The Reiki Principles

These principles were introduced by Usui Sensei and taught to his students as their first spiritual teachings and were to be followed and be a guide in his/her life. By practicing these principles one would embark on the path of self healing.

“The secret of inviting happiness
The spiritual medicine for all illness
Just for today,  do not get angry
Do not worry
Express your thanks
Be diligent in your work, and be kind to others
Do gassho and repeat them in the mind at the beginning and the end of each day.

Usui Reiki Ryho – Improve your mind and body
Founder
Mikao Usui”

These teachings are open for anyone to learn regardless of religious beliefs, actually no belief is needed. Personally I do not consider them mandatory with the use of Reiki. These principles are worth a thought and certainly thay can be a guide in life.

What does it mean? Here is one possible interpretation:

The secret of inviting happiness This was the receiving of many “Reiju” or empowerments.

The spiritual medicine for all illness Mental, physical and spiritual health.

For today only: Value today! The present is now, life is not in the future or in the past, there is only now!

Do not anger Realize that anger and other selfish emotions like resentment, hatred, envy are harmful, avoid such emotions.

Do not worry Do your best, believe and trust in the universe.

Express your thanks In this world it is easy to lose ourselves when we forget gratitude for being alive.

Be diligent in your work, and be kind to others It is not important what we do, it is important what we learn from what we do. “Be kind to others” also means take good care of yourself, there is no difference between self and others in a universal dimension.

Do gassho and repeat them in the mind at the beginning and the end of each day. This practice starts at the beginning and end of each day by reciting these Principles.

Foot note: You will find many versions or translations of Dr Usui’s Ideals. Personally I feel that this version of the Reiki Ideals comes very close to the essence of what Usui Sensei wanted to teach.