**THE REIKI CLASS LEVELS:

-Introduction:

As the art of reiki, Usui Reiki Ryoho, has spread from her native birthplace of Japan, to the land of aloha known as Hawaii, and now to every nook and corner of Mother Earth, She has quite naturally undergone changes. These changes include in the nature of how the art is taught and what the various levels of training are, how many levels/classes there are and what they are called, and more. This is all quite natural and in fact necessary and beneficial. As the Bard put it so perfectly long ago, “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Nowadays there are many beautiful reiki roses in the world- but more are needed! And there is strength in diversity, especially diversity united One Love style.

The Butterfly Reiki System preserves the traditional format, structure and intent of O-Sensei’s Usui Reiki Ryoho as Mike understands it (based upon the traditional 7 Jewels of Reiki) and has learned; and at the same time is accessible to modern people and with a completely unique, high quality curriculum that no one else teaches. We don’t need to try to become Japanese in order to learn reiki. But learning some of the concepts and meanings and the intention of the Founder and his heirs is something we can all learn and benefit from, while still walking our own Reiki Path. After all O-Sensei Usui did not teach “McReiki!” It was and is meant to be a Living Art, not a dead or antique/trophy art. Thus, as the French say, “viva la difference!” Or to quote Mr. Spock, “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.” This is the Reiki Way- All Is One, We Are One, One Is All- despite the seeming differences: One Art, One Heart, One Reiki. We just wear different clothes, eat different foods and use different words.

-SHODEN, Reiki Level One:

Shoden 初伝 refers to the “First Step” of reiki training, being accepted as a student and learning the key foundational methods of reiki healing for self and others; and receiving the initial Reiki Spiritual Energy Transmissions known as “Reiki Attunements” (Rei-ju 霊 受 in Japanese, the “Reiki Gift/Blessing”). The idea the meaning of “Shoden” conveys is that of being given entry into the inner sanctum of a shrine or temple. Or similarly, being given access to the Imperial Court (in Japan traditionally the Emperor and his family were regarded as deities.) This is the meaning of taking the first step on the Reiki Path, we have been accepted to receive a potentially life altering gift, thus it is to be regarded that way, as sacred even. All people including children old enough to understand and follow simple instructions along with parental approval and involvement are able to learn and receive this gift. As the Founder put it, “all people of common sense.” Now while common sense may not be so common, what he meant was all those without serious imbalance/disharmony of emotion/mind/spirit. One thing we learn is that while reiki does not cause harm, being the highest most pure essential energy in the Universe available to a human being- it does cause change. Sometimes this change may be very subtle and enjoyable, a relief of stress which brings a smile to the face. But at other times it can be cathartic and life altering, like a roller coaster ride. But as it is said, “have no fear, reiki is here!” The Universe and reiki always support us on the healing path. This is also why it is important to never utilize reiki in place of needed medical or psych care, after all we can benefit from both. And vice versa.

So at Shoden level the main focus is on utilizing reiki for one’s own self healing, balance and harmony of spirit, mind, and body. Though of course the new reiki student will also learn all they need to know in order to safely share reiki with their family, friends, and pets. It is best to start with oneself to gain experience and then to share reiki with those one is most familiar with for a variety of reasons before embarking upon a career in reiki healing. After all, a carpenter needs to get to know his tools and learn his profession before he builds houses. Similarly the Reiki Student needs to gain basic understanding and proficiency with the art which only comes one way- practice and experience over time. But it is enjoyable practice. Ideally the new student develops a daily routine of reiki self healing, especially for the first month or 21 days. This allows for the pure and powerful cleansing and healing reiki energies which are new to the student and activated and enhanced during the Reiki Attunements to work through the human energy system completely. Mike goes over all of this in the Shoden class which includes his two BOOKS on reiki healing arts.

The Shoden class features learning a variety of ways of utilizing one’s newly empowered Reiki Healing Hands in order to share reiki healing with oneself and others; key, foundational reiki meditations and energy exercises (reiki-ko) for inner healing and tranquility, and more. Each student will receive 2 books specifically meant to act as textbooks for what is learned in the class and a beautiful Shoden Level Reiki Certificate suitable for framing. Please see the Class Calendar and Events/Classes page for upcoming reiki classes or CONTACT Mike to setup a class for yourself or your group anytime- HAVE REIKI, WILL TRAVEL. Mike also offers ongoing support for all reiki students including supervised practice time in our Reiki Dojo in central CT and specialized Reiki Classes to enhance one’s skills and abilities.

**Shoden/Level One Curriculum:

-Background, History, and Orientation to Reiki Healing Arts; The Crocodile Posture (for abdominal breathing), The Reiki Unity Mudra, Gassho Tranquility Meditation, Gassho Breathing Meditation, Cloud Breathing Meditations, Reiki Cleansing Mudra #1, The Reiki Compassion Mudra, The Reiki Self Healing Mudra, Freestyle Reiki Method- self and others, Reiki By Number’s Method- self and others, Intuitive/Sensing Reiki Method, Sample Reiki Healing Routines, Reiki Historical Documents, 2 comprehensive books/training manuals, beautiful Japanese style certificate.

-CHUDEN, Reiki Level Two:

Chuden 中伝 refers to the “Middle” or “Intermediate Level.” In the Butterfly Reiki System there are 3 student/practitioner levels and the Teacher level, thus Chuden is the “Middle” student level. There is more to be taught but that material is currently shared in specialized classes/workshops. While there is no set time limit for how long one should wait before taking the Chuden training after the Shoden class, it is generally recommended to wait at least a month (21 days in some lineages). This allows for the reiki energy to fully work through the human energy system. It’s similar to eating a big Thanksgiving Day meal, it takes awhile to digest all that food. The Reiki Spiritual Energy Transmissions are very powerful and lifelong. There is no need to rush from level to level, say to satisfy the ego.

