Traditional Usui Reiki is taught in three progressive levels. Each level opens new capabilities and techniques.
| Level | Meaning | Prerequisites | What It Enables | Key Techniques | Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reiki Level 1 Shoden | First Teachings / Entrance | None - open to all | Hands-on self-treatment and treating others (family/friends); channeling Reiki energy for physical healing | Self-treatment hand positions; treating others; Gassho meditation; Gokai recitation; Kenyoku; Hatsurei-ho (in Japanese traditions) | None (Level 1 has no symbols in traditional Usui Reiki) |
| Reiki Level 2 Okuden | Inner Teachings | Level 1 (Shoden) completed | Distance healing; mental/emotional healing; use of symbols to amplify and direct Reiki energy | Cho Ku Rei (power); Sei He Ki (mental/emotional); Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance); Byosen scanning; beaming (Gyoshi-ho); Seiheki Chiryo-ho; distance healing methods | Cho Ku Rei; Sei He Ki; Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen |
| Reiki Master/Teacher Shinpiden | Mystery Teachings | Level 1 and Level 2 completed; significant practice experience | Teaching Reiki; performing attunements/reiju; using the master symbol; advanced healing techniques | Dai Ko Myo (master symbol); attunement/reiju process; Raku; Dumo (Tibetan traditions); Fire Serpent; teaching methodology; advanced techniques | Dai Ko Myo; (Dumo; Raku; Fire Serpent in some traditions) |