What is reiju in Reiki?

Reiju is the traditional Japanese Reiki spiritual blessing rooted in the original teachings of Mikao Usui. The word translates as spiritual blessing or giving and receiving of spirit. Unlike the Western attunement, reiju is not a one-time transfer of ability. It is an ongoing, repeated energetic invitation that awakens a student's own innate connection to spiritual energy. In traditional practice, Mikao Usui offered reiju to students every time they met, often weekly.

What is the difference between reiju and a Reiki attunement?

A Reiki attunement is the Western adaptation developed after Reiki traveled outside Japan. It is typically given a set number of times per level, uses symbols and formal rituals, and is understood as transferring or switching on a student's ability. Reiju is the traditional Japanese practice on which attunements were loosely based. Reiju does not use symbols, does not vary by level, and does not transfer anything. It is a gentle, repeated spiritual blessing that reminds the student of a connection they already carry.

Where does reiju come from?

Reiju is believed to originate from a Tendai Buddhist purification ritual called go shimbo. Mikao Usui was a lifelong Tendai practitioner, and researchers including Frans Stiene of the International House of Reiki have traced the roots of reiju to these Japanese esoteric teachings. It is one of the original five elements of the system of Reiki as taught by Mikao Usui.

Can you receive reiju more than once?

Yes, and in traditional practice you are meant to. In Mikao Usui's original teaching, students received reiju every time they met with their teacher, sometimes weekly. The more reiju a student receives, the deeper the accumulative effect on their practice. It is not a one-time door that gets opened. It is an ongoing spiritual nourishment that supports the student's awakening over time.

Does reiju give you Reiki ability?

No. Reiju does not give a student any specific ability. It does not transfer Reiki from teacher to student. The understanding in traditional Japanese Reiki is that Reiki cannot be given because it is already present in every living being. Reiju is a ritual that creates a safe, supported space for the student to remember and deepen their own connection to that energy.

What Is Reiju and Why It Matters More Than an Attunement

Rev. Amanda Carter
Apr 14
1 min read

Most Reiki students have heard the word attunement. But reiju, the traditional Japanese practice at the heart of Usui Reiki Ryoho, is something far older, far quieter, and far more honest about what is actually happening between a teacher and a student. Rev. Mandy Carter, Reiki Master Teacher trained in the lineage of Frans Stiene at the International House of Reiki, shares what reiju is, where it comes from, and why it matters more than you may have been taught.

Sacred geometry and lotus illustration representing reiju, the traditional Japanese Reiki spiritual blessing, by Rev. Mandy Carter of Healing Homes and Hearts — Most Reiki students have received an attunement. Far fewer have experienced reiju. Reiki Master Teacher Mandy Carter explains the profound difference and why it changes everything.

What Is Reiju and Why It Matters More Than an Attunement

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