The Reiki Principles - The Usui Precepts
Do not get angry today
Do not worry today
Be grateful today
Work hard today (spiritual practice)
Be kind to others today

There are five training principles which were adopted by Usui from the Meiji Emperor. These precepts hold within them many teachings and ways with which to strengthen our spiritual practice in daily life.

These principles should not be considered rules that we need to obey, but rather, meditations worthy of contemplation. In considering these ideals and questioning our personal relationship to these simple principles we have another way to check in with ourselves. In coming back to Usui's teachings, we can align where we are at any given moment. As suggested in the original manuscripts, these principles should be spoken once in the morning and once in the evening.

The IIRT Spiritual Precepts

The Ten Aspirations of Mindfulness
The following aspirations are Universal teachings for contemplation. The Dharma * should not be considered commandments, nor should they be viewed as rules to obey. The emphasis of these aspirations is to present views that may inspire and support the practitioner. Each aspiration should be contemplated and then reviewed with personal attention and direct application to one’s own life.

*Dharma. The word Dharma is derived from the Sanskrit language and refers to the teachings, which express universal laws or truth. Dharma is the teachings or laws, which uphold and support life and denotes the ‘ways’ to wisdom, liberation and peace.

1. The Dharma of the Path
I hold the aspiration for the Path of Peace.

In all my actions, may I conduct myself in a manner which supports the path of unfolding. Through my practice may I be a light unto myself and cultivate self-reliance, unconditional love and compassion. May I recognize my ability to change and the freedom which comes by skillfully walking in the light of truth. May I know this way, never forget, never stray. May this path be a path for many, may this be a path of love.

2. The Dharma of Tradition
I hold the aspiration to honour Tradition.

May I honour my teachers, elders, my spiritual lineage and all beings who have walked the path of peace. May I recognize the accumulated merit of this tradition and respectfully embrace the Dharma, these teachings and all who teach it. May my motivation be pure and may I hold the sacred traditions with deep respect, following the path of sages.

3. The Dharma of Right Speech
I hold the aspiration to train myself in Right Speech.

I recognize the value of being sincere and honest in my words and use my speech to benefit others and myself. May I consider the effects of speech and diligently practice to refrain from mistruths, harsh or disturbing words and refrain from gossip or mindless opinions. Instead, may I have the courage to speak to those concerned and generate positive interactions. Throughout my days, may I aspire to be mindful of my internal speech, and steadfastly awaken speech that reflects and nurtures the heart of unfolding.

4. The Dharma of Generosity
I hold the aspiration to train myself in acts of Generosity.

I recognize the value of giving and receiving with right intent and serving others selflessly without desire for recognition or return. Through acts of service, may I generate a humble disposition. May I train myself to take only that which is freely given and to be mindful of the differences between wants, desires and needs. May I surrender my sectarian views and be ever watchful of pride, selfish actions and egotism. I take refuge in acts of service and steadfastly walk the path of Generosity.

5. The Dharma of Healing
I hold the aspiration to train myself in acts of healing.

May I recognize the precious opportunity in this life to know my body, speech and mind are tools for healing others and myself. I seek to know and use my healing abilities to assist humanity and to walk the healing path with humility, knowing my actions bear results. May I honour myself as a vehicle for Universal Energy and continue to consciously walk the path of healing for the benefit of all that lives.

6. The Dharma of Ecology
I hold the aspiration to recognize the interconnectedness of all existence.

May I practice mindfulness within my environment and value how my environment affects my body and mind. May I reverently appreciate and support the life of all creation and recognize its uniqueness. Knowing that it matters what we do, may I seek to engage in ethical activities and livelihoods that support the ecology of nature, balance and wholeness.

7. The Dharma of Tolerance
I hold the aspiration to train myself in Tolerance.

May my mind be open to recognize and value the journeys of others and actively cultivate patience and tolerance with all my relations. May I cultivate interactions of non-violence and come to know stillness when hearing the views of others. May this open mind blossom through direct experience, personal reflection and contemplation. On this path may I respect the choices of others and by neither action nor words shall I seek to hinder the path of another.

8. The Dharma of Obligation
I hold the aspiration of Sacred Obligation.

May I recognize the value in honouring obligations made, to carry these to completion and to have the integrity to communicate when circumstances change. I vow to take responsibility for all my actions and to carry these out to the best of my ability. In all my interactions may I have the motivation of personal integrity. By honouring my obligations, may this build strength of character and nurture the integral way.

9. The Dharma of Community
I hold the aspiration to Support the Community of Peace.

I honour the community of friends on the path. May I recognize the inherent value of community, the sustenance and support this brings and seek new ways of cultivating right relationships. May I be a spiritual friend to many and help to build bonds, which serve the community for peace.

10. The Dharma of the Senses (The Body of Mindfulness)
I hold the aspiration to train myself in awareness of the senses.

May I recognize the value of nurturing and supporting my body and train myself to be ever aware of how substances affect my body, emotions and mind. May I use my senses to support life and use my vital energy to bring pleasure and joy respectfully to others.

Dedication of the Merit:
Aided by these worthy aspirations may I be a living example and generate the mind for peace.