The Gokai (also known as Reiki Precepts, Principles or Ideals) are considered the heart of Usui Reiki Ryoho. They are taught to support students on their spiritual path of self-healing. Recommended as principles to live by, these precepts offer a code of practice and guidelines for living. These simple yet powerful phrases are said to be as influential to our healing and development as the energy work component of the Reiki system, therefore not to be overlooked.
How did the Reiki Precepts come about?
Although some have said they are the words of the Meiji Emperor who wrote many poems on moral guidance, it is more likely that Usui Sensei captured these powerful phrases based on “A Path to Soundness” written by Dr. Suzuki Bizan published in 1914 which reads:
“Today only, Be not angry, Be not fearful, With honesty, Perform diligently your duty, Be kind to others.”
Much of the history of Reiki, including the Precepts came from the writings etched on Mikao Usui’s memorial stone at his gravesite at Saihoji Temple in Tokyo. The stone was erected by members of the Usui
Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in 1927, one year after Sensei Usui’s passing.
The Gokai or Reiki Precepts is Japanese in origin as with the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho (Reiki for short). Since it requires translation, there are several variations of the Reiki Precepts. One more literal translation (as found on The Reiki Journey CD):
The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings,
The Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses
Just for today…
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be grateful
Work honestly
Be kind to others.
Another somewhat gentler translation is:
Just for today…
I let go of anger
I let go of worry
I give thanks for my many blessings
I am honest in my work
I am kind to myself, my neighbor and every living thing.
Within the Reiki system, the Precepts are a power tool to assist us in cultivating spiritual development. At the very minimum, they are ways to bring us into the present and uplift our thinking.
Recite your preferred version daily, to guide you in achieving “happiness through many blessings” and “improvement of mind and body”. Chant them, contemplate them, meditate on them. Repeat them again and again to encourage present moment awareness and establish new thought patterns. Make it a goal to live by these Precepts.
Go deeper into the treasure of the Reiki Precepts with the program Journey into the Reiki Precepts with Ginny Mackles. For more information: https://ginnymackles.com/reiki-classes-continuing-education/
*Source: Hyakuten Inamoto, Founder of Komyo Reiki Kai
