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Glossary
Reiki
and
The Five Reiki
Principles |
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Reiki is a
Japanese healing practice
that promotes relaxation,
balance, harmony, and a sense of
well-being. The word Reiki is
commonly translated as
"universal life energy,"
combining rei, meaning
universal or spiritual wisdom,
and ki, meaning life
energy.
Developed by Mikao Usui in Japan
in the early twentieth century,
Reiki is practiced by gently
placing the hands on or above
the body, with the intention of
supporting relaxation and
harmony on physical, emotional,
mental, and spiritual levels. |
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Reiki is based on the
understanding that cultivating
balance and
harmony within ourselves can
help us approach life with
greater calm, awareness, and
compassion.
Although Reiki is not a
substitute for medical care,
many people use it as a
complementary practice to
support relaxation, mindfulness,
and personal well-being. |
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The Five Reiki Principles
1.
Just for today, do not be
angry.
2.
Just for today, do not worry.
3.
Just for today, be grateful.
4.
Just for today, work
diligently.
5.
Just for today, be kind to
every living thing. |
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At
the heart of the Usui Reiki
tradition are five guiding
principles, known in Japanese as
Gokai. These principles offer a
simple yet profound framework
for living with greater
presence, kindness, and inner
peace. They are traditionally
introduced with the words, "Just
for today," reminding us to
focus on the present moment
rather than becoming overwhelmed
by the past or anxious about the
future. |
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1.
Just for today, do not be angry.
This principle invites us to
recognize anger without allowing
it to control our thoughts or
actions. Rather than suppressing
our feelings, we can learn to
understand their underlying
causes and respond with greater
patience and awareness. |
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2.
Just for today, do not worry.
Worry often arises when we try
to control what lies beyond our
influence. This principle
encourages us to return to the
present moment, trust the
process of life, and distinguish
between what we can change and
what we need to accept. |
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3.
Just for today, be grateful.
Gratitude shifts our attention
towards the people, experiences,
and simple moments that enrich
our lives. By appreciating what
we already have, we cultivate a
deeper sense of contentment and
connection. |
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4.
Just for today, work
diligently.
This principle encourages us to
approach our responsibilities
with honesty, dedication, and
integrity. It also reminds us
that personal growth requires
effort, self-reflection, and a
willingness to act in alignment
with our values. |
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5.
Just for today, be kind to
every living thing.
Kindness begins with how we
treat ourselves and extends to
other people, animals, and the
natural world. This principle
invites us to practice
compassion, respect, and
understanding in our everyday
interactions. |
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Bringing Reiki into Everyday
Life
The Five Reiki Principles are
more than words to recite; they
are invitations to live
consciously. Practitioners may
reflect on them during
meditation, before or after a
Reiki session, or as part of a
daily mindfulness practice.
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Even a few moments
of quiet reflection can help us recognize
habitual reactions and choose more supportive
ways of responding to life's challenges.
The phrase “Just
for today” is particularly meaningful because it
makes these principles accessible. We do not
need to be perfectly calm, grateful, or
compassionate at all times. Instead, we can
begin again each day, learning through
experience and treating ourselves with patience
along the way.
Reiki, therefore,
can be understood not only as a hands-on
relaxation practice but also as a path of
personal development.
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The gentleness
you offer becomes the quiet that shelters
your own home.
~
KoRe proverb |
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By
incorporating the Five Reiki
Principles into daily life, we
nurture greater self-awareness,
emotional balance, gratitude,
and compassion. Their enduring
message is simple: lasting
change begins with small,
conscious choices made in the
present moment. |
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Antahkarana Meditation
The Antahkarana is
an ancient sacred symbol representing the
"Rainbow Bridge" between the physical brain and
the
higher self. It is
often visualized as a bridge enabling spiritual
evolution and consciousness.
The Antahkarana
symbol
can
meditated upon to clear negative energy. It
is also used in
Reiki healing to amplify energy. |
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