Shoden Reiki Level One Training
Shoden means first teachings and is the first level of study within Usui Reiki Ryoho. This two day in-person course is open to complete beginners and to those who wish to begin again through a more Japanese-rooted approach to Reiki.
Shoden is first and foremost about your own practice your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
You will learn how to work with the Reiki precepts, meditation, breathing practices and hands-on healing as part of daily life. You will also receive Reiju and have time to experience Reiki by both giving and receiving hands-on practice during the course.
You do not need any previous knowledge or spiritual experience. The course begins at the foundation and each practice is explained clearly.
Course details
Level: Shoden, Reiki Level One
Format: Two days of in-person training
Location: Holistic Care Durham Therapy and Training Centre, TS28 5DJ
Course fee: £250
Group size: Small-group training
What Is Shoden?
The Japanese word Shoden may be translated as first teachings and they form a great foundation. It introduces the practices and principles that support every later level of Reiki training. Shoden is not a lesser or basic version of Reiki that is left behind once a student progresses.
The Reiki precepts, meditation and hands-on healing remain central throughout Okuden and Shinpiden.
At this level, the emphasis is on your own experience. You will begin developing a relationship with Reiki through regular practice rather than relying only on theory or trying to reproduce another person’s experiences.
What You Will Study
During Shoden, you will explore:
- What Reiki is
- The meaning of Usui Reiki Ryoho
- Mikao Usui and the development of the system
- The five elements of the system of Reiki
- The Reiki precepts
- Gasshō
- Meditation and breathing practices taught at Shoden
- Awareness of hara
- Hands-on healing for yourself
- Hands-on healing for another person
- Working with the hands on or just above the body
- Giving and receiving a complete Reiki treatment
- Developing sensitivity and awareness
- Consent and personal boundaries
- Establishing a regular Reiki practice
The Reiki Precepts
The Reiki precepts are at the heart of the system. They are not rules used to judge whether we are practising correctly. They offer a framework for reflection, self-awareness and the way we meet daily life. You will explore their meaning, historical context and practical use rather than only learning a translated version by memory.
Meditation and Breathing Practices
You will be introduced to practices appropriate to Shoden, including Gasshō and meditation centred around the breath and hara. These practices support concentration, awareness and the cultivation of ki. They also provide an important foundation for the practices introduced at later levels.
Hands-on Healing
You will learn how to offer Reiki to yourself and another person through hands-on healing. The hands are not treated as the source of Reiki, nor will you be taught to diagnose conditions or force energy towards a particular outcome. The practice involves presence, awareness and allowing the recipient’s system to receive what is appropriate for them.
Reiju
Four Reiju is offered during the course. It is a spiritual blessing given by the teacher to support the student’s practice and understanding of Reiki. Reiju is not presented as a one-time event that gives someone a special power. It can be received regularly as part of continued Reiki study.
What Is Included
Your Shoden course includes:
- Two days of in-person teaching
- 4 Reiju
- A comprehensive Shoden training manual
- Guided meditation and personal practice
- Hands-on practical work
- Giving and receiving a Reiki treatment
- Certificate of completion
- Continued student support
- Access to relevant supporting materials
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: No previous Reiki training is required. Students should have received at least one Reiki treatment before choosing to train. This gives you an opportunity to experience Reiki for yourself before committing to formal study. The treatment does not have to have been received from me, although Reiki appointments are available at Holistic Care Durham.
Is Shoden Practitioner Training?
Shoden is focused on personal practice and does not provide professional practitioner status. After completing Shoden, you may offer Reiki informally to yourself, family and friends while continuing to develop your experience. Students who wish to work professionally will progress to Okuden and complete the required practitioner development and case study work.
Certification
A Shoden certificate is awarded after attending and completing both course days. The certificate confirms completion of Reiki Level One within this lineage. It does not certify the student as a professional Reiki practitioner.
Course Fee
£250
A deposit is required to reserve your place. The remaining balance must be paid two weeks before the course begins.