The Reiki Attunement: A Gateway to Authentic Empowerment

The Reiki attunement is often described as the heart of Reiki practice. It is more than a technique; it is a direct experience that awakens your capacity to connect with universal energy in a way that is deeply personal and transformative.

Unlike some modern interpretations that treat attunement like flicking a switch, the authentic attunement process is a journey of empowerment. It is a reminder of your innate connection to the universal life force that flows through all things, and it is one of the most powerful aspects of the Reiki journey.

What Actually Happens During an Attunement

In the tradition of Reiki Jin Kei Do and Buddho, the attunement process involves harmonising and refining the energy centres (chakras) of the body. Through this process, the vibration or frequency of the chakras is increased, aligning your energy field to resonate more closely with the universal energy. This attunement clarifies the inner channels, helping you connect with the natural flow of Reiki in a deeper, more authentic way.

It's believed that the Reiki attunement process has its roots in the empowerments found in Buddho: a spiritual development, meditation and healing tradition that predates modern Reiki. In Buddho, empowerments are used to awaken the practitioner’s inherent potential and connection to universal energy. This process was the basis for the Reiki attunement as we know it today, preserving the essential spirit of initiation and energetic awakening.

Practically speaking, the attunement is performed by a Reiki teacher, who uses specific symbols and hand positions to help awaken the recipient’s system to its true nature. Rather than guiding the energy in, this process is about opening the practitioner’s awareness to their innate connection to the universal energy field, a reminder of the unity that was always there.

The Importance of Lineage

In Shingon Buddhism, empowerments (kanjo) also play a significant role. Here, too, the empowerment is not simply a symbolic act; it is a process that transmits the lineage energy and awakens the practitioner’s own innate Buddha Nature: their awakened state or true self. This transmission is a powerful reminder that the teacher’s lineage is not just a historical detail but a living thread that shapes the quality and depth of the empowerment itself.

In Reiki circles, however, it is increasingly common for practitioners to train in multiple lineages, receiving attunements in each one. They then go on to teach Reiki based on a blend of what they have learned, but the attunement they give to students might come from any one of those training pathways. This often creates confusion, as it is not always clear which lineage’s energy is being transmitted. The concept of lineage gets muddied further by the widespread belief that “the energy is all the same,” which downplays the significance of a clear, intentional, lineage-based transmission. While Reiki energy is universal, each lineage carries its own unique qualities, shaped by the intention, experience, and realisations of the teacher who transmits it.

An attunement given in one lineage may carry a different energetic emphasis or style of practice than one from another lineage. When these are blended without clarity or discernment, the practitioner can end up confused about which system they are working with and may not fully experience the depth of any one lineage’s potential.

In authentic practice, just as in Shingon Buddhism, it is the quality of the teacher’s transmission, the integrity of the lineage, and the practitioner’s commitment that allow the empowerment to fully awaken one’s innate potential. Rather than chasing multiple lineages or collecting attunements like certificates, it is far more powerful to focus on the depth of the connection you have received, allowing it to guide your growth and reveal your own true nature.

More Than Just a Ceremony

Many people think of the Reiki attunement as a one-time event that switches on the ability to channel energy. In a sense, this is true: an attunement is a key that unlocks a deeper connection to the universal energy field. But it is not something that needs to be repeated, nor can it be undone or taken away.

Once you have received a genuine attunement from a qualified Reiki teacher, it is with you for life. You cannot lose the ability to do Reiki, even if you stop practising for a while. The attunement is a permanent shift in your energy system, establishing a lasting connection to the universal energy field.

Unlike some beliefs that energy is given to you, the attunement awakens the natural flow of energy that was always within you. The teacher uses specific techniques and symbols to align your energy field with Reiki’s vibration, increasing the frequency of your chakras and clarifying your inner channels.

This shift often triggers a temporary detox or cleansing period as your body, mind, and energy adjust to the new frequency. Old patterns, emotions, or physical discomforts may surface as your system realigns. This is not a sign that something is wrong; it is a natural process of releasing what no longer serves you and reintroducing you to your core nature.

An attunement cannot be undone or removed. It is not a power that can be revoked or given away by someone else; it is a profound reminder of your inherent connection to universal energy. Once the seed is planted, it is yours to nurture through daily practice, self-treatments, and living in harmony with Reiki’s principles.

If you are ready to explore Reiki in its depth and authenticity, it all begins with the attunement, a sacred transmission that empowers you to embrace the healing journey that is already within you.

Ready to Deepen Your Journey?

If you are ready to explore Reiki in its depth and authenticity, I would love to guide you further. Visit my courses page to explore my Reiki courses, workshops, and Buddho training opportunities. You can also sign up for my newsletter to receive regular insights, event updates, and practical tips to support your journey.

Explore my courses and upcoming workshops.

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive insights.

Contact me directly if you have questions or need personalised guidance.

All the best,

Steve