Exploring The Five Principles Of Usui Reiki
The practice of Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s. It’s been argued as to whether Reiki is a spiritual system or a system of healing or both. At it’s very essence Reiki is simply a method for connecting to and staying connected with the Universal Life Energy that is constantly surrounding us. In doing so, Reiki helps its practitioners lead more focused, peaceful lives. So, maybe it is a spiritual system, and maybe it does heal us.
At the heart of Reiki are 5 Principles that any serious practitioner will meditate on frequently and practice daily. These Principles are not always easy to keep, but serve as an excellent guideline for conducting one’s life. The 5 principles are as follows:
Just for today,
No Anger
No Worry
Be Grateful
Work Hard
Be Kind
This version is the most boiled down of all, and curiously, the most comprehensive. Let’s look at each one.
No Anger - I will not anger, and I will endeavor not to cause anger. I believe this refers to the non-productive type of anger that some of us feel occasionally, and some of us feel chronically. It’s irritable anger, petty anger; anger that we think is somehow going to change a situation. This does not refer to the anger you might feel over a crime or other serious injustice or harm. I believe that the concept of No Anger also means endeavoring not to cause anger in others. It is possible to be mindful of how our words and actions affect others, while still being true to ourselves and staying connected to our authentic selves.
No Worry - I won’t worry, and I will do my best not to cause others worry. Worry produces nothing positive, but can create a lot of negatives. This doesn’t excuse us from having a Plan A and a Plan B, or making correct choices so as to not bring about situations that might cause us to worry. But worry in and of itself is a useless waste of precious energy. Causing others undue worry is the same as causing others anger. We should avoid doing it when possible.
Be Grateful - I will be grateful for the positives. On a really bad day, it may be hard to find the positives, but seek them out nevertheless. And do something nice for someone else - give them something to be grateful for, too.
Work Hard - I will put my whole self into what I am doing. Whether it’s my spiritual practice, my job, washing dishes, visiting a loved one in the hospital, reading to a child, exercising or walking the dog. These activities are the things that our daily life is made of. Even drudgery like doing the laundry (I actually like doing laundry, but most people think I’m weird) is still an honorable task. When you’re fortunate enough to be doing things you feel good about, work hard at those things too - even if it’s napping on the beach!
Be Kind - I will be kind to all creatures. Not just humans. Not just the humans I like. We are connected to all creatures and it’s our honor and duty to treat each other with respect and kindness. It feels good. I know that sometimes it’s hard to be kind to someone if you have negative feelings towards them. Just put that effort out there. It may make a difference and even if it doesn’t, you tried.
Seems so simple. And these 5 Principles of Reiki have been repeated in so many different ways and been set forth in so many other places as well. These concepts aren’t new. But if you really try to internalize them and practice them, they will make a difference in your life.
Lee Ann Lambert is a busy freelance writer, introvert, certified life coach, garden designer, artist, author, mom and grandmom among many other things. She resides in Michigan. For more information check out her website: http://www.hermitshearth.com
All works Copyright 2007 by Lee Ann Lambert
Tags: Mikao Usui, Usui Reiki
