This page describes a set of symbols used in some Karuna Reiki teachings. Symbol names, meanings, and instructions vary across Reiki lineages; follow the training you received rather than treating one set of instructions as universal. These are spiritual practices, not medical tools.
Some Karuna Reiki courses teach students to focus on a symbol before practice or attunement. One preparation practice is silently repeating a symbol’s name three times and bringing the hands together or patting the palms; use that only if it is part of your course. There is no need to clap or strike the hands if that is uncomfortable.
Karuna Master Symbols
Tibetan Master Symbol Dai Ko Mio
In the system described here, this symbol may be used during an attunement or meditation. Some teachers connect it with spiritual focus or a sense of purpose. Those meanings belong to that teaching tradition.
Tibetan Fire Serpent
Some Karuna Reiki courses include the Fire Serpent in attunement instruction and describe it as linking chakras or energy centers. Chakra language is part of a spiritual model; it is not a description of anatomy.
Om
This Karuna Reiki approach includes Om as a meditation focus. Its meaning depends on the religious or spiritual tradition in which it is used; the Metropolitan Museum describes the Sanskrit syllable in a Buddhist art context in its Korean art educator guide. Use it respectfully and follow the guidance of the tradition in which you learned it.
Usui Dai Ko Myo
Some teachings include Usui Dai Ko Myo in a Karuna Reiki attunement or practice. In these teachings, it is described as more commonly used in Usui Reiki; usage depends on the course and lineage. Ask your teacher to explain the intended use rather than relying on intuition to determine treatment for another person.
These examples are a reference to one set of teachings, not a complete or universally agreed guide. A symbol or mantra does not diagnose a condition or guarantee a result.
Related topic: Karuna Ki, Chanting and toning, Karuna Ki scanning, Four Karuna Ki Do meditations, Level one attunement.