The Five Ideals

Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures. Reiki practitioners hold these as part of their "mission statement."

Dr. Usui adopted these ideals from the five principles of the Meiji emperor of Japan, whom he admired. The ideals were developed to add spiritual balance to Usui Reiki. Their purpose is to help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Therefore, the Usui system of Reiki is more than the use of the Reiki energy. It must also include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system. The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life, and virtues worthy of practice for their inherent value.

• Just for today, do not anger, do not worry. Be filled with gratitude.
• Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
• Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
• Pray these words to your heart and chant these words with your mouth.
• The founder, Usui Mikao