Glossary of Terms

The following is an alphabetical listing of related terms.

A

Acupuncture - is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Advanced Reiki Training - (also known as Level IIIa, Reiki Master Practitioner, or "Personal Mastery Level" in the Usui/Tibetan Systems) A collection of new age techniques and pseudo-Tibetan practices added to the Hayashi-Takata System of Reiki in the west. Advanced Reiki Training generally consists of Reiki Crystal Grids, a healing attunement, the Antahkarana symbol, Reiki Guide Meditation, Psychic Surgery, Reiki Symbol Meditation. Most closely associated with Raku Kai Reiki and William Rand's Usui Tibetan Reiki. Advanced Reiki classes are taught by mindful matters - click here: Reiki Courses

Attunements - Attunements are a technique common to all forms of Reiki in the west. They use a process of placing the Reiki Symbols and energy into the meridians, aura or energy body of the recipient of the attunement process. Some Attunement systems focus on placing the energy in the Chakras. Attunements empower people to use Reiki on themselves and others and facilitate a connection to the Reiki source. 
Auras - We all know that everything around us has energy. The energy that radiates from us is more commonly referred to as the human aura. Auras emanate from all physical objects, life forces and colours, as well as from many other energy sources. An aura usually surrounds our entire bodies in an egg shape. It is an electromagnetic field creating a force field which people have long known to circulate around through the body as electrical currents. The aura is composed of nine layers around the body. One of these layers consists of minute particles that are constantly "thrown out" from the physical body. mindful matters teaches about auras in their Reiki classes.

B

Beaming - Beaming is a technique of distant healing. It is a line of sight distant Reiki sending to a person. Although a distant healing technique, this is generally done in the presence of another when hands on Reiki touch might be inappropriate (abuse cases, burn victims). Beaming is common to other healing systems such as in the Johrei Fellowship.

Breath of the Fire Dragon (See also "Violet Breath") - A special breathing technique used to place the Reiki symbol in the crown of the student during an attunement. It is also used in Raku Kai to develop the microcosmic orbit and strengthen the Reiki channel and promote health.

Byosen (See Also "Scanning") - A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan . 

C

Chakras - The chakras are seven spinning spheres of subtle energy which run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The chakras are energy blocks or swirling vortices which are found along the spinal column and correspond to specific glands and emotions. mindful matters teaches about Chakras in their Reiki classes.

Chi - The Chinese of ancient times felt, and many if not most Chinese today feel, that there is a special sort of life energy that flows through us and keeps us alive. This energy is called "Chi" or "Qi." According to traditional Chinese thinking, the Chi flows through our body in a rhythmic manner, and most acupuncture and acupressure methods employ stimulation of points that lie along the acupuncture "meridians" through which Chi is said to flow. When one manipulates an acupuncture point, the traditional explanation for any effect that occurs is that it is caused by an alteration of the flow of Chi under that point.

Cleansing (21 day cleanse) - Cleansing (also "clearing") is a process of the body removing toxins and realigning the energy fields following a Reiki treatment or attunement. Some practitioners feel this process takes 21 days or can be so severe it can cause a "healing crisis". Many other practitioners feel that the reaction to attunements and treatments is individual and lasts as long as is necessary for the individual. Cleansing was taught in the original system but was seldom thought to last more than a day.

Crystals - Some Reiki practitioners add crystals, e.g. rose quartz, jasper, serpentine, and many others. Many believe in healing properties of crystals. mindful matters sells Chakra related crystals, click here: Crystals

Crystal Grids - Crystals (see " Crystals ") are charged with Reiki and then placed in a geometric pattern. Often they are placed on sand to keep them in place and not accidentally getting moved or pushed out of the pattern. 

D

Distant Attunements - An Attunement that uses the Reiki Distant Symbol (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) to perform the attunement on someone not physically present. A logical extension of Reiki Distant Healing and the Distant Symbol.

Distant Healing - This is sending Reiki energy for the purpose of healing to someone not physically present. It uses a variety of techniques such as the photo technique, Reiki stacks, healing lists, or teddy bear technique for a point of focus.

