Fast facts
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
No past, no present, no future
Distance symbol
Okuden (Level 2)
Distance healing, past, future
The Third Symbol
Understanding Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is the third Reiki symbol taught at Okuden (Level 2). It is the distance symbol. It allows Reiki to be sent across space and time.
The name is complex. It translates roughly to 'no past, no present, no future.' It means that time and space are not barriers. Healing can flow anywhere, anytime.
The symbol is drawn as a single complex character. It resembles a Japanese kanji. It is the most complex of the three Okuden symbols.
Uses of Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
How to use the distance symbol in practice.
- Distance healing: Send Reiki to someone who is not physically present. They can be in another room, another city, another country.
- Healing the past: Send Reiki to past events. Childhood trauma. Past relationships. Karmic patterns. The past does not have to define the present.
- Healing the future: Send Reiki to future situations. Upcoming surgery. A presentation. A difficult conversation. Reiki can prepare the path.
- Healing ancestors: Send Reiki to ancestors and family lineage. Heal generational patterns.
- Healing the inner child: Send Reiki to your younger self. Comfort the child who experienced pain.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen Shape
How to draw the distance symbol.
Complex Character
The symbol is drawn as a single character resembling a Japanese kanji.
Multiple Strokes
The symbol is composed of multiple strokes. It is the most complex of the three Okuden symbols.
Intention Over Form
Drawing the symbol perfectly is less important than intention. The energy follows your intention, not your penmanship.
The Origin of Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
- Usui studies Buddhist and Shinto symbols, including esoteric Sanskrit characters.Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen likely has origins in Japanese esoteric Buddhist traditions.
- Usui reportedly receives the symbols during his awakening on Mount Kurama.Traditional story: the symbols appeared in the light.
- Usui and later Hayashi teach the symbols orally to students.Symbols are kept secret, passed teacher to student.
- Takata teaches the symbols in the West, allowing them to be written down.Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen becomes widely known and published.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
No past, no present, no future. Allows healing across space and time.
Use for distance healing (person not present). For past events (childhood trauma, past lives). For future situations (surgery, presentation). For karmic patterns. For ancestors and lineage.
- The symbol is drawn as a single complex character.
- It has multiple strokes. Follow a traditional Japanese writing style.
- Focus on intention more than perfect form. The energy follows your intention.
Beyond Space and Time
How Distance Reiki Works
Distance Reiki is sending Reiki to someone who is not physically present. The recipient can be in another room, another city, or another country.
How does it work? In traditional Reiki understanding, time and space are not barriers to energy. Energy is not limited by physical distance. It flows through intention.
To do distance Reiki: visualize the recipient. Draw or visualize Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. Send Reiki with intention. Trust that the energy reaches them.
Many recipients report feeling effects during distance Reiki. They may feel warmth, tingling, relaxation, or emotional release. Distance Reiki is not less effective than in-person Reiki.
How Practitioners Use Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
I use Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen every day. I send Reiki to clients who cannot come in person. I send it to my children, my friends, my family. I send it to past events and future situations. The symbol connects me to anyone, anywhere.
Distance Reiki is powerful. But it is not a replacement for in-person connection when possible. Use both. Distance Reiki is a wonderful tool. In-person Reiki has the added benefit of compassionate touch.
Distance Reiki requires focus and intention. Do not multitask while sending distance Reiki. Be fully present. The energy follows your attention.
Key takeaways
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen means 'no past, no present, no future.' It is the distance symbol.
- It allows healing across space and time.
- It is used for distance healing, past events, future situations, and ancestors.
- The symbol is drawn as a complex Japanese-style character.
- Distance Reiki is not less effective than in-person Reiki.
- The symbol works with intention. It is a tool, not a magic wand.
Frequently asked questions
What does Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen mean literally?
It translates to 'no past, no present, no future.' It means that time and space are not barriers to healing.
Can I send Reiki to someone I do not know?
Yes. You can send Reiki to anyone with their permission. If you cannot get permission, send it to their higher self and ask that the energy be used for their highest good.
How do I do distance Reiki?
Visualize the recipient. Draw or visualize Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. Send Reiki with intention. Trust the process.
Is distance Reiki less effective?
No. Many practitioners find distance Reiki equally effective. The recipient may feel the energy even if they are far away.
Can I send Reiki to a past event?
Yes. Use Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen to send Reiki to a past event. This can help heal old wounds and release karmic patterns.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teaching materials.
