REIKI BRANCHES, HISTORY AND PRINCIPLES

Compiled by Light and Adonea: laspirit@sedona.net

Following is information we are permited to post about each system.

Traditional Usui Reiki

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata....
Here are the Master Level students taught by Mrs. Takata: Paul Mitchell, Beth Gray, Ursula Baylow, Barbara McCullough, George Araki, Iris Ishikuro, Fran Brown, Barbara Weber-Ray, Ethel Lombardi, Wanja Twan, Virginia Samdahl, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, Dorothy Baba, Mary McFadyen, John Gray, Barbara Brown, Shinobu Saito, Harry Kuboi, Patricia Ewing, Bethel Phaigh, Rick Brockner, and Takata's sister.

ORIGIN: It is said that Traditional Reiki holds true to what was taught by Takata. Most Reiki Alliance Masters teach Traditional Reiki and some independants follow this tradition.

DEGREES or Levels: 3 degrees are taught. Traditional Reiki is usually taught orally with little or no notes given. First Degree: 4 attunements; teaches the history, percepts, a series of hand positions and disease cause/effect and treatment. Second Degree: one or two attunements; teaches 3 symbols (names, meanings and how to use them), a distance/absentee healing technique and a mental/emotional balancing technique. Mastership Degree: 1 attunement; teaches 1 additional symbol (name, meaning and how to use), how to do first, second and master initiations, a breath empowerment technique and other things.

There are also numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach this tradition.

Raku Kei Reiki

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Ishikuro - Robertson....

ORIGIN: It is believed that Iris Ishikuro (one of Takata's students) added much of what is taught in Raku Kei. Raku Kei is also sometimes referred to as "The way of the Fire Dragon". Raku is the vertical flow of energy and Kei is the horizontal flow of energy in the body.

DEGREES or Levels: 4 degrees. First and Second Degree: taught as one class; 2 attunements; teaches a different history about a man named Rolf Jensen who took reiki from Dr. Usui, percepts, hand positions, disease and treatment with reiki, uses Master Frequency plates (with Antahkarana symbol inside) to switch the polarity of the body to left giving/right receiving (Robertson claims Takata and Ishikuro had and used these plates), 3 traditional symbols are taught, plus 1 additional symbol, a distance healing technique and 3 Kanji hand positions (Mudras). Third Degree is called Reiki Sensei: 1 attunement; requires that the student buy 1 Master Frequency plate; teaches deer exercises, attunements to all 3 levels of Reiki, plus a white light initiation, a breathing technique called "Breath of the Fire Dragon", 2 additional symbols, the water ceremony, use of herbs and minerals, Reiki Master Spinal Therapy. Master/Teacher Degree is a called a Certified Reiki Sensei: It is required that the student have 3 large Master Frequency Plates before taking class. This Degree is for those students who want to be Center Certified it is basically a review of the Third Degree. Every student must show proficiency in the Reiki attunement procedures, know all the symbols and must be dedicated to healing the planet. The Class requires a contractual agreement with the American Reiki Master Association. If you have received the symbol for white light (also called the Johrei symbol) its' origin is in the Religion Johrei. This is the symbol for their GOD, followers of the religion enlarge it an put it on the wall over their alter. Look at it closely and you will notice that the upper half is the same as the Usui Master symbol. The original version of this symbol is hand written in Japanese Kanji in a stylized script, the other version (called the Johre symbol) is printed in Diane Stein's "Essential Reiki" is a stylized version and is not taught in Raku Kei Reiki; neither are Reiki symbols.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: http://www.atlantic.net/~arma/. There are also numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach this tradition.rainbow line

Tera-Mai® and Tera-Mai® Seichem

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Ishikuro - Robertson - Rick & Emma Ferguson - Margarette L. Shelton - Kathleen Ann Milner...

ORIGIN: Kathleen took the original Raku Kei Reiki system that she learned, changed the attunement process, left out some information, and added several symbols. Originally she taught this system as just plain Reiki which caused much confusion between Reiki practitioners. Now she teaches Tera-Mai® Seichem Reiki and Tera-Mai® which includes energy activations of Sakara, Angeliclight and Sophi-el. Kathleen says that reiki is very Earthy. Tera-Mai® Seichem is a combination of some Raku Kei, some Seichim, some from no other reiki system and a lot of her own understandings. Her attunements are very different from Traditional Usui. She claims that a great being gave her the information to change the attunements and 3 new/old symbols. What we have found is that the energy of Tera-Mai® is indeed very earthy, mainly because of the symbols/attunement method she added. However, with the combination of Sakura, Angeliclight, and Sophi-el the energy is much higher and takes on a golden quality. We feel that Traditional Usui is a much more subtle vibration (a higher frequency) than Tera Mai®.

DEGREES or Levels: 3 degrees. First Degree: 1 initiation; teaches the history, percepts, hand positions. Second Degree: 1 initiation; teaches the 3 traditional symbols, 2 symbols from the great being and other symbols (names, meaning and usage), distance/absentee healing. Mastership: 1 initiation, a water ceremony, and a YOD initiation; teaches 1 traditional, 1 YOD and 1 symbol from the great being which are initiatory symbols, 2 sealing symbols, and other symbols, her attunement method to First, Second and Master Degrees, a gold, blue and rainbow "Breath of the Fire Dragon" technique, the water ceremony and another initiation called the YOD initiation which is said to connect one with the energies of the Arc of the Covenant. Other symbols are given to Masters that have been channeled by her students.

