Fast facts
Level 2 + 6-12+ months practice
1-3 days
$500-$2,000
Dai Ko Myo, attunements, teaching
To teach and attune others
The Responsibility, Not the Title
What It Means to Become a Reiki Master
Master is not a crown. It is a yoke. A yoke is a wooden beam used to harness oxen. It allows them to pull together. To do work. To serve.
Becoming a Reiki master is not about status. It is about service. You learn to give attunements. You learn to teach. You take on the responsibility of carrying the lineage.
Not everyone needs to become a master. Many excellent practitioners are happy at Level 2. Only pursue master level if you feel called to teach.
Requirements and Path to Reiki Master
What you need to know before pursuing master level.
- Prerequisites: Most teachers require completion of Reiki Level 2. Many require a waiting period of 6-12 months (or more) of regular practice between Level 2 and Master.
- Find a teacher: Not all Reiki masters are qualified to teach the master level. Look for an experienced master teacher. Ask about their lineage and teaching experience.
- Master training: Training typically takes 1-3 days. You will receive the master attunement (Shinpiden). Learn the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo). Learn to give attunements for all levels.
- Cost: Master level training typically costs $500-$2,000. Prices vary widely. Be wary of very high fees or very low fees.
- After training: Practice giving attunements. Many teachers require you to give attunements under supervision before teaching on your own. Consider assisting your teacher before teaching independently.
- Continuing education: The learning does not stop at master level. Continue your own practice. Continue learning from other teachers. Stay humble.
The Path to Reiki Master
From Level 2 to Master Teacher.
Level 2
Complete Level 2 (Okuden) training. Practice regularly.
Practice
6-12+ months of regular practice. Heal yourself. Heal others.
Master Training
1-3 days. Master attunement. Dai Ko Myo. Attunement training.
Supervised Attunements
Practice giving attunements under supervision. Assist your teacher.
Independent Teaching
Teach Reiki. Attune students. Carry the lineage.
What Masters Do
The Responsibilities of a Reiki Master
Give attunements: The core responsibility of a Reiki master is to give attunements to students. You learn to open others' energy channels to Reiki.
Teach Reiki: Masters teach Level 1, Level 2, and sometimes Master level classes. You are responsible for accurate transmission of the teachings.
Maintain lineage: You are part of the lineage. You are accountable to Usui, Hayashi, Takata, and your teacher. Carry the lineage with integrity.
Practice ethics: Masters must maintain high ethical standards. Do not exploit students. Do not make false claims. Respect boundaries.
Continue learning: The learning never stops. Continue your own practice. Continue studying. Stay humble.
Critical Decision
How to Choose a Reiki Master Teacher
Ask about lineage: A reputable master teacher should be able to trace their lineage back to Mikao Usui. Ask to see their lineage certificate.
Ask about experience: How long have they been teaching? How many students have they trained to master level?
Observe a class: If possible, observe a class before committing. See how they teach. See how they interact with students.
Check references: Ask for references from past master students. Contact them. Ask about their experience.
Trust your intuition: If something feels off, find another teacher. There are many qualified masters. Do not settle.
Beware of red flags: Promises of quick certification. Very high fees. Claims of exclusive or secret knowledge. Lack of lineage transparency.
What Reiki Masters Say About the Path
Becoming a master changed me. It was not about the title. It was about the responsibility. I am now part of the lineage. I am accountable to Usui, Hayashi, Takata, and my teacher. I teach because I love Reiki. I attune because I want others to have what I have.
Do not become a master for the title. Do not become a master to charge higher fees. Become a master because you feel called to teach. Because you cannot imagine not sharing Reiki. Because you want to serve.
Master level is a responsibility, not a status symbol. Take it seriously. Continue your own practice. Stay humble. You will never know everything. The learning never stops.
Key takeaways
- Not every Reiki practitioner needs to become a master. Level 2 is sufficient for professional practice.
- Prerequisites: Level 2 + 6-12+ months of regular practice.
- Master training teaches the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo), attunements, and teaching methods.
- Cost: $500-$2,000. Training duration: 1-3 days.
- Master level is a responsibility, not a status symbol. It is for those called to teach.
- Choose your master teacher carefully. Check lineage, experience, and references.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to become a Reiki master?
No. Many practitioners are happy at Level 2. Master level is for those called to teach and attune others.
How long does master training take?
Training itself is 1-3 days. But most teachers require 6-12+ months of practice between Level 2 and Master.
How much does master training cost?
Typically $500-$2,000. Prices vary widely. Be wary of very high fees.
What is the master symbol?
Dai Ko Myo, meaning 'great shining light.' It represents the source of Reiki and is used in attunements.
Can I give attunements after master level?
Yes. That is the main purpose of master training. You learn to attune others to Reiki.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki Master teaching materials.
