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A Study of the Reiki Principles

© Rev. T. Darlene Cheek, CHt., RMT

Every Reiki system is different, and every Reiki system is the same. You'll notice, if you've studied different Reiki systems, that the wording is different, but the precepts and principles have the same message. For example:

Usui Reiki Principles:

Just for today, do not worry.

Just for today, do not anger.

Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.

Earn your living honestly.

Show gratitude to every living thing.

Unlimited Reiki Principles:

Just for today, I shall trust.

Just for today, I shall do my work honestly.

Just for today, I shall accept my many blessings.

Just for today, I shall be at peace.

Just for today, I shall respect the rights of all life forms.

So, if you trust, you will not worry. If I do my work honestly, then I should also be living honestly. If I respect the rights of all life forms, I should show gratitude to every living thing. If I am at peace, I will not anger. By accepting my many blessings, I should also honor my parents, elders, and teachers.

It seems simple, and it should be. Many of us, however, have trouble with some of the principles at one time or another in our lives. We're only human, after all. I've been asked by some of my Reiki friends during hard times in my life, "Are you living your Reiki?" Answering that question requires a more thorough look at what the principles mean.

Just for today, I shall trust.

I know that I am a chronic worrier. Am I living my Reiki when I worry about every little thing? No, I am not. This is a constant battle within me, and on good days, I come out on top. If I truly trust in my higher power to flow through me and take care of me, then why should I worry so much?

To live by this principle, we have to let go of worry, fear, and discontent. We have to trust that whatever is happening in our life at the moment is meant to happen and that we are learning a valuable lesson. Christians would call this faith. Do we have faith in the divine plan? Do we have faith and trust that we will be provided for if we are living to the best of our abilities?

I'm sure that this is an area we all work on. Sometimes we may slip a little, but if we remember to live by the principles of Reiki, our life will certainly be more blessed in all areas. Reiki is, after all, a holistic healer!

The copyright of the article A Study of the Reiki Principles in Reiki Therapy is owned by Rev. T. Darlene Cheek, CHt., RMT. Permission to republish A Study of the Reiki Principles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.