Fast facts
Teaching, attunements
Master attunement (Shinpiden)
Dai Ko Myo
Give attunements, teach Reiki
Many practitioners stay at Level 2
The Teacher's Path
What Reiki Master Level 3 Training Includes
Not every Reiki practitioner needs to become a master. Level 2 is sufficient for professional practice. Master level is for those called to teach.
The master level is not about being 'better' than other practitioners. It is about taking on the responsibility of teaching and attuning others.
Shinpiden means 'mystery teachings.' The mystery is not a secret. It is the realization that Reiki is always available. The master's job is to help others access it.
What You Learn in Master Level
A complete breakdown of Shinpiden training.
- Master attunement: You receive the master attunement (Shinpiden). This deepens your energy channel and authorizes you to give attunements to others.
- Dai Ko Myo (master symbol): The master symbol means 'great shining light.' It represents the source of Reiki. You learn to draw, activate, and use this symbol.
- Giving attunements: You learn the full attunement process for Levels 1, 2, and Master. This is the core skill of a Reiki master.
- Teaching methods: You learn how to structure Reiki classes, teach hand positions, symbols, and the five principles.
- Ethics and responsibility: Being a master comes with ethical obligations. You learn about proper conduct, boundaries, and the responsibility of lineage.
- Spiritual development: Many master programs emphasize deepening your own spiritual practice. You cannot teach what you do not embody.
Reiki Master Level 3 (Shinpiden) Overview
The responsibilities of a Reiki master.
Dai Ko Myo
Master symbol. Great shining light. Represents source of Reiki.
Giving Attunements
Learn to perform attunements for Levels 1, 2, and Master.
Teaching Methods
How to structure classes and teach Reiki effectively.
Ethics
Responsibility of lineage. Boundaries. Proper conduct.
Spiritual Development
Deepen your own practice. Embody what you teach.
The Great Shining Light
The Dai Ko Myo Master Symbol
Dai Ko Myo is the master symbol. It means 'great shining light.' It represents the source of Reiki, the divine light of healing.
The symbol is elegant and flame-like. It is traditionally taught only to master students. It is used in attunements and for spiritual deepening.
Dai Ko Myo is not a tool like the other symbols. It is the source. The other symbols draw from it. When you use Dai Ko Myo, you are connecting directly to the origin of Reiki.
The symbol is powerful. Use it with respect. It is not for casual use. It is for attunements and deep spiritual work.
The Core Skill
How to Give Reiki Attunements
The most important skill you learn at master level is how to give attunements. An attunement opens a student's energy channel to Reiki.
The attunement process varies by lineage. In Western Reiki, it is a ceremony involving symbols, breath, and hand placements. In Japanese Reiki, it is more subtle (reiju).
You will practice giving attunements during your master training. You will receive feedback. You will learn to adapt to different students.
Giving attunements is a sacred responsibility. You are connecting the student to the lineage. You are passing the flame from Usui to the next generation.
What Reiki Masters Say About Level 3
Becoming a Reiki 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
- Reiki Master Level 3 (Shinpiden) is the teacher level. Not everyone needs to become a master.
- You learn the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo), which represents the source of Reiki.
- You learn how to give attunements to students for all levels.
- You learn teaching methods, ethics, and deepen your spiritual practice.
- Master level is a responsibility, not just a title. It requires commitment.
- Many practitioners are happy at Level 2. Only pursue master level if you feel called to teach.
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?
Typically one to three days. Some schools have additional requirements (practice teaching, essays, waiting periods).
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.
