Why in reiki do they call "first degree" shoden?

Question

In all Japanese martial arts that I have come across and trained in, first degree is referred to as SHODAN.

In Reiki, they seem to call the first degree SHODEN.

Can anyone explain why?

Answer 1

It means first teachings.

Answer 2

Easy Peasy:

Are you ready:

"Shoden" means "beginning teachings" - it refers to the of process of learning beginner level teachings (kind of like a verb - a doing word).

"Shodan" means "first grade" - referring to the level of the information being taught (it's the level itself - like a noun)

So, Shoden relates to the process of being taught and learning but Shodan relates to the level itself. Shoden is used in Reiki because it relates better to the overall PROCESS of learning and practising than Shodan does.

Someone is working at the Shodan (first grade) level whilst learning and applying Shoden  (first grade stuff).

In other words, the level is really Shodan but the process of learning information and practising techniques at this level are called Shoden - as Reiki is really about learning and doing.

I hope this helps, I think I've confused myself now!

Answer 3

The word "Shoden" means "beginning teachings"

Japanese Style Reiki Shoden Course explores the foundations of Reiki as an energy, as a daily spiritual practice for self-development, and as a therapeutic system for healing yourself and others.