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The Three Diamonds vs. Seven Chakras – what’s the difference?

Have you ever wondered how the Three Diamonds and the Chakra system compare? If you practice Reiki or energy work, you’ve likely encountered both—but how do they connect? Are they the same, complementary, or entirely different? I had a student ask me recently if I could explain the similarities and differences between the Three Diamonds and the Chakra, so I wanted to explore this in more detailed here for anyone else wondering the same thing!

The first thing to say is that energy healing is an ancient practice, and different cultures have developed their own frameworks to understand and work with life force energy. This is why we have different energy systems discussed in various traditions. Let’s take a deep dive into these two powerful energy systems specifically.

How do the Three Diamonds compare to Chakras?

The Three Diamonds: The Japanese Energy Tradition

In traditional Japanese energy practices—particularly Reiki and martial arts such as karate, judo, and aikido—the Three Diamonds (San Juten) symbolize three fundamental energy centres within the body. These energy hubs are believed to be essential for achieving harmony, vitality, and flow in life. By aligning the Three Diamonds, one cultivates a profound connection with the earth, an open channel to the heavens, and an awakened heart of compassion, fostering a state of divine oneness.

The Three Diamonds and Their Meanings:

Upper Diamond or Heaven Ki: Situated in the head, near the third eye and crown chakra, this energy centre governs wisdom, intuition, and spiritual awareness. It serves as a bridge to higher consciousness, allowing us to access divine insight. By working with Heaven Ki, we can quiet the mind, enhance intuition, and deepen our connection to the universe.
Middle Diamond or Heart Ki: Located in the heart centre, this diamond embodies love, compassion, and emotional harmony. It fosters understanding, forgiveness, and alignment with universal truth. A balanced Heart Ki enables us to see beauty in all things, form meaningful connections, and release judgment.
Lower Diamond (Earth Ki): Found in the lower abdomen (Hara), just below the navel, this is the foundation of physical vitality, stability, and action. It is the centre of personal power and grounding, connecting us to the energy of the Earth. A strong Earth Ki helps us stay rooted in our true nature and move through life with confidence and resilience.

By aligning and harmonizing these Three Diamonds, we cultivate balance between mind, heart, and body, unlocking a free-flowing, powerful energy system within. Many consider The three Diamonds the healing trinity of Reiki!

Each diamond expresses the unique experience of being a complex human in a complex universe. Diamonds are used as an analogy of the self in Eastern thought. Each and every day the practitioner polishes the diamond by performing his or her practice. As humans we pick up a lot of mud and tarnish our diamonds on a daily basis. But diamonds can cut through almost anything. So with a little polish we can bring back the true essence of life – represented as a perfect polished diamond.Remember what it means to be a sparkling diamond as we cut through illusions and polish ourselve

The Significance of the Hara in Reiki

In traditional Japanese energy practices, including Reiki, the Hara is considered the energetic centre of the body. The term hara translates to “stomach” or “abdomen” in Japanese, but in spiritual and martial arts practices, it signifies something far deeper—it is the foundation of vital life force energy (Ki). Connected to the Lower Diamond, the Hara serves as a powerhouse where energy is stored, refined, and expanded, making it essential for maintaining a balanced and steady flow of Ki throughout the body.

Often described as the seat of one’s true essence, the Hara represents the eternal, primordial energy that connects us to both the universe and our life’s path. This energy is with us from birth—our purest, most fundamental source of power. By developing awareness of the Hara, Reiki practitioners strengthen their connection to this vital energy, enhancing their healing abilities, deepening their spiritual practice, and improving their capacity to channel universal life force. It serves as a foundation for all energy work.

Many Japanese healing and martial arts disciplines emphasize cultivating energy in the Hara to build physical strength, emotional stability, and spiritual grounding. Traditional Reiki teachings, including those of Usui Mikao, emphasize the importance of the Hara in practice. Hawayo Takata’s diary notes also indicate that she was trained to focus on the Hara as a key aspect of energy cultivation. Techniques such as Joshin Kokyu Hō (a method of purifying breath) involve directing awareness to the Hara, helping practitioners refine and amplify their Reiki energy.

When practitioners connect to the Hara’s deep, grounding energy, they strengthen their link to the Earth, fostering clarity, resilience, and self-awareness. This connection offers an unshakable foundation, allowing one to navigate daily life with balance, wisdom, and presence. The Hara is a constant source of strength, helping practitioners respond to challenges with grace and insight.

