After several years of developing his new system, Dr. Usui realized
something was missing. While physical healing was important, spiritual and
mental well-being were just as vital, he believed. Dr. Usui wanted Reiki to be
a tool for both physical and spiritual healing, something to help people
develop spiritual and emotional maturity. He developed the Five Spiritual
Principles, still used today, to serve as a guide to an emotionally healthy
outlook.
Principle 1: Just for today, I will let go of anger.
Anger isolates us from society and from the Universal Consciousness, Reiki
practitioners believe. Its only power lies in its ability to interfere with
spiritual growth and prevent us from doing good in the world. While anger
cannot be eliminated, it can be controlled. According to Reiki principles, if
we accept our anger and let it go, we will be free to connect with the
Universal Consciousness and with the world around us.
Principle 2: Just for today, I will let go of worry.
According to the teachings of Reiki, worry is futile. All of existence is
guided by a divine plan, which should be accepted and trusted. If we allow
worry to dominate our thoughts, we hinder spiritual growth and place
restrictions on ourselves. We should instead concentrate on living each moment
and allowing the universe to take care of the rest. Only by surrendering to the
divine plan can we grow spiritually and connect with the world around us.
Principle 3: Today, I will count my many blessings.
It is by being thankful for what we already have that we can be blessed with
even more, according to this principle. If we are afraid of being without what
we need, or if we feel unworthy of good fortune, we prevent blessings from
entering our lives. Instead, we should value the fortune we do have, which will
open us up to the blessings that we deserve according to the divine plan.
Principle 4: Today, I will do my work honestly.
If we want to achieve harmony in ourselves and in our world, we must live
honest lives in accordance with our higher purpose. Through this harmony, we
gain self-esteem and the contentedness that results will help us achieve
spiritual transformation. According to Reiki principles’, living an ethical
life is not only the moral thing to do, it is something that can literally
re-shape our outlook on life.
Principle 5: Today, I will be kind to every living creature.
Because all living things are connected, it is essential that we are kind to
others. Through our kindness, we encourage a world of unity and harmony, one in
which everyone can work together for the greater good. In addition, our
thoughts and deeds create our worlds, so according to Reiki principles, if we
are kind and loving, we will create a kind and loving environment for
ourselves.