OKUDEN LEVEL II
Hidden or Inner Teachings • Usui Reiki Ryōhō
Pre-Course Preparation
Recommended Reading: Your Reiki Treatment – This book gives students a clearer understanding of what it means to perform a professional Reiki treatment, how to explain treatments to others, and what clients expect from a professional practitioner.
The Five Elements of Reiki Study
Discovering Your Hidden Inner Qualities: Okuden is where students discover their hidden inner qualities such as Earth energy, Heaven energy, and Heart energy. This level deepens the understanding of Letting Go by introducing the three symbols and mantras that help practitioners focus their energy and become one with these universal forces. Through Okuden, students develop professional treatment practices and learn that true healing comes from experiencing Oneness with all things.
- Introductions: Teacher and students share intentions and goals for Okuden
- Recap the main elements of the system of Reiki from Shoden
- Learn that Kenyoku Hō, Jōshin Kokyū Hō, and Seishin Toitsu together form Hatsurei Hō in Okuden
- Practice Hatsurei Hō in class
- Explanation about shirushi (symbols) and jumon (mantras) in general – they are training wheels for personal use, to become the associated energy
- First Initiation: Students practice Jōshin Kokyū Hō prior to the Reiju ritual
- Explanation of Earth energy and Focus concept
- Explanation of the mantra Choku Rei and Symbol 1
- Students draw with their hands and visualize the symbol for 10 minutes
- Chant the 2 jumon for Choku Rei for 10 minutes each
- Second Initiation: Students practice Jōshin Kokyū Hō prior to the Reiju ritual
- Explanation of Heaven energy and Harmony concept
- Explanation of the mantra Sei Heki and Symbol 2
- Students draw with their hands and visualize the symbol for 10 minutes
- Chant the 2 jumon for Sei Heki for 10 minutes each
- Practice Byōsen Reikan Hō (sensing imbalances) on each other
- Practice Reiji Hō (being guided by spirit) on each other
- Third Initiation: Students practice Jōshin Kokyū Hō prior to the Reiju ritual
- Explanation of Heart energy and Oneness/Connection concept
- Explanation of the mantra Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and Symbol 3
- Students draw with their hands and visualize the symbol for 10 minutes
- Chant the 2 jumon for Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen for 10 minutes each
- Learn Enkaku Chiryō Hō (distant healing) – explain that it is not really “distant” healing but becoming One with each other
- Learn Engaku Chiryō Hō (Inner Circle of Awareness) – another way to experience interconnectedness with those not present
- Practice distant healing in class
- Learn Hatsurei Hō Version 2 as taught by Kaiji Tomita (Usui Mikao’s student)
- Practice with waka (Japanese poems) contemplated during meditation to develop greater amounts of energy
- Discussion about treating people professionally
- Perform 40-minute treatments on each other, incorporating all concepts learned (intuitive practice)
- Certificate presentation
Japanese Principles & Concepts at Okuden Level
Gasshō / Hara / Seiza
Fundamental postures and energy centers that ground and center the practitioner in all practices.
San Mitsu
The Three Mysteries of esoteric Buddhism—body (mudra), speech (mantra), and mind (visualization)—unified in practice.
Shirushi & Jumon / Kototama
Symbols and sacred sound vibrations that focus intent and help practitioners embody different energetic qualities.
In & Yō
Earth (In) and Heaven (Yō) energies that must be balanced; the dualities that lead to understanding Oneness.
Hibiki
The energetic sensations (heat, cold, tingling, pulsating) felt in the hands during Byōsen practice that indicate imbalances.
Precepts
Continuing foundation for spiritual development, now integrated with deeper energetic understanding and professional practice.
Japanese Cosmology
Understanding of how Earth and Heaven unite to birth all things, with humans as the connection between these forces.
Kami
Shintō concept of divine spirits or sacred essence present in nature and all things, connecting to original energy.
Amida Nyorai
Buddha of Infinite Light and Life associated with Symbol 2; represents compassion and Pure Land Buddhist principles.
Bonji
Sacred Sanskrit seed syllables used in esoteric Buddhism for meditation, including kiriku (hrih) related to Symbol 2.
Key Practices for Okuden Students
Hatsurei Hō Versions 1 & 2
Version 1 combines Kenyoku Hō, Jōshin Kokyū Hō, and Seishin Toitsu. Version 2 (Tomita method) includes waka contemplation to generate greater spiritual energy
Three Symbols & Mantras
Choku Rei (Earth energy), Sei Heki (Heaven energy), Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Oneness) – training wheels to embody these energies
Byōsen Reikan Hō
Sensing imbalances in the body through hibiki (energetic sensations) in your hands
Reiji Hō
Being guided by spirit – allowing hands to be drawn like magnets to areas needing treatment
Inner Circle of Awareness
Enkaku and Engaku Chiryō Hō – distant healing practices of becoming One with others rather than “sending” energy across distance
Waka Contemplation
Meditating on Meiji Emperor’s poems to generate greater amounts of energy and deepen spiritual understanding
Alternative Format: 10-Week Evening Course
The same Okuden content can be delivered over 10 weekly sessions of 2 hours each, suitable for evening classes.
Week 1 – Session 1
Introductions, recap Shoden elements, learn Hatsurei Hō (full practice combining Kenyoku Hō, Jōshin Kokyū Hō, Seishin Toitsu). Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 2 – Session 2
Explanation of shirushi and jumon as training wheels, Earth energy concept, Choku Rei mantra and Symbol 1 practice. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 3 – Session 3
Continue Choku Rei practice: visualization (10 min) and chanting (10 min), begin exploring Earth energy. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 4 – Session 4
Heaven energy concept, Sei Heki mantra and Symbol 2, visualization and chanting practice. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 5 – Session 5
Continue Sei Heki practice, introduction to Byōsen Reikan Hō (sensing imbalances), partner practice with hibiki. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 6 – Session 6
Learn Reiji Hō (being guided by spirit), practice intuitive hand placement with partner. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 7 – Session 7
Oneness/Connection concept, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen mantra and Symbol 3, visualization and chanting practice. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 8 – Session 8
Learn Enkaku Chiryō Hō and Engaku Chiryō Hō (distant healing methods), practice becoming One with others. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 9 – Session 9
Learn Hatsurei Hō Version 2 with waka poems (Tomita method), practice contemplative meditation with poetry. Concludes with Reiju ritual
Week 10 – Session 10
Professional treatment discussion, 40-minute intuitive treatments incorporating all Okuden concepts, integration of learning. Concludes with Reiju ritual and certificate presentation
Note: Students following the 10-week format should maintain daily self-practice between sessions, including Hatsurei Hō practice, symbol and mantra visualization/chanting, and professional treatments when possible to develop proficiency.