Frank, That's a really interesting point of view.

I understand that Takata never let the
written symbol leave her classroom. Was
she just being old school and secrecy
was not her intent.

Milarepa wrote:
yeah, but the thing is, folks who are level 1 don't need to know about the symbols. cause the spiritual practice of Reiki is primarily about mindfullness. if we're already jumping ahead in our level 1 with what we can do in level 2, or it's uses, then we aren't fully involved in level 1. It's Tolles old saying, 'if we keep our mind in the past or future, we're never fully in the present'.

I agree because I believe the greater degree of mindfullness in the present moment allows greater awareness of the past and future. I disagree because just a person is a level 1 does not necessarily mean that they are level 1, and keeping a person in their place is not always the right thing to do.

I have met many people who can access the energies the symbols represent (and are usually attributed to) without formally using the symbols (such as by drawing in the air, imagining, or even by chanting their names).

For example and as a means to better explain what I mean to say, let's say that: Level 1 involves only being able to do hands-on treatments; Level 2 involves Level 1 skills and also the ability to provide distance treatments and use some symbols; and Level 3 involves skills of the previous levels and adds the Daikomyo symbol and the ability to attune others to Reiki.

For the purpose of an academic understanding of what the levels are, a systematic progression through each is essential. Beginning at Level 1 allows a person to get an academic understanding of that level, and experience what is expected at that level. Progressing to Level 2 builds on that knowledge and experience, and it follows that progressing to the next level does the same.

If a person has no experience with any hands-on healing method and does not sense energy, the 1-2-3 progression is extremely valuable and appropriate. It may be very likely that if the person does look ahead and attempts to use a symbol that no additional energies will be sensed by themselves or the person they are trying to treat.

If such a person focuses on Level 3 material and is not able to put the attention they need to understand levels 1 & 2, then they are simply keeping themselves in fantasy or illusion because they will have not developed enough strength to harmonize with the various Reiki energies.

The significance of the symbols (their energies) are then secret even though those symbols are right in front of the student.

Frank wrote:
Concerning symbols and secrecy...
I don't think the symbols are secret tools and I don't think Usui-sensei kept them secret either. My reason for this is that with spiritual teachings like his.. it is only logical that a student gets a new technique/meditation/jumon/shirushi or whatever.. once he or she is ready. Only when you are ready.
Nothing is secret. It's just only handed to you when you are ready.

Perhaps sometimes the best way to keep a secret is to put it in plain sight.

Well put, sir!

Buck,
I like you explanation of building
on that knowledge and experience.