There are numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach this tradition. Here is a webpage which talks about Tera Mai Reiki Threshold

Usui/Tibetan Reiki

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Furumoto - Carrell Ann Farmer - Leah Smith - William Rand. William has also taken Reiki from Diane McCumber (Raku Kei lineage), Marlene Schilke, Beth Gray, Harry Kuboi, Bethel Phaigh and Phyllis Furumoto.

ORIGIN: Rand teaches what he calls Usui/Tibetan Reiki which is a combination of Traditional, Raku Kei and his own understandings.

DEGREES and Levels: 4 degrees: First and Second Degree: taught together in one class: 2 attunements; teaches the history, percepts, hand positions, 3 traditional symbols (names, meanings and use), and a distance healing technique. Advanced Reiki Training (ART): 1 attunement: teaches 1 additional traditional symbol (meaning and usage), a different possible history of Reiki, Reiki Meditation, The Reiki Grid, Attunement exercise,and Psychic Surgery. Master/Teacher Degree: 1 attunement: teaches about the healing crisis, Reiki III Meditation (using microcosmic orbit), 2 Tibetan initiatory symbols, attunement exercise, attunement methods (Raku Kei like) to First, Second, ART and Master/Teacher plus a Healing Attunement, Distance and self attunement; Violet Breath Technique, gives 4 variations of the Antahkarana symbol with description and usage. CEU's are available for nurses through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) and for massage therapists, body workers and athletic trainers through The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: http://www.reiki.org. There are also numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach this tradition.

Karuna Reiki®

LINEAGE: Rand...

ORIGIN: Here is a description of Karuna Reiki® by the founder, William Lee Rand: "I did not originally intend to create a new system of Reiki, but starting about 1989, I began being given non-Usui Reiki symbols which were claimed to have benefit. I filed these symbols away along with the attunement processes that were included with some of them and also begin experimenting with some of them. After a number of years, I had quite a collection and many of my students began asking me about these "additional symbols" and wanting to know if they should use them. In the winter of 1993, I gathered together a number of my best students many of whom were spiritually sensitive, to experiment with the additional symbols, try them out and decide which were the most useful. We asked for guidance and through this process came up with a set of symbols that seemed to have the best energy. We also experimented with an attunement process to go with them. Later I was guided in the further development of the attunement process and this eventually evolved into a new system of Reiki. Throughout the process, I prayed for help from the Higher Power and asked that I be connected to a healing energy that would be of greater benefit. I did not channel any of these symbols myself. They came from other Reiki masters. One of these masters was Marcy Miller. In 1995, I was guided to more clearly define the system and to name it Karuna Reiki® which can be defined as the Reiki of Compassion... While some of the symbols in Karuna Reiki® are the same as those used by other schools and systems, because the attunements are different and the intention is different, the energies that are connected to Karuna Reiki® are unique to the system."

DEGREES or Levels: 2 levels: Both levels are taught only to Reiki Masters in one, 3 day class by the Center. 2 attunements, one for each level, 9 symbols (non-Usui), plus 1 traditional and 2 Tibetan symbols (names, meanings, usage) are given, Violet Breath, chanting, and meditation are included. It can also be taught as a practitioner training for those who do not want to teach.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: http://www.reiki.org. There are also numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach this tradition.

Seichim or Seichem or Sekhem

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Dr. Barbara Ray - Patrick Ziegler....

ORIGIN: Originally Patrick Ziegler was guided to add additional symbols and to change the name from Reiki to Seichim. Some people say that Seichim has its'origins in Egypt and perhaps after adding to the original system it could be said that some of the information contained within Seichim came from Egypt. However the original roots of this system were in Japan with Dr. Usui. We have found 4 distinct versions of Seichim Reiki. The first one is very close to the Traditional Usui Reiki (it is the original version with lineage back to Patrick)with the addition of facets (or levels or degrees) 4 and 5. First Facet (Degree) is taught like traditional Usui Reiki: 4 attunements. Second Facet (Degree) has 2 attunements; teaches 3 traditional symbols and several variations on the power symbol, distance healing and mental/emotional balancing. Master Facet (Degree): 1 attunement; 1 symbol, teaches how to attune to 3 levels. Fourth Facet (Degree) 1 attunement; additional symbols, attunements for animals and inanimate objects. Fifth Facet (Degree) 1 attunement; additional symbols, personal empowerment attunement. The second one has a strong Egyptian feel (the lineage on this one is Patrick - Phoenix Summerfield - Marsha Burack...) it has 2 facets with 11 steps to each facet, and 4 levels. Each facet has initiations and contains references to Sekhmet. You start as a Reiki II, the First Level is called Seichem Adept; 2 initiations; Second Level is called Seichem Master/Teacher; 1 initiation, teaches 9 symbols, how to do the initiations and other information. The third one is Tibetan in feel (the lineage is Curtis Hakeem...) and has 7 levels with new symbols and understandings at each level. The first level, 1 initiation, hand positions; Second Level, 1 initiation, 3 symbols (names, meanings and use, and a distance or absentee healing technique; Third Level, 1 initiation, 13 symbols 7 hot, and 6 cold. The symbols are letters and names of the Tibetan alphabet. A treatment is also taught utilizing all 13 symbols it is not hands-on, rather for about 45 minutes the person stands while the Seichim Practitioner dances the symbols into the aura. During the process one feels very much like they are merging with the earth. The fourth one is Seichim as taught by Patrick today. It attunes one to Living Light energy which moves in a figure eight rather than a spiral as in Reiki. The attunement process is done during meditation where the high heart chakra is opened and connected with Earth and Universal energies. The feeling of energy during the attunement is very etherial, with a flavor similar to Reiki/Radiance. It is said that with Seichim one can direct and control the intensity of the energy. We have not noticed a great difference between the energy of Seichim and Reiki, both are gentle loving energies, which help the body to regain balance and reconnects the initiate with Source/Creator/God.