Distant Symbol - The Third Reiki Symbol is a combination of Japanese Kanji (symbol language) that can mean "no past, no present, no future" which represents the timeless original purity of the source of all and the spirit of man. A translation might be "To act in the Realization of Absolute Beingness" (Thanks to Gabriel Shivers for that definition). 

E

Empowerments - Any process to help another develop the ability to use an energy or technique. The Reiju technique was an empowerment used by Usui to pass the Reiki energy to others. 

F

Feng Shui - Pronounced "fung shway," feng shui literally means "wind and water." Its roots are 5,000 years old.

Feng Shui seeks to promote prosperity, good health, and general well being by examining how energy, qi , pronounced "chee," ( chi ) flows through a particular room, house, building, or garden.

Feng Shui considers yin , feminine and passive energy, and yang , which is masculine and hot. It also looks at the five elements - water, fire, wood, metal, and earth, and the external environment.

The points on the compass, with eight separate directions - north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest - are also important.
A Feng Shui expert, known as a geomancer , will consult an individual's Chinese horoscope to figure out what is best for that person and use complicated mathematical calculations from the ancient I Ching , ( Book of Changes ), to determine what aspects of the house are out balance.

Feng Shui can be used to decide the location, construction, and architectural features of buildings, the placement and style of furniture, colors and decorating schemes, and the location of plantings, paths, and other outside features. By creating a more pleasing atmosphere, Feng Shui has been credited with improving family communication, restoring employee cooperation, and increasing a store's sales.

The principles can be applied to any style of building or decorating, not just to Chinese or Asian modes.

G

Gakkai - The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai was the original organization that Mikao Usui Founded which continues to practice and teach Reiki in an unbroken line since the passing of Mikao Usui. The Gakkai's practices are referred to as Reiki Ryoho, or "Reiho". The emphesis is more on a spiritual awakening and healing. The system takes longer to learn than its counterpart in the west.
Gassho - Gassho is translated as "two hands coming together". It is a meditation technique where the hands are placed together in front of the chest in a prayer-like position.

Grids - see Crystal Grids

Guides - Some practitioners belief in "guides" or spirits that help the Reiki practitioner and sometimes even appear to them or speak to them. Some think of guides being angels. 

H

Hand Positions - Hand positions refer to the specific hand positions used when performing a Reiki treatment. The Reiki practitioner places their hands on specified positions and lets the Reiki flow into the recipient's body at these points to facilitate healing. It appears that in Usui's Original Practices there were five positions and then he used Reji and Byosen to sense and scan for other locations to be treated. In Traditional Japanese Reiki, which is of the Hayashi line, there are seven positions. In the Hayashi-Takata line there are twelve. Other Reiki systems may use different numbers of positions.

Hatsurei ho - This is a meditation and breathing technique that was used by Usui. It is still used in Reiki Ryoho as practiced by the Gakkai. It is a technique that empowers the practitioner by increasing and enhancing their Reiki channel and their connection to the Reiki source. It is also to help the practitioner grow spiritually. It includes a self cleansing ritual as well as two different meditation practices.

Hayashi (Chujiro Hayashi, Dr. Hayashi) - Dr. Chujiro Hayashi was made a Reiki Master in 1925 and was a student of Usui. Dr. Hayashi was a retired officer from the Japanese Navy. He opened a Reiki clinic which was more along the lines of a medical model. Dr. Hayashi made some modifications in the system including a heavier emphesis on the symbols and attunements, and most likely developed the 12 standard hand positions from in use in the west today. These hand positions allowed Reiki to be given by several practitioners at once. This group healing technique was used in his clinic. He was the teacher of Hawayo Takata.

Healing Crisis - A concept found in pranic healing and other healing approaches that some masters have added into Reiki. The concept of a healing crisis is that the recipient of a Reiki treatment or attunement experience a "release" and go into an emotional or physical "crisis". The concept is not widely accepted by most masters.

