Wisdom from Reiki’s Five Principles

When I first embarked on my reiki journey, I was unaware of how profoundly the Five Principles of Reiki would impact my life. Mikao Usui, the founder of reiki, discovered profound happiness, peace, and both physical and emotional healing through reiki and these principles. He shared this transformative practice with others, and it is a legacy that today’s reiki teachers continue to uphold.

The Five Principles of Reiki: Spiritual Guidelines for a Balanced Life

The Five Principles of Reiki are spiritual guidelines followed by reiki practitioners. These principles embody the core ideals of reiki and offer a framework for living a life aligned with spiritual and personal growth. Although the principles were originally translated from Japanese and some translations may vary slightly, their essence remains consistent.

Here is the contemporary translation of the Five Principles of Reiki:

Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry. 
Just for today, I will do my work honestly. 
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings. 
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and all living things.

Each principle begins with “Just for today” to remind us that, when life becomes overwhelming, we can focus on managing our responses one day at a time. These principles are not meant to be used as tools for self-judgment but as aspirational guidelines. It is perfectly okay if you cannot adhere to them every day; you can always start again tomorrow.

Exploring the Five Principles of Reiki

1. Just for Today, I Will Not Worry
   Worry is a low-vibrating emotion rooted in fear and “what if” scenarios. It keeps us preoccupied with negative outcomes and causes unnecessary anxiety. By affirming “Just for today, I will not worry,” you allow yourself to release the stress and preoccupation of future uncertainties. This practice brings you back to the present moment and fosters trust that whatever happens is for your highest good. Though letting go of worry can be challenging, with continued practice, you will find that your life and health benefit greatly.
2. Just for Today, I Will Not Be Angry
   Anger is a deep-seated emotion that can be disruptive and harmful. It often arises from fear or limiting beliefs and can lead to unnecessary conflict and hurt. Rather than trying to suppress anger, the aim is to recognize it when it appears, understand its triggers, and choose not to react impulsively. By practicing “Just for today, I will not be angry,” you consciously decide not to let anger dominate your day. Allowing anger to pass without attachment diminishes its power over you.
3. Just for Today, I Will Do My Work Honestly
   This principle emphasizes the importance of intention in our work, whether it relates to our job or our spiritual growth. If you are engaged in work that does not resonate with you, you are not being true to yourself. This principle encourages you to view your work in a new light, recognizing its value and contribution to your spiritual path. To work honestly means dedicating yourself to purposeful living and spiritual development, both professionally and personally.
4. Just for Today, I Will Be Grateful for My Many Blessings
   Cultivating gratitude enhances our overall well-being, fosters happiness, and helps us manage our emotions more effectively. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can see that we have more to be thankful for than we might realize. Practicing “Just for today, I will be grateful for my many blessings” teaches us to appreciate what we have, leading to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
5. Just for Today, I Will Be Kind to My Neighbor and All Living Things
   This principle teaches us to honor and respect all forms of life, including people, animals, plants, and the Earth. By practicing kindness and compassion toward others, regardless of differences in viewpoint or status, we contribute to our collective well-being and evolution. Additionally, kindness towards ourselves is crucial, as many of us are our harshest critics. By extending kindness, we invite more kindness into our own lives.

These principles form the foundation of a reiki lifestyle, supporting practitioners in living more consciously and harmoniously. Consider printing out the Five Principles of Reiki and placing them in a visible location, such as your bathroom door or mirror, to serve as a daily reminder.

If you’re interested in learning more about reiki and how these principles can be integrated into your life, explore my upcoming Reiki Level 1 Training.