There are numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach the variations of Seichim. Here are several webpages dedicated to Seichim/Sekhem:
The World of Sekhem
Information Gallery

Tibetan Reiki

LINEAGE: Tschen Li, Ralph White, Craig Ellis...

ORIGIN: This lineage claims that Tschen Li taught Dr. Usui and Ralph White brought Reiki to the US.

DEGREES or Levels: There are at least 3 distinct ways that Tibetan Reiki is taught. The first one is usually taught First, through Mastership in one course: 1 attunement; teaches 4 traditional symbols and 15 non-traditional symbols. The symbols in this course are not Tibetan in nature or form and they do not have Tibetan names. Some of them are Egyptian in form and name, some just archetypal symbols. Teaches how to attune to the system, breathing techniques which are essentially yogic breathing, and cabalistic information. The second one teaches 5 levels. Training is said to include: the Tibetan concept of the five elements in relation to initiation, purification and healing; 25 symbols, Meridian Therapy, information on the energetic body including 8 wondrous channels, micro/ macrocosmic orbit, psychic pathways and etheric template expansion; distant healing, psychic surgery, trauma release, self-empowerment, and clearing the emotional body; 1 attunement at each level. The third one is the same teachings given in Usui/Tibetan but called Tibetan Reiki.

There are numerous Independent Reiki Masters who teach the variations of Tibetan Reiki.
 
 

The Radiance Technique®, Authentic Reiki®, Real Reiki®

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Dr. Barbara Ray...

ORIGIN: Originally Dr. Ray taught reiki in 3 degrees; she also claimed that Takata gave her more of the keys to Mastership than any other of her students. In 1980 Dr. Ray and Takata founded The American Reiki Association, Inc. today it is called The Radiance Technique International Association, Inc. (TRTIA). In her 1983 first edition of "The Reiki Factor" there is no mention of the Radiance Technique® or Real Reiki®. Shortly after publication of this book Ray began to claim that Reiki was polluted and changed the name of what she taught to The Radiance Technique®, Authentic Reiki®, Real Reiki®.

DEGREES or Levels: Ray teaches 7 levels. The Radiance Technique® is similar in form to Usui, and Raku Kei. First Degree: 4 attunements; teaches history, percepts/principles, hand positions. Second Degree: 1 attunement: teaches, distance healing technique, and 3 traditional symbols. Ray does not give the sacred names for the symbols in second degree instead she calls them; Cosmic Pattern 1 (power symbol), Cosmic Pattern 4 (mental/emotional symbol) and Cosmic Pattern 22 (distance symbol). Later in higher degrees she gives the sacred Japanese names (mantras) for the symbols. Her symbols are identical to the ones that Rand teaches (as far as we know, all the way up to 7th degree), but she gives several extra symbols that Rand does not. The attunement process is slightly different from others in form, it is similar to attunements taught in one branch of Seichim. A technique to empower the breath is taught which is nothing like the techniques above. From all we know about The Radiance Technique®, Dr. Ray does have/give more symbols then Phyllis (Takata's granddaughter), maybe she got them from research or maybe from Takata. In Radiance, Third Degree can teach: first and second degrees; Fourth Degree can teach: first, second and third; Fifth Degree can teach the addition of fourth; Sixth Degree teaches fifth and Seventh Degree can teach every level. Dr. Ray only teaches the higher degrees now.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: http://www.trtia.org.

Reiki Plus®

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Phyllis Furumoto (and Barbara McCullough) - David Jarrell... David trained with Virginia Samdahl and Barbara McCullough.

ORIGIN: Reiki Plus® is a system developed by David Jarrell and he is the founder of the Reiki Plus® Institute. He has taken the Traditional Reiki information and combined it with other information and classes. Those who attend RPI are offered the opportunity to become ministers in his church.

DEGREES or Levels: 4 Reiki Practitioner Degrees, plus Master Level in the 2 Reiki Programs. The institute offers 5 programs including: Reiki Plus® Practitioner's Program, Reiki Plus® Mastership Program for Teachers, PSEBsm Practitioner's Program, PSEBsm Mastership Program, Reiki Plus® Home Study Program, plus electives. The RPI offers 310 hours of formal education. The Practitioner's Certification requires 155 hours of class room training and successful completion of an examination. All current Reiki Plus® Masters have completed the required training and have spent 3 - 9 years practicing, studying and traveling in tutorial study with David. The RPI is paralleled by the Pyramids of Light Church, which is a church of Natural Healing and is Federally recognized as a church of healing through Reiki Plus(s)® and Etheric Body Healing. The RPI is also a Class A Provider for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and all classes in the RPI earn credit hours to sit the national massage exam. The training offered by RPI and their Reiki Plus® Masters spans from the core principles of Reiki to counseling approaches, Etheric Body Chakra Healing, Soul Level healing techniques and training about the Ascended Masters and Spiritual Discernment.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: http://www.reikiplus.com

Johrei or Jo Reiki

LINEAGE: It is believed that this school of Reiki originally came from Raku Kei.

