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The London School of Usui Reiki Ryoho

Avalokiteshvara

Course Details

Shoden: Reiki Level I

Prerequisite: None

Shoden, meaning “first teachings” in Japanese, is a two-day course that is entirely suitable for beginners. Reiki is a gentle and non-invasive system of healing, available to anyone who desires to work with it. Reiki attunements help one to open to the natural healing abilities that are inherent in every person. After completion of this course, students will have a thorough introduction to the five traditional elements of Japanese Reiki practice, and the ability to give treatments both to themselves and to others.

The course is a combination of lecture, discussion and experience. A welcoming environment is ensured, and class sizes are kept to small groups. The course begins with two talks: one on the philosophy and practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, and another on its history, both in Japan and in the West. Students are then introduced to four of the five elements of Japanese Reiki practice: gokai (philosophical precepts), kokyu-Ho (breathing techniques and meditation), tenohira (performing treatments for the self and others), and reiju (receiving a spiritual blessing, or “attunement” from one’s teacher).

Over the course of two days, students are given four traditional Japanese Reiki attunements. Each attunement helps to strengthen, cleanse and balance the energy system, making it easier to perceive and work with ki. The attunements are based on traditional Japanese reiju and are entirely unique to the system of Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Students are also given an introduction to the Japanese model of the human energy system and traditional ways of working with the various hara, or energetic centres (similar to chakras in the Indian model). We also cover traditional techniques such as kenyoku (cleansing one’s energy before or after treatments and meditation) and joshin kokyu ho (focusing the mind with breath).

A substantial part of the course is devoted to the practice of giving treatments. Each student is assured the opportunity to both give and receive several Reiki treatments over the course duration, which is a relaxing, healing and beneficial experience for everyone involved.

Benefits of Shoden:

An extensive course manual is provided for each student, as well as a certificate of completion. Follow-up support is also provided for all students, should the need arise.

The tuition fee for Shoden: Reiki Level I is £150. Bookings may be secured by a deposit of £75, the remainder of the balance being payable on the course date.

Okuden: Reiki Level II

Prerequisite: Shoden or Reiki Level I

This two-day course is suitable for students who have completed a first degree Reiki course,  either with the London School of Usui Reiki Ryoho or with another teacher. Students who have taken Reiki Level I with another teacher are advised to allow a minimum of four weeks preparation to familiarize themselves with the essentials of Shoden as taught by the London School of Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Okuden is a Japanese word meaning “inner teachings”. Okuden builds on the foundations of first degree Reiki: deepening and expanding the student’s understanding of Mikao Usui’s teachings, and thus enriching his or her Reiki practice. During class, we review the four elements of traditional Japanese Reiki practice: gokai (philosophical precepts), kokyu-ho (breathing techniques and meditation), tenohira (performing treatments for the self and others) and reiju (receiving a spiritual blessing, or “attunement” from one’s teacher). Students are also introduced to the fifth element: jumon (mantras) and shirushi (symbols).

Three healing symbols (shirushi) are used in the practice of second degree Reiki, each with an accompanying mantra (jumon). The symbols are drawings with Japanese names; two are derived from Tendai Buddhism, whilst the other is a sentence drawn in Japanese calligraphy or kanji. The symbols are a unique and powerful aspect of Okuden; the use of them in treatment or meditation helps to strengthen and focus the Reiki energy, and to bring out various qualities in its essence.

In class, we extensively cover each of the three symbols and accompanying mantras. Students will gain a thorough understanding of their origins, their nature and the many ways that they can be used to deepen and enrich one’s Reiki practice. It is not necessary to memorise the symbols or mantras during class; students may use their notes and textbooks freely.

Over the course of two days, students are given three traditional Japanese Reiki attunements; each attunement helps to strengthen, cleanse and balance the energy system, making it easier to perceive and work with ki. The attunements are based on traditional Japanese reiju and are entirely unique to the system of Usui Reiki Ryoho.

A substantial part of the course is devoted to the practice of giving treatments. Each student is assured the opportunity to both give and receive several Reiki treatments over the course duration, which is a relaxing, healing and beneficial experience for everyone involved.

