Symbol 4 is another example of a 'symbol' that is not a symbol (see Symbol 3 -the 'Distant' symbol).

Each of the four Reiki symbols has an accompanying Japanese mantra/phraze - frequently referred to as a jumon ('spell' or 'incantation'). In 'western' lineage Reiki this jumon is commonly used as the symbol's name.

In the case of Symbol 4, the 'symbol' itself is actually the jumon: "dai kô myô ", written in kanji characters.

The word dai means 'Great' and kô myô, while translating as 'Bright Light', alludes to 'Enlightened Nature' or the Radiance of a numinous being or deity.

Again, there are various calligraphic renditions of Symbol 4 - all looking slightly different depending on the 'brush style' of the individual 'drawing' it.

As with Symbol 3, the kanji for Symbol 4 are to be found amongst the "Jooyoo Kanji" - characters specified by the Japanese Government as approved for common use, eg: in textbooks and official documents.

In fact, they all come under the category of kanji expected to be familiar to all Second Grade Students.

Interpretation:

large, big, great

Basic Uses of Symbol 4:

The primary use of Symbol 4 is, for many practitioners, the passing of Reiki attunements to others. Symbol 4 may also be employed as a meditative focus (as in deed may any of the other three symbols)
As the 'Master' symbol it is the very encapsulation of the Reiki phenomenon itself.
To practitioners of a great many Reiki styles, Symbol 4 represents the combined energies of the previous three symbols, though at a more subtle level.