ORIGIN: Johrei Reiki is a combination of Raku Kei Reiki and the Religion Johrei. The Johrei Fellowship does not recognize it as part of what they do and they have trademarked the name Johrei so that any unauthorized usage is forbidden. It is believed that several Reiki Masters who were trained in Raku Kei broke off and began teaching the system as Johrei Reiki. This system of Reiki is no longer being taught under the name Johrei Reiki.

DEGREES or Levels: 1 Mastership. The class takes you from first degree through Mastership in a weekend. 3 initiations. We have met several Johrei Reiki Masters. They have master level energy with very little knowledge, all they really know how to do is the initiation. They want to teach but don't know what to teach. They don't appear to know the fundamentals of hands-on, the symbols or their meaning very well. We can't say this is true for every Jorei Reiki Master only for the ones that we have met.

Following is a letter from the Johrei Fellowship regarding Johrei and Reiki

Dear Reiki Master/Sensei:

For years we, the Johrei Fellowship, have had Reiki Masters and others with Reiki backgrounds express interest in Johrei. Many of the interested people actually become Johrei channels. However, generally speaking, very few people with Reiki backgrounds remain Johrei members for very long. We now believe that this happens because the goals of Johrei and the goals of Reiki are different.

The following is a general background of Johrei, Johrei Fellowship and a description of the relationship between Johrei and Reiki. Some points will be strongly stated to prevent any misunderstanding.

The International Johrei movement began in Japan by Mokichi Okada (aka Meishu-sama 1882-1955). God revealed to Okada that the creation of a Paradise on Earth, a world of truth, virtue and beauty would soon happen. Through revelations he learned that the cause of the three misfortunes of sickness, poverty and conflict was spiritual, and that the spiritual causes could gradually be eliminated by the channeling of JOHREI®.

So the goal of the International organization he created is the creation of a Paradise on Earth. Johrei is merely a tool to help in its creation. Although we have many miraculous "healings" through Johrei, our goal is not to heal. Becoming a member of the Johrei Fellowship means that person wants to serve (with no remuneration) in the creation a Paradise on Earth by selflessly helping other people. Our goal is not the creation of healers.

Some people may believe that a strong relationship between Johrei and Reiki exists. In spite of parallels, we believe Johrei and Reiki are fundamentally different. The Johrei Community has a set of clearly written Teachings and practices generally follow the written Teachings. Through the years it appears that the Reiki community is constantly changing with different terminology and beliefs, depending on the teacher...

Years back, the Johrei Fellowship legally trademarked the word Johrei." In recent years, several Reiki Masters used the word "Johrei" as part of their Reiki presentation (e.g. "Johrei Reiki") without permission. One can understand our concern, especially when you think about the differences between Johrei and Reiki. It took much energy and money to stop the illegal usage. Although in each case letters are sent on a cordial and friendly basis, the majority of these people have reacted angrily and negatively. It is on the basis of our negative experiences that we ask Reiki Masters to seriously consider the reasons for your interest in Johrei Fellowship. We welcome and offer Johrei to everyone. If your interests are more than receiving Johrei, we encourage you to carefully consider the above. If you have further questions, we welcome you to contact us at the below address, phone number or e-mail address.

Ray Toba, Johrei® Fellowship
1971 W. 190th, Suite 280
Torrance, CA 90504
Ph. (310) 523-3840
Fax (310) 523-3843
E-mail: JFNHQ@aol.com
Webpage: http://www.johrei.com/

Here is an interesting twist to this story. It is believed that Mokichi Okada was one of Dr. Usui's students. A man named Okada is credited with writing the information contained on Usui's memorial stone.

Men Chho Reiki® or Medicine Dharma Rei Kei©

Also sometimes referred to as Vajrayana Reiki

LINEAGE: Dr. Usui...reconstructed by Lama Yeshe Drugpa Thrinley Odzer...

ORIGIN: Reconstructed teachings from Dr. Usui's written notes, letters to his students and the Buddhist material he studied and taught including a secret and rare Buddhist Tantra - The Path of the Thunderbolt of Transcendent Light That Heals the Body and Illumines the Mind. The teachings place Usui as a Buddhist and is known as the "Kind Physician Bodhisattva". The actual teachings of Dr.Usui and his senior students, and Buddhist material are being translated from Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese and are being reconstructed by Lama Yeshe Drugpa Thrinley Odzer, the current Spiritual advisor of the Men Chhos Rei Kei Institute. Lama Yeshe is a recognized Drugpa Kargyu Lama of the Drugpa Kargyu Order of Bhutan, and a former Shingon Buddhist. He received full Shingon empowerments in 1989 from the noted yogi and Shingon practitioner Dr. Ajari Werrick. Lama Yeshe is the Spiritual Director and a Teacher in the Institute. Lama Yeshe (Dr. Richard Blackwell, son of General George Blackwell) holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and resides at his Hermitage near O'Brien, Oregon.

