Fast facts
Reiki Level 2 (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen attunement)
5-20 minutes per session
Recipient's name, location, or photo
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Cho Ku Rei
Intention and focus
The Distance Symbol
A Complete Guide to Sending Distance Reiki
Distance Reiki is a core skill taught at Reiki Level 2 (Okuden). It allows you to send healing to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The key is the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol. It means 'no past, no present, no future.' It removes the mental barrier of distance. The recipient becomes present with you.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions. It assumes you have received Reiki Level 2 attunement and have learned the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol from a teacher.
Step-by-Step Distance Reiki Process
A complete walkthrough for practitioners.
- Prepare: Get the recipient's full name and location. A photo is helpful but not required. Know what you are treating (if anything specific).
- Create a surrogate (optional): Some practitioners use a teddy bear, pillow, or doll to represent the recipient. This can help focus your intention.
- Ground and center: Take three deep breaths. Feel your feet on the ground. Clear your mind. Set your intention to heal.
- Draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: Draw or visualize the distance symbol. Say its name silently or aloud. Intend to connect with the recipient.
- Connect to the recipient: Focus on the recipient's name, location, and face. See them in your mind's eye. Feel their presence. You are now connected.
- Draw Cho Ku Rei: Draw or visualize Cho Ku Rei (power symbol) to increase the energy flow. Draw it over the surrogate or in the air.
- Send Reiki: Place your hands on the surrogate (or simply intend to send). Send Reiki for 5-20 minutes. You may feel heat, tingling, or pulsing. Trust the process.
- Close: Draw Cho Ku Rei again to seal the energy. Thank the recipient. Thank Reiki. Ground yourself. The session is complete.
How to Send Distance Reiki
Step-by-step visual guide.
Prepare
Get recipient's name, location, photo. Set up surrogate if desired.
Ground
Three deep breaths. Center yourself. Set intention.
Draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Distance symbol. Removes barrier of distance.
Connect
Focus on recipient. See them in your mind's eye.
Draw Cho Ku Rei
Power symbol. Increases energy flow.
Send Reiki
Place hands on surrogate. Intend to send. 5-20 minutes.
Close
Draw Cho Ku Rei. Thank recipient. Thank Reiki. Ground.
Focus Tool
Using a Surrogate for Distance Reiki
A surrogate is an object that represents the recipient. Common surrogates include: a teddy bear, a pillow, a doll, a piece of paper with the recipient's name.
To use a surrogate: Write the recipient's name on a piece of paper and attach it to the surrogate. Or simply intend that the surrogate represents the recipient.
Place your hands on the surrogate as you would on a person. The energy flows through the surrogate to the recipient.
Surrogates are optional. Some practitioners prefer to send Reiki without a surrogate, using only intention. Both methods work.
Real-Time vs Asynchronous
Scheduling Distance Reiki Sessions
Real-time sessions: You and the recipient agree on a time. You both sit at the same time. You send Reiki. The recipient may feel sensations during the session.
Asynchronous sessions: You send Reiki at your convenience. The recipient receives it when they are ready. Many practitioners send overnight distance Reiki while the recipient sleeps.
Both methods work. Real-time sessions allow for feedback and connection. Asynchronous sessions are more flexible. Choose what works for you and your recipient.
How Experienced Practitioners Send Distance Reiki
I do distance sessions daily. I use the recipient's name and a photo. I draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. I feel the connection. It is the same as in-person. I send for 15 minutes. Clients report feeling heat, tingling, and deep relaxation. It works.
Distance Reiki takes practice. Your first few sessions may feel awkward. Keep practicing. The symbol and intention do the work. You just get out of the way.
Always get permission before sending distance Reiki. Do not send to someone without their knowledge and consent. Respect boundaries.
Key takeaways
- Distance Reiki requires Reiki Level 2 attunement and the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol.
- Step 1: Get recipient's name, location, or photo.
- Step 2: Ground and center yourself.
- Step 3: Draw Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen to connect across distance.
- Step 4: Draw Cho Ku Rei to increase energy flow.
- Step 5: Send Reiki for 5-20 minutes.
- Always get permission before sending distance Reiki.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a surrogate to send distance Reiki?
No. A surrogate is optional. It can help focus intention. Many practitioners send without one.
How long should a distance Reiki session last?
5-20 minutes is typical. Some practitioners send for longer. Trust your intuition.
Can I send distance Reiki to multiple people at once?
Yes. List their names. Draw the symbol over the list. Send Reiki to all.
Do I need to be in a quiet space to send distance Reiki?
A quiet space helps focus. But you can send from anywhere if you can concentrate.
What if I do not feel anything during distance Reiki?
Feeling nothing is normal. Reiki works whether you feel it or not. Trust your intention.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Reiki Level 2 teaching materials.
