Traditional Japanese Reiki emphasizes group practice as a core element of training. These practices provide a foundation for holding Reiki circles, moving from individual effort to a shared experience of the energy.

Reiki Mawashi (Reiki Circulation)

Reiki Mawashi (霊気回し) translates to “Reiki current” or “to pass around.” In this practice, a group forms a circle to allow Reiki to flow as a shared current.

The Method:

• Formation: Participants sit or stand in a circle.
• The Left Hand Receives: The left palm is held facing up.
• The Right Hand Offers: The right palm is held facing down.
• The Chain: Each participant places their left palm under their neighbor’s right palm, connecting the whole group as one chain.
• Flow: Reiki is invited, and the group relaxes to allow the current to move through the circle without personal effort or “pushing.”

Shuyō Hō (Group Practice)

Shuyō Hō (修養法) refers to the group practice of Hatsurei Hō. It is the refinement of breath, body, and mind within a shared field of practice.

The Structure of a Shuyō Hō Session:

• Preparation: Arrival and brief check-in.
• Alignment: Gassho and the Gokai (Precepts).
• Hatsurei Hō: The group performs Kenyoku Hō (Cleansing), Joshin Kokyu Hō (Centering Breath), and Seishin Tōitsu (Refining) together.
• Closing: The session often finishes with Reiki Mawashi or a short round of paired treatments.

Purpose of Group Practice

Practicing together supports the ongoing rhythm of the Reiki system as a lived path:

• Consistency: Group gatherings support the commitment to daily discipline.
• Depth: The shared focus often deepens sensitivity to the breath, Hara, and hands.
• Community: Group work provides a felt experience of community (Sangha) for those who typically practice alone.

Safety and Accessibility

• Stability: Invite participants to sit if balance is a concern.
• Pacing: Keep Mawashi short (2–3 minutes) for beginners, as group sensitivity can be strong.
• Comfort: If someone feels overwhelmed, they may step back from the circle and rest their hands on their own body.
• Boundaries: Group practice is a complementary support and does not replace professional medical or psychological care.