Precepts
Use “just for today” to return to the present: soften anger and worry, act honestly, remain humble, and practice compassion.
Level I · The beginning teaching
Shoden begins with you
Build a steady foundation through the precepts, mindful awareness, simple energy cultivation, and regular self-treatment.
01 · Orientation
Reiki as a path of balance
Shoden means “first teaching.” Its center is not performance or collecting techniques, but learning to notice, settle, and care for your own system. In the Usui tradition, ethical reflection and daily practice support one another.
Experiences vary. Warmth, tingling, quietness, emotion, or no strong sensation can all occur. Sensation is not a score and does not determine whether a practice is worthwhile.
02 · The five pillars
A simple framework for Level I
Mindfulness
Bring undivided attention to ordinary actions. Wash, walk, eat, breathe, and listen without rushing toward the next moment.
Reiju
In many lineages, empowerments introduce or reinforce the student’s relationship with the practice. They complement—not replace—daily work.
Energy exercises
Kenyoku and Joshin Kokkyu Ho combine clearing movements, breath, attention, and awareness of the lower abdomen.
Self-treatment
Regular meditative or hands-on practice creates quiet time for reflection, relaxation, and integration.
03 · Daily practice
A 15-minute foundation
The Tanden is traditionally located a few centimetres below the navel and inward toward the centre of the body.
- Arrive. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take several unforced breaths.
- Center. Let attention settle at the Tanden without straining to visualize.
- Clear. Practice Kenyoku with slow brushing movements across the torso and down the arms.
- Breathe. During Joshin Kokkyu Ho, imagine or intend light entering on the inhale, gathering at the Tanden, and expanding on the exhale.
- Be still. Rest in Gassho, palms together, and close by recalling the precepts.
Practice comfortably
Breathing should remain easy. Stop if you feel faint, strained, or unwell, and adapt postures to your body.
04 · Hands-on work
Affirm. Connect. Build. Merge. Flow.
Before working with another person, obtain clear consent and explain that Reiki is a complementary spiritual wellness practice. Begin quietly, remember that you are not diagnosing, and use a light, respectful touch—or hover where touch is not wanted.
- Affirm: release attachment to a particular result.
- Connect: become aware of breath, energy, and the Tanden.
- Build: allow attention to settle before touching.
- Merge: enter a calm, non-intrusive state of presence.
- Flow: use comfortable positions at the head, shoulders, torso, knees, and ankles, adapting to consent and need.
05 · Integration
Your Level I rhythm
For the next four weeks
- Recite or reflect on the precepts each morning.
- Practice 10–15 minutes of energy work most days.
- Offer yourself a short treatment daily.
- Journal observations without judging them.
- Practice on others only with consent and clear boundaries.