Independent Karuna Studies
by Terri Ramacus

According to the rules that govern the Karuna Reiki system, the "Karuna Reiki" Attunements can only be passed to Reiki Master/Teachers. As for teaching this particular method of Reiki, the founder of the Karuna Reiki™ will not allow me to teach the course online, unless I call it something other than the trademarked name; "Karuna Reiki." Thus the "Independent Karuna Studies." In addition, while I am registered with the Center, I am not "Center Certified." Why? Because at the time I was Attuned to the Karuna Reiki´™, I could not afford all of the Center's fees and such. The courses, registration fees, books, etc., etc., offered by the Center are rather costly.... I'm not saying that it's a bad thing to charge so much for these courses. I'm only saying that I can't afford it. Since the time of my Karuna Attunement, the registration form and fees have changed. It is not mandatory that I sign the new registration form, since I am registered under the old program. However, by not signing the new form, I must also state that "The (Karuna Reiki) classes and treatments offered here do not meet current standards," and "current standards" prohibit teaching the class online.

I'm going to start out with something that is used in both the Usui and the Karuna methods of healing. Much of what is taught in one tradition was taken from and/or incorporated into another system.

Lesson 1 - Full Healing
Before the client comes you for a Reiki treatment, you may want to prepare your work area by burning some candles. You may also want to burn some sage, to cleanse the area. However, keep in mind that some people suffer from various allergies and may not be able to handle the smoke, or the aroma of any incense. If you do wish to use incense to cleanse your area, be sure to air out the room in advance.

Once you meet with your client, spend a few minutes explaining the process, the hand positions, and answering any questions he/she may have. Also have the person read and fill out the Client Information Form.

Since you may be placing your hands on the person's face, wash your hands before and after the treatment. Make sure the client, and you are comfortable during the treatment. If either of you are in an uncomfortable position, it will slow the flow of Reiki and you may tend to rush through the entire process. Especially make sure your arms and hands are relaxed. Draw the Cho Ku Rei in the middle of the room, visualizing it on the walls, ceiling and floor. Next, draw this symbol from the top of your head down to spiral in the solar plexus so as to clear, protect, and empower you. Sit quietly with your hands on your lap doing Reiki on yourself for a few moments. Invite your Healing Guides to assist you in this healing, asking that they work with you to protect the process, and create the most powerful healing possible for the client, and for the Highest Good of all.

Draw the Cho Ku Rei on each of your palms, and draw all three symbols (the ones you have been attuned to) over the person's crown chakra imagining them going through the crown and into the heart. NOTE: In the Karuna healing method, the next step is to "Scan," which is discussed below.

Begin the standard treatment. Draw or visualize the power symbol over any areas that need special attention and also inside the body within the organs, or areas that need healing. However, you may also use other symbols you have been attuned to which you feel would be most beneficial.

This next step is done in the Karuna method, but not the Usui method: Beaming
For this, you use the distant healing symbol and "beam" the Reiki energy to your client from across the room. It's believed that this process allows you to treat the whole aura at once, before entering the physical body where it is needed. This is best done by moving five or six feet away, so that you are outside of the person's aura, and using your hands and/or eyes "beam" the Reiki to the client. Simply allow your attention to focus on your awareness of the Reiki energy as it flows through your hands and/or eyes. Beaming can be done at the end of the treatment session or by itself. To me, this seems no different in doing a Distance Healing in the Usui method (without using an object, or your body, as a proxy). Beaming and Distance Healings are done in in situations where you cannot get close enough to the person; geographical distance, hospitals, burn victims, etc..

End the treatment by sealing the person's energy field by drawing the power symbol on the client's solar plexus and covering it with your hand briefly and stating to yourself, "I completely seal this Reiki treatment with divine love and wisdom." Brushing down the
aura from the head to the feet also helps to complete the treatment. (This procedure is, as you have noted, unlike the Reiki finish used in the Usui method.)

After the healing session, sit quietly doing Reiki on yourself. Visualize the power symbol on the walls and in the center of the room to clear and protect the room.

SCANNING
By using the chakras in the palms of your hands, it is possible to sense the area where you will want to focus the healing energy the longest. The process is simple. Place your non-dominate hand about 12 inches away from the top of the person's head. Place your consciousness in the palm of your hand and notice how it feels. Then move your hand closer to the person, about three to four inches from the top of the head, and begin moving your hand over the person's face, and down to the feet (keeping your hands about four inches away from the body). As you slowly move your hand be aware of any changes in the energy levels in your hand. When you feel any change at all, that will be the area where the person needs Reiki most. You may feel coolness, warmth, pressure, distortion, or any variety of changes in the way your hand feels. It may be very slight, or very intense. Trust your instincts. As you do this more often, your ability will improve.

As soon as you notice a change, move your hand up and down the area until you find the height where you feel the most distortion. This area may be above the physical body, or actually on the physical body. When you find this range, bring both hands together at this spot and channel Reiki. Remain channeling until you feel the flow of Reiki subside, or until you feel it's time to move on to the next area. Re-scan the area when you're done as a confirmation. If you are going to do both scanning and a regular treatment, scanning should be done first. Follow the same procedure for self-scanning.

Master Level Symbols
Om, Tibetan Dai Ko Mio, Usui Dai Ko Myo, Fire Serpent

Since I will not be teaching the M/T Level online, there's no need to post the illustrations for the symbols, or anything else beyond the basic information. The Karuna Master symbols are also used in other healing systems as well as the Karuna, so there's nothing "original" about these symbols. When using these symbols in preparing to give the attunements, the RMT empowers their hands before attunements (and before treatments) by placing the Tibetan Dai Ko Mio on the palm of each hand and repeating the name three times. In the Karuna method, you also clap your hands together three times and include the Om and Fire Serpent.

Om - This is a Sanskrit symbol and is used in many eastern spiritual practices. It symbolizes the oneness that we are and connects us to it. It purifies, protects, seals and stabilizes the aura. Opens the crown and when drawn above the head, opens a pathway to God/dess and Higher Consciousness.

Tibetan Master Symbol: Dai Ko Mio - This symbol is used to begin the attunement process. It is used with the violet breath (this was already discussed on the forum... I think Cathi brought the subject up), and during treatments. When used with the Karuna energy Dai Ko Mio flows through the recipient connecting them to Mother Earth. Thus it assists one in being centered and grounded in their spiritual purpose.

Usui Dai Ko Myo - This symbol is used primarily during the attunement process. Since I will not be teaching the M/T course, this symbols (and all information pertaining to the Master/Teacher Level) will not be posted. (Note: There are several slightly different versions of the Usui Dai Ko Myo.)

Tibetan Fire Serpent - This symbol is used during the attunement process to join the chakras in preparation for the attunement. It is drawn with the arch over the crown and the serpent going down the spine and spiraling at the base. It can be used to join the chakras during a treatment or meditation. When used with the Karuna energy it aligns all the chakras and the energy bodies simultaneously. This prepares the recipient for the depth of the Karuna energy.
Other Master Symbols (outside of the Karuna method) include the Master Symbol and the Raku. In additon, there are several other "non-Reiki symbols" which are used by many Reiki Masters.