Reiki Principles

At its heart, Reiki is a spiritual practice.  Usui's original Reiki apparently focused a great deal of attention on self-development. The idea was that the individual needs to take control of his or her attitudes and thoughts.  The individual must develop a tranquil mind and express compassion in all its forms.  This transformation of the mind and spirit contribute mightily to healing.  To assist the person in developing a proper spirit, five principles or precepts, were established.  These principles were principles for life and living that were thought to strengthen the person's power to heal self and others.  Serious Reiki students are encouraged to repeated them aloud -- and feel them in the heart -- in the morning and again in the evening.

Much of our information about Reiki has been handed down orally.  Perhaps because of this, the five Reiki principles have appeared in many different forms.  Arnold and Nevius (1982) stated the principles of Reiki this way:

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 every living thing.
 

Baginski and Sharamon' (1988) gave a slightly different version:

Just for today, do not worry
Just for today, do not anger
Honor your parents, teachers, and elders
Earn you living honestly
Show gratitude to everything

Vennells (1999) gave still a different version:

Do not get angry today
Do not worry today
Be grateful today
Work hard today
Be kind to others today

In each case, the five principles, or precepts, focus the person on the here and now, and move the person's mind and spirit toward tranquility, compassion, and kindness.