Usui Reiki vs Usui/Tibetan Reiki
Usui Reiki vs Tibetan Reiki: Five Differences and How to Choose
Origin · Transmission · Symbol · Attunement · Levels, according to verifiable history
When learning Reiki, many people ask: 'What is the difference between Usui Reiki and Tibetan Reiki? Which one should I choose?' There are many opinions in the market. Some say Tibetan Reiki 'originates from ancient Tibetan meditation', while others claim it 'has stronger energy'. This article will compare the differences in origin, transmission, symbols, attunement, and levels between the two, and openly explain the controversy surrounding the name 'Tibetan'.
At a glance
Usui Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui in 1922 in Tokyo. Today's 'Tibetan Reiki' mainly refers to Raku Kei developed in the 1980s in the United States, and later combined by William Lee Rand to form 'Usui/Tibetan Reiki' (Usui/Tibetan Reiki). The two are not opposing systems; Tibetan Reiki is built on Usui Reiki and adds additional symbols and attunement techniques.
In this article
- Overview of Five Key Differences
- Difference One: Origins and Dates
- Difference Two: Lineage Figures
- Difference Three: Reiki Symbols
- Difference Four: Attunement Methods and Breathing Techniques
- Difference Five: Level Structure
- The Debate Over the Name “Tibetan”
- Is the Energy “Stronger”? A Reasoned Perspective
- Soul Love Center offers Usui/Tibetan Reiki courses.
- Choosing a System That Suits You
- Frequently asked questions
Overview
Overview of Five Key Differences
| Comparison point | Usui Reiki | Tibetan Reiki (Raku Kei / Usui / Tibetan Reiki) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Origins and Dates | Japan, 1922, Mikao Usui established a school in Tokyo | USA, mid-1980s Raku Kei; 1989 onwards Usui/Tibetan Reiki |
| 2. Lineage Figures | Mikao Usui → Chujiro Hayashi → Hawayo Takata | Hawayo Takata → Iris Ishikuro → Arthur Robertson → William Lee Rand |
| 3. Symbols | Four traditional symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Ko Myo | Four Usui symbols, plus Tibetan Master symbols (Dumo), Fire Snake, and some systems use Raku |
| 4. Attunement Methods | Takata-style Usui Reiki Level 1 uses four attunements | Raku Kei attunement is more concise; includes purple breathing and Hui Yin (perineal) contraction |
| 5. Level Structure | Traditionally divided into Shoden, Okuden and Shinpiden | Usui/Tibetan Reiki I, II, IIIa (advanced), IIIb (Master) |
It is important to emphasize that these five aspects are all related to historical and technical levels; regarding the 'strength and weakness of energy', it is a subjective description, see the following. A Reasoned Perspective section.
Difference 1 · Origin
Difference One: Origins and Dates
Usui Reiki: Tokyo, 1922
Mikao Usui (1865–1926) experienced Reiki after twenty-one days of fasting practice on Mount Kurama in Kyoto. In April 1922, he established a society in Aoyama-Harajuku, Tokyo, to teach the Reiki method. These accounts appear on the Saihoji memorial erected in 1927, the most reliable historical source for Usui Reiki. For details, see Mikao Usui and What Is Usui Reiki? A Complete Introduction to Mikao Usui and Reiki 。
Tibetan Reiki: United States, 1980s
According to William Lee Rand, Iris Ishikuro, Hawayo Takata's student and cousin, learnt another method alongside Usui Reiki from her sister, who worked at a Tibetan temple in Hawaii. This later became known as Raku Kei. Ishikuro's student Arthur Robertson learnt both systems and began teaching them in the mid-1980s.
In 1989, Rand studied both systems with teachers from Robertson's lineage. He subsequently combined them as Usui/Tibetan Reiki and founded the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT).
A Common Misunderstanding
There is also a legend that Mikao Usui learned from a Tibetan teacher, but the memorial inscription only records that he practiced meditation on Mount Kurama and received Reiki energy, and there is no record of this.
Difference 2 · Lineage
Difference Two: Lineage Figures
| Person | Role | Related system |
|---|---|---|
| Mikao Usui | The founder of Usui Reiki, Mikao Usui, established the association in 1922. | Usui Reiki |
| Chujiro Hayashi | Usui's student and a former naval doctor who continued the teaching | Usui Reiki |
| Hawayo Takata | Became a Reiki teacher in 1938 and brought Reiki to the West; trained 22 Reiki Masters before her death in 1980 | Usui Reiki (Takata style) |
| Iris Ishikuro | Takata's student and cousin; according to Rand, she also studied Raku Kei | Usui Reiki and Raku Kei |
| Arthur Robertson | Ishikuro's student, who began teaching in the mid-1980s | Raku Kei |
| William Lee Rand | Combined the two and founded the ICRT | Usui/Tibetan Reiki |
Rand notes that Ishikuro's reasonable teacher-training fees helped Reiki spread faster, and believes that most Reiki practitioners worldwide today trace their lineage through her.
