tradition
Karuna® Reiki
A compassion-centered system developed by William Lee Rand and the ICRT.
Karuna® Reiki is a compassion-centered system developed by William Lee Rand and the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) in the 1990s, building upon Usui and Tibetan Reiki. The Sanskrit word karuna means "compassion" — and more specifically compassionate action: the wish to relieve the suffering of all beings, and the willingness to act on it.
Its focus. Where the heart of Usui Reiki is universal life energy, Karuna Reiki emphasizes working with compassion as a guiding force — said to connect the practitioner more closely with enlightened beings and the energies of love and mercy.
What's added. The system introduces a set of additional symbols and mantras beyond the traditional Usui ones, used for deeper healing, shadow work, and grounding. It is typically taught to those who have already reached the Reiki master level.
A trademarked path. "Karuna Reiki" is a registered trademark of the ICRT, which sets its training standards; the closely related, non-trademarked form is often called Karuna Ki.
Karuna Reiki is one of many modern branches of the wider Reiki family — a complementary practice offered for relaxation, compassion, and spiritual growth.
Take this glossary entry into your practice
This entry is open to everyone. A free account adds saved searches, the sequences you build yourself, and your own notes — no card, no trial clock.
Open this library on your phone
Scan the code to carry on reading on your phone. The app itself is on its way to the App Store.

