In a previous article, I have introduced and defined the term “Reiki” and its meaning. The entire Reiki system is based on the knowledge, understanding and practice of five key principles. Mastering these five principles of Reiki is the basis of reiki therapy, reiki healing, and reiki living.
Master Usui, the founding Master of Reiki, wrote in the original Japanese manuscript the five principles of Reiki. A literal translation of them is as follows:
Just for today,
Do not get angry,
Do not worry,
Be thankful,
Work honestly,
Be friendly
The five principles of Reiki are a guide for living for those who want to learn how to better themselves using Reiki. Let’s see what of each of this principles means
Just For Today, Do Not Get Angry: Being angry, upset, and unsettled predisposes you to violent reactions. Violence is not good for you or for others. According to this principle people need to eliminate these negative feelings from their lives to live a better life and to be able to access the universal energy.
Just For Today, Do Not Worry: You need to learn and live without worries. If you focus on your day-by-day activities more, you will not have time to worry. Occupy yourself with your everyday tasks and try not think about the future or the past. Things in the past have already happened, you can not change them. Things in the future will happen anyway and you do not know how they will turn out, so why worry?
Just For Today, Be Thankful: Each and everyday we need to give thanks for the things we have and for what we have experienced. This way you will feel good about your life and will not live in fear or accept feelings of guilt or blame.
Just For Today, Work Honestly. This Reiki principle refers to the fact that we give the best of ourselves in our working environment. We are here to do a job (whatever it is). Be the best you can be. Do not lie or abuse others
Just For Today, Be Friendly: This principle implies treating others with respect and goodness especially, the elderly, our parents and masters, teachers and professors. This Reiki principle, including respecting our elders, is very much a part of the overall Japanese culture.
Every person who wants to master Reiki needs to learn, understand and practice these five principles. Doing them, Just for Today, will the basis of a daily behavior that will be a continuous part of your life. This is in essence Reiki.
Source:
Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide. By Pamela Miles. Published by Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated, 2006, ISBN 1585424749, 9781585424740