Although Reiki is not a religion and does not have commandments which practitioners are bound to obey, there are five principles that we strive to adhere to. The principles are precepts for life that would be in agreement with any religion and in conflict with none. I have found that focusing on these principles has helped me to continue growing into the person I want to be.
These principles are said to have been written by Mikao Usui, who was the originator of what is now known as the practice of Reiki. Due to varied translations from the original Japanese and the early years of oral transmission of the principles, there are now a number of versions of these five principles, but there essence remains the same across all of the versions.
The version I use is the one that comes from Diane Stein’s Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art (affiliate link) because it is the one I found easiest to memorize.
The Reiki Principles:
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.
I love the fact that each of these focuses on “just for today.” I don’t have to think about doing anything for the rest of my life. I aim to do these things just for today, which is really all that I have anyway.
Just for today …