What is Men Chhos Rei Kei? Men Chhos Rei Kei is a system of spiritual healing based on the reconstructed teachings from the Buddhist Tantra "The Path of the Thunderbolt of Transcendent Light that Heals the Body and Illumines the Mind". What is the Institute for the Study and Propagation of Men Chhos Rei Kei? The Institute is a teaching organization, registered in the same manner as any private school or University, the sole purpose of which is the promulgation and teaching of Rei Kei as found in the Buddhist Tantra "The Path of the Thunderbolt of Transcendent Light that Heals the Body and Illumines the Mind", and the notes and correspondence of Dr. Usui and Dr. Watanabe which were purchased in 1946 by General George Blackwell, while in Japan.

DEGREES or Levels: 7 Levels: First Level: 1 attunement, 5 symbols some similar to traditional Usui reiki some not, is available to any one and forms the regular Reiki 1-3 as taught in most lineages of Reiki. The advanced levels (2-7) can be studied by all who take Vajrayana Buddhist Refuge - as they were taught by Dr. Usui.

Follow the link for the history of Reiki told in Men Chhos Rei Kei.

Here is a web page that talks about Men Chhos Men Chhos Rei Kei©.

Traditional Japanese Reiki

Traditional Japanese Reiki (TJR) does not hold the belief that an Attunement can pass on a lineage. The ability to practice and pass on the system comes with the very first connecting attunement and has nothing to do with the use of (or knowledge of) any symbol, mantra or mudra. The system has no hierarchy, no 'masters' and no concept of a 'grand master' or 'lineagebearer'. They consider TJR to be a 'school' of Usui's healing system and not a 'variant' of Takata's 'school'.

ANCESTRY: Dave King claims the following ancestry by training: First Connection: Mikao Usui, Toshihiro Eguchi, Goro Miyazuki, Yuji Ohnuki (Agadir, Morocco - 1971). TJR: Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Tatsumi (Japan - 1995/96). Other Reiki studies: Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata, Rick Bockner, Wanda Zwaan (Edmonton - 1993) Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, Hawayo Takata, Barbara Weber-Ray, Miako Mitsui, Takahashi, Ayumi Sato/Toshitaka Mochizuki (Japan - 1995). Also learned William Rand's 'Usui/Tibetan Reiki' system in 1994.

ORIGIN: Most of this information originates directly from surviving descendents of Mikao Usui that live and work in Japan as well as from one of Chujiro Hayashi's students, Tatsumi, who died in 1996 at an age of over 90 years. This information does not originate from Mrs. Takata or Any of the Western lineages. The whole system is driven solely by the intent of the practitioner who has at his/her disposal a number of 'tools' that affect the way the energy is directed. The original purpose of the Usui healing system was to heal the whole person (body, mind and spirit). It treats the SELF and then may be used to treat others through the self. The system has no connection whatsoever with Indo-Tibetan energy work or Tibetan vajrayana Buddhism.

DEGREES: There are five levels of achievement and three 'degrees': First Degree: (4 attunements) reiki student is connected to the system by means of four 'connecting transformations' or 'attunements'. These provide a complete connection and are a fundamental part of the process. Second Degree: (3 attunements, 3 symbols) Transformations/attunements are given to access to the various tools/symbols. Each tool/symbol is a filter that acts on the Reiki energy, drawing the symbol performs a body/mind connection that activates it. Level II attunements are known as Control Transformations. Third Degree: (1 attunement, 1 symbol) This level contains material not contained in the Western Reiki systems. It does contain some of the material given out at the "master" level of the Reiki Alliance and in "level 3A" of the Reiki Training Center in Michigan. This level teaches self empowerment and requires a good practical understanding of the practitioner division material. Teacher level: this follows on from level III. It enables a student to pass on levels I, II and III and is a form of apprenticeship. This level teaches the student the theory and practise of the transformations. Unlike Western schools this level does not permit teaching another teacher. In order to be a teacher of TJR one must make a commitment to follow the school's code of ethics. Senior teacher level: Only senior teachers can train another teacher. This level requires a lengthy study of the inner workings of the system and the writing of a thesis. This level goes deeply into qigong, traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui and other Taoist energy work.

Follow the link for the history as told in Traditional Japanese Reiki.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: Traditional Japanese Reiki

Satya Japanese Reiki

LINEAGE: Usui - Toshihiro Iguchi - Goro Miyazaki - Mieko Mitsui - Takahashi - Toshitaka Mochizuki - Shingo Sakuma... Mieko Mitsui also took training with Dr. Barbara Ray.

ORIGIN: This is another branch of Reiki which originated in Japan. It mentions Hayashi and Takata as having learned Reiki, but the lineage is Eastern. The only Western influences came from Mieko Mitsui who also studied The Radiance Techinque. The teachings are very similar to The Radiance Technique but with a simpler approach. Satya Reiki is found most widely in India.

