Reiji Hō (霊示法) is a core pillar of traditional Japanese Reiki. It is the practice of allowing Rei (spiritual wisdom) to indicate where and how to work during a session.

What Reiji Hō Means

• Rei (霊): Spiritual, sacred, or numinous.
• Ji (示): To show, indicate, or reveal.
• Hō (法): Method or technique.

Reiji Hō is “the method for receiving spiritual indication.” It marks the transition from planned hand positions to guided treatment.

The Relationship Between Reiji Hō and Byosen

These two practices work together during a session:

• Reiji Hō: The invitation for guidance. The practitioner opens to Rei to indicate where the hands should be placed.
• Byosen: The feedback. Once the hands are in place, the practitioner senses the energetic sensations (heat, pulsing, cold, tingling) to determine how long to stay.

The Three Steps of Reiji Hō

This method is practiced in three stages, whether treating yourself or another person.

Step 1: Preparation (Gassho and Intention)

• Sit or stand comfortably and bring the hands into Gassho at the heart center.
• Drop attention into the Hara (Earth Diamond).
• Silently invite the session to be guided by Rei, requesting that your personal preferences step aside so the energy can move where it is most needed.

Step 2: Hand Activation

• Draw awareness into the palms to increase sensitivity to subtle changes in sensation.
• This can be done by lightly clapping the hands once, rubbing the palms together, or gently shaking the hands out.
• Maintain a steady Hara and quiet breath during this activation.

Step 3: Seeking Guidance

• Stand or sit by the recipient (or settle into self-treatment).
• Soften the gaze or close the eyes, keeping part of your awareness in the Hara.
• Allow the hands to move where they are drawn. This may be experienced as:
  • A physical “pull” toward a specific area.
  • Detection of Byosen (heat, cold, or tingling).
  • A quiet internal nudge to rest the hands in a specific location.

The Three Diamonds in Reiji Hō

The practitioner maintains a specific internal state using the Three Diamonds:

• Earth Diamond (Hara): Keep the awareness grounded to maintain stability and prevent projection.
• Heart Diamond (Chest): Maintain a state of compassion and kindness.
• Heaven Diamond (Head): Keep this area spacious and quiet to receive subtle intuitive impressions without internal commentary.

Application in Distance Reiki

Reiji Hō is applied to distance work by establishing a clear connection with the recipient through their name or a photo. The practitioner then scans the “energy body” of the recipient, noticing where attention lands or where Byosen is felt, and places the hands accordingly.

Practice Guidelines

• Sensitivity: Sensory feedback builds through regular practice of Gassho and Joshin Kokyu Hō.
• Grounding: If you feel overwhelmed by sensations, return focus to the Earth Diamond (Hara) and use Kenyoku Hō after the session.
• Consistency: Trust in the process is developed through consistent application of the Gokai and daily practice.