Fast facts
Passed from master to student
To preserve power
Symbols are sacred
Symbols are published
Many still honor tradition
The Tradition
Why Reiki Symbols Were Kept Secret
Reiki symbols were traditionally kept secret. They were passed orally from master to student. They were not written down.
The secrecy was about preserving the tradition. It was about respect. It was about ensuring the symbols were taught properly.
In modern practice, the symbols are widely published. But many practitioners still respect the tradition.
Reasons for Secrecy
Why the symbols were kept secret.
- Preserve power: The secrecy was believed to preserve the power of the symbols. They were not to be used casually.
- Ensure respect: The secrecy ensured that students learned the symbols with proper respect and understanding.
- Protect the tradition: The secrecy protected the tradition from misuse or dilution.
- Maintain the student-teacher relationship: The secrecy was part of the oral tradition. The teacher gave the symbols to the student.
- Prevent misuse: The secrecy prevented the symbols from being used by those who did not understand them.
The Secrecy Tradition
Why Reiki symbols were kept secret.
Preserve Power
Secrecy was believed to preserve the power of the symbols.
Ensure Respect
Students learned the symbols with proper respect.
Protect Tradition
The secrecy protected the tradition from misuse.
Maintain Relationship
The secrecy was part of the student-teacher relationship.
Prevent Misuse
The secrecy prevented misuse by those who did not understand.
The Tradition
The Oral Tradition of Reiki
Reiki was traditionally taught orally. The symbols were passed from master to student. They were not written down.
The oral tradition was common in Japanese spiritual practices. It ensured that the teaching was personal and direct.
The student received the symbols from the teacher. The teacher passed the symbols to the student. The line continued.
The Modern Era
Reiki Symbols in Modern Practice
In modern practice, the Reiki symbols are widely published. You can find them in books and online.
The secrecy tradition has evolved. Many practitioners still respect the tradition. They teach the symbols only to attuned students.
The symbolism of secrecy remains. Even though the symbols are published, they are treated with respect.
What Practitioners Say
I respect the tradition of secrecy. I teach the symbols to my students when they are ready. I do not display them casually. They are sacred.
The symbols are published. But the tradition of secrecy is still meaningful. It is about respect, not hiding. The symbols are sacred. Treat them that way.
Do not use the symbols casually. Whether or not they are 'secret,' they are sacred. Use them with respect. That is the tradition.
Key takeaways
- Reiki symbols were traditionally kept secret.
- They were passed orally from master to student.
- The secrecy preserved power, ensured respect, protected the tradition, maintained the student-teacher relationship, and prevented misuse.
- In modern practice, the symbols are widely published.
- Many practitioners still respect the tradition.
- Treat the symbols with respect.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Reiki symbols secret?
They were traditionally kept secret to preserve power, ensure respect, protect the tradition, maintain the student-teacher relationship, and prevent misuse.
Are Reiki symbols still secret?
They are widely published. But many practitioners still respect the tradition of secrecy.
Can I draw Reiki symbols without attunement?
You can. But traditionally, they are taught only after attunement. Treat them with respect.
Why are Reiki symbols not written down traditionally?
They were passed orally. The oral tradition was common in Japanese spiritual practices.
Should I keep Reiki symbols secret?
That depends on your tradition. Many practitioners teach them only to attuned students. Others are more open.
Sources
- Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki teachings.