DEGREES or Levels: 3 degrees/4 symbols. First Degree: 3 or 4 attunements; teaches brief history, Japanese version of the principles, 12 basic hand positions (with 4 additional variations), 10 characteristics of Reiki, benefits, how to give a good treatment, Reactions to Reiki (21 day purification), uses of Reiki in everyday life, and Reiki Marathons. Second Degree: 3 attunement (one to each symbol); teaches the 3 traditional/original symbols and appropriate Mantras/sacred names; how to draw/use. Grounding, purifying and neutralizing energy techniques, mental/emotional balancing and distance treatments are taught. The benefits of group distance treatments, and many techniques of self-help/helping others are also covered. Master Degree: 1 attunement/1 symbol; teaches how to attune to all Degrees, how to use/draw symbol/mantra and several techniques for its use, a Reiki Meditation technique similar to the one taught in Usui/Tibetan Reiki, and the same breath empowerment technique taught in The Radiance Technique and Seichim (not Microcosmic Orbit).

Various Independant Reiki Masters teach this branch of Reiki.

Reiki Jin-Kei Do©

The Eastern Lineage of Usui Reiki via Venerable Seiji Takamori

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Sensei Takeuchi - Venerable Seiji Takamori - Dr. Ranga J. Premaratna (Lineage Head).

ORIGIN: This a is distinct lineage of Reiki, not a modified or reconstructed or channelled form. The name was given by Ranga Premaratna to help distinguish it from other lines of teaching. The name translates as "Reiki: The Path (Integration) of Compassion (Karuna) and Wisdom (Pragna)". Reiki Jin-Kei Do is the practice of Reiki with compassion and wisdom in a balanced way and applying them to one's life. It then becomes a way of life rather than just another healing method. The lineage is also a spiritual one because it emphasizes the practice of meditation as a daily practice with Reiki. It also focuses on compassion (and loving kindness) and opening of the heart through meditation and Reiki. The teachings differ from the Takata lineages due to the transmission via a line of Buddhist Reiki Masters - consequently, there is an emphasis on Reiki healing on various levels of body/mind/spirit is an aspect of the progress towards Enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment.

Follow the link for the history of Reiki told in Jin-Kei Do Rei Kei.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their web site: The Healing Touch.

EnerSense-Buddho

LINEAGE: Part of teachings & transmission from Usui via - Hayashi - Takeuchi - Takamori - Premaratna.

ORIGINS: Claimed to be from Buddhist Lamas of Nepal, Tibet and Northern India. Ven. Seiji Takamori (a Buddhist monk) researched Reiki and specific meditation practices transmitted to him from Dr. Usui. He found a complete system of spiritual discipline which related to healing, and recognized in this the original practices relating to Reiki. These transmitted teachings from Usui and the Lamas are taught in 4 stages under the name of EnerSense-Buddho. They involve a meditational practice and empowerments, and use ancient symbology, mantras, yantras, Buddhist deity visualizations, marma point healing, chi-nadi exercises, Buddhist teachings and philosophy. The teachings are direct transmitted teachings and are not modified, reconstructed or channeled and are considered to be further studies in the Lineage of Takamori: Reiki Jin-Kei Do.

To contact teachers of this branch of Reiki. or visit their website: About EnerSense-Buddho

Golden Age Reiki

LINEAGE: Maggie Larson (Shimara)...

ORIGIN: This is a system developed by Shimara it includes information and attunements similar to Tera-Mai® material, plus addition of channeled symbols, and the elemental/solar rays energy.

DEGREES or Levels: Reiki is in 3 degrees plus training in other energies

New Life Reiki

ORIGIN: Claimed to be introduced by the International Institute of Reiki(a unit of Indian reiki foundation). Also affiliated to World Newlife Reiki Foundation, UK.

DEGREES or Levels ? We have heard that this branch of reiki teaches 150 symbols and comes out of India. That is all we know sorry! If you know more please contact us and we will post the correct information. Thank you for your help!

For more information contact the institute at Phone: 91-44-4724057 or 91-44-4839415. Fax: 91-44-4839415.

Blue Star Reiki

LINEAGE: John Williams - Gary Jirauch...

ORIGIN: Originally called Blue Star Celestial Energy. John Williams a Reiki Master from South Africa channeled this energy from his guide Makuan in January, 1995. Blue Star Celestial Energy, as described by John Williams, is a transmission of spiritual ability to bridge the gap between God and man-the Rainbow Bridge-enabling the adept to utilize this potential and to function at expanded levels of awareness. Makuan retrieved the knowledge of the Blue Star Celestial Energy System from Os-Mo-Ro-Pup, an Ancient Egyptian Mystery School source. Maintaining a profound sense of balance between mind and heart is the key to the utilization and manifestation of this energy. It is said to be the vehicle for bringing peace and planetary healing as fast as it can happen. Blue Star is not primarily concerned with immediate benefits, such as health, protection, financial gain, and other matters pertaining to the needs of everyday life. Rather, it is aimed towards the growth, evolution, and spiritual development of its practitioners (sounds like Reiki). It protects against the psychological fragmentation which could threaten the psyche during its exposure to multi-dimensional experiences of inter-time travel. In April, 1995 John initiated Gary Jirauch to this energy. Gary modified the system and changed the name to Blue Star Reiki.