Benefits of Okuden:

Throughout the course, students are also introduced to many more traditional Japanese Reiki techniques, including: enkaku chiryo (distance healing), byosen reikan ho (sensing energetic imbalances with the hands), reiji ho (developing the intuition) and hatsurei ho (a method for strengthening one’s Reiki).

After completion of Okuden, students will be, with practice, fully qualified to work as professional Reiki therapists, should they choose to do so. For those who are interested in working professionally, we will cover the practicalities

of starting up and maintaining a therapeutic practice.

An extensive course manual is provided for each student, as well as a certificate of completion. Follow-up support is also provided for all students, should the need arise.

The tuition fee for Okuden: Reiki Level II is £180. Bookings may be secured by a deposit of £90, the remainder of the balance being payable on the course date.

Shinpiden: Reiki Level III

Prerequisite: Okuden

This two day course is suitable for Okuden students who are feeling established in their personal Reiki practice, and ready to begin teaching to others, in wither a professional or non professional capacity. It may be arranged on a one to one basis, as suits the student’s schedule.

Shinpiden is a Japanese word meaning “mystery teachings”. This very special course is offered twice each year, or may be arranged on a one-to-one basis. The course is two days in total, with an optional follow-up afternoon that may be arranged at the student’s convenience.

Shinpiden is suitable for established Reiki practitioners who would like to learn how to initiate others into the tradition of Usui Reiki Ryoho and teach its system of healing and spiritual development to others, either professionally or simply in a personal way.

The course begins with a thorough review of all first and second degree material. Students are encouraged to assess their Reiki practice and personal development, and invited to discuss any issues which they would appreciate some guidance with. Each Shinpiden course is tailor-made for the attending students, focusing on their unique needs and personal situations. The course size is kept small to ensure a high degree of personal attention for each student, and a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

As in Shoden and Okuden, a substantial part of the course is devoted to the practice of giving treatments. Each student is assured the opportunity to both give and receive several Reiki treatments over the course duration, which is a relaxing, healing and beneficial experience for everyone involved.

Students will be introduced to the fourth traditional shirushi (symbol) and its accompanying jumon (mantra). We’ll discuss the nature of this symbol, its historical roots and its use in treatments, self-healing and initiation. Students will also be introduced to new meditation practices, kokyu-ho techniques, and ways to deepen and expand their current Reiki practice. The various techniques covered will be hand picked for each course, as suits the individual student’s needs.

In Shinpiden, students receive both the traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho attunement and also the ceremony of reiju, meaning “spiritual blessing” in Japanese. Reiju is the original ceremony from which all Reiki attunements evolved. It is a simple yet inspiring ritual, which is beneficial to give as well as to receive.

Over the course duration, students will be fully trained in performing attunements, and will be able to initiate others into all levels of Usui Reiki Ryoho. A substantial amount of time will be dedicated to practicing the various attunements, so that students become confident in performing them. In addition to learning the various attunement rituals, students will also learn how to perform reiju for others, and learn an adaptation of the ritual which can be used for self-healing.

Benefits of Shinpiden:

An extensive course manual is provided for each student, as well as manuals for Shonen and Okuden if needed. These manuals may be legally photocopied and used for personal study or in teaching your own courses. All students will also receive a certificate of completion, permitting them to teach and initiate others into Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Follow-up support is provided for all students. Shinpiden students are especially encouraged to arrange a one to one follow-up session, at no additional cost, after completion of their course.

Private Tuition

Private tuition is available for all levels of Usui Reiki Ryoho. Courses are held in South Norwood and may be arranged to suit your personal schedule. South Norwood is located in South East London, Zone 4, and is 15 minutes by overground train from London Bridge. Numerous buses also service the area; please get in touch for directions if needed.

Private tuition may be desirable for students who work weekends, or who have other commitments on those days. Currently, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are most suitable for my schedule, though occasional weekends may be available given enough notice. Private tuition may also suit those who would like a more individualised approach to their course, and one-to-one Reiki training.

All materials discussed in the group courses are fully covered, and all necessary attunements are given. Each student will receive textbooks and the appropriate certification upon completion of the course.