Difference 3 · Symbols
Difference Three: Reiki Symbols
The Four Traditional Usui Reiki Symbols
| Symbol | Common name | Soul Love Center Course |
|---|---|---|
| Cho Ku Rei | Power symbol | Level 2 |
| Sei He Ki | Emotional symbol | Level 2 |
| Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen | Distant symbol | Level 2 |
| Dai Ko Myo | Master symbol | Advanced (Master symbol) |
Soul Love Center's Intermediate course teaches the power, emotional and distance symbols; the Advanced course teaches Master-level and specified symbols. Cathy explains Videos the meaning and application of Dai Ko Myo and Sei Hei Ki.
Symbols Added by the Tibetan System
- Tibetan Dai Ko Myo (also known as Dumo): used for Master Level attunement in the Usui/Tibetan system.
- Fire Serpent: generally drawn from the top of the head down the spine, then spiraling at the bottom of the spine during attunement.
- Raku: A lightning-shaped symbol used in some systems for grounding at the end of a session or attunement, separating the teacher's and student's energetic connection.
According to Rand, the Usui/Tibetan system retains Takata's four Usui symbols and adds two Tibetan symbols, making six in total. Teaching may vary between instructors.
Difference 4 · Attunement
Difference Four: Attunement Methods and Breathing Techniques
Number of Attunements
Rand describes Takata-style Usui Reiki Level 1 as using four attunements, while Raku Kei uses one. When combining the systems, he retained all the steps and symbols from the four Usui Level 1 attunements within a single attunement. Soul Love Center's Usui Reiki beginner course includes two individual attunements.
Violet Breath and Hui Yin (the perineal point)
The Tibetan system adds two attunement techniques:
- Violet Breath: A breathing and visualization technique used during an attunement.
- Hui Yin contraction: Contract the perineal point while resting the tongue against the roof of the mouth. This relates to the microcosmic orbit in qigong.
These two techniques are generally not considered part of traditional Usui Reiki. Soul Love Center's Intermediate course includes the microcosmic orbit, while its Master course includes activation of the microcosmic orbit. For more about attunement, see What Does Reiki Attunement Feel Like? Students Share Their Experiences 。
Difference 5 · Levels
Difference Five: Level Structure
| System | Level |
|---|---|
| Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki | Shoden, Okuden, and Shinpiden |
| Usui/Tibetan Reiki（Rand） | Level I、Level II、Level IIIa（Advanced Reiki Training）、Level IIIb（Master） |
| Soul Love Center | Initial, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master Level (Usui/Tibetan Reiki) |
Different centers have different grading methods. It is recommended to check the content and attunement schedule for each level before enrollment. Comparisons between levels can be found Choosing Reiki Courses in Hong Kong: Four Levels, Fees and Content 。
The "Tibetan" Question
The Debate Over the Name “Tibetan”
- Origins not independently verified: Accounts linking Raku Kei with Tibet mainly come from the teachers themselves and have not been confirmed by independent historical sources.
- The symbols do not have Tibetan names: researchers have pointed out that the so-called Tibetan symbols do not have Tibetan names.
- A general term: The UK's Reiki Council describes Tibetan Reiki as a general term, usually incorporating elements of Raku Kei or Usui/Tibetan Reiki, with a lineage generally passing through Takata, Ishikuro and Robertson.
Understanding these backgrounds does not diminish the value of Tibetan Reiki as a method of practice; however, as a student, knowing the true lineage of the system allows for informed choices.
A Rational View
Is the Energy “Stronger”? A Reasoned Perspective
Tibetan Reiki is sometimes described as “stronger, deeper and more cleansing”, while Usui Reiki is described as “gentle and balanced”. These are subjective descriptions from some practitioners and cannot be measured objectively.
- The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is currently no scientific evidence to support the existence of an energy field referred to as 'Reiki', and Reiki has not been clearly proven to be effective for any health-related use. However, no harmful effects have been found in studies.
- Therefore, when choosing a system, it is more valuable to consider the content of the course, the instructor's qualifications, and your learning goals, rather than which energy is stronger.
- No system can replace the diagnosis and treatment provided by a registered physician.
Further reading: Does Reiki Work? What Research Says About Stress and Sleep 。
At Soul Love Center
Soul Love Center offers Usui/Tibetan Reiki courses.
At Soul Love Center, students first progress through Usui Reiki Level 1, Level 2 and Advanced. Tibetan Reiki content is taught in the Master course, which “teaches various opening methods and techniques, as well as all Usui Reiki/Tibetan Reiki symbols”.
Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Course Content
- Transpersonal Chakra
- Activation of Transpersonal Chakra
- Tibetan/Usui Master symbols and mantras
- Reiju attunement techniques for others
- Reiki Healing Attunement
- Earth compassion energy / personal tutelary deity
- Activation of the microcosmic orbit
- Enhance connection with your Reiki Guides
- Advanced Reiki Family Constellations
- Aura clearing, also called spiritual surgery
- Blood exchange technique
- Professional ethics for Reiki practitioners
Course Information
- Fee: HK$8,888
- Time: 4 days, plus 1 day follow-up
- Entry requirement: Completion of the Usui Reiki Advanced course
- Certificate: After completing the course, the center will issue relevant certificates and IARP-recognized Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Level certificates; participants may also apply for self-paid membership to complete the ICRT International Certification Usui/Tibetan Reiki course to connect with IARP International Certification Master Teacher qualifications.
Cathy Wong is an IARP-registered Reiki Master Teacher (IARP no. 62694574), and integrates the wisdom of the I Ching and family constellations, etc., for holistic wellbeing, see detailed information. Our Teacher and I Ching, Family Constellations and Reiki: Three Approaches to Deeper Healing 。
How to Choose
Choosing a System That Suits You
Ask Yourself Three Questions First
- What is my goal? To practice self-care, care for family, or become a Reiki teacher?
- Do I value traditional practices or am I willing to learn later-stage techniques?
- Is the teacher's qualification, course content, and attunement schedule clear and transparent?
Choose According to Your Goals
| Your goal | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|
| Learn daily self-healing | Usui Reiki Level 1 (HK$900) |
| Learn Reiki symbols and distant Reiki | Usui Reiki Level 2 (HK$1,380) |
| Explore spirituality and integration with the I Ching | Advanced Usui Reiki (HK$1,880) |
| Learn both Usui and Tibetan symbols and become a teacher | Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master (HK$8,888) |
| You only want to try a session first | Book a Reiki session; see Reiki Session Fees and What Happens During a Session |
For criteria when choosing a centre, see Where to Learn Reiki in Hong Kong: Seven Factors to Consider ; for Reiki as a career, see Career Guide for Holistic Wellbeing Practitioners . For a comparison of all courses, see Our services 。
FAQ
Usui Reiki and Tibetan Reiki: Frequently Asked Questions
Did Tibetan Reiki Originate in Tibet?
There is currently no independent evidence confirming this. The documented lineage runs from Hawayo Takata's student Iris Ishikuro to Arthur Robertson, who began teaching Raku Kei with two additional “Tibetan” symbols and Violet Breath in the mid-1980s. William Lee Rand later combined Usui Reiki and Raku Kei as Usui/Tibetan Reiki. The UK's Reiki Council also describes Tibetan Reiki as a general term, usually incorporating Raku Kei or Usui/Tibetan elements.
What are the differences between the symbols of Usui Reiki and Tibetan Reiki?
Usui Reiki has four symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, and Dai Ko Myo. Usui/Tibetan systems add the Tibetan Dai Ko Myo (also called Dumo) and the Fire Serpent symbol, and some systems use Raku for grounding and ending.
Is the Fire Serpent a Breathing Technique?
No. The Fire Serpent is a symbol; some systems draw it along the spine during attunement. The breathing technique in the Tibetan system is called the Violet Breath and involves contracting the Hui Yin point; these techniques are generally not considered part of traditional Usui Reiki.
Is Tibetan Reiki Energy Stronger Than Usui Reiki?
This is a subjective description from the practitioner, and cannot be objectively measured. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is currently no scientific evidence to support the existence of an energy field referred to as Reiki. The differences mainly lie in history, symbols, attunement methods, and level structures.
Does Soul Love Center teach Tibetan Reiki?
Yes. The Soul Love Center offers a Master Level International Certification Workshop in Usui/Tibetan Reiki (HK$8,888, 4 days plus 1 day follow-up). It teaches all Usui and Tibetan Reiki symbols, including the Tibetan/Usui Master symbols and mantras; only participants who have completed the Usui Advanced Level course are eligible to enroll.
Must I Learn Usui Reiki First?
At Soul Love Center, Tibetan Reiki is part of the Master course. Students must first complete Usui Reiki Level 1, Level 2 and Advanced in sequence.
For more questions, see Frequently asked questions ; for all articles, see Article library ; for student experiences, see Student Testimonials 。
Important Notice: Usui and Tibetan Reiki are auxiliary methods for holistic wellbeing and are not medical advice. They cannot replace the diagnosis and treatment provided by registered doctors.
Begin with Usui Reiki and Progress to Master Level
First, establish the foundation of Usui Reiki, then integrate the Usui and Tibetan Reiki symbols in the Master Level course. To learn your ideal starting point, please WhatsApp Cathy.