I

Independent Reiki Masters - Independent Reiki Masters is a term used to describe people who are Reiki Masters that are not aligned with a particular school or approach. They might use an ecclectic approach with techniques from many schools. The vast majority of Reiki Masters in the west are Independent Reiki Masters.

Intent - Reiki is an Intent driven system. Intent is the key to using the Reiki energy in healing and attunements. 

J

Johrei - Johrei is a religion or spiritual practice that was developed by Mokichi Okada, a contemporary of Mikao Usui. He founded Sei Kai Kyu Sei Kyo better known as Johrei and as the Johrei??Fellowship. LIke Reiki, Johrei also uses Reiju to empower its followers. A "Johrei Reiki" was developed from Raku Kai Reiki using the White Light (Johrei) symbol as part of its practices and attunements. The name was changed to Vajra Reiki after some legal entanglements over the use of the word Johrei. The Fellowship maintains a website at www.Johrei.com . 

K

Karuna Reiki - Karuna Reiki is a healing system founded by William Rand from his learning new symbols and Kathleen Milner's healing system which became Tera Mai Reiki and Seichem. It is claimed to be "higher frequency" that Usui Reiki. It was formerly known as Sai Baba Reiki but the name changed due to legal complications from using the Sai Baba name. The system is Trade Marked, controlled and regulated through the International Center for Reiki Studies in Michigan , USA .

Karuna Ki - Karuna Ki is a Compassionate Heart Energy and Healing System developed by Vinny Amador from work with Tera Mai and Karuna. It shares common symbols with Karuna Reiki and Tera Mai Reiki but adds many new meditations, mudras and other techniques. The system is based on the cultivation of the compassionate heart.

Ki Ko - The name for Japanese Traditional Chi Kung (Qi Gong) Practices. Usui used many chi kung practices in the development of Reiki. 
Kirlian Photography - In 1939, Semyon Kirlian discovered by accident that if an object on a photographic plate is subjected to a high-voltage electric field, an image is created on the plate. The image looks like a colored halo or coronal discharge. This image is said to be a physical manifestation of the spiritual aura or "life force" which allegedly surrounds each living thing.

Kundalini - literally means coiling, like a snake. In the classical literature of hatha yoga Kundalini is described as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. The image of coiling, like a spring, conveys the sense of untapped potential energy. Perhaps more meaningfully Kundalini can be described as a great reservoir of creative energy at the base of the spine. It's not useful to sit with our consciousness fixed in our head and think of Kundalini as a foreign force running up and down our spine. Unfortunately the serpent image may serve to accentuate this alien nature of the image. It's more useful to think of Kundalini energy as the very foundation of our consciousness so that when Kundalini moves through our bodies our consciousness necessarily changes with it.

L

Levels in Reiki (See Also - Sho-den, Oku-den, Shinpi-den) - Reiki is traditionally taught in the West in three levels.

Level I - Generally includes the Reiki Principles, the hand positions, Reiki History, and you receive the Reiki attunements. In traditional schools there are four attunements done at the first level. In other schools, including the Tibetan/Usui schools, there may be a combined level I attunement. Some schools teach that Reiki I heals on the physical level.

Level II - Generally includes the three Reiki Symbols (Focus, Harmony, and Connection), Mental/Emotional Healing, Distant Healing, and another attunement. The Tibetan/Usui school adds the techniques scanning and beaming. Some schools teach Reiki II is "emotional healing".

Level III (Master/Teacher Level) - Generally includes the Usui Master Symbol (empowerment symbol) and its meaning and application, The attunement process and practice in its application, and how to teach others. Some schools teach that Reiki III is for Spiritual healing.

Some traditions (the Usui/Tibetan Schools and other various Independent Practitioners) have added a Level IIIa in between Level II and the Master/Teacher Level. Level IIIa is often called Advanced Reiki Training (ART). Some of the techniques that might be included here are: Reiki Meditation using the symbols, using the symbols for manifesting goals, Reiki and crystals, making a Reiki crystal grid, Reiki meditation to meet you "Reiki guide", Reiki Healing Attunement, the Tibetan Antahkarana symbol and a meditation for its use, the Hui Yin position and the Violet Breath. 

