What an important time to go deeper into the incredible gifts offered by the Reiki Precepts, the Five Reiki Principles, Reiki Ideals, the Reiki Gokai!
Regardless of the name you use to reference them, the Precepts are taught as a support for your path of self-growth and healing, while considered a basic foundation in the Reiki system.
One version of the Reiki Precepts or Gokai in both English and Japanese.
Just for today Kyo dake wa
Do not anger Ikaru-na
Do not worry Shinpai suna
Be grateful Kansha shite
Work honestly Gyo o hageme
Be kind to others Hito ni shinsetsu ni
From The Reiki Journey: Guided Meditations for Mindful Living
The Precepts begin with Just For Today… Today Only or Be Here Now
This encourages the art of paying attention in the moment rather than reacting or habitually acting on auto pilot. It reminds us to dwell in the present moment, to focus on the here and now, to be aware of what is going on within and around you.
For many people, much of our time is absorbed with memories of the past or thoughts for the future. This is especially true when strong emotions surface as a reaction to a situation. These triggers can bring us out of the moment and into a past painful memory. Staying in the present even when triggered by emotions, allows healing to occur.
Learn to stay present with every thought and activity. It is only in the present moment that we can influence our lives by mindful choices. Utilize the Gokai, The Reiki Precepts to practice responding mindfully rather than reacting.
According to Master Chunyi Lin
Qigong master and the founder and creator of Spring Forest Qigong,
“(Unbalanced) Emotions are the number one cause of energy blockages in the body, which is why having harmony and balance in our lives is so important to good health and a happy life.”
Just For Today, I Let Go of Anger
the inner work
Anger is a necessary emotion that can indicate a powerful motivating force. Anger is healthy when it shows us needed boundaries. However, when anger is explosive or when we remain in a state of anger, it blocks us from experiencing love and compassion. Express what needs to be said, let it go and return to harmony.
Anger feels more powerful than hurt or sadness yet sometimes anger is masked by sadness. Anger can be scary. If you notice you agree, it’s likely that you have concluded that sadness won’t get you into trouble and it is safer to be sad than to be angry. Look at the sadness as a pathway to understanding the anger. Feel it and acknowledge it whether it shows up as anger, hurt or sadness.
Listen to the message of the anger – is it showing up to reminder you to have healthy boundaries, is it surfacing as a means of protection from a perceived danger, a trigger from the past, or is it masking other emotions.
And offer self-Reiki.
Just For Today, I Let Go of Worry
the inner work
Worry brings us out of the present by projecting concern of the future. Worry arises when we wish to control an outcome or lack the trust that all will be well. It activates mental chatter as we play scenarios of undesired outcomes out in our mind. Worry ‘leaks’ our energy and robs us of our experience of life in the here and now. Letting go of worry can prevent anxiety, fear and panic from developing which can lead to high levels of stress.
For some, this Precept can support us in letting go of fear, doubt, shame and guilt.
When you become aware of worry, rather than energizing it with active thoughts
feel it, acknowledge it and let it go. The more you let go, the more peaceful you become.
And offer self-Reiki.
Just For Today, I Give Thanks for my Many Blessings
the inner work
We block the flow of life’s riches and blessings to us if we subconsciously feel unworthy of receiving abundance from the Universe. Being grateful for all of our blessings, large and small, attracts more blessings to us. Practice gratitude. Consider that everything has a meaning and a purpose. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Everything we need is provided.
Once you have experienced feeling gratitude for blessings that are in your life, move to feeling grateful for no particular reason. Just be grateful for whatever life brings to you! Feel gratitude in your heart without needing any reason! Be grateful to be alive!
If you struggle with letting go of anger or worry, focus on gratitude. Many find it the antidote for unwanted emotional reactions. A heart and mind filled with gratitude has less space to focus on anger or worry!
And offer self-Reiki.
Just For Today, I am Honest in My Work
the inner work
This precept has varied interpretations in the word ‘honest’. One Japanese translation is: diligent. We can interpret this part of the precept as honest, diligent, conscientious, persistent, thorough, earnest, dedicated or committed.
Next, what is your ‘work’? Work has also been interpreted as duty. To some it may be a job for pay. To others it may be maintaining a household or raising children. Another interpretation, believed to be considered by Usui Sensei is that our work is our spiritual journey; our personal work on ourselves.
When you practice this precept, consider both your work and duty in the outer world around you and your inner world, your journey of living the best version of you!
Do your duties, work hard, be honest and devoted in your work. Live life honestly! Be true to yourself and be truthful to others.
And offer self-Reiki.
Just For Today, I am Kind to Every Living Thing
the culmination of the inner work
Sensei Hawayo Takata is said to state this precept as “Honor your parents, teachers and elders”. This is a great reminder that our teachers come in many forms. And since we are all connected, when we honor others we honor ourselves.
In the Jikiden Reiki style “Be Kind to Others” is considered the culmination of your inner work. We focus on integrating the first four precepts into our life then live our life with kindness and compassion. But let’s not wait until we have mastered the earlier precepts. Begin today by practicing kindness and compassion to yourself, your neighbor and every living thing.
“The Golden Rule” found in many cultures, states to treat others as you want to be treated. Similar to being kind to others, by applying this concept we elevate satisfaction in our interactions. Practice being friendly, helpful, compassionate, empathetic and courteous. Avoid gossip and criticism. Be a good listener. Notice how kindness makes you feel – happier or perhaps more trusting?
“Loving Kindness” is the English equivalent for the Buddhist term metta. The practice begins with developing acceptance of yourself. Release feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness. Next develop loving kindness towards others.
Whether utilizing the concepts of The Golden Rule or Loving Kindness, this Reiki Precept supports us in opening our heart to ourselves and others.
The Reiki Precepts were included in the system of Reiki as guidelines for living
to support the healing of our mind, spirit and emotions.
The science of neuroplasticity shows us that repetition of the Precepts creates new neural pathways in the brain. Change our thoughts and we change the emotional response. Working with the Precepts helps us to cultivate awareness, to become open, loving and compassionate, thus “inviting happiness”.
Incorporate these simple yet powerful phrases into your daily life by reading them, thinking them, writing them, reflecting on them, chanting them and living them! It is encouraged to recite them out loud as part of your daily practice in the morning and in the evening.
Our health and happiness begins when we take full responsibility for our own wellbeing. Just as Sensei Mikao Usui experienced Anshin Ritsumei (an inner state of contentment and inner peace), let these Precepts support you on your journey of spiritual awakening. Yes, it’s a journey. Give permission to be in the process without attachment to outcome each step of the way. Allow your journey toward wholeness to unfold.
And offer self-Reiki.
May you be happy and free from thoughts and emotions that no longer serve you!
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