At this level one learns a variety of new methods which greatly enhance the Reiki Practitioner’s skills, abilities, and power. The practice of “byosen reikan-ho” is introduced and taught, which allows one to learn how to use the Reiki Hands in order to sense imbalance and disharmony in the energy field of oneself or others. Byosen Reikan-ho is also the foundation of what Rev. Hawayo Takata referred to as the “ultimate” reiki method and pinnacle of the art, REI-JI. Rei-ji or “being guided directly by Rei/Spirit” in the path and process of reiki healing is introduced in Mike’s books on reiki healing arts and transmitted in the Okuden and Shinpiden classes.

Additionally the Reiki Symbols are introduced along with their basic uses. At the Chuden level they include 3 Usui reiki symbols (Jumon and Shirushi) known as CKR, SHK and HSZSN. The Reiki Symbols greatly enhance one’s abilities and skills with Reiki Healing.

All students will receive a beautiful Chuden Level Certificate suitable for framing and 2 books on reiki healing arts and the Butterfly Reiki System published by Lotus Press. Please see the Class Calendar and Events/Classes page for upcoming reiki classes or CONTACT Mike to setup a class for yourself or your group anytime- HAVE REIKI, WILL TRAVEL. Mike also offers ongoing support for all reiki students including supervised practice time at our Reiki Dojo in Wethersfield, CT and specialized Reiki Classes to enhance one’s skills and abilities.

**Chuden/Level Two Curriculum:

-Review of Shoden/Level One Material, Inner Reiki Purification Meditations, Reiki Dumo Channel Cleansing Meditation, Jumon/Shirushi Meditations (meditations using reiki symbols/mantra), The Reiki Circle, Reiki Cleansing Mudra #2, Reiki Dan Tien Healing Methods, Inner Reiki Brain Massage, Using the Reiki Shirushi/Jumon (3 Usui Reiki Symbols/Mantra), Reiki Unity Healing (Reiki Remote Healing- Principles, Concepts, Methods), Reiki Preparatory Mudra, Reiki Purification Methods.

-OKUDEN, or Reiki Level Three, “The Inner Teachings/Secret Transmission”:

At the Okuden 奥伝 level the Reiki Practitioner once again learns many new methods of helping oneself and others with the art of reiki healing. To our Western, left-brain orientated way of thinking the meaning of Okuden may seem to be needlessly esoteric and sophist, but it in fact is quite the opposite. See originally it was the Reiki Teacher who decided who was ready for the next level of training and when- there was no real commercialized “business of reiki.” Just the idea of teaching a sacred art like this publicly was unusual at the time. Similarly the Chinese art of Tai Chi was not taught publicly until 1928, before that you had to be a member of the family, clan or temple (usually). Many traditional arts and paths are this way to this day. So the Okuden level student is one who has practiced long enough and sincerely enough, and most importantly LIVES THE ART- they walk their talk and have undergone inner healing and self transformation- so much so that the art has settled into their heart. This process can take years. When this does happen the art will become a natural extension of oneself. This process generally takes time, and in fact in the old days most people never progressed to this level. It is also a process of self-transformation which allows for more subtle and esoteric applications of reiki healing. This can’t be learned on the internet or from a book. Nowadays we don’t need to wait so long but it is important that this understanding and intention be preserved and taught. After all we live in an instant fast food world, people want it all and they want it now! But as the Butterfly Reiki System is a for real healing art, not a masking agent or placebo, “you can’t rush Mother Nature.” It can take time.

At the Okuden level 7 more Reiki Symbols and their uses are introduced which greatly enhance one’s skills and applications of reiki healing. These include rare Burmese Reiki/Min Zin symbols and others Mike has been blessed to learn over the years from true sources, including a two-handed symbol (it is activated using both hands and the Reiki Symbol Mudra). The Okuden level is also where students generally decide whether they want to teach reiki and begin preparing for that.

All students will receive a beautiful Okuden Level Certificate suitable for framing and 2 books on reiki healing arts and the Butterfly Reiki System published by Lotus Press. Please see the Class Calendar and Events/Classes page for upcoming reiki classes or CONTACT Mike to setup a class for yourself or your group anytime- HAVE REIKI, WILL TRAVEL. Mike also offers ongoing support for all reiki students including supervised practice time and specialized Reiki Classes to enhance one’s skills and abilities.

-SHINPIDEN, Reiki Teacher Level:

Shinpiden 神秘 伝 refers to the “Transmission of Spiritual Mysteries” or the “Divine, Secret Teaching.” Again while this may sound quite abstruse to our modern left-brained way of thinking, it in fact is referring to an aspect of that divine mystery we are all intimately aware of- LIFE. As well as the ability to receive and share Rei-ki which is the Life Force of the Cosmos- and us! As the Founder put it, and I am paraphrasing, “all creatures are endowed with the ability to heal as a gift from the Gods. My art is here to actualize this gift.” Again, there is no religious belief nor even spiritual belief needed to learn and practice reiki, just an open mind and heart. If one believes as some do that reiki is in fact a natural energy which occurs in the Universe like countless others (gravity, light, x-rays, radio waves, on and on) it is still quite a “miracle” that we are able to benefit from learning to work with this energy as we do, and even more mysteriously, attune others to it by way of the Reiki Energy Transmissions (Rei-ju/Attunement). It is indeed a quite amazing process and gift, however one conceives of it “working.”

Great thanks and high Gassho and low bow to the Founder for sharing his gift and art with us.