M

Master Symbol - The symbol used in the all Reiki Systems. It is the symbol for the Ultimate Source of Love, Light, Harmony and Healing. It is sometimes translated to mean the "Great Shining Light".

Meditation - Any number of focusing, breathing, or contemplative methods designed to bring about a heightened state of consciousness and/or enlightenment. In Usui Reiki Ryoho the most important and prominant is the Hasturei ho. Various other western systems have added Reiki Meditations.
Mental Emotional Symbol - This is the second Reiki symbol. It is thought to help heal on the mental and emotional levels in the body. It is also called the "Harmony" symbol in Traditional Japanese Reiki. 

Meridians - Channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels are called meridians and are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Mikao Usui - Developer of Reiki. Born August 15th, 1865 in the Yamagata district of Gifu prefecture in a village called Yago. Usui studied Buddhism at the school and temple on Mt. Kurama as a child. It is also thought that he may have studied a Japanese form of Chi Kung called Ki Ko and other oriental healing systems. 

N

Non-Traditional Reiki - Reiki in the Hayashi-Takata (Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition) that has been modified in some way. This might include distant attunements, additions of crystals, Angels, other symbols, different attunements, and other things. The masters are generally Independent Reiki Masters. 

O

Oku-den - The Second Teachings in Reiki Ryoho in Japan . It consists of two parts which are Oku den Zenki and Oku den Kouki. These levels include Hatsurei ho, the hand techniques of Ushi te, Oshi te, and Nade te, Sei Hei Ki Chiryou, and Enkaku Chiryou (distant treatment), as well as the blood exchanges. 

P

Power Symbol - (The First Reiki Symbol is commonly called the "Power" symbol in the Western Styles of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) but is called "Focus" in Traditional Japanese Reiki and in Japan. Some meanings for the symbol might be "God is here". 

R

Raku - A lightening-like symbol that is used at the end of attunements to seperate the energies of the Master and student. Most commonly used in the Usui/Tibetan and Raku Kai Traditions.

Raku Kai Reiki - A system of Reiki developed by Arthur Robertson. Arthur Robertson was a student of Iris Ishikuro (one of Takata's 22 masters). The system incorporated Ralf Jensen's Master Frequency Generator Plates, The "Tibetan" practices of the Hui Yin, and Breath of the Fire Dragon (i.e., Violet Breath), the Tibetan Symbols (Raku, Dumo, and the Fire Serpent), the O Sui Ching Water Ritual, and Iris Ishikuro's use of the White Light Symbol (Johrei). This school has influenced or led to the developement of the Usui/Tibetan Schools, Vajra Reiki, as well as Karuna Reiki and Tera Mai Reiki.

Radiance Technique - A school of Reiki developed by Barbara Weber Ray, who was one of Takata's 22 Masters. Barbara claimed that she had information from Takata that was not given to the other masters. This school has also been known as Real Reiki. It originally had only three levels, but currently has six.
Reiho - A shortened name for Reiki Ryoho or Reiki Ho. It refers to practices and the system used in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

Reiji - Reiji is the ability to find or spot imbalances in the body. It develops naturally as you practice Reiki. Consistent practice in healing others leads to the ability to be guided to the cause of the recipient's problem. This knowledge will be known even before scanning the person's body

Reiki - Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a system of Enlightenment and a Hands on Healing art developed in the early 1900's by Mikao Usui in Japan . It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - Rei and Ki, meaning universal life energy. The term "Reiki" is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it. The original system by Usui was called Usui Reiki Ryoho. There are many variant's of Reiki being practiced these days.

Reiju - The original empowerment used by Mikao Usui to pass on the Reiki energy. Reiju developed into the Attunements that are used in Usui Shiki Ryoho and in all western Reiki systems.