Although all three energy centers—the Lower, Middle, and Upper Diamonds—must work together in harmony, it is crucial to first develop the Lower Hara. As the body’s central axis point, it provides the stability needed to integrate higher energy work effectively. By strengthening the Hara first, a practitioner builds a solid foundation for deeper spiritual connection and healing, ensuring that energy flows freely and in alignment with one’s highest purpose.

What are the Three Diamonds in Reiki?

The Chakra System: Seven Wheels of Energy

The chakra system, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, consists of seven major energy centres along the spine. Each chakra governs different aspects of our being, from survival (Root Chakra) to enlightenment (Crown Chakra).

Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine, it represents grounding, stability, and survival. It anchors us to the Earth and provides the foundation for our physical existence.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Situated in the lower abdomen, this chakra governs creativity, emotional balance, and sensuality. It connects us to our passions, desires, and relationships.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Located in the upper abdomen, it is associated with willpower, confidence, and personal power. It governs our ability to take action and assert ourselves in the world.
Heart Chakra (Anahata): At the centre of the chest, this chakra is all about love, compassion, and connection. It bridges the lower and higher energy centres, offering balance between the physical and the spiritual.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Situated in the throat, it governs self-expression, communication, and truth. It helps us speak our truth and express our authentic selves.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Located between the eyebrows, this chakra is linked to intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. It enhances our ability to perceive beyond the physical and connect with higher knowledge.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Positioned at the top of the head, this chakra represents spirituality, enlightenment, and connection to the divine. It is the centre of consciousness and higher wisdom.

Each chakra is like a spinning energy wheel that must remain open and balanced for optimal well-being. When they are aligned, energy and vitality flow freely, nourishing every aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. While each chakra governs a unique area of our being—such as grounding, creativity, love, or intuition—they are not isolated. Rather, they form an interconnected system, working together to create a harmonious flow of energy throughout the entire body.

Three Diamonds vs. Chakras: How Do They Compare?

The Three Diamonds and the Seven Chakras are both energetic systems that help us understand and work with the flow of life force energy in the body—but they come from different traditions. The Three Diamonds are rooted in the Japanese energy tradition, while the chakras come from Indian yogic philosophy and Ayurvedic tradition. When Reiki became more westernized in the 1980s, the chakra system replaced the traditional Japanese energetic system in the West.

Both systems encompass and balance the energy of spirit, heart and emotion, and earthly physical energy- but they approach it in slightly different ways. The chakra system maps out seven distinct energy centres along the spine, each associated with specific aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The Three Diamonds, on the other hand, focus on three key energetic centres in the head, heart, and body.

The goal of both systems is ultimately the same to promote balance and harmony of energy for greater wellbeing. They’re not competing systems, just different lenses through which to understand and work with energy.

At first glance, these systems seem quite different—one has three major centres, the other seven. But when we take a step back, they overlap beautifully – they are describing the same energy network that nourishes all aspects of our being.

The Lower Diamond (Hara) mirrors the location of the Sacral Chakra and connects with the lower chakras – the Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus Chakras—all of which deal with physical energy, survival, and action.
The Middle Diamond (Heart) mirrors the location of the Heart Chakra, the bridge between lower and higher energies, governing love and connection.
The Upper Diamond (Mind/Spirit) mirrors the location of the Third Eye Chakra and connects with the higher chakras – the Throat, Third Eye, and Crown Chakras, which focus on wisdom, expression, and spiritual insight.

Just like the interconnected energy flow within the chakra system, the Three Diamonds should also be visualized as being deeply connected to one another by a vibrant, flowing line of energy. Imagine this radiant line linking the Upper Diamond, Middle Diamond, and Lower Diamond, forming a continuous circuit that pulses with life force. This energy radiates outward from each diamond, flowing seamlessly from one centre to the next, harmonizing the entire body.

Which One Should You Use? Can you use Chakras and Three Diamonds together?

If you practice Reiki, you might already feel drawn to the Three Diamonds, as Reiki originated in Japan. However, the chakra system is often integrated into Reiki teachings, especially in the West. You may have experimented with both systems. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose just one system to work with in your energy practice! You can use the Three Diamonds as powerful energy anchor points while working with chakra energy to target more specific healing frequencies and areas of the energy system.

