Skip to content
The Second Degree

Reiki Level 2 (Okuden): Symbols and Distance Healing

Level 1 taught you to heal yourself. Level 2 expands your reach. You learn the symbols. You learn to heal across distance. You learn to heal emotions and mental patterns.

Okuden means 'inner teachings' or 'hidden teachings.' At this level, you receive three symbols: Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional/mental), and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance). These symbols amplify your Reiki and give it new capabilities.

Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) is the second degree of Usui Reiki. You receive an additional attunement and learn three symbols: Cho Ku Rei (power), Sei He Ki (emotional/mental), and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance). You learn how to use these symbols for power, emotional healing, mental clearing, and distance healing. After Level 2, you can practice Reiki professionally (charge money) and offer distance sessions. Many practitioners consider Level 2 the 'practitioner level' because it enables professional practice. Level 2 typically takes one to two days and costs $200-$500.

The three Level 2 Reiki symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen

Fast facts

FocusHealing others, symbols, distance
AttunementSecond attunement
SymbolsCho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
New abilitiesDistance healing, professional practice
PrerequisiteLevel 1 (Shoden)

The Practitioner Level

What Reiki Level 2 Training Includes

Main takeaway
What Reiki Level 2 Training Includes

Level 2 is often called the 'practitioner level' because it enables professional practice. After Level 2, you can charge money for Reiki sessions and offer distance healing.

OBSERVEWhat to notice

Level 2 also deepens your ability to heal others. You learn to treat specific conditions. You learn to give distance sessions. You learn to work with emotions and mental patterns.

Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) Overview

The three symbols and their uses.

1

Cho Ku Rei

Power symbol. Increases energy. Protection. Grounding. Purification.

2

Sei He Ki

Emotional/mental symbol. Heals emotions. Releases mental patterns. Balance.

3

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen

Distance symbol. Healing across space. Healing across time. Past and future.

The Three Keys

The Three Reiki Level 2 Symbols

Cho Ku Rei is the power symbol. It increases the flow of Reiki energy. Use it at the beginning of sessions, over painful areas, to protect yourself, and to purify spaces.

Sei He Ki is the emotional and mental symbol. It heals emotional wounds, releases mental patterns, balances emotions, and heals relationships. Use it for anxiety, depression, trauma, and habits.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is the distance symbol. It allows healing across space and time. Use it for distance sessions, past event healing, future event healing, and karmic patterns.

You will learn to draw each symbol, activate it with intention, and apply it in healing sessions.

Healing Across Space

How to Do Distance Reiki After Level 2

After Level 2, you can send Reiki to anyone, anywhere, at any time. You do not need to be in the same room. You do not need to be in the same country.

To do distance Reiki, you use the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol. Draw or visualize it. Focus on the recipient (using their name, location, or photo). Intend to send Reiki.

You can do distance sessions in real time (both of you sitting at the same time) or asynchronously (you send at your convenience). Many practitioners offer distance sessions as a primary service.

Recipients often report feeling heat, tingling, or deep relaxation during distance sessions, even when they do not know the session is happening.

What Teachers Say About Level 2

Level 2 is when students become practitioners. They learn the symbols and realize they can help people anywhere in the world. It is empowering. They also learn responsibility. Symbols are powerful. Use them wisely.

Take your time between Level 1 and Level 2. Practice self-Reiki daily for several months before moving on. The symbols will be more effective if you have a strong foundation. Do not rush.

Level 2 allows professional practice. But being attuned does not automatically make you a good practitioner. Practice on friends and family first. Get feedback. Develop your skills before charging money.

Skim first

Key takeaways

The shortest useful version of this page.

  1. Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) teaches three symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.

  2. You receive a second attunement that deepens your channel and activates the symbols.

  3. You learn to use symbols for power, emotional healing, mental clearing, and distance healing.

  4. After Level 2, you can practice Reiki professionally (charge money).

  5. You can offer distance Reiki sessions to anyone, anywhere.

  6. Take time between Level 1 and Level 2 to build a strong self-practice foundation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Level 2 take?

Typically one to two days. Some schools offer multi-week courses.

How much does Level 2 cost?

Typically $200-$500. Prices vary by teacher and location.

Do I need Level 1 before Level 2?

Yes. Level 2 requires Level 1 attunement. Some schools require a waiting period (e.g., 3-6 months).

Can I do distance healing after Level 2?

Yes. You learn the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol specifically for distance healing.

Is Level 2 required for professional practice?

In most traditions, yes. Level 2 is considered the 'practitioner level.' Level 1 is for self-healing and informal practice.

People also explore

Sources

  1. Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
  2. Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
  3. Traditional Reiki Level 2 teaching materials.