Reiki Alliance - An organization formed in the Western World by Mrs. Takata's 22 masters following her death. The organization was formed by Mrs. Takata's granddaughter, Mrs. Phyllis Furumoto. The Alliance claims to represent "Traditional" Reiki. Its practices represent the Hayashi-Takata lineage. Mrs. Furumoto went from forming the Alliance to calling herself "Grandmaster" of Reiki and lately the "Spiritual" Lineage holder. The Alliance maintains a requirement that the master level should cost Ten Thousand Dollars. An attempt was made by the Alliance in 1997 to trademark the name "Reiki" and Usui Shiki Ryoho which failed in most countries.

Reiki Circle - A group Reiki practice where Reiki is shared.

Reiki Crystal Grids - A technique that charges crystals with Reiki and then places them in a geometric design. The purpose is to create a protective grid or to use it to send continuous healing. It is most commonly taught in the Usui/Tibetan Schools, and is a part of the Level IIIa curriculum. It is an add-on technique to the system in the Western Reiki practices.

Reiki Ethics - A set of guide lines for the personal and professional conduct ofReiki practitioners. An example might be not sending distant Reiki without permission. These vary from Master to Master and School to School.
Reiki Guides - A belief that there are specific "guides" or spirits that work with Reiki and individual practitioners. Some refer to these as "Ascendent Masters", "Spirits", or "Guides".

Reiki History - The stories of Mikao Usui and the development of Reiki. There are several versions from the Christianized version told by Mrs. Takata that is used in the Reiki Alliance to the historically accurate version that you can find in books like Frank Arjava Petter's "Reiki Fire". Most generally contain the thematic elements of Mikao Usui searching for a system of healing, meditating on Mt. Kurama , becoming enlightened, discovering he could heal, and starting a school to teach others to heal themselves.

Reiki Master - The original term for a Reiki Teacher in the Western World in the Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition.

Reiki Master Practitioner - A recent term used to describe people who have taken the Level IIIa or "Personal Mastery" classes that some masters offer. Generally these people have received the Reiki Master attunement but are not given the Level III Master symbols or instructions for attuning others. This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.
Reiki Master Teacher - A term in for Masters in schools that have a Level IIIa and Level IIIb dichotomy. It refers to those that have completed the Level IIIb and know the Reiki master symbols and how to attune others. This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.

Reiki Principles - A series of five principles written by the Meiji Emperor and used by Usui in Reiki Ryoho. There are many different sets of these. These are designed to help empower the student and to bring about an awakened mental and spiritual state. The most accurate translation might be, "The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings, The spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses, For today only do not anger, do not worry. Be Grateful and Do your work with appreciation. Be kind to all living things. In the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer, Think this in your mind, chant this with your mouth.

Reiki Stacks - A technique used for sending distant Reiki. The recipients and inanimate objects or situations that are to receive Reiki are placed on a list. Reiki is send to all on the list. Users of the technique are warned by its developer, Reiki Master Anthony Glenn Agee, to not make the stack more than 10 people because he believes the energy multiplies or increases the higher you go up the list. (Other Masters do not find this to be the case). It is believed that you can "save" stacks to use at a later time.

Reiki Treatment - Receiving Reiki from a Reiki practitioner for the intent and purpose of healing. It generally consists of a practitioner placing their hands on various hand positions on the recipient's body and takes about 35 to 60 minutes in person. It can also refer to distant Reiki treatment. 

S

Scanning (See Also "Byosen") - A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan .

Seichim Reiki - Seichim was discovered by Patrick Ziegler in 1980 after a spiritual experience in the Great Pyramid in Egypt and after receiving Sufi Empowerments from a Sufi Master. The Seichim Reiki (also known as Renegade Reiki) system was developed by T'Om Seaman, Ken Lowry, and Phoenix Summerfield.

Shoden - The First Teachings in Reiki Ryoho as taught in the Gakkai in Japan . It generally consists of The five principles, basics of using the system, The Waka Poetry of the Meiji Emperor, the hand positions, and Excerpts from the Handbook of Reiki Treatment (to guide treatment), and Questions and Answers from Usui.
Shinpi den - The fourth teaching or "Mystery Teachings" in the Usui Reiki Ryoho practices in Japan . It consisted of Kouketsu ho, Breathing out method (healing with the breath), The Reiki Group Treatment, Healing by sending a thought or wish, the Reiki Circle , and how to perform Reiju or the empowerment.

