There has been a tradition in India that some kind of knowledge about spirituality has to be kept a secret in order to avoid it from going into the wrong hands. The Reiki initiation process, the mantras and the symbols are to be kept a secret, hence they are given only to those fortunate students who want to take Reiki seriously.

The Reiki initiation is also called as Diksha in Sanskrit. As the name implies it is a very sacred and spiritual process. It is like connecting the student to the cosmic source of Reiki.

No student ever `fails' to receive the Reiki when the initiations are taken from a proper Reiki master.

In Level 1 and 2 Reiki, the student must receive four attunements. These attunements activate Reiki in the student's hands. Once a person is attuned fully to Reiki, they have Reiki for life. After initiation, the initiated goes through a total energetic change. The initiation to the Reiki energy raises the subtle pranic body's own energy vibrations. A heightening of awareness at all levels is experienced. The more the initiated uses Reiki later on for his own self-treatments, the greater is the effect of this heightening of awareness and expansion of total energy field is enhanced manifold.


The levels of Reiki

The classification of Reiki into levels is a constant source of discussion among Reiki Masters. Opinions vary greatly as to which is the best way to divide up the learning process. Traditionally there have been three levels of Reiki.

1. Beginner's level, now called First Degree
2. Advanced level, now called Second Degree
3. Reiki Master (3A, 3B), still called Third Degree in some associations.


First Degree
The student receives four initiations spread over three sessions. Besides the initiations, the students are well lectured on most of the subjects. They are taken though the science and metaphysics of Reiki. They are also taught how to give self-treatments, to treat animals and plants and to treat others in both a crisis as well as chronic situations. There are no examinations or tests.


Second Degree
In Second Degree classes, the students are taught advanced techniques involving the use of symbols. The student is initiated to the symbols and chanting and then taught their many uses. The chants and the symbols are like the sacred mantras and yantras respectively in Indian spiritual tradition.

Second Degree classes include the treatment of people at a distance. It is different from the hands-on application of Reiki in the First Degree and has obvious practical benefits if you have relatives, friends and loved ones who live overseas.


Third Degree
It is for only those who would want to become Reiki Masters and initiate others.