Mikao Usui gave his students a simple set of rules to live by and most reiki first degree courses include some discussion or teaching of the reiki precepts. Although there are a number of slightly different variations out there, the following is considered to be the most commonly accepted version.
The secret method of inviting happiness through many blessings
The spiritual medicine for all dis-ease
For today only
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be humble in your dealings with people
Be compassionate towards yourself and others
Do gassho every morning and evening.
Keep in your mouth and recite
Now, let us take a look at the meaning of each of these precepts in turn:
The secret method of inviting happiness through many blessings
It is now believed that the “many blessings” refer to the connection ritual: the reiju empowerments that Usui used to connect his students to the reiki source. Each student is said to have received many blessings, lots of empowerments on a regular basis.
Reiki in the West is often taught as a one or two day course, depending on which course of study the student is undertaking. In order to keep as close as possible to the original method I offer additional reiju empowerments on a Sunday on a regular basis to all of my students.
The spiritual medicine for all dis-ease
This sentence is stating the importance of feeding the spirit, the soul, in order to prevent illness.
For today only
Do not anger
Do not worry
Just for today, just for now, promise yourself that you will not become angry at the slightest thing.
Do not worry because it will not change the outcome of the problem that you are worrying about.
When we worry we create an illusion in our mind as to what the outcome of our problem will be. We also make the problem much worse, magnifying it and therefore losing touch with reality.
Be humble in your dealings with people
Be modest and grateful when you can. We are all unique human beings and we should treat each other with honour and respect. When we send these good feelings out into the Universe we also receive them from others through acts of kindness.
Be compassionate towards yourself and others
Remember to be kind to yourself and others.
Do not create unrealistic expectations of yourself, take the time to do something that you love and which brings joy into your heart.
Do gassho every morning and evening
This simply means remember to place your hands in the prayer position and take the time to be thankful for what you have.
Keep in your mouth and recite
Keep in your mouth means to maintain an awareness of the words which you can also keep in your heart.
Remember to keep the words of the precepts in your mind as you go about your business and you are more likely than not to have a more peaceful and stress free day.
Now it’s your turn.
What do the reiki precepts mean to you?
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