Today's Reiki Precepts: How Usui's Principles Can Help You

Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the healing system called Usui Reiki, passed five principles to his students during his oral teachings. He may have adapted them from the Meiji Emperor's precepts, or from other ethical principles. Several translations of these Reiki precepts are below:

1.
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not anger.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will love and respect every living thing.

2.
I give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not anger.
Just for today I will not worry.
I will do my work honestly.
I will be kind to people and every living thing.

3.
Today only, do not anger; do not worry.
Do your work with appreciation.
Be kind to people.

4.
Just for today, do not worry.
Just for today, do not anger.
Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
Earn your living honestly.
Show gratitude to every living thing.

5.
Just for today:
Do not rise to anger,
Do not succumb to worry,
Express Gratitude for all your blessings,
Apply yourself diligently;
Manifest Compassion to all beings.

6.
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living Thing.

If you study Usui Reiki, you may come across even more translations of these principles, some short, some long. No translation is better than another. You should choose the one that resonates with you and that you feel most comfortable with. But no matter which translation you choose, the meaning is the same.

Reiki is not a religion. Though it's often considered a spiritual practice, no specific beliefs are required for Reiki energy to work on all levels of your being. In fact, you don't even need to believe in Reiki for it to work.

However, the Reiki precepts can help you live a moral, conscious lifestyle. On a basic level, saying them each day can help you appreciate all life and remind you of the "Golden Rule." That is, to treat others how you would want them to treat you.

On a deeper level, "Just for today" reminds you to live in the present moment, without dwelling on the past or worrying obsessively about the future. After a few weeks of consciously saying the Reiki precepts each morning and evening, as Usui's students did, you'll learn to let go of anger and worry, to appreciate all living things, to be honest in your dealings with yourself and others, and to be thankful for what you have.

No matter which religion you follow, and even if you don't have one, making the Reiki principles part of your daily life will bring you peace. They are universal truths and values, and they unite people of all religions, cultures, and backgrounds.

Sources:

Jentoft, Peggy. Reiki First Degree Manual.