The Three Degrees (Shoden · Okuden · Shinpiden)

The Three Degrees are the traditional stages of Reiki training, each marked by its own attunements and deepening practice. The Japanese names describe a journey from the outer beginnings of the art to its innermost heart.

• Shoden (初伝) — "first/beginning teachings." The first degree opens the student to Reiki through attunement and focuses on self-healing and treating others through hands-on practice. The foundation is laid here.
• Okuden (奥伝) — "inner/hidden teachings." The second degree introduces the Reiki symbols and mantras, including distant healing, and works more deeply with mental and emotional healing.
• Shinpiden (神秘伝) — "mystery teachings." The master level, where the student receives the master symbol, learns to give attunements, and may go on to teach. It is as much a spiritual deepening as a qualification.

West and East. Western systems often label these First, Second, and Third (Master) Degree, sometimes splitting the master level into practitioner and teacher stages. The names differ, but the arc — open, deepen, master and pass on — is shared.

The Three Degrees are best seen not as a ladder to climb quickly, but as a path to walk: each stage asking for practice, patience, and integration before the next.