This page presents one traditional Karuna Reiki account. It describes four teaching levels: two practitioner levels and two master levels. The sequence below includes Usui symbols and a repeated ceremony for a master-level teaching. Lineage structures vary; the named levels and symbols here describe this tradition, not a universal credential standard or guaranteed ability.
The account associates Karuna I with Zonar, Halu, Harth, and Rama, and Karuna II with Gnosa, Kriya, Shanti, and Iava. It describes repeating the Karuna I ceremony for Master Level I and repeating the Karuna II ceremony at Level IV. Advanced study is optional.
Traditional Karuna Reiki Attunements
Before a ceremony, explain each step and ask separately about touch, hand movement, close approach, and breath-related actions. Offer a hands-off option throughout. The student may choose whether to participate in prayer or visualization, may skip any step, and may stop at any time. Keep the student clothed; no touch of the head, face, neck, chest, or other sensitive areas is required. Never blow toward a student.
The symbols below follow the order used in this version of the ceremony. Practitioners may draw or visualize them in the air or on their own body; the student can observe or trace symbols on their own palms if they choose.
- The practitioner may draw or visualize the Usui Master Symbol (Dai Ko Mio, DKM) and Usui Power Symbol (Cho Ku Rei, CKR), with the traditional three claps and names, as a personal opening.
- The practitioner may visualize CKR at the solar plexus, throat, forehead, and crown, without touching the student.
- Some teachers visualize CKR around the room as a symbolic preparation.
- The Usui Mental/Emotional Symbol (Sei Hei Ki, SHK) may be named or visualized.
- The Usui Distant-Healing Symbol (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, HSZSN) may be included in the same way.
- The Usui Master Symbol (DKM) may be visualized to complete the opening sequence.
- This sequence next describes preparing to offer a master attunement. This does not confer a universal professional status or permanent ability.
- The student may choose a comfortable hand position. Do not move their hands or shoulders; the practitioner may visualize DKM at a distance.
- The account repeats the DKM visualization and names the other three Usui symbols. Do not tap or touch the student's head or hands.
- The student may place their own hands in a comfortable position, or skip this step.
- The practitioner may visualize DKM above their own palms or in the air. There is no need to clap onto or hold the student's palms.
- The Distant-Healing Symbol and Power Symbol may be included with the same hands-off visualization.
- One version includes a breath-and-sweeping gesture. Do not exhale toward the student; a silent visualization is an optional alternative.
- Let the student choose whether to return to Gassho or another comfortable posture.
- Close with a quiet pause or optional prayer. Do not touch the shoulders or base of the skull or claim a permanent connection.
- This sequence uses a red point-of-light visualization. This can remain the practitioner's private spiritual imagery; do not declare the student permanently attuned or a successful master/teacher.
- Let the student reorient at their own pace. A greeting or prayer is optional and should be welcome to them.
Conclusion
Some practitioners see Karuna Reiki as a next step in their study, while others do not pursue it. Choose whether to continue based on your own interests and teacher's lineage. Reiki is a complementary spiritual practice, not a substitute for medical care or a guaranteed treatment. NCCIH's Reiki overview summarizes the evidence for health-related claims.
Related topic: Karuna Ki, Chanting and toning, Karuna Ki scanning, Four Karuna Ki Do meditations, Level one attunement.