Reiki II; Deeper into the Light

     In the western tradition of Reiki, we often refer to Reiki II or Second Degree, as "Practitioner level".  When I initially learned Reiki, that title was a little confusing.  However, it is not a complete misnomer.  For anyone desiring to open a Reiki practice it is a logical next step.  Yet, that is not the only reason for wanting to take your Reiki to the next level.
     Second Degree, is, also, known as Okuden.  This has been translated to mean "the deep inside" or to transmit in depth".  The essence of Second Degree is that it takes your practice to the next level.  This level takes you deeper into the uses and understanding of Reiki.  Not only does it enhance your treatments for others, it enhances them for yourself as well.  Through my personal practice of Reiki, I have come to understand it as a way of life--not just a healing modality.  In fact, I never personally established a Reiki practice.  Although, I have spent a lot of time using Reiki to treat others, I found my personal journey with Reiki to be much more beneficial to me.  I spent many years at Level II.  I found that at this level, I was able to heal others and myself while deepening my relationship to Reiki.
  In fact, with the guidance of my Master, my self-treatments turned into something different.  Using the three Sacred Symbols that I acquired at this level and the Second Degree techniques, my personal practice flourished.  I developed a new understanding of what it means to be connected to Divinity.  My intuition began to grow and become stronger.  I could feel in my hands where healing and energy were required.  When I sat in meditation, I could feel the energy around me and moving through me--even stronger than before.
     Furthermore, the more I practiced and used Reiki, the more focused I felt the energy become.  It was, also, as if I had more control over the energy.  I likened it to being like a laser.  I seemed to be able to concentrate the energy more effectively.  The Reiki energy seemed to be telling me where to put my hands, for how long and what to do with them next.  Thus, I began to change as did my view of the world around me.  It was a gradual process--so gentle and loving.  Yet, it changed me at my core.  It deepened my connection to everything.  It was at this level that I truly began to understand the limitlessness that Reiki holds.  Coming to understand the symbols and their many uses can take a lifetime.  Thus, only those who have a calling to teach really pursue Reiki beyond this level.
     Looking back on my life with Reiki, I realize that it was at this level that Reiki sank into my heart and soul and I began to know:

Reiki is a Way of Life!