki symbols and how to use them to increase or supplement the Reiki energy that the student was introduced to in Level One. Okuden also introduces the student to distance healing techniques, as well as the mental and emotional healing aspects of Reiki.

This level really does require a much higher level of understanding and ability in order to adequately teach it, and while the teacher need not have mastered the energies, he or she must be well on the way to their mastery. Okuden brings the emphasis of the training from the healing of physical ailments to the removal of mental and emotional blocks. It is not uncommon for students to spend many years at this level before moving to the higher levels, as it is not an easy level to master.

Teaching Reiki Level Three Classes – Shinpiden

Shinpiden in Japanese means “Mystery Level” and while Shoden and Okuden are geared more towards physical, mental and emotional healing, Shinpiden introduces the student to healing at the spiritual level. Teaching Shinpiden classes really does border on the occult, which is no doubt why so many Reiki practitioners never get any where near it. This is unfortunate, as I find it to be the most fascinating of all the Reiki levels.

The main emphasis at this level is on Living Reiki, that is, learning to include Reiki in every aspect of your life and in everything you do. In order to teach this level the teacher has to have really integrated the Reiki energies and must be able to help the student find their own individual portal to the enlightened realms. Deep meditation is essential as well as the ability to fully explain enlightenment… what it is, and how to achieve it (a discussion of which can be found here).

Teaching Reiki Level Four Classes – Gokuikaiden

Gokuikaiden in Japanese means “Secret Level” and this is where students are taught how to correctly perform Reiki attunements and how to teach Reiki to others. There is really no new information taught in this level, which is why a lot of styles combine it with Level Three (which explains why some Reiki systems have only three levels).

Reiki – A Personal Path

Since Reiki is not an exact science there are no hard and fast rules about teaching it and no one Reiki style holds sway over another. The above is merely my own understanding and represents the way that I personally teach and practice Reiki… it is not intended to suggest that anyone else is doing it wrong. There are many paths to enlightenment… this is merely one of them. If I’ve managed to ruffle anyone’s feathers while stumbling through my presentation… I sincerely apologize.

Duane Flowers, PhD, is a Reiki Master who has been living in Japan and studying Reiki for over 12 years. He has studied and worked with some of the top Reiki teachers and experts in the world and continues to devote time every day to furthering the understanding and practice of Reiki healing. Duane’s homepage is located at http://www.duaneflowers.com and his Reiki blog is located at https://totalreikimastery.net where all comments and questions about Reiki are truly welcome. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Flowers