Reiki Original Rules or Principles
Reiki Principles
Reiki both as a Healing Technique or a Spiritual Practice can’t be really understood without taking into account its Five Reiki Principles or Precepts, also called Gokai. These are not strictly rules but more ideas or advices which can help the Reiki Practitioner to live a better life even if their use is not restricted to the Reiki Practitioner only.
Reiki Original Principles Introduction
«The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings, the Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses».
This is how Mr. Usui described the Five Original Reiki Principles. They are not his invention though, as they seem to have been inspired from the teachings of the Meiji Emperor of Japan, who Usui regarded as an enlightened ruler. This can be true or not as they could also be derived from ancient Buddhist teachings; whatever their source they are an integral part of Reiki as a spiritual practice and holistic healing technique.
Now, as usual with Reiki there are many versions of the Reiki Principles for various reasons, not last to have Reiki Practitioners to obey directives from their «Master»; this one is, or should be, the Original version of Reiki Principles.
What I like most about them is that whatever the religion you’ve decided to believe and follow, whatever your point of view on life, the Universe or whatever else, whatever your spiritual belief, or absence of spiritual beliefs, these principles are perfectly acceptable and useful for everyone.
If followed they can really help everyone to live a better, healthier life. The instructions from Mr. Usui are to sit in the Gassho position, that is on your knees with your hand together, and to repeat them in the morning and before going to bed. However the position is unimportant, what really matters is that you remember them and live accordingly.
Reiki Original Principle 1
«Just for today don’t get angry».
Well, getting angry is not only most of the times useless, it’s also when we take the wrong decisions, or make or say things that we later regret. Remaining calm instead we never do regrettable things, every action is well thought upon and taken in the right way. Beside this being angry reduces our energy and fills us with bad feelings, emotions and tensions which could later develop in illnesses.
Reiki Original Principle 2
«Just for today don’t worry».
Linked to the above one being worried can’t do much good for us. As the Eastern saying states «There is no need for worries: if it’s something you can change there is no need to worry, if it’s something you can’t change then worrying is useless».
Even if sometimes it’s hard to avoid it, worrying makes no good, it depletes our energies and usually puts us in a kind of circle of negative mood, or emotions and feelings. Not only worrying makes it difficult to find a way to solve our problems, worrying can also end in serious illnesses too.
Reiki Original Principle 3
«Just for today be grateful.»
Most of the times we forget to see and thanks for the good things we have in our life. While it is true that there is always someone who stays better than us, it is also true that there is also someone who stays worse than us.
Like the old saying «I felt bad because I had no shoes, until I met someone who had no feet». While we are usually well aware of what we want we usually forget what we already have, and how important it is until it’s taken away from us. This regards family, friends, health, etc., etc.
Can you imagine how important can be just a simple glass of water? Think about people in Africa who hasn’t just a glass of fresh, clean water. And if you think it’s false try to avoid drinking anything for a day and see if as the time passes by a single glass of water isn’t that important.
Reiki Original Principle 4
«Just for today work hard».
This doesn’t mean that at the end of the day we have to be tired, or exhausted. It simply means that we should aim to do our best everyday becoming everyday better than the day before. Obviously, since no one wants to become exhausted, it also means that when we take a rest we must do our best to rest as well as possible. Or work hard when we have to work, and rest hard wen we have, want or need to rest.
Whatever we do, we should do it at the best of our abilities.
Reiki Original Principle 5
«Just for today be kind to others».
Well, this is pretty self-explanatory. Being kind is always the best way to go, which can help us to receive the most from others and from life as a whole; it can help us to have friends, a happy family, a good work environment, and so on. Since most of the times if we are kind to others then others are kind to us this principle is probably the most important one for social life. Obviously if we are kind and others mistreat us than we can always resort to a different approach. Like a good headbutt.
Final Thoughts
The wonderful thing about the Original Reiki Principles is that you don’t have to live all your life following them, actually you have just to follow them Today.
So, Just for Today:
Don’t get Angry
Don’t Worry
Be Grateful
Work Hard
Be Kind to Others
Just for Today.