Last week, we delved into what Distance Reiki Energy Healing is and how it can help people feel and get better naturally, without the hands on/light touch method. This week, I want to expand more about my PASSION and describe The Reiki Precepts of which I recite daily.
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will not be angry
Just for today, I will be grateful
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing
The Usui Reiki Precepts are a set of ethical principles that form the heart of Reiki practice, a spiritual healing system developed in the early 20th century by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. These precepts are not merely guidelines for conduct but are considered a path to spiritual awakening and personal growth. The history of these precepts is intertwined with the life of Usui, who, after a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama, sought to share the healing power he had discovered. He established the Usui Reiki Healing Society and taught these precepts as a way to live a balanced and peaceful life.
The precepts themselves are simple yet profound statements intended to be contemplated and lived “just for today,” emphasizing the importance of presence and mindfulness.
The first precept, “Just for today, I will not worry” serves as a gentle reminder to embrace the present moment and release anxieties about the future. It encourages individuals to focus on the now, fostering a mindset that can lead to reduced stress and increased mental clarity. This principle is part of a broader set of guidelines within Reiki aimed at promoting a peaceful and mindful approach to daily life. By adhering to this mantra, practitioners are guided to trust in the natural flow of life, which can cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
The second, “Just for today, I will not be angry” serves as a daily reminder to embrace calmness and release negative emotions. This principle is part of a set of guidelines that encourage living in the present and responding to life’s challenges with a sense of peace rather than anger. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and managing reactions to anger, suggesting that one’s inner tranquility is key to personal growth and well-being. By focusing on the present and letting go of anger, practitioners aim to cultivate a more harmonious and mindful approach to life.
The third, “Just for today, I will be grateful” serves as a gentle reminder to embrace gratitude in our daily lives. It encourages individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings they have, fostering a sense of contentment and well-being. This principle is part of a broader set of guidelines in Reiki that aim to promote a positive mindset and spiritual growth by living in the present and appreciating each moment. By focusing on gratitude, practitioners are believed to attract more positivity into their lives, enhancing their emotional and spiritual journey.
The fourth, “Just for today, I will do my work honestly” encourages living in the present and approaching each task with integrity and authenticity. This principle is part of a set of guidelines designed to promote well-being and personal growth by fostering a mindset of sincerity in one’s daily actions. By committing to honesty in our work, we not only enhance our own life force but also contribute positively to the collective energy around us. This precept serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and trust are built through dedicated and genuine effort in all our endeavors.
And, the fifth, “Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing” is a call to practice compassion and mindfulness in our daily interactions. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the impact our actions have on the world around us. By embracing this principle, we commit to spreading positivity and kindness, not just towards others but also towards ourselves, recognizing that such acts of goodwill are returned manifold. This precept encourages living in the present and contributing to a harmonious and nurturing environment for all living beings.
These precepts are rooted in the broader context of Japanese spiritual practices and were influenced by the principles of Buddhism, particularly the Eightfold Path, which includes right views, right thinking, and right action among its tenets. Usui’s adaptation of these principles into the Reiki Precepts was meant to be non-religious and universally applicable, transcending cultural and religious boundaries to provide a secular moral framework for living a meaningful life.
The Reiki Precepts are not just moral imperatives but are also seen as a cure for the spiritual illnesses of worry and anger, which Usui believed were the root causes of many physical ailments. By practicing these precepts daily, Reiki practitioners aim to cultivate inner peace, improve mental and emotional health, and foster a harmonious relationship with the world around them. In essence, the Usui Reiki Precepts serve as a guide to self-healing and spiritual development, encouraging individuals to live consciously and compassionately. Through these principles, practitioners are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, one day at a time.
Incorporating the Reiki Precepts into daily life can be a fulfilling practice that promotes mindfulness, compassion, and personal growth. Here are some suggestions on how to integrate these principles into your everyday routine:
- Morning Meditation: Begin your day with a meditation focusing on the Reiki Precepts. Reflect on each precept and set an intention to follow them throughout the day.
- Journaling: Keep a journal to record your thoughts and experiences related to the precepts. This can help you become more aware of your behaviors and patterns.
- Mindful Reminders: Place reminders in your home or workspace with the precepts written on them. These can serve as prompts to return to a state of mindfulness during the day.
- Gratitude Practice: At the end of the day, reflect on what you are grateful for. This can shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance in your life.
- Honest Work: Approach your work with integrity. Whether it’s your job or daily chores, do them to the best of your ability and with honesty.
- Kindness Acts: Perform at least one act of kindness each day, whether it’s towards yourself, another person, or any living creature.
- Mindful Communication: When speaking with others, be mindful of the precepts. Listen actively and speak with kindness and honesty.
- Emotional Awareness: Become more aware of your emotions. When you feel worry or anger rising, acknowledge it, and gently remind yourself of the corresponding precept.
- Reiki Practice: If you are trained in Reiki, incorporate the healing practice into your daily routine, using the precepts as a guide for your sessions.
- Community Engagement: Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who also practice the Reiki Precepts. This can provide support and inspiration.
By integrating these practices into your life, you can begin to embody the Reiki Precepts and experience their transformative effects. Remember, the journey is a personal one, and it’s about progress, not perfection. Take it one day at a time and be gentle with yourself as you grow and learn through the precepts.