What is Reiju?

“Reiju is a reminder of one’s unlimited potential and this is why it is often experienced as unique.”
The Japanese Art of Reiki
by Bronwen Logan and Frans Stiene 

Recently I developed an Online Weekly Reiju class. For just 15 minutes a week on Zoom we get together and I perform the ritual of Reiju. 

So, what is Reiju and why would you want to do this on a weekly basis?

There are a number of different ways to understand Reiju, but to begin with – it is one of the five main elements of the system of Reiki. So, if you study the system you will receive Reiju (or an Attunement – more on that in a moment).

WHAT IS REIJU?

Reiju is a Japanese word meaning Spiritual Blessing. When the system of Reiki left Japan for the USA, Reiju was translated into Initiation and today it is more commonly known as  Attunement. Not only has the name of the ritual changed over time, but so has the ritual process.

It is thought that Mikao Usui developed the system of Reiki in the early 1900s according to the needs of his students. Initially, he began his teachings by sitting opposite a student and simply allowed an energetic sharing to occur. The purpose was to support a student in remembering their true self. So, what does that mean?

REMEMBERING YOUR TRUE SELF

Remembering who we are might be considered the most profound purpose of the system of Reiki. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to simply BE in that space and experience pure universal wisdom. Mikao Usui could see the difficulties students had in simply BEing with the energy and consequently created a number of different tools to support a variety of learning needs. These included the other elements of the system of Reiki such as using the hands as metaphorical energy “conductors”, the chanting of mantras, the drawing of symbols, the practicing of fundamental breathing techniques, and the use of thoughtful guidelines to keep us moving forward in our practice and daily life. And then there was Reiju. Reiju replicated the original practice of sitting opposite a student but supported both the teacher and student in moving into that space of remembering as smoothly as possible. 

REIJU FOR TEACHERS

When a teacher performs a Reiju on a Reiki student, the teacher is supported by a ritual that fixes the mind to the process. It is based upon a purification ritual called go shimbo (or goshinpo), known as ‘Dharma for Protecting the Body’ or ‘Donning Armour’. This ritual connects with the Japanese deity, Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha who shines a Great Bright Light on the world exposing everything that lives in the shadows, letting us see our true selves.

REIJU FOR STUDENTS

When a student receives Reiju from a teacher, the process keeps the student’s distracted mind busy while the energetic experience of this ritual supports the student in becoming energetically stronger. This ritual provides the student with Inner Armour, personal strength and resilience, and is one of the first Mikkyo Buddhist rituals that one completes. In Japan, these esoteric teachings are passed from teacher to student and are not available to the general public. 

REIJU AS RITUAL

From ancient rituals in remote cultures to everyday traditions like bedtime stories, every living being on our planet uses ritual as a way of creating meaningful connections. With conscious effort and awareness, the familiarity and power of these rituals can be enhanced for even greater effect.

Ritual utilizes symbolism as the mind’s native language, encouraging experiential understanding that sticks. By adding movement into practice – whether physical or mental – teachers and practitioners can use it for focus and clarity of intent. Without this intentional layer, however, and by just memorizing physical movement the purpose of ritual is not supported.

WHEN TO EXPERIENCE REIJU

Traditionally in Japan, students would experience Reiju whenever they met with their teachers to practice. Today, we replicate that by offering Reiju to students in Reiki classes and in individual and group sessions. The purpose of the Reiju is to support the students energetically. Each student is unique and senses a personal reconnection to themselves and the universe through the ritual. The teacher does not hold any power over the student but merely offers the ritual to the student. The student experiences the Reiju according to their own level of need and energetic disposition. The more support from a teacher energetically via Reiju, the better it is for the student in their personal development. 

MORE RESOURCES

BLOG Your Inner Armour

Don’t forget to join me for the Online Weekly Reiju!