The Reiki Cafe 

I was wondering if someone could tell me what is appropriate and what isn't when it comes to using a reiki symbol as a tattoo. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Namaste

That's for you to determine. some are bound to tell you that they are secret and so shouldn't get a tat at all. Some will say tattoos themselves are tacky. Me.. I've got 7 so far and finances provided once i finish the tattoo i started 4 years ago then i'll head off into the Reiki symbol direction. It would either be the HSZSN or DKM for sure. Thinking left calf ( right calf has a large unfiinished raccoon on a log to honor one of my totems).

ctb003,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- if you are attuned, tattoos of Reiki symbols seem superfluous

>:-}}

- and there might be some traditionalists who feel that using the Reiki symbols as ornamentation is more about Ego than Reiki (and compassion)

- for myself? I have never desired tattoos so the appropriateness of them has never really been an issue - but personally I do not find them attractive or cool or...

- hope this helps

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Ehhh most things stem from Ego and for most people this is going to be the case for some time.

I think there is a difference in getting them cuz you like them and getting them to be trendy or cool.

I'd like the Reiki symbols because not only are they nice looking and hence good for such a thing but also because they are an expression of who we are as a person.

Otoharo!

I can not imagine a tattoo expressing who I am!

finality

LOL i chuckled at your statement then thought. Ehhh a sun would be good. The light of illumination and radiating of great universal energy. Full back piece.

I mean more of expressing who I am from an Ego level not from a higher spiritual standpoint.

I was thinking of same. but at the same time getting a tatto0 that relfected the inner me(tourmoil etc.) and the outer (ego) whether both are one and the same is a moot point. This one I really liked was that of a contemplative angel sitting with face in hand, kind of abstract, would have different meanings for me. Me in a contemplative angel pose, my gaurdian angel, etc,.
Was also thinking of getting the celtic maze of life. Wish you luck!

Rather than a symbol, which could cause grief from some less enlightened quarters, what about the Reiki kanji symbol it-self. I have it on my PC wallpaper and it makes a good discussion point.

({{<reiki hug>}})
taita

taita said on

>Rather than a symbol, which could cause grief from some less enlightened quarters, what about the Reiki kanji symbol it-self. I have it on my PC wallpaper and it makes a good discussion point.
>
>({{<reiki hug>}})
>taita

Well I do think there is something to be said for trying to get along with others. Trying to live life in a manner that most pleases the whole is not a good thing in my opinion. So why not just get the tattoo of one of the symbols if that is what they want. Trust me, from having 7, there are those who are quite rude to those who do have tattoos for no reason other than the fact that they have them. Does that mean noone should get tattoos because some find the whole idea inappropriate?

conflagration,

Hi,

Ah yes, Ego. And how easily (and often without any mindfulness) we rationalize or explain away our reasons for doing one thing or another and not some other.

:)

Cheers,

RC

Aren't the symbols sacred and secret? Or are you referring to some different symbol?
Speaking as someone who has tattoos, I do believe that some things are best kept in our hearts and not worn on our sleeves. We can let the world know what we stand for by our choices and actions.
Blessings,
Hanhepi Wi Winyan

coyotesong said on

>Aren't the symbols sacred and secret? ...

Hi,

The four Usui Reiki symbols are indeed considered Sacred by many of us - but sacred is not the same as secret.

I feel it is important to remember that while many westerners tend to think of the Reiki 'symbols' as being four arcane, mystical 'glyphs', two of the four are simply words written in Japanese kanji ('Chinese Characters')

There are many thousands of kanji characters - some highly obscure & only very rarely used;
however every Second Grade student in Japan is expected to be familiar with the three kanji: dai, ko and myo.
So if every Second Grader is familiar with the kanji for the 'master symbol' - how can we claim it is secret?
[Some years back the phrase 'DKM' (- a big/great bright light) was apparently used as part of an advertising slogan for a Japanese company selling Flashlights!]

And every Fourth Grade student in Japan is expected to be familiar with all the kanji used to write HSZSN

I feel we also have to remember that the symbols/their names are not exclusively the 'property' of Reiki

For example:
It is generally accepted that the SHK symbol is essentially a poorly rendered version of the Buddhist 'seed symbol' Kiriku (pronounced somewhere between K'rik and K'lik in Japanese)
Now while Kiriku is a Sacred symbol (being the 'spiritual emblem' of both Amida Butsu and Senju Kannon Bosatsu) and has secret significance to those initiated in the Mikkyo (esoteric) traditions within Buddhism, the symbol itself is not secret.

In fact it is to be found on public display all over Japan.

The DKM also has central significance within the religious group known as Shumei (founded by Mokichi Okada - originator of the healing practice called Johrei ). As a sacred Shumei symbol, is openly on display in Shumei centres.
DKM is also of great importance in the practice of Johrei itself - particularly in relation to the ohikari or 'focussing pendant' used at the third level of this healing practice.

The term 'Choku rei' [though perhaps not the symbol itself] is an important concept in the beliefs of both the Byakkõ Shinkõkai and the Omoto kyo spiritual groups [though the Omoto kyo primarily use the alternative 'reading' of the Choku rei kanji: Nao Hi]

And as for the HSZSN - a version of it even crops up in historical 'magical charms' used by the Ninja !

reiki ni rei

James

Hello,
I know this is a bit late in coming but I'd like to comment.
You are the master of your own universe. Anything you want to put on Your body should always remain Your choice.
As far as the tatt's themselves are concerned, intention is the key. Specific symbols, pictures, allies, charms hold specfic vibrations.
When I placed tatts on my body, it was with the intention that specific attributes of the tattoo would begin to integrate into my consiousness - more grounding in other words.
And did it! I have wolf prints, a yin/yang wolf symbol and a crow on my back. These energies really grabbed my attention by just thinking of their magical principles in my life and what they meant to me. Their were guiding me to a higher awareness from my perspective and I got what I asked for.

These should be what you are concerened with, not what is appropriate in someone else's view.
Anything we mark our bodies with for life should be sacred to us. We honour our truths and march to the beat of our own drums for the sake of this lifetimes lessons gained.

Much love always,
Jahnavi

Thank you James for your wise words I have been struggling about getting a tattoo since my recent attunement.You make some very good points regarding the secrecy surrounding reiki symbols so I am good now on that aspect. It is important to me to honor the art of the healing aspect.