DEGREES or Levels: 2 Levels. Designed for Reiki and Karuna Reiki Masters. Level 1 is called Os-Mo-Ro-Pup Practitioner and Level 2 is called Master Level. 1 attunement for each level. 14 symbols added by Gary. The Celestial Energies of Blue Star healing may be translated or used at many levels, essential to the cycle of birth and rebirth. The symbols and Hekau Words of Power are powerful and have positive changing effects on the psyche. They contain the God or archetypal energies. Some who work with Blue Star say that it is not Reiki and the only similarity is that it is also Universal Life Force.

Mari el®

LINEAGE: Usui - Hayashi - Takata - Ethel Lombardi....

ORIGIN: In 1983 like today, Reiki was going through a process of change. Masters of the system were deciding how Reiki was to be presented; some sided with Barbara Ray and some with Phyllis Furomoto. Ethel Lombardi, one of the master initiated by Takata, rather than taking sides chose to developed her own system which she called Mari-El. Mari represents Mary, Mother of Christ, and El one of the names of God. It is said that Ethel only taught one person how to teach the system and that Mari-El is no longer being taught. An advanced student in Mari-El developed yet another system called Radiant Heart Therapy.

DEGREES: One degree with additional classed for advanced techniques. During the first class one attunement was given (very similar to Reiki attunement); and 3 symbols (different than Usui Reiki and called distance, power and Higher Self connection), the symbols were not secret. Also taught were hand positions, a method of doing distance treatment and a series of energy lines to be traced on the client's and practitioners body before doing a treatment (similar to Light Body Activation). In advanced classes, new techniques to use the energy and for clearing were presented. The energy is gentle and heart centered. One technique that students of the system were taught was to walk this gentle energy into the Earth for healing and transmutation.

Saku Reiki

LINEAGE: Frank A. Petters - Hunan & Lino Alelyunas - Eric Bott - Bill Pentz. Plus Karuna Reiki - Rand -.

ORIGIN: Saku Reiki is a comprehensive wellness program built around Reiki, vibrational healing, nutrition, exercise, herbs, crystal healing, and other natural remedies to help heal the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Saku Reiki is based on the cumulated knowledge and experience gained from running a specialty clinic that focused on physician referral patients that did respond amply to traditional medicine. HISTORY: Mr. Eric Bott, a licensed practicing German Electrical Engineer, began an extensive personal quest earning practitioner degrees in Old World European healing techniques including nutrition, exercise, vitamins, herbs, and minerals, homeopathy, Bach Flowers, and muscle testing. His healing interests moved him from an electrical engineer to a registered nurse working in a surgery environment. From there he came to the United States to start a new life living in a commune dedicated to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. There he earned his registered nurse license and learned more of helping others through use of diet, exercise, herbs, minerals, spices, Shiatsu restorative circulatory massage, accupressure, and reflexology. He apprenticed under two very powerful energy workers, Hunan and Lino Alelyunas who had studied with some of the most profound Spiritual Teachers of our age. They had traveled extensively in India, Nepal. Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, Japan, and Australia gathering knowledge of various Spiritual Traditions including Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, Taoism, Shamanism and Reiki. They felt there was far more to Reiki energy and left that commune to pursue this type of healing with their lives. They went from being early Tera Mai and Karuna Reiki Masters off to study in the Far East under Frank Arjava Petter, author of "Reiki Fire" becoming true Reiki Teaching Masters in the Usui Healing Method (Usui Shiki Ryoho). From there they went on to Nepal and apprenticed under a monk whose life's work was the study and teaching of energy healing. He shared with them many of the roots to Reiki including some very powerful non-Reiki energy healing techniques.

Meanwhile Eric Bott, RN. also left that commune and became chief advice nurse helping patients with life style and nutritional counseling for one of California's oldest and best known preventive medicine clinics. Mr. Bott had such success his physicians sponsored him to open up an alternative healing facility. Eric teamed up with Martin Mulders, MD, DO, Ph.D., a Dutch immigrant who earned his MD and Ph.D. in Europe then picked up a D.O. to practice medicine in California. They chose to locate their facility above Grass Valley, California high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where healers have been drawn for generations. Many physicians referred their more difficult cases to this team. Mr. Bott accepted each new patient as a challenge to find the right healing approach. He kept working on improving his healing abilities becoming a crystal, light, and energy healer working with techniques used by the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. He found himself drawn back to Reiki because it worked and began to seriously apprentice with his prior Reiki Teaching Masters who had returned from their studies abroad. He became a Teaching Reiki Master himself and incorporated this wealth of knowledge into their healing facility creating a formal training program covering nutrition, herbs, exercise, crystal and mineral healing, vibrational healing, and Reiki. The program was named the Saku Reiki Healing Method in honor of the Saku master energy symbol brought back by Eric's Reiki Masters and this program being based primarily on Reiki teachings.

DEGREES: Saku Reiki first and second degrees are traditional Reiki I and II degrees as taught in the Usui Healing Method (Usui Shiki Ryoho). The Saku program adds healing the body through nutrition and other physical means to the Reiki I program and key energy symbols from Tera Mai and Karuna Reiki to the Saku Reiki II degree. The Saku Reiki III degree is an intense multi-day course that includes a full traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master degree, plus a series of initiations where the rest of the Tera Mai and Karuna teachings and symbols are shared. Those wishing to go on from there take the Saku Reiki IV and V degrees that focus on additional energy and vibrational healing techniques and symbols to get individually well so as to be able to most efficiently help others. The Saku Reiki VI degree imparts the powerful Tibetan Saku master symbols and energizing techniques and starts the student on the Saku Ascension Program and the Saku Teaching Master Apprenticeship Program. Both are a multiyear program requiring considerable hands-on guidance working with a master to refine healing, teaching, and attunement skills.

