What Do the Reiki Precepts Mean?

In founding the Japanese healing system of Usui Reiki, Dr. Mikao Usui passed five oral principles on to his students. One translation of these principles and their deeper meanings are discussed below.

1. Just for today I give thanks for my many blessings.

This doesn't appear in every translation of Usui's Reiki precepts. However, it's generally a good way to live. This first precept promotes an optimistic outlook on life. Being thankful for what you have will bring more blessings into your life. In addition, being grateful for the blessings of others will keep jealousy at bay and cultivate your sense of appreciation for everything you have and experience. In a nutshell, if you feel blessed, you will be. And in time, giving thanks for what you have and telling yourself you do, even if you're not truly grateful, will really make you feel blessed. Your subconscious believes what you say; so it believes you feel blessed when you say this principle. In turn, the belief creates the reality. As a result, cultivating the feeling by using this precept will force you to feel blessed, and in time you won't need to force it. The feeling will just come to you. This is the way Usui wanted his students to live.

2. Just for today I will not worry.

This is easier said than done. However, worrying doesn't add anything to your life. If you can't do something about a problem, worrying won't change the situation. In fact, it will just make you feel worse. And when you can do something about a problem, do it. Then, you'll have nothing to worry about. Simple, yet profound and difficult, this precept is a constant reminder that we're all connected by the energy of universal love. Not worrying keeps that connection open and lets you experience yourself and your life as fully as possible. Worrying only creates excess emotional stress and reduces the harmony and balance in your life.

3. Just for today I will not anger.

Some people believe this means to keep anger bottled up inside you. But it certainly does not! What it means is not letting anger consume you. Instead, objectively look at things that make you angry. When you do, you can discover things about yourself and your expectations that will make it easier to change your reaction and deal with the real issue. This doesn't mean pretending anger isn't there, but to realize exactly why you feel it.

4. Just for today I will do my work honestly.

This relates to the work you do, whether it's business or volunteer work. But on a deeper level, it also refers to living with integrity. "Work" means your life's work, your purpose for living. No matter what your purpose is, it means living consciously, morally, and spiritually as best as you can. It means being honorable in everything you do--work, school, play, shopping, and all your other activities.

5. Just for today I will be kind to people and every living thing.

When you're not worried or angry, and you're living honestly, you'll naturally be kind. Being kind to all living things means realizing we're all connected and that we all have the right to a peaceful life. You can make your own decisions, and being kind also means acknowledging others' right to decide for themselves, just as you can. Finally, it means treating others the way you'd like them to treat you.

The repeated phrase "Just for today" will help you live in the present moment. Though the past is part of who you are, and you do need to think about the future, dwelling on or obsessing about either one will keep you from living the peaceful life you deserve.

The Reiki principles require no specific religious beliefs. In fact, no religious beliefs are needed at all, because Reiki is not a religion. However, it can be a spiritual practice, and Usui's Reiki precepts are part of that practice. They'll ground and center you and help you live a peaceful and fulfilling life, free from worry and emotional distress. Instead, you'll live in harmony and balance on all levels of being--physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Sources:

Jentoft, Peggy. Reiki First Degree Manual.

Personal Reiki training with Usui Reiki Master Teacher LuAnn Kennedy of www.lkrmt.com.