In simple terms, Reiki is a spiritual practice, that taps into the energy's of an individual, for different purposes of purification of body, mind and soul. Who can do this? How can I tell if the person is really a qualified practitioner? what are the different levels of Reiki? what are the different Reiki certificates one can receive. These are all but some common questions a Reiki enthusiasts asks himself.

Of course, in order to become a teacher, one should be a student first. Just as we go through different levels of education to attain our degree's and certificates, so does one go through a few levels of Reiki Certificates to become a master. Training under a master only gives you the boost and the sense of satisfaction. Even otherwise, one can attain mastery of Reiki but learning from books.

The various levels of Reiki certificates are: - First Degree Reiki or simple Reiki I (known as Shoden in Japan) - the student is given reiju (also know as denju or initiation).

- Second Degree Reiki or simple Reiki II (Know as Okuden/Chuuden) - in this level, the first 3 Reiki symbols and their uses are taught, the student also receives another attunement.

- Master Reiki or Advanced Reiki (known as Shinpiden) - is the final level where one is taught the Usui 4th Symbol among others. In Japan a Reiki Master/Teacher is called Shihan.

How can one get certified?

There was a time earlier to the advent of Internet, where people traveling to Japan would acquire the Mastery, by paying quite larger amounts, return and setup their own clinics, also it would taken anywhere between 2-3weeks to a year, depending on the teacher/Master to attain the level of a Master. Even today we do find a few of them who are following the traditional ways of attunement.

Of late, a self initiation technique called the Chikara-Reiki-Do has been helping individuals attune themselves to the wonderful energy of Reiki and also attune all seven major chakras to the Reiki energy. The basis to the this self-realization is the fact that Master Mikao Usui, the founder or Reiki, had attained his atonement after 3 weeks of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama.