Glossary: Tantra
Tantra glossary written by Shambhalanath and Lokanath
Abhaya. Fearlessness. Security.
Abhichara. Black magic.
Abhra. Mica. The Ovum of Shakti.
Abhyasa. A regular practice. Discipline.
Absorption. The Nath sits on the Dragon Seat inside a magical circle and creates or re-arranges energy to form a cone. Mind projections drawn into this cone are classified as absorption. See also: Expansion.
Academies of Sense Perception. A deep study of the qualities and abilities of the five senses.
Adhara. A base or center of spiritual power.
Adhikara. Being spiritually competent for spiritual study. Adhyatmika. Body of knowledge relating to God.
Adhyaya. A chapter of a book.
Adi. Supreme. Primordial.
Adi-Nath. Sub-sect of the Nath line. Consciousness; awareness itself. A title of Shiva.
Aditi. Space.
Aditya. The Sun.
Advaita. Not two. State of oneness with all.
Agama. The tradition of the Tantriks and Kaula, as opposed to that of the orthodox or Aryans known as Veda. In Agamas, Shakti asks Shiva questions, and he replies. In Nigamas, this is reversed.
Agamas. Tantrik scriptures dealing with rites, dharma, cosomology.
Agarthi. Cave complex under the Himalayas from a ruined Gobi Desert civilization. Their traditions include: following the right hand path, being easy to understand, having a religious orthodoxy, being filled with superstitions, having a priestcraft and using prayers of dubious value. See: Shambhala.
Agni-Hotra. Square fire pit of Vedic Brahmins.
Ajapa Mantra. “Hang-Sah.” The mantra of the in and out sounds of the breath.
Akula. Not Kula. Shiva. The Alpha Ovule.
Amavasya. New Moon.
Amrita. That which is immortal. Nectar of the Gods. Female Ejaculation.
Amoral. Not moral. That is, does not have the values of morals placed upon it. Electricity is amoral. The opposite of moral is immoral.
Anama. “Without name”. A synonym for Hamsa 21600.
Ananda. Bliss. Joy.
Angaraka. Mars.
Anima The siddhi of becoming as small as an atom. There are 7 others, so the whole group is referred to as the 8 Siddhis.
Apadravya Artificial phallus.
Apara Lower, worldly knowledge.
Arambhashura “A hero in the beginning.” One who fails to finish heroically.
Ardhanareswara Shiva and Shakti in one image.
Arghya. An ark or receptical of creative power. Arrows, flowering. The five senses.
Artha. Substance; what requires gathering for human sustenance, i.e. food, wealth, etc.
Ashirwad. Blessings.
Ashram(a). Home of a person or group who lead a spiritual life. Usually for a Guru and Chelas.
Asuras. Antigods.
Atma(n). The highest or true self as distinct from the consciousness or ego. Shiva embodied. There is no difference between Atman and Paramatman except that caused by Maya. The Atman is not necessarily embodied.
Atmadarshan. Vision of the Real.
Aushadhi. Name of the Goddess as Mother of Herbs and medicine.
Avatar(a). Incarnation of a God or Goddess into a human or animal form. One who incarnates a particular truth or path on Earth. Thus, Matsyendranath is the Avatar of the Kaula Jnana Nirnaya Tantra.
Avidya. Ignorance. Spiritual blindness. Illusion.
Ayurveda. “Knowledge of longevity”. Traditional Indian medicine and medical practices.
Ayurvaidyas. Those who practice traditional Indian medical techniques.
Azoth. Alchemical term: The Elixir. Nectar. Amrit.
Bala. Daring. Also the name of the girl Bala, an aspect of Tripurasundari.
Bali. Animal sacrifice.
Bhaga, See yoni. Also means “Good Luck”(!)
Bhairava. The terrific aspect of Shiva. His vehicle is a black dog.
Bhairavas. “The Fearless Ones” who are members of a Tantrik sect which worship Kali.
Bhairavi. Shakti or partner of Bhairava.
Bhakta. A devotee.
Bhakti Yoga. Path of devotion to God.
Bhasma. Ash.
Bhasmagiris. Hills of Bhasma. Pure ash of burnt wood. Some Bhasmagiris are huge.
Bhaya. Fear.
Bhoga. Sexual enjoyment. Enjoyment of the senses.
Bhojana. Food. “That which is enjoyed”. There are three types: Lunar, composed of sense impressions; Solar, composed of the breath; Fiery, composed of edibles and water.
Bhuchari. A group of Shaktis connected with objects.
Bhukti Muktikaranika. The path of enjoyment and liberation.
Bhu Prastara. A ritual posture of the Suvasini: she is recumbent.
Bhuts. Elementals. The term comes from bhuta. These are the five elements, Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth.
Bindu. The point without a center from which proceeds Cosmic Sound (Nada). Drop. Dot. Semen.
Bija. A “root” or “seed” sound or syllable of a mantra. Sperm.
Body Yantra. Simplified version of the Shri Yantra. A map of the Microcosmos.
Bow (of sugarcane). The mind.
Brahma. The creator of the Cosmos.
Brahma Trees. Trees whose wood or flowers or leaves have some particular spiritual merit.
Brahmarandhra. The hole of Brahma. The spiritual center at the top of the head.
Brahmin. One who knows Brahma or the Absolute.
Chaaya. Shadow. The Astral Body.
Chakra. Circle or wheel, often applied to the diagrams or yantras used in ritual worship, or to centers of spirituality within or without the body, as Macrocosm and Microcosm are one. Lotus. A center of energy. A place of worship.
Chandra. The Moon.
Chandra Bindu. “Juice of the Moon”. Precedes Maithuna in the Suvasini.
Chandrakalas. The 108 Navamshas. See Navamshas.
Chela. Pupil of a Guru.
Chhala. A sham.
Chhoma. Finger signs used for secret identification.
Chhota. Little.
Chit. Consciousness.
Chitrini. A tiny nadi within another nadi.
Dakini. See Shakti. The elemental embodiment of supernatural knowledge and ability.
Dakshina. Gift given to one’s Guru.
Dakshina Marg. Right hand path. South path. Opposite of Vama Marg.
Danda. Magick wand. A rod.
Darshan. Vision. Direct experience of spiritual energies and forces.
Datta. Form of Dattatreya.
Dattatreya. The ultimate guru figure of India. Some sects have deified him.
Demon. An individual guardian spirit (Latin: Daemon. Greek: Daimon). In Xtian thought: an evil spirit. Follows the custom of converting non-Xtian dieties and concepts into devils and evil desires. A demon can only be bad when the mind conceives it as being so.
Deva(s). God(s). Shining ones.
Devadas(is). “Servants of the Gods”. Temple prostitutes.
Devi. Goddess or Shakti. There are said to be 33,000,000 Devis, but all are aspects of one primordial Goddess. Devi Chakra. The circle of all the Shaktis or Energy Clusters of the Goddess.
Dharana. Concentration of mental energy on one point.
Dharma. Duty. What requires to be done. Law. Justice. Also a technical name for Shakti.
Dhatu-Vada. “Essence Way”. Alchemy.
Dhuni. Sacred “fire”. It only smolders. Made of wood or cow dung. Of non-Vedic origin. Usually circular (yoni image) about 10-12 inches in diameter. It is tended by Sadhus at their homes.
Dhuti. Messenger.
Dhyana. Meditation. Consciousness without thought. Image to be used in meditation.
Digambara. Clothed with the directions of space; Naked. Refers to Dattatreya. Compare to Wiccan “skyclad” and Nuit of Liber Al.
Digits. Periods relating to the Moon cycle. Kali’s digits: waning Moon. Lalita’s digits: waxing Moon. Jvalamukhi’s unified digits: full Moon.
Diksha. “Enhallowment”. Initiation.
Dikshaka. One who initiates.
Dikshita. One who is initiated
Dragon Seat. The center of a Zonule (qv).
Dvapara Yuga. Second great period of time.
Dvesha. Hatred. Aversion.
Dvija. “Twice born”. Initiated.
Ekagrata. One pointedness. Concentrating on one thing at a time.
Emkara. The sylable “Aim”–seed mantra of Tara and Sarasvati.
Expansion. The Nath sits on the Dragon Seat inside a magical circle. From the circle s/he creates or rearranges energy to form a cone. Mind projections sent outside this cone are classified as expansion. See: Absorption.
Fourth. The Wake-Dream-Deep Sleep continuum.
Gandharva. Celestial musicians in the Heaven of Indra (Indraloka).
Garbha. The womb.
Gauri. The Golden One. A name of the Goddess.
Goad. Represents repulsion. Represents the Sun.
Gochari. A group of Shaktis connected with the 5 senses of the knower.
Gola. A type of menstrual blood.
Granthi. Knot or complex. Knot of delusion.
Guna. Quality or trait. There are 3: Rajas–active; Tamas–passive; and Sattvas–the balance of Rajas and Tamas.
Gems of the Naths, See jewels of the Naths.
Guru. “The Dispeller of Ignorance”. A guide. A realized preceptor who can guide the sincere. The living representative of a philosophical or religious system. There is no difference between realized Guide, Goddess and God.
Guruparampara. A serial line of teachers.
Guru Purnima. See purnima.
Hamsa. “Swan”. A mantra which is the natural sound of the breath. It is uttered 21600 times a day.
Hatakeshvara. An aspect of Shiva.
Hatha Yoga. “Sun-Moon Yoga”. Exercises for better physical health. Also means “Forced Yoga”. Can detract from spiritual pursuits by addicting one to the body. Evolved by Gorakhnath.
Hrim. A mantra of Maya Shakti. Pronounced “Hreem”.
Iccha. The Will.
Iccha Shakti. The Shakti or Energy of Will.
Ida. The (feminine, lunar) nadi going about the central Sushumna nadi.
Jada. Inert. Physical body without consciousness.
Jagat. “That which is always going”. The phenomenal world.
Jagrat. Waking state of consciousness.
Japa(m). Repetition; as of a mantra.
Jewels of the Naths. There are three: Sama–equipoise; Samarasa–seeing self as the world, and the world in the self; and Sahaja–spontaneous naturalism.
Jiva. The incarnated Atma.
Jivatma. Individual consciousness.
Jivamukta. Liberated while still in the body.
Jnana. Knowledge.
Jnana Shakti. The Shakti or Energy of Knowledge.
Kailasa Prastara. Denotes the female superior sexual position.
Kaivalya. Supreme liberation of consciousness from a sense of individuation granted by Kali.
Kala. Time. Star. Perfume. Ray. Essence. Unguent. Part or division of one whole process or thing.
Kalagnirudra. The Fire at the End of Time which burns up the whole Cosmic play.
Kali. Goddess of Time or Period. Presiding Goddess of the Naths.
Kalpa. An age. See Yuga.
Kama. God of erotic love. Lust. Sexuality. What is required for procreation.
Kamakala. Essence of desire. Triangle of bindus (red, white and mixed) representing the Yoni of the Goddess. In Shri Vidya (Knowledge of the Shri Yantra) it means that for creation sperm and egg must come together. The inner heart of the Bindu. See the booklet, “Lalita Magick”.
Kamakhya Pitha. Seat of the Goddess at Kamarupa. A place especially sacred as it is the place of the Devi’s Yoni on Earth.
Kamarupi. The Goddess at Kamakhya.
Kamrup. An image or form of desire. A power zone.
Kanchuka. Clothes.
Kanchuki Devi. The Goddess as wearing different clothes (Kanchuka) which represents layers of other Shaktis.
Kanya. Girl. Virgin. Virgo.
Kapala. Human skull.
Karana. Primal cause.
Karma. “Action”. “Results of doing”. Inevitable law of cause and effect. May last over lifetimes.
Kartikkeya. A son of Shiva. Also known as Skanda or Subrahmana. His vehicle is a cockerel.
Kaula. A knower of Kali-kala. The perfect assimilation within oneself of both Sun and Moon. Symbol: an eclipse.
Kaulesha. Lord of Kaula.
Kaulika. One following the path of Kaula. Relating to the Kulas or clusters.
Kavacha. A protective amulet. Armor.
Khageshvari. Goddess of Space or Aether.
Khechara. One who can move in the Expanse of Consciousness = Shiva.
Khechari. A group of Shaktis connected with the Knower.
Kinnaras. Spirits who are half human and half beast in the service of Kubera.
Kirtana. Song and dance of worshippers of Vishnu or his incarnations.
Kleshas. “Pain”. There are five dealt with in Nath literature: Ignorance, Ego (an imaginary opinion of ourselves), Repulsion (to overcome it. This means learning that nothing is horrible in itself), Attachment (the false idea that we possess anything), and Clinging to Life.
Krishna. “The Black One”, “The Stealer of Souls” The eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Represents the spontaneous power of unconventional sex.
Krita Yuga. First great period of time.
Kriya. “Action”. Sometimes electric-like shocks that can cause the physical body to twitch.
Kriya Shakti. The Energy or Shakti of Action.
Kshetraja. The Shaktis born from sacred sites.
Kshetrapala. A son of Shiva. He rules over the land around the homestead and has a terrifying form.
Kula. “Clan”. A Shakti or Energy. Family or cluster of Kali’s Shaktis: some build, some maintain, and some whithdraw.
Kulachara. The Path of the Kulas.
Kulayana. Another name for Kula or Kaulashastra.
Kumari. Virgin.
Kumani Puja. Worship of virgins.
Kunda. Type of menstrual blood.
Kundalina. The Devi who is concealed in the internal dhooni or smouldering firepit.
Kundalini. The “fire snake” supposedly at the base of the spine.
Kundalini Yoga. A modern term based on a misunderstanding of Laya Yoga. If valid, it is dangerous to do as described. There are simpler and safer methods.
Kusha. Sacred grass. Used in certain ceremonies.
Lakh. 100,000.
Lakini. One of the 7 Shaktis associated with the metabolism of food in the human body.
Laksha. Points in the body which are to be meditated upon.
Lalita. Sexual aspect of Shakti. Collective form of the three Shaktis of Shiva (See Shiva): Will, Knowledge, Action.
Laya Yoga. An attempt to raise the levels of consciousness until “liberation” is reached. No known person has succeeded by this method. Nathas say it is only symbolic.
Lila. Play. Sport. Game.
Lingam. Male genital organ. The special symbol of Shiva.
Lokapalas. World protectors. There are four, represented by the equinoxes and solstices. They are also represented by the sphynx or the riddle of Egypt.
Lokas. Worlds or planes of existence. Inhabited by intelligent beings.
Madya. Wine.
Magick. The six types of Tantrik Magick are for the purposes of protection, peacemaking, victory, wealth, punishing and destroying.
Maha. Great.
Mahadeva. “Great God”, that is, Shiva.
Mahadevi. The Great Goddess.
Mahasamadhi. Refers to a tomb.
Mahatma. Great soul.
Maha-yuga. “Great Age”. It is composed of 4 Yugas for a total of 4,320,000 years.
Maithuna. Ritual sexual intercourse.
Makara. “Truths”. “Substances”. Pancha Makaras or Pancha Tatvas means the 5 truths or principles. It refers to a sexual Tantrik ritual.
Mala. Rosary.
Mamsa. Meat.
Mandala. A magick circle.
Mantra(m). Words with inherent power. God or Goddess in sound form.
Mantraja. The Shaktis created from the spiritual process of uttering mantras.
Mantrin (fem: Mantrini). A magician who practices mantra magic.
Marg. Path or way.
Marma. Power zone on the human body. There are said to be 108 of them. On the Shri Yantra, as related to the human body, a marma is said to exist where 3 lines intersect.
Matrika. The letters of the alphabet. The Goddess in her form as all sound and speech.
Maya. “Illusion”. Goddess who causes us to see energy patterns as the physical world. “…the mystic, magick power of Shakti which manifests, makes and creates the relative and forms the basic delusion of all mankind…between Truth and mankind hangs the eternal veil of maya delusion.”
Meena. Fish.
Mercury. Semen.
Moksha. Ultimate spiritual liberation from material bondage. One of the 4 duties of a human. The others are Dharma, Artha and Kama.
Mounam. Silence. To take mounam means to take a vow of silence.
Mridanga. A type of drum.
Mrityunjaya. Shiva as conqueror of death.
Mudra. Symbolic and/or magickal gestures. Poached grain. A talisman. Large wooden earrings of Gorakhnath followers.
Mukti. Liberation from individualized consciousness.
Muni. Sage.
Nada(m). Vibrational energy which pervades all things. It manifests as sound. “The absolute as sound.
Nadi. “River”. Current or channel of psychic energy. Conduits of Prana. Nerve passages in the body. There are said to be 72,000 nadis. The pulse. 150th part of the Ascendant in a Sidereal Birth Chart.
Nagas. Serpent spirits.
Nakshatra. One of the 27 sidereal lunar constellations.
Nath(a).Lord, Master. Mistress. Protector. Refuge. One who gives equal importance to the three energies within: Lunar (intellect), Solar (emotions), and Fire (bodily sensations). An ancient Indian Magickal Cult.
Navamshas. 200′ of arc in Sidereal Astrology. Each constellation has 1800′ of arc. Therefore, there are 9 (nava) navamshas in a sidereal constellation. Since there are 12 constellations in the Sidereal zodiac there are 9 times 12 or 108 navamshas.
Nayika Siddhi. Magick power to evoke a beautiful woman.
Nectar. See Amrita.
Nitya. Day or “digit” of the Moon. Eternal. Unchanging.
Nivritti.Cessation of mental tendencies. A life of having no physical things as followed by Sannyasins. Involution. Opposite of Pravritti.
Niyama. Restraint of mind.
Noose. Represents attachment, the Moon.
Nyasa. “Applying” drawn energy for a purpose such as transfering power to a candidate during initiation.
Ob-blocks. See Kleshas.
Ojas. Magickal energy. Semen.
Omkara. The famous mantric sylable OM or AUM.
Paan. A sweetmeat made of betel nut and other fragrant substances wrapped in a betel leaf.
Pada. Feet.
Padma. “Lotus”. Symbol of yoni.
Padukas. Wooden sandals. Worn by Dattatreya.
Pagal. “Mad”. Pagalnath: Nath sect so-called due to outrageous behavior.
Pancha. Five.
Para. Transcendental spiritual wisdom. Beyond. Distant. Far.
Parada. “Mercury”. Semen of Shiva.
Parampara. Line of succession.
Para Shakti. Supreme Shakti in whom all the other Shaktis or Clusters reside.
Paro. Mysterious or secret pattern to an action done by one’s own will.
Pashu. Animal herd. Animal nature. Literally “a beast” but in the special sense meaning a human being who is ignorant and uninitiated.
Patra. Magick chalice.
Phat. “Crack”. The Thunderbolt Mantra. Used to drive off disturbing spirits. Fingers should be snapped around head while saying it.
Pinda. The Microcosm. Pindas are small balls of food offered during the Shraddha or ancestor ceremony.
Pingala. Male, Solar nadi opposite Ida nadi going about the central Sushumna nadi.
Pitha. Pedestal, but applied to mean a site where a particular aspect of the Goddess presides. Pitha also refers to centres within the body.
Pithaja. The Shaktis born form the spiritual centers or pedestals (Pitha) of Goddesses.
Pradakshina. Walking clockwise in a temple as a form of worship.
Prakriti. Materialized nature. It is the basis of the three Gunas.
Prana. The body’s energy. Spirit. Breath. Similar to the Kabalistic “Ruach”.
Prana-pratishtha. Life-implacing. Techniques to manifest “life” within an object.
Prajna. True wisdom. A higher mode of knowing.
Prasada. Peace. Tranquility. An offering of food. Pravritti. Worldly life. Evolution. A flowing forth, unfolding what is within. Opposite of Nivritti.
Prayoga. Application (uses).
Preya. That which is pleasing to the senses.
Puja. Magick. Worship.
Pujari. Priest.
Purana. “Ancient”. A class of Sanskrit scriptures concerning Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva written for the masses. There are 18 Puranas.
Purnima. Full Moon. Guru Purnima: The day reserved for homage to Guru. A festival, related to the element of Spirit. Occurs in late July or early August.
Purusha. Pure, unmanifested consciousness.
Rajas. Guna of activity. Menstrual blood.
Rasa. The elixir in Alchemy. “Liquid”. “Mercury”. Sense of taste. Dance of Krishna and the Gopis.
Rasi-Chakra. Zodiac. Rasi means 1/12 division of the zodiac.
Raurava. A terrible underworld.
Ridgepole. Fluid yet equipose line existing between the two states of active and passive.
Rishi. A Seer. Sage. Maharishi means great sage.
Ritu. Rite or ceremony. Time between a woman’s menstrual flow. The menses.
Roga. Disease.
Rupa. Outward appearance. Beauty. Image.
Sadhaka. A follower of a Sadhana. A magician.
Sadhana. “Direct way”. A ritual. A spiritual discipline.
Sadhu. Holy man. Ascetic. Yogi.
Sahaja. Spontaneity. Shaktis spontaneously created. Joy. Naturalness. Amorality. Giving all worldly things divine status.
Sahaja Chakra. Circle or Sphere of Spontaneity. Sahaja is one of the three gems of the Nathas. Samarasa and Sama are the other two.
Sahajiya. Doctrine of nature. Doctrine of spontaneity. Sa Ham/So Ham. “I am she” or “I am he”. Sound of the breath. See: Hamsa.
Sahodara. Brother or sister.
Sama. Equipoise consciousness. A state in which all is viewed equally. Balance. The same. Equal.
Samadhi. Complete contemplation where the mind and soul attain close relationship and understanding. Can lead to Samarasa.
Samadrishti. “Equal vision”. Seeing all things as equal. Samarasa. Where the yogi(ni) sees himself (herself) as the world and the world as being in himself (herself). Perfect assimilation within oneself. Equipoise in feelings. Mind at rest.
Sama Veda. Veda of chants. One of the four Vedas.
Samhita. Mystic union.
Sampradaya. Lineage. Tradition. Sect.
Samsara. The wheel or ocean of life and death. Wheel of time. Combinations of Shiva’s 3 Shaktis which create diversity in the cosmos. ‘All together flowing
Samskara. A mental impression produced by past experiences, mental or behavioral patterns.
Samvit. Consciousness.
Sandhi. Joints in the human frame. Body power zones found where two lines meet on the Shri Chakra (compare with marmas). They are 24 in number. Dawn and Dusk (the twilights).
Sandhya. See Sandhi.
Sandhya Bhasha. Twilight language. Similar to the style of some Kabalistic works, it refers to writings which seem to mean one thing, while actually signifying something else. This can use very figurative writing (such as in the Zohar) or very brief basics which need to be expanded upon (such as in the Sepher Yetzirah).
Sandoha. Assemby Point for Naths and Kaulas.
Sangsara. See: Samsara
Sannyasin. One who rejects society to devote himself or herself to intellectual and spiritual culture.
Sattvas. Guna of reconciliation between action and passivity. Peace. Law.
Satya. Truth. Reality.
Shabda. Vibrational energy manifesting as sound. Includes physical or “struck” sound and internal, silent unstruck” sound.
Shajasamadhi. Highest form of Samadhi.
Shakinis. Witch-spirits.
Shakti. An Energy or Power of supreme Shiva. Feminine counterpart to each of the Gods of the Hindu pantheon, especially of Shiva. The power, drive and force within a person.
Shambhala. Cave complex under the Himalayas from a ruined Gobi Desert area society. Their traditions include: Working the left-hand path; Doing Tantrik Magick; The study of science and yoga. It is said that the next avatara will come from Shambhala. Compare with Agarthi.
Shambu. “Horn of Plenty”. A title of Shiva.
Shanti. Peace. Tranquility. Often repeated 3 times after a prayer.
Shastra. Compendium or collection of knowledge.
Shava. Corpse. “Shiva is Shava without Shakti”.
Shishya. Disciple or neophyte.
Shiva. Lord of Withdrawal. Represents pure consciousness. Possesses 3 Shaktis or Powers: Iccha (Will), Jnana (Knowledge), and Kriya (Doing).
Shloka. Short verse.
Shri. Auspicious. Holy. Beauty.
Shri Chakra. Two dimensional form of the Supreme Goddess.
Shrim. Mantra of Lakshmi Shakti, also known as Shri. Pronounced “Shreem”.
Shukra. Semen.
Shula. Spear.
Shunya. “Zero”. A yoni symbol.
Shushupti. The state of dreamless sleep in which distinctions between knower and known are abolished.
Siddha. A perfect or realized or enlightened being. One who possesses Siddhis.
Siddhi. Magickal or spiritual power for the control of self, others and the forces of nature.
Sloka. See: Shloka.
Smashanam. Cremation ground.
Soma. Nectar of Ecstasy. Lunar deity. Any of 24 types of psychoactive plants given in the Vedas.
Spanda. Vibration.
Sphota. Sound; vibration from which the phenomenal world emanated.
Sri. See: Shri.
Sthitaprajna. One established in Spiritual Wisdom.
Sukha. Pleasure.
Sulphur. Menses.
Sunyata. The void. The abyss.
Suras. Gods.
Sushumna. Main nadi. It runs vertically through the spine.
Sushupti. Deep dreamless sleep.
Suta. A famous Brahmin Rishi of antiquity.
Sutra. “Thread”. An aphorism. A book of aphorisms.
Suvasini. “Fragrant woman’. Priestess in some Tantrik rites. Shakti of the Sadhaka.
Svaha. “Hail” (greeting or honoring).
Svapushpa. Menses.
Svarupa. The true nature of things.
Svecchacharya. The path of doing one s own Will.
Swapna. Dream state consciousness.
Swasti. “It is well”. “May it be auspicious”. A power phrase.
Tamas. Guna of rest, passivity.
Tankas. Banners.
Tantra. A system of spiritual beliefs and practices said to be derived from Sanskrit Roots signifying: “body” because of its emphasis on bodily activities; “stretch” because it extends the faculties of humans; “Rope” because it secures the devotee to diety; “Harp” for the music and beauty of its philosophy; “Interiorness” for the secrecy of its doctrine; “Loom” suggesting the 2 cosmic principles, male and female, that make up the warp and woof of the woven fabric of the universe.
Tapas. “Asceticism”. “Heat”. A psychic glow as a result of arousing and controlling the psycho-sexual energy of the body.
Tarpana. Liquid oblation.
Tattva. “Things”. Principle. Truth. Element. Essence.
Temenos. Sacred zone.
Tika. Mark on forehead signifying commitment to a spiritual ideal.
Tirtha. Sacred bathing place. Power zone.
Treta Yuga. Third great period of Time.
Tridandin. A member of the Brahmin caste who has retired from worldly life.
Triple Blessing. “Shanti, Shakti, Shambhu.” It means, Peace, Power, Plenty.”
Tripura. “3 Cities”. A Form of Lalita. Her 3 cities are her Shaktis or Powers.
Tripurasundari. See: Lalita. The Triple Goddess. Composed of Bala (the young virgin), Sundari (the mother of the universe), and Bhairavi (the crone).
Twilight Worship. Puja at dawn, midday, sunset and midnight.
Udbhava. Type of menstrual blood.
Umbra. “Shadow”. “Shade”. Archaic meaning: something or some entity which accompanies a person or thing. Therefore, a guardian spirit; an attendant phantom, present but not visible.
Upadhi. Similar to Maya. The illusion we place over reality. Smash Upadhi and enlightenment occurs.
Upanishad. “The sitting down at the feet of a teacher to listen to his words.” Secret or Esoteric doctrine. Oral lore. There are said to be 108 Upanishads. It is either genuine magickal lore or it is not a true Upanishad. They are not a religion. The two basic types are Agamic (Tantrika) Upanishads and Vedic Upanishads.
Upeksha. Indifference. Beyond caring.
Vairagya. Freedom from desire. Detachment.
Vajra. Adamantine. In the Nath tradition it means “that which survives all”. The Alpha Ovule. Shiva. A double trident. Signifies the human body.
Vajrini. Tiny duct carrying prana within the subtle body.
Vama. Left. Woman. Excrement. What is vomited forth.
Vama-Chara. See: Vama Marg.
Vama Marg(a). Left turning path. Reversal of conventional concepts of spirituality. Methods which are quicker and more direct.
Vashat. Well done.
Vatuka. The Little Brahmin, or the virginal knower of the Absolute. An aspect of Shiva.
Veda. “Knowledge”. “Ritual lore”. Usually applied to the texts of the orthodox Aryans. These four principle Vedas are the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. In the current Kali Yuga there are so many contradictory interpretations of fragmented and corrupted Vedic texts that they have become irrelevant. The true “scriptures” for this age are the Tantras.
Vedika. Square area for worship.
Vetala. Vampire.
Vidya. “Knowledge”. A “Female Mantra” or Goddess in the form of sound.
Vidya Gupta. Secret oral traditions. Compare with Kabalah.
Vina. A type of stringed musical instrument.
Viparit-karani. “Opposite Doing”. Doing actions contrary to the social norm–thus, eating beef in India (a taboo) is used as Viparit-karani in some Tantrik rituals.
Viparita Maithuna. Ritual sexual intercourse with the female superior.
Vira. “Hero”. An initiate or aspirant for higher, spiritual life. One who is on the path of the Kaulanaths.
Virabhava. Ritual sexual intercourse of a Sadhaka and his Shakti. It also means heroic disposition as Divyabhava means celestial disposition and Pashubhava means herd-like disposition.
Viraga. “Without desire”. Indifference to pleasure and pain.
Vishnu. Lord of Maintenance.
Vyoma-Malini. Shakti of Space garlanded with Flowers of Creation.
Yajaka. High Priest.
Yaksha. A species of mythological beings who are the attendants of Kubera, God of Wealth. The female Yaksha is a Yakshini.
Yama. God of Death, also known as Dharmaraja. Self control of thoughts and actions.
Yantra. Energized glyph or symbol such as a mandala. Said to have a life of its own. Devi in geometrical or patterned form.
Yavanacharya.“The Greek Teacher”. Pythagoras.
Yoga. “Union”, “Yoke”. The transformation of the mind complex and its activity leading to higher spiritual levels. In the West it is a frequent misnomer for Hatha Yoga.
Yogaja. The Shaktis created from the spiritual work of a Yogi.
Yogi. One who has mastered himself and controls his senses.
Yogin. See: Yogi.
Yogini. A female Yogi. A woman adept. Also a synonym for a Shakti in both celestial and earthly senses.
Yoni. Female sexual organ.
Yuga. “Age”. “Aeon”. There are said to be 4 (Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali) Yugas. We are in the last or Kali Yuga.
Zonule. A small zone. A power area.
Glossary: Usui Reiki
By Rhonda Casale, RMT Intuitive
Advanced Reiki Training: (also known as Level IIIa, Reiki Master Practitioner, or “Personal Mastery Level” in the Usui/Tibetan Systems) A collection of techniques / practices added to the Dr. Hayashi-Takata System of Reiki in the west. Advanced Reiki Training generally consists of Reiki Crystal Grids, a healing Attunement, the Antahkarana symbol, Reiki Guide Meditation, Psychic Surgery, Reiki Symbol Meditation. Most closely associated with Raku Kai Reiki and William Rand’s Usui Tibetan Reiki.
Antahkarana Symbol: The Antahkarana is an ancient healing and meditation symbol that has been used in Tibet and China for thousands of years. It is a powerful symbol, simply having it in your presence creates a positive effect on the chakras and aura. When doing healing work, it focuses and deepens the actions of the healing energies involved. When meditating with the symbol on your person or close by, it creates what the Taoists call the great microcosmic orbit wherein the psychic energies that would normally enter the crown chakra enter the feet and travel up the back of the body to the top of the head and then down the front to the feet again, thus grounding the person to the earth and creating a continuous flow of energy through the chakras. It also neutralizes negative energy that has collected in personal objects such as jewelry or crystals–simply place the object between two symbols, In addition, it enhances all healing modalities both traditional and holistic. For those using the symbol and by clairvoyant’s trained in sensing changes in the aura and chakras have repeatedly confirmed improved results.
Aromatherapy: The use of therapeutic oils for stress reduction, deep relaxation and a variety of other means. Often used with energywork such as Reiki, massage, and meditation. An aromatherapy specialist makes up special tinctures of oil blends for a variety of healing purposes of the body, mind and spirit.
Attunements: Attunements empower people to use Reiki on themselves and others and facilitate a connection to the Reiki source. Attunements are performed by a Reiki Master-Teacher during the initiation ceremony of a Reiki student.
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Beaming: Beaming is a technique of distant healing. You can send Reiki through the air by filling and surrounding your hand (s) with Reiki, then direct it (through your will, vision, and thoughts) to the desired target.
Breath of the Fire Dragon (See also “Violet Breath”): A special breathing technique used to place the Reiki symbol in the crown of the student during an Attunement. It is also used in Raku Kai to develop the microcosmic orbit and strengthen the Reiki channel and promote health.
Byosen (See Also “Scanning”): A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan.
Cho Ku Rei: The First Reiki Symbol and is the “Power” symbol in the Western Styles of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) but is called “Focus” in Traditional Japanese Reiki and in Japan. Some meanings for the symbol might be “God is here”, or “put the power here”.
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Cleansing (21 day cleanse): Cleansing (also “clearing”) is a process of the body removing toxins and realigning the energy fields following a Reiki treatment or Attunement. It is important to wash your hands with cold water before and after a Reiki healing session to both cleanse energetically and physically. With attunements, some practitioners feel this process takes 21 days or can be so severe it can cause a “healing crisis”. Many practitioners feel a reaction to Attunements and treatments is individual and lasts as long as is necessary. Cleansing was taught in the original system but was seldom thought to last more than a day.
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Dai Ko Mio: Is the Master symbol used in the all Reiki Systems. It is the symbol for the Ultimate Source of Love, Light, Harmony and Healing. It is sometimes translated to mean the “Great Shining Light”.
Distant Attunements: An Attunement that uses the Reiki Distant Symbol (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) to perform the Attunement on someone not physically present. An extension of Reiki Distant Healing and the Distant Symbol.
Distant Healing: This is sending Reiki energy for the purpose of healing someone not physically present. This uses the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Distant Symbol) and a variety of techniques such as the photo technique, Reiki stacks, healing lists, or teddy bear technique for a point of focus.
Distant Symbol (See – Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen): The Third Reiki Symbol. The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a combination of Japanese Kanji (symbol language) that can mean “no past, no present, no future” which represents the timeless original purity of the source of all and the spirit of man. A translation might be “To act in the Realization of Absolute Beingness” (Thanks to Gabriel Shivers for that definition).
Dumo (also known as “Tibetan Master Symbol”): The Dumo is a “Tibetan” Symbol that is part of the William Rand Usui/Tibetan System as well as used by various Independent Reiki Masters including Diane Stein. This symbol is also referred to as the “Tibetan
Dai Ko Mio”. This symbol is thought to unify the body and mind. It is reported to work with fire in the base chakra by igniting the Sacred flame (i.e., the Kundalini energy). It is believed to pull negative energy and disease from the body and mind.
Reiki Empowerment: Any process to help another develop the ability to use an energy or technique. The Reiju technique was an empowerment used by Usui to pass the Reiki energy to others.
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Energy Exchanges: Dr. Usui discovered the concept of energy exchange after experiencing what he perceived as energy leaches, those who did not desire healing, only wanting the benefit of the session when it was free. In order to keep the universe in balance Dr. Usui said that there must be a charge for Reiki services and teachings. The term “energy exchange” means just that, in our society energy is expressed most frequently as money.
Fire Serpent (See Also Nin Giz Zida): A “Tibetan” symbol used in the Usui/Tibetan tradition. The Fire Serpent represents the “Sleeping Serpent” coiling at the base of the spine. The fire Serpent is used during an Attunement with horizontal line over top of crown, snaking down the spine, and spiraling clockwise at base of spine; grounds energy into lower (feet to tailbone) body. By reversing the spiral (counter-clockwise) starting at base of spine, snaking up spine and ending with horizontal line over the crown; it pushes energy up to four upper chakras. It does not allow energy to escape out of crown chakra. The fire serpent connects and opens all chakras. It opens the central channel allowing the flow of Kundalini fire. It can be used in healing or meditation for more balance and receptivity.
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Gakkai: The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai was the original organization that Mikao Usui Founded which continues to practice and teach Reiki in an unbroken line since the passing of Mikao Usui. The Gakkai’s practices are referred to as Reiki Ryoho, or “Reiho”. The emphasis is more on a spiritual awakening and healing. The system takes longer to learn than its counterpart in the west. .
Global Reiki Masters Association (GRMA): The Global Reiki Masters Association (GRMA) is an International Association of Reiki Masters. The members are a diverse group who respect all Reiki Practices. The GRMA tries to provide truthful information, training, and empowerment about Reiki. The GRMA is dedicated to spreading the Gift of Reiki throughout the world to all that need and wish to have the Gift of Reiki in their lives. The GRMA was founded by Joseph “Running Wolf” Sparti so that all the wish to learn Reiki are able to do so free of the control of others. The GRMA sponsors Free Worldwide Distant Master Attunements several times per year. These Singular Master Empowerments are performed by the membership of the GRMA.
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Hand Positions: Hand positions refer to the specific hand positions used when performing a Reiki treatment. The Reiki practitioner places their hands on specified positions and lets the Reiki flow into the recipient’s body at these points to facilitate healing. It appears that in Usui’s Original Practices there were five positions and then he used Reji and Byosen to sense and scan for other locations to be treated. In Traditional Japanese Reiki, which is of the Dr. Hayashi line, there are seven positions. In the Dr.
Hayashi-Takata line there are twelve. Other Reiki systems may use different numbers of positions.
Hatsurei Ho: This is a meditation and breathing technique that was used by Usui. It is still used in Reiki Ryoho as practiced by the
Gakkai. It is a technique that empowers the practitioner by increasing and enhancing their Reiki channel and their connection to the Reiki source. It is also to help the practitioner grow spiritually. It includes a self cleansing ritual as well as two different meditation practices.
Hayashi (Chujiro Dr. Hayashi, Dr. Hayashi): Dr. Chujiro Hayashi was made a Reiki Master in 1925 and was a student of Usui. Dr. Hayashi was a retired officer from the Japanese Navy. He opened a Reiki clinic, which was more along the lines of a medical model. Dr. Hayashi made some modifications in the system including a heavier emphasis on the symbols and Attunements, and most likely developed the 12 standard hand positions from in use in the west today. These hand positions allowed Reiki to be given by several practitioners at once. This group healing technique was used in his clinic. He was the teacher of Hawayo Takata.
Healing Attunements: A non-initiatory Attunement technique thought to “increase healing” developed by William Rand. The procedure does not initiate the recipient into Reiki as a practitioner.
Healing Crisis: This can happen when the recipient of a Reiki treatment or Attunement experiences a “release” and goes into an emotional or physical “crisis”. As your subtle body balances itself and begins to eliminate accumulated toxins you may experience a period of discomfort or flu like symptoms, these symptoms may be slight or severe. In all cases a healing crisis is a good sign. It means your body is clearing out toxins and on its way to recovery. In most cases, the discomfort will pass in a day or two, at most a week. Once the release has passed, you will feel much better.
Hypnotherapy: From the revolutionary work of Dr. John Kappas, founder of the first accredited school for hypnotherapy in the US called Hypnosis Motivation Institute, located in Tarzana, California, hypnotherapy is a profound therapy for a plethora of challenges. Hypnotherapy encompasses a variety of applications including: Stress reduction, boosting self esteem, eliminating fears and phobias, pain management, habit control, weight loss, stop smoking, relationship therapy, improve sexual functioning, eliminate performance anxiety and audition stress, and sports performance enhancement. In addition, hypnotherapy is used to explore a variety of spiritual topics including: past life regression, archetypes and inner child, dream therapy and angel channeling. Dr. John Kappas discovered two personality types in how we learn and communicate to the world. This is known as our suggestibility. The two types are Emotional and Physical. This knowledge is essential for the application of hypnosis. Dr. Kappas also discovered theories on our behavior or sexuality and these also have the two categories of Emotional and Physical. Hypnotherapy is used with a variety of other methods of therapy including: NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Time Line Therapy, Archetypes, Circle Therapy and Systematic Desensitization.
Hui Yin Point: This is part of William Rand’s Usui/Tibetan practices and Diane Stein’s Work. Located at the sacral base chakra, contracted in Tibetan Reiki attunements to prevent energy escaping.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: The Third Reiki Symbol The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is a combination of Japanese Kanji (symbol language) that can mean “no past, no present, no future” which represents the timeless original purity of the source of all and the spirit of man. A translation might be “To act in the Realization of Absolute Beingness”
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Independent Reiki Masters: Are those who are Reiki Masters who are not aligned with a particular school. They will often use a variety of techniques derived from other Reiki schools or teachers. The vast majority of Reiki Masters in the west are Independent Reiki Masters.
Initiation: (See Also Attunements) The ceremony performed by a Reiki Master-Teacher to open a student’s energy centers, empowering them with the ability to channel Reiki.
Intent: Reiki is an Intent driven system. Intent is the key to using the Reiki energy in healing and Attunements.
International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP): A group of Reiki professionals who agree to abide by a set of ethics which protect both the healer and the client. Offering members Liability Insurance makes checking them out a plus. They do require copies of your Reiki Certifications in order to join the organization.
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Karuna: Karuna means “Compassionate Action”. Enlightened beings are working to end suffering on Earth and have this quality within them. They incessantly send an unlimited amount of healing energy and guidance to us. However, everyone is not receptive to it. As you develop the inspiring quality of compassionate action within yourself, not only are you helping others, but you also are becoming more receptive to the Karuna that is being sent to you by all these enlightened beings, thus your own healing is accelerated. Karuna is a healing system started by William Rand from his learning new symbols and Kathleen Milner’s healing system which became Tera Mai® Reiki and Seichem. It is claimed to be “higher frequency” than Usui Reiki. It was formerly known as Sai Baba Reiki but the name changed due to legal complications. This system has been developed by William Lee Rand of the International Center for Reiki Training.
Karuna Ki: Karuna Ki is the Compassionate Heart Energy and Healing System developed by Vinny Amador from work with Tera Mai and Karuna. It shares common symbols with Karuna Reiki® and Tera Mai® Reiki but adds many new meditations, mudras and other techniques.
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Levels in Reiki (See Also – Sho-den, Oku-den, Shinpi-den): Reiki is traditionally taught in the West in three levels.
- Level I: Generally includes the Reiki Principles, the hand positions, Reiki History, and you receive the Reiki Attunements. In traditional schools there are four Attunements done at the first level. In other schools, including the Tibetan/Usui schools, there may be a combined level I Attunement. Some schools teach that Reiki I heals on the physical level.
- Level II: Generally includes the three Reiki Symbols (Power, Mental/Emotional, and Connection symbols) Mental/Emotional Healing, Distant Healing, and another Attunement. The Tibetan Usui school includes scanning and beaming techniques. Some schools teach Reiki II: as “emotional healing”.
- Level III (Master/Teacher Level): Generally includes the Usui Master Symbol (empowerment symbol) and its meaning and application, The Attunement process and practice in its application, and how to teach others. Some schools teach that Reiki III is for Spiritual healing.
Some traditions (the Usui/Tibetan Schools and other various Independent Practitioners) have added a Level IIIa in between Level II and the Master/Teacher Level. Level IIIa is often called Advanced Reiki Training (ART). Some of the techniques that might be included here are: Reiki Meditation using the symbols, using the symbols for manifesting goals, Reiki and crystals, making a Reiki crystal grid, Reiki meditation to meet your “Reiki guide”, Reiki Healing Attunement, the Tibetan Antahkarana symbol and a meditation for its use, the Hui Yin position and the Violet Breath.
Lavender Flame Reiki: The Lavender Flame of Quan Yin is a fraction of the Violet Flame of Transmutation. It is part of a triad of energies sourced from that flame, namely Purple, Amethyst and Lavender. All of the energies sourced from Violet have something to do with transformation, transmutation, purification or divine alchemy. In the case of Lavender we deal mostly with purification and divine alchemy, which is clearing the unwanted and turning our experiences into the Light.
The Lavender Flame is a gentle version of Violet with nurturing aspects and a definite Feminine feel to it. Lavender soothes away negative energies, slowly purifying our subtle body, bringing it back into balance. It clears blocks we may have put in place against the Feminine Divine as the result of social or religious conditioning. It brings a feeling of peace and forgiveness with it and as a result, may be used when Violet seems too strong an energy for us. Lavender embraces us, nurturing away our traumas and is good for those of us who need Mother’s Love.
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Master Symbol (See Also Dai Ko Mio): The Dai Ko Mio is the Master symbol used in the all Reiki Systems. It is the symbol for the Ultimate Source of Love, Light, Harmony and Healing. It is sometimes translated to mean the “Great Shining Light”.
Master Teacher: A person who has received the initiations for each of the degrees of Reiki and is able to perform the initiation ceremony. Master was not used in Japan or by Usui but started by Hawayo Takata.
Meditation: Methods of breathing or visualizations designed to bring about a heightened state of consciousness and/or enlightenment. In Usui Reiki Ryoho the most important and prominent is the Hatsurei Ho.
Mental Emotional Symbol (See Also “Sei Hei Ki”): This is the second Reiki symbol. It is thought to help heal on the mental and emotional levels in the body. It is also called the “Harmony” symbol in Traditional Japanese Reiki.
Mikao Usui: Reiki was discovered and developed by Usui who was a Buddhist monk. Born in Japan ,Aug. 15, 1865 in a small village of Taniai, located near Nagoya. He studied Kiko (Japanese version of Qi Gong) on Mt. Karuma when he was young. When Usui got older he decided to go on a 21 day retreat fasting and meditating on Mt Karuma in which he had a enlightening experience. A powerful spiritual light entered his head in which he was attuned to Reiki. He used Reiki on himself and others. In 1922 he started a society called “Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai” meaning Usui Reiki Healing Society. He developed six levels of Reiki. The word Reiki Master is not used in Japan nor was it used by Usui. Hawayo Takata created this title(1970). Usui wanted Reiki to be available to everyone and thought Reiki was a way for people to experience the Divine. Usui transitioned over on March 9, 1926, presumably he suffered a stroke while teaching.
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Nin Giz Zida (See Also Fire Serpent): A “Tibetan” symbol used in the Usui/Tibetan tradition. The Fire Serpent represents the “Sleeping Serpent” coiling at the base of the spine. The fire Serpent is used during an Attunement with horizontal line over top of crown, snaking down the spine, and spiraling clockwise at base of spine; grounds energy into lower (feet to tailbone) body. By reversing the spiral (counter-clockwise) starting at base of spine, snaking up spine and ending with horizontal line over the crown; it pushes energy up to four upper chakras. It does not allow energy to escape out of crown chakra. The fire serpent connects and opens all chakras. It opens the central channel allowing the flow of Kundalini fire. It can be used in healing or meditation for more balance and receptivity.
Non-Traditional Reiki: Reiki in the Dr. Hayashi-Takata (Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition) that has been modified .This might include the addition of distant Attunements, additions of crystals, Angels, other symbols, different Attunements, and other things. The Master are generally Independent Reiki Masters.
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Past Life Regression: A hypnotherapy technique that explores the possibility of past lives, be it literal or as metaphor, and their inherent relationship to events and patterns of our daily lives in the present. When seeking out a professional past life therapist, it is recommended to work only with a licensed clinical hypnotherapist who has had years of training in hypnosis.
Power Symbol (See Also “Cho Ku Rei”): The First Reiki Symbol. Cho Ku Rei is commonly called the “Power” symbol in the Western Styles of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho) but is called “Focus” in Traditional Japanese Reiki and in Japan. Some meanings for the symbol might be “God is here”.
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Raku: A lightning bolt symbol that is used at the end of Attunements to separate the energies of the Master and student. Most commonly used in the Usui/Tibetan and Raku Kai Traditions.
Raku Kai Reiki: A system of Reiki developed by Arthur Robertson. Arthur Robertson was a student of Iris Ishikuro (one of Takata’s 22 Master). The system incorporated Ralf Jensen’s Master Frequency Generator Plates, The “Tibetan” practices of the Hui Yin, and Breath of the Fire Dragon (i.e., Violet Breath), the Tibetan Symbols (Raku, Dumo, and the Fire Serpent), the Sui Ching Water Ritual, and Iris Ishikuro’s use of the White Light Symbol (Johrei). This school has influenced or led to the development of the Usui/Tibetan Schools, Vajra Reiki, as well as Karuna Reiki® and Tera Mai Reiki.
Radiance Technique: A school of Reiki developed by Barbara Weber Ray, who was one of Takata’s 22 Masters. Barbara claimed that she had information from Takata that was not given to the other Master. This school has also been known as Real Reiki. It originally had only three levels, but currently has six.
Reiho: A shortened name for Reiki Ryoho or Reiki ho. It refers to practices and the system used in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.
Reiji: Reiji is the ability to find or spot imbalances in the body. It develops naturally as you practice Reiki. Consistent practice in healing others leads to the ability to be guided to the cause or core issue of the recipient’s problem. This knowledge will be known even before scanning the person’s body
Reiki: Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a system of Enlightenment and a Hands on Healing art developed in the early 1900′s by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words – Rei and Ki, meaning Universal Life Force Energy. The term “Reiki” is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it. The original system by Usui was called Usui Reiki Ryoho. There are many variant’s of Reiki being practiced these days. Included in this list might be Usui Shiki Ryoho, “Traditional Reiki” of the Takata-Furumoto line as practiced in America, Traditional Japanese Reiki developed from Dr. Hayashi’s Students in Japan and practiced in Canada, Various Non-Traditional Reiki Styles practiced by Independent Reiki Masters, Usui-Tibetan Reiki, Tibetan-Usui Reiki, Raku Kai Reiki, Tera Mai(tm) Reiki, Angelic Reiki and many others.
Reik Practioners: They are the channellers’ of Source energy to their clients. There are many applications of reiki from hands on approaches to distant healing as well as various hybrid forms of Reiki. Barbara Brennan: The Brennan approach of hands on energy healing is opposite to the Reiki approach. Reiki begins at the head and moves down to the feet, the Brennan practitioner moves in the opposite direction from feet to the head. Brennan wrote a well known energy-healing book entitled “Healing Hands of Light”.
Reiju: The original empowerment used by Mikao Usui to pass on the Reiki energy. Reiju developed into the Attunements that are used in Usui Shiki Ryoho and in all western Reiki systems.
Reiki Alliance: An organization formed in the Western World by Mrs. Takata’s 22 Master following her death. The organization was formed by Mrs. Takata’s granddaughter, Mrs. Phyllis Furumoto. The Alliance claims to represent “Traditional” Reiki. Its practices represent the Dr. Hayashi-Takata lineage. Mrs. Furumoto went from forming the Alliance to calling herself “Grandmaster” of Reiki and lately the “Spiritual” Lineage holder. The Alliance maintains a requirement that the master level should cost Ten Thousand Dollars. An attempt was made by the Alliance in 1997 to trademark the name “Reiki” and Usui Shiki Ryoho which failed in most countries.
Reiki Circle or Reiki Share: A Reiki Share is a gathering of Reiki Practitioners who join together for a combination social/healing session. It can last anywhere from 3-4 hours or be an all day event. It depends on who is hosting the share and how many people are in attendance on how long the share is. The concept of a “share” is for practitioners to participate in giving and receiving Reiki in a atmosphere of friendship and love. Participating in a share is a beneficial way of honoring one another as healers. Reiki Shares are also commonly referred to as “Reiki Circles.” A share consists of many healing hands on one person at a time. One person lays on a table and the participating practitioners gather around the person laying hands upon him/her facilitating a massive flow of reiki energies. Group energies are often much stronger. It is a wonderful and often profound experience!
Reiki Crystal Grids: A technique that charges crystals with Reiki and then places them in a geometric design. The purpose is to create a protective grid or to use it to send continuous healing. It is most commonly taught in the Usui/Tibetan Schools, and is a part of the Level IIIa curriculum. It is an add-on technique to the system in the Western Reiki practices.
Reiki Ethics: A set of guidelines for the personal and professional conduct of Reiki practitioners. An example might be not sending distant Reiki without permission. These vary from Master to Master and School to School.
Reiki Guides: Are specific “guides” or spirits that work with Reiki and individual practitioners. Some refer to these as “Ascendant Masters”, “Spirits”, or “Guides”. This is an add-on to the system in the western world that was popularized by Diane Stein in her book “Essential Reiki” and is taught as part of William Rand’s Level IIIa class. The belief in them varies to beings that help with Reiki to beliefs like Diane Stein’s that the Reiki Guides do the Attunements and facilitate treatments.
Reiki History: The stories of Mikao Usui and the development of Reiki.There are several versions from the Christianized version told by Mrs. Takata that is used in the Reiki Alliance to the historically accurate version that you can find in books like Frank Arjava Petter’s “Reiki Fire”. Most generally contain the thematic elements of Mikao Usui searching for a system of healing, meditating on Mt. Kurama, becoming enlightened, discovering he could heal, and starting a school to teach others to heal themselves.
Reiki Master Practitioner – A recent term used to describe people who have taken the Level IIIa or “Personal Mastery” classes that some Master offer. Generally these people have received the Reiki Master Attunement but are not given the Level III Master symbols or instructions for attuning others.This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.
Reiki Master Teacher: The original term for a Reiki Teacher in the Western World in the Usui Shiki Ryoho Tradition. It refers to those that have completed the Level IIIb and know the Reiki master symbols and how to attune others. This term is common in the Usui/Tibetan Traditions.
Reiki Principles: A series of five principles written by the Meiji Emperor and used by Usui in Reiki Ryoho. There are many different sets of these. These are designed to help empower the student and to bring about an awakened mental and spiritual state. The most accurate translation might be, “The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings, The spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses, For today only do not anger, do not worry. Be Grateful and Do your work with appreciation. Be kind to all living things. In the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer, Think this in your mind, chant this with your mouth.
Reiki Stacks: A technique used for sending distant Reiki. The recipients and inanimate objects or situations that are to receive Reiki are placed on a list. Reiki is send to all on the list. Users of the technique are warned by its developer, Reiki Master Anthony Glenn Agee, to not make the stack more than 10 people because he believes the energy multiplies or increases the higher you go up the list. (Other Masters do not find this to be the case). It is believed that you can “save” stacks to use at a later time.
Reiki Treatment: Receiving Reiki from a Reiki practitioner for the intent and purpose of healing. It generally consists of a practitioner placing their hands on various hand positions on the recipient’s body and generally takes about 60 minutes. Treatments can be done both in person and distantly (or called remote treatments).
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Scanning (See Also “Byosen”): A process where the hands of the Reiki master move over the body of the recipient to determine if there are weaknesses, changes, or areas in need of treatment. There are various methods used. This is called Byosen Reikian ho in the Reiki ho practices in Japan.
Seichim Reiki: Seichim was discovered by Patrick Ziegler in 1980 after a spiritual experience in the Great Pyramid in Egypt and after receiving Sufi Empowerments from a Sufi Master. The Seichim Reiki (also known as Renegade Reiki) system was developed by T’Om Seaman, Ken Lowry, and Phoenix Summerfield.
SKHM: The current practice of Seichim by Patrick Ziegler. It is an empowerment type system that utilizes a connection to the SKHM energy source and earth mixed together in the heart. It uses “emotional release” as part of the process and as an indication that a connection has been made. It is very similar to Druidic practices such as the Twin Powers Meditation taught in some Druid Schools.
Sei Hei Ki (See Also – Mental/Emotional Symbol) – This is the second Reiki symbol. It is thought to help heal on the mental and emotional levels in the body. It is also called the “Harmony” symbol in Traditional Japanese Reiki.
Shoden: The First Teachings in Reiki Ryoho as taught in the Gakkai in Japan. It generally consists of The five principles, basics of using the system, The Waka Poetry of the Meiji Emperor, the hand positions, and Excerpts from the Handbook of Reiki Treatment (to guide treatment), and Questions and Answers from Usui.
Shinpiden: The fourth teaching or “Mystery Teachings” in the Usui Reiki Ryoho practices in Japan. It consisted of Kouketsu ho, Breathing out method (healing with the breath), The Reiki Group Treatment, Healing by sending a thought or wish, the Reiki Circle, and how to perform Reiju or the empowerment.
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Takata (Mrs. Hawayo Takata): A student of Chujiro Dr. Hayashi and the first Reiki Master to be allowed to teach Reiki in the western world. She is the person most responsible for the spread of Reiki in the west today. Most western lineages come from Mrs. Takata.
Tera Mai Reiki – A school of Reiki developed by Kathleen Milner. This school draws from the Raku Kai Reiki line, and also adds a number of “channeled” symbols and procedures that Kathleen believes a “higher” being gave her on the “inner planes”.
Tibetan Reiki – A school of Reiki that believes to have found the original practices from Tibet. There are a number of additional levels as well as a number of different symbols that are a mix of Sanskrit and Japanese Kanji. Tibetan Reiki is also used generically to describe Usui/Tibetan and Tibetan/Usui Reiki.
Tibetan Master Symbol (See Also “Dumo”): The Dumo is a “Tibetan” Symbol that is part of the William Rand Usui/Tibetan System as well as used by various Independent Reiki Masters including Diane Stein. This symbol is also referred to as the “Tibetan Dai Ko Mio”. This symbol is thought to unify the body and mind. It is reported to work with fire in the base chakra by igniting the Sacred flame (i.e., the Kundalini energy). It is believed to pull negative energy and disease from the body and mind.
Traditional Japanese Reiki: A school of Reiki developed by Dave King in Canada. Traditional Japanese Reiki was developed from information from the Dr. Hayashi line in Japan that does not include the Takata lineage. It was developed and is practiced in the west.
Traditional Reiki – This term generally refers to the practices of the Reiki Alliance and those that follow closely the Takata lineage.
U
Usui Shiki Ryoho – This refers to Reiki of the Dr. Hayashi lineage. This can include Reiki in the Dr. Hayashi-Takata Lineage. It is the most common practice of Reiki in the western world. This system uses Attunements and a heavy reliance on the Reiki symbols.
Usui Reiki Hikkei: This is the Usui Reiki Handbook that Mikao Usui Gave to his Students. It contained four Parts. Part one was the “Teachings of Usui Reiki Ryoho”. Part two was an “Explanation of Instruction for the Public”. Part three was the Ryoho Shishon or “Method of Healing Guide. Part four was the Meiji Renno Gyosei or “Poems of the Meiji Emperor”.
Usui Reiki Ryoho: This refers to the practice of Reiki as Usui practiced it and as it is still practiced in Japan in an unbroken line since Usui. This system uses meditations, such as Hatsurei ho, and other practices so the person can develop spiritually and heal. Empowerments such as Reiju are used (rather than Attunements) to help the student clear the channels and to help pass on the Reiki energy.
Usui Tibetan Reiki: A school of Reiki that built on the work of Arthur Robertson’s Raku Kai Reiki. It has four levels being Level I, Level II, Level IIIa, and Level IIIb. The system added a number of techniques such as using crystals, guides, healing Attunements, as well as various “Tibetan” symbols. This system was made popular by William Rand and Diane Stein.
V
Vajra Reiki (See also Johrei) - A system of Reiki that uses some of the Tibetan Material as well as the White Light (Johrei) symbol.
Violet Breath (See also “Breath of the Fire Dragon”) – A special breathing technique used to place the Reiki symbol in the crown of the student during an Attunement. It is also used in Raku Kai to develop the microcosmic orbit and strengthen the Reiki channel and promote health.
