Ranks and Levels:
There are ranks
and levels within the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai's system of Reiho. Ranks are based
on the student's ability to channel the energy and their adeptness or
proficiency in performing the techniques. A student will go from proficiency
rank 6 ('the beginning level' or First Degree) where the student learns hand-on
and other Shoden techniques; through fifth and fourth. It is not until the
student attains the third proficiency rank that Okuden (or Second Degree)
techniques (including symbols and later distance healing) are offered. It can
take a student as long as 10 years before Okuden is attained because it is based
on the amount of energy channeled and the success rate with clients. In other
words the student must have fully mastered the rank before new levels are
offered.
• Proficiency Rank 6—Shoden Level ('beginning teachings'),
• Proficiency Rank 5,
• Proficiency Rank 4,
• Proficiency Rank 3—Okuden Zenki, Okuden Koeki and Shinpiden Levels,
• Proficiency Rank 2—Usui's Rank,
• Proficiency Rank 1—Unachieved to date.
Usui Sensei placed himself at Proficiency Rank 2, leaving Rank 1 for someone who
would surpass his own ability. This gesture was to encourage his pupils to work
hard in all aspects of Reiho, especially spiritual growth. To date no member of
the Gakkai has achieved Usui's level of ability.
There are four levels taught in the Gakkai, Shoden ('beginning teachings' or
First Degree), Okuden Zenki ('highest or secret level', first term or Second
Degree), Okuden Koeki ('highest or secret level', latter term or personal
mastery) and Shinpiden ('God's secret method' teacher training or Master). At
each level additional techniques are given. The spiritual aspect with techniques
for personal growth and enlightenment are taught in all levels of Reiho. Reiho
is seen as a method or path to reaching higher levels of spiritual consciousness
with healing being a 'by-product' that occurs from connecting to the
'True-self'. When a student has mastered Okuden Koeki and the collective Usui
Reiki Ryoho Gakkai Shinpiden feel the student is ready or able, they may vote
for the student to receive Shinpiden (teacher training). However it must be
noted that currently there are only 6 Shinpiden in the whole Gakkai. Precisely
how a student is chosen to receive training or when Shinpiden is actually taught
is not known.
A school of Reiho taught by Kyozou Ogawa offers six levels. The highest
level available is Okuden Koeki or level 1. When one takes Shinpiden or teacher
training they learn to teach the information and techniques, and do the
attunements for all six levels of Reiho. Following are the levels taught:
• Level 6: Dai Loku Tou - Shoden Level ('Beginning teachings'),
• Level 5: Dai Go Tou - Shoden Level,
• Level 4: Dai Yon Tou - Shoden Level,
• Level 3: Dai San Tou - Shoden Level,
• Level 2: Okuden Zenki - Okuden First Term,
• Level 1: Okuden Koeki - Okuden Latter Term ('Highest or secret
level') and
• Teaching Level: Shinpiden - ('God's secret method')