How to Use the Three Diamonds in Your Reiki Practice

Start a Reiki session with the Three Diamonds. Before a Reiki session or meditation, visualize the three diamonds glowing with energy—ground yourself in the lower diamond, open your heart in the middle, and connect to higher wisdom in the upper.
Use the Three Diamonds as anchors: If you feel stuck or distracted during your Reiki practice, focus on the Three Diamonds to simplify and realign your energy flow.
Reducing stress and mind-clutter: Connecting with Heaven energy clears negative thoughts, enhances decision-making, and increases mental clarity. Simply placing your awareness on these energy centers can bring immediate balance.
Grounding during energy work: Tapping into Earth Ki (Lower Diamond) anchors your energy, bringing balance and stability during Reiki sessions. You can visualise this energy centre connecting your to the Earth as you bring a Reiki session to a close.
Enhanced intuition: Connecting to Heaven Ki (Upper Diamond) activates the Third Eye, deepening intuition and spiritual awareness. It allows for a stronger connection to your higher self, bringing insight into your life’s path and purpose.
Strengthen Personal Power Through the Hara: The Lower Diamond (Hara) is the seat of personal power. Focusing on it deepens your connection to inner strength and resilience.

Three Diamonds Mediation

Preparation:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and gently exhale. Let go of any tension in your body. Allow yourself to be fully present in this moment.

Step 1: Grounding in the Lower Diamond (Hara – Earth Ki)

Bring your awareness to your lower abdomen, just below the navel—this is your Lower Diamond, the Hara. This is your centre of strength, stability, and grounding. Place your hands over this area. Imagine a warm, golden light glowing in this space, like the radiant core of the Earth itself. With each inhale, feel this energy expand, filling your entire lower body. With each exhale, feel yourself becoming more rooted and grounded, as if strong roots are growing from your body deep into the earth.

Feel the steady presence of Earth Ki, providing stability, resilience, and a deep sense of safety. Know that you are supported and held by the energy of the earth. Sit with this feeling as long as you need.

Step 2: Opening the Heart in the Middle Diamond (Heart Ki)

Now, bring your attention to the center of your chest—your Middle Diamond, the Heart Ki. This is the energy of love, compassion, and connection. Place your hands over this area. Imagine a beautiful emerald-green or rose-colored light glowing in your heart space. With each inhale, this light grows warmer and more vibrant. With each exhale, let it expand beyond your body, filling the space around you.

Feel your heart open, free of fear or resistance. Let this energy connect you to all living beings, dissolving separation and filling you with peace and kindness. You are a bridge between earth and heaven, a channel of love and balance. Sit with this feeling as long as you need.

Step 3: Expanding into the Upper Diamond (Mind – Heaven Ki)

Now, shift your awareness to your head, the space between your third eye and the crown of your head—this is your Upper Diamond, the Heaven Ki. This is the energy of wisdom, clarity, and divine connection. Place your hands over this area. See a luminous violet, white, or golden light forming here, like the glow of the cosmos. With each breath, this light grows stronger, radiating outward like a star.

Allow your mind to quiet, your thoughts to settle. Feel yourself opening to the infinite wisdom of the universe. You are connected to all that is, guided and supported by divine energy. Sit with this feeling as long as you need.

Step 4: Harmonizing the Three Diamonds

Keep one hand on your forehead (Heaven Ki) and now move the other hand to rest on your lower abdomen (Earth Ki). Feel the energy flow between these two vital centres as you hold this position for about five minutes.

Shift the hand from your forehead to your heart (Middle Diamond – Loving Heart Ki). Let this energy centre open, radiating warmth and connection throughout your whole being. Stay in this position for another five minutes.

Move the hand that was on your abdomen (Earth Ki) up to your forehead (Heaven Ki), uniting all three energy centres. Many practitioners experience a surge of energy at this stage—sometimes even a feeling of lightness or expansion. Hold this position for at least five minutes.

Feel free to repeat this meditation as often as needed to cultivate balance, harmony, and energetic alignment.

Step 5: Returning to the Present

Sit with the radiant glow of the Three Diamonds for as long as you need. Feel their warmth illuminating your energy field, dissolving any blockages, and filling you with a deep sense of clarity, security, and comfort.

Allow yourself to fully absorb this peaceful energy, basking in its presence before gently guiding yourself back to the present moment.

When you feel ready, take a deep breath, slowly open your eyes, and return to your surroundings with a renewed sense of balance and harmony.

With regular practice, this meditation will deepen your connection to the Three Diamonds, enhance your Reiki flow, and cultivate greater clarity, peace, and inner strength in your daily life.

Three Diamonds Mediation for Reiki Practitioners

Energy is Universal

I hope this article has helped to clarify how the chakra system and the Three Diamonds relate to each other.

At the end of the day, whether you work with the Three Diamonds, the Chakras, or both, energy is energy. What matters most is how you connect with it, listen to it, and allow it to flow freely.

Many Reiki Masters incorporate both systems into their practice. As always, trust what resonates with you and your energy work style—both systems can beautifully complement each other.

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