The Way of Koshin Reiki
(光心の道)
Koshin no Michi
—the Way of the Luminous Heart — is the living practice of the Koshin Reiki lineage. It is the integration of technique, presence, and awakening that arises as the kokoro (heart-mind) is purified and illuminated through practice.
This Way is rooted in the teachings of Usui, Hayashi, and Takata, carried forward through John Harvey Gray, and revealed through the realization of Koshin (光心), the luminous heart, on Mount Kurama. It is not a new invention. It is the structure and essence of Reiki as it has been transmitted through this lineage.
Koshin no Michi is expressed through eight pillars, each one an essential part of the Way.
The 8 Pillars of Koshin Reiki
1. The Precepts (Kyōgi)
The Reiki Precepts form the foundation of Koshin Reiki. They orient the practitioner toward presence, humility, and clarity, and serve as daily disciplines for purifying the kokoro — the heart-mind.
2. Reiki Meditation (Hatsurei-hō)
Hatsurei-hō is the central cultivation practice of the lineage. It steadies the mind, refines sensitivity in the hands, and deepens the practitioner’s experience of stillness and luminous awareness.
3. Self-Treatment
Daily self-treatment is essential to the Way of Koshin. It strengthens the practitioner’s grounding, clarifies perception, and ensures that one receives the benefits of Reiki directly before offering it to others.
4. Anatomical Hand Positions
Koshin Reiki preserves clear, structured hand placements that support thorough and grounded treatment. This approach reflects the original form and intention of Usui Reiki Ryōhō.
5. Scanning Techniques
Through tactile awareness, practitioners learn to perceive areas of imbalance in the body. Scanning develops sensitivity, discernment, and confidence in applying Reiki with clarity and precision.
6. Mental Treatment
Mental Treatment addresses the patterns of the mind with steadiness and compassion. Practitioners work with presence and intention to support harmony in thought and emotion.
7. The Reiki Finish
The Reiki Finish is a traditional method for integrating and completing a treatment. It brings closure, balance, and a sense of wholeness at the end of the session.
8. Lineage & Cooperation
Koshin Reiki honors the initiating lineage as the vehicle of transmission and recognizes the shared roots of all branches of Usui Shiki Ryōhō. Mutual respect and cooperation uphold the integrity of the Way.
Levels of Training in Koshin Reiki
First Degree (Shoden)
Hands-on Reiki practice for oneself and others.
This level establishes the foundation of treatment and daily Reiki discipline.
Second Degree (Okuden)
Distant treatment and the internal practices of Usui Reiki Ryōhō.
Students learn the deeper applications of Reiki in daily life and in treatment.
Reiki Master Practitioner (Shinpiden)
Advanced practice and integration of the system.
Students deepen their discipline and prepare for the responsibilities of mastery.
Reiki Master Teacher (Shihan)
The teaching level of Koshin Reiki.
Shihan are authorized to initiate students and carry the lineage forward.
The Way of the Luminous Heart
Koshin no Michi is the living thread tying these eight elements together. When practiced sincerely, these methods purify the kokoro, deepen presence, clarify perception, and allow the practitioner to experience the luminous heart that Usui realized on Mount Kurama.
Koshin Reiki invites you to walk this Way — with integrity, clarity, and the light of a purified heart-mind.