Sun Li Chung Reiki

LINEAGE: Yosef Sharon...

ORIGIN: This system comes out of Israel. Yosef Sharon developed it and says "Sun Li Chung Reiki has all the systems and all the symbols in all the dimensions. Most of the knowledge I got by channeling. At first from Mikao Usui himself, till the cosmic level, and then from the council of nine, and later from the Brotherhood of Light, the Peladian council, and the crystal council." Yosef has not been attuned by a Reiki Master, rather he claims to have received all the attunements and information from his guides. The symbols are said to be put into your aura, but none are actually given. Rather it is claimed that they come to the practitioner/master as needed.

DEGREES: 5 degrees; thousands of symbols. Reiki I: No symbols given, hands-on treatment taught, class length 6, 3 hour days. Said to be attuned to the energy in all 16 levels of reiki. Reiki II: 1,600 symbols (100 in each of the 16 levels), connection to guides, channeling, treatment with guides, class length 12, 3 hour days. Reiki III/Master: 4,800 symbols (300 in each of the 16 levels), attunements from guides only, mental, emotional and spiritual surgery, working with energetic complements, detachments of complements, and attachment of healthy complements, meditation and the colors of Reiki, class length 12, 4 hour days. Reiki IV/Master: no descriptions given. Reiki Grand Master is said to be passed only to one person who will take over Yosef's roll or be his heir.

We are sorry but we have no contact information for this form of Reiki.

Jinlap Reiki or Tibetan Jinlap Maitri Reiki

also known as Tibetan Reiki

LINEAGE: ? - Gary Jirauch...

ORIGIN: Unknown

DEGREES/LEVELS: 5 Levels: 1 attunement to each level. 25 symbols. Training is said to include; the Tibetan concept of the five elements in relation to initiation, purification and healing; Meridian Therapy, information on the energetic body including 8 wondrous channels, micro/macrocosmic orbit, psychic pathways and etheric template expansion; distant healing, psychic surgery, trauma release, self-empowerment, and clearing the emotional body. Tibetan Five Element attunement/mantras; said to manifest the positive and for healing past and future conditions. Initiations and special empowerments of the Medicine Buddha, Six Lokas and Bija mantric chakra method and teach how to create Glum-Mo Tibetan healing.

Ichi Sekai Reiki

LINEAGE: Andrea Mikana-Pinkham…

ORIGIN: This system of Reiki was started by Andrea. It is a combination of Usui Reiki for first and second degrees and Johrei Reiki for Mastership . Andrea calls herself a Reiki Grand Master. The traditional 3 symbols are given in Second Degree and Johrei Master Symbols given in mastership. No Usui Master symbol is given. The attunements are quite different in form and the student sits on the floor throughout the attunement. There is also another simple procedure which is called a Heart Attunement developed by Andrea. The Heart attunement addresses only the Heart Chakra and is similar to procedures other masters do to attune a chakra or chakras. The Johrei calligraph (White Light symbol) is also given as is the Antahkarana which is called the male/female master symbol.

DEGREES: 3 degrees/4 levels. First Degree; 4 attunements, 2 day class. Teaches history and positions for hands-on treatment self and others. The hand positions are quite different and the back is not treated during a self treatment. Second Degree; 1 attunement, 1 day class. Teaches 3 symbols with name and use, how to do distance treatments and a mental healing technique. Master Practitioner Level; 1 attunement, 1 day class. For those who do not wish to teach, but a prerequisite for those going to teacher level. Teaches Johrei Raku master symbols and heart attunement. Master/Teacher Level no attunement, per hour until attunements are learned. Teaches how to do attunements to all three levels and the breath of the Fire Dragon. Usui Master Symbol is not given or used in any attunement.

Vajra Reiki

LINEAGE: Specific Lineage Unknown.

ORIGIN: formally Johrei Reiki, now called Vajra Reiki (by some Reiki Masters). The original system known as Johrei began in 1983 and was taught in 3 levels during one weekend class. It closely resembles the teachings of Raku Kei with much removed and some additions . With the removal of the Usui Master symbol the energy was altered and is said to be adamantine, fiery, and grounded. It is claimed to be primarily for use with the newer, more catastrophic diseases. The attunements were also altered and some Karuna Reiki symbols added. The system, now called "Vajra" Reiki takes it name from Vajrayana Buddhism.

DEGREES: 3 degrees/4 levels. First and second degrees are similar to first and second degree in most Reiki systems. The intermediate or 3rd level teaches a symbol similar to a symbol taught in Raku Kei, the Microcosmic orbit, a breath technique, and Deer exercises which must be mastered before the student can go to mastership. Master level teaches the attunement methods and other Johrei and Karuna symbols. The attunement has been altered, includes the use of the Microcosmic Orbit by both master and student and attunes the fingertips, claiming a more directed focus. No Usui Master symbol is given or utilized in any attunement.