Smudging - A technique where sage or other herbs are burned and the resulting smoke is used to cleanse a room or the house of anything negative. It is an add-on to "Reiki" and many Reiki practitioners include smudging before giving a Reiki treatment (see "Reiki Treatment") primarily because they believe it will cleanse the area. Sage can be purchased from mindful matters .
Smudge Sticks -- Smudge sticks are tightly wrapped bundles of herbs that can be used for smudging. (see "Smudging") Smudge sticks have the adventage of burning slower than lose herbs which also can be used for smudging. 

T

Takata (Mrs. Hawayo Takata) - A student of Chujiro Hayashi and the first Reiki Master to be allowed to teach Reiki in the western world. She is the person most responsible for the spread of Reiki in the west today. Most western lineages come from Mrs. Takata. 

Therapeutic Touch - is a derivative of "laying on of hands" healing. The underlying premise of Therapeutic Touch is that healing is promoted when the energy (vital life force) enveloping the body is in balance. The disease process is thought to be manifested when this energy is in a state of imbalance.
By passing her hands lightly over a person's body, the healer can feel any energy imbalances (it takes experience and practice to become familiar with how this feels). These usually show up as one of several sensations: heat, cold, tingling, pulsation, electric shock, or tightness.

Proponents of Therapeutic Touch believe that anyone can be taught to sensitize herself and feel the unnamed and unmeasured energy that envelops every person. And with the proper intention, the healer can direct her healing energy to the person she is working with or she can fine-tune and balance that person's own energy.

Tibetan Reiki - A school of Reiki that believes to have found the original practices from Tibet . There are a number of additional levels as well as a number of differen symbols that are a mix of Sanskrit and Japanese Kanji. Tibetan Reiki is also used generically to describe Usui/Tibetan and Tibetan/Usui Reiki.
Tibetan Master Symbol - A "Tibetan" Symbol that is part of the William Rand Usui/Tibetan System as well as used by various Independent Reiki Masters including Diane Stein. This symbol is thought to unify the body and mind. It is reported to work with fire in the base Chakra by igniting the Sacred flame (i.e., the Kundalini energy). It is believed to pull negative energy and disease from the body and mind.

Traditional Japanese Reiki - A school of Reiki developed by Dave King in Canada . Traditional Japanese Reiki was developed from informationfrom the Hayashi line in Japan that does not include the Takata lineage. It was developed and is practiced in the west.

Traditional Reiki - This term generally refers to the practices of the Reiki Alliance and those that follow closely the Takata lineage. 

U

Usui Shiki Ryoho - This refers to Reiki of the Hayashi lineage. This can include Reiki in the Hayashi-Takata Lineage. It is the most common practice of Reiki in the western world. This system uses attunements and a heavy reliance on the Reiki symbols.

Usui Reiki Hikkei - This is the Usui Reiki Handbook that Mikao Usui Gave to his students. It contained four Parts. Part one was the "Teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho". Part two was an "Explaination of Instruction for the Public". Part three was the Ryoho Shishon or "Method of Healing Guide. Part four was the Meiji Renno Gyosei or "Poems of the Meiji Emperor".

Usui Reiki Ryoho - This refers to the practice of Reiki as Usui practiced it and as it is still practiced in Japan in a unbroken line since Usui. This system uses meditations, such as hatsurei ho, and other practices so the person can develop spiritually and heal. Empowerments such as Reiju are used (rather than attunements) to help the student clear the channels and to help pass on the Reiki energy. 

V

Vajra Reiki (See also Johrei) - A system of Reiki that uses some of the Tibetan Material as well as the White Light (Johrei) symbol.

Vipassana - which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses during which participants learn the basics of the method, and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. For the Ontario Vipassana centre, click here:

www.ontario-dhamma.org