The Original Reiki Ideals (the Gokai)
"When you have found happiness (by living the Reiki Principles), your mind becomes Buddha – like and with this spirit you touch the spirit of the other, thus transforming him" - Mikao Usui
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The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases Just for today, do not anger Do not worry and 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 Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind The founder, Mikao Usui |
The Reiki Ideals (also called Gokai or The Five Principles of Reiki) were originally written by the Meiji Emperor (1868-1912) and were adopted by Usui Sensei, who taught his students to chant the Reiki Ideals each morning and evening as part of their daily routine. This was done for a reason. In Japan, it is traditionally believed that words and names contain mystical powers - a concept called Kotodama. The word koto means "word" and the word dama means "soul" or "spirit." The idea implies that the words we say have power and by chanting the Reiki Ideals out loud each day, the words manifest in the world influencing not only the environment around us, but our body, mind and spirit as well. This is an idea that comes from Shintoism, which had a tremendous influence on traditional Japanese Reiki and was the prevalent spirituality of Japan prior to Buddhism.
Meanings of the Reiki Ideals:
Kyo Dake Wa Just today (or Today only)
Ikaru Na Don’t get angry
Shinpai Suna Don’t worry
Kansha Shite Be grateful
Gyo-o Hageme Do your duty
Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni Be kind to others
How to Pronounce the Reiki Ideals:
Kyo Dake Wa Kee - yoh - dak - ay - wah
Ikaru Na Ee - kah - loo -nah
Shinpai Suna Shin-pie - soo - nah
Kansha Shite Kansha - sh’tay (the “i” is silent)
Gyo-o Hageme Gee – ohh- ha - gay - may
Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni Hee - toe - nee - sheen - set - soo – ne
“Kyo Dake Wa”
This phrase “Only today” or “today only” and means to set aside your daydreams and memories and stay focused in the here and now. Doing so is how Usui Sensei achieved An-Jin Ryu-Mei (the state of complete peace of mind or complete stillness).
“Ikaru Na”
The first principle means "don’t be angry." This does not mean you cannot get angry anymore, as sometimes anger is a necessary and correct response to a situation. But do not remain in a state of anger. Say what must be said and then move on, returning to a place of calm and balance.
“Shinpie Suna”
This principle means "do not worry." Worry is a toxic substance for the body, mind, and soul. When coupled with fear, doubt, or guilt is can cause extreme levels of stress and anxiety. Learning to let go of worry is an important skill for each of us. Learn to view it from the outside, removing the powerful grip it can have on your heart and mind. Doing so will give you a clearer mind and make addressing an issue much easier. Worry is not something that happens to us. It is something we do.
“Kansha Shite”
This principle means "be grateful." This gratefulness should have nothing attached to it, meaning be grateful for no specific reason. Doing this will fill your heart and your surroundings with joy.
“Gyo-o Hageme”
This principle can have two meanings: “do your duties or “work hard.” The Japanese society is a highly structured hierarchical system where social status determines how jobs are allocated. It is collective society where an individual will sacrifice themselves without hesitation to insure the survival of the group. In this type of society one is given a role and they do it without complaining. So in life, give yourself fully to what is in front of you, to what you are doing.
“Hito No Shinsetsu Ni”
This principle means "be kind to others." This is not limited to people only, but to all living things. This is putting the other four principles into action. Frank Arjava Petter says, “Reiki is compassion in action… in Usui Sensei’s words: ‘When you have found happiness (by living the Reiki Principles), your mind becomes Buddha – like and with this spirit you touch the spirit of the other, thus transforming him.’”
Meanings of the Reiki Ideals:
Kyo Dake Wa Just today (or Today only)
Ikaru Na Don’t get angry
Shinpai Suna Don’t worry
Kansha Shite Be grateful
Gyo-o Hageme Do your duty
Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni Be kind to others
How to Pronounce the Reiki Ideals:
Kyo Dake Wa Kee - yoh - dak - ay - wah
Ikaru Na Ee - kah - loo -nah
Shinpai Suna Shin-pie - soo - nah
Kansha Shite Kansha - sh’tay (the “i” is silent)
Gyo-o Hageme Gee – ohh- ha - gay - may
Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni Hee - toe - nee - sheen - set - soo – ne
“Kyo Dake Wa”
This phrase “Only today” or “today only” and means to set aside your daydreams and memories and stay focused in the here and now. Doing so is how Usui Sensei achieved An-Jin Ryu-Mei (the state of complete peace of mind or complete stillness).
“Ikaru Na”
The first principle means "don’t be angry." This does not mean you cannot get angry anymore, as sometimes anger is a necessary and correct response to a situation. But do not remain in a state of anger. Say what must be said and then move on, returning to a place of calm and balance.
“Shinpie Suna”
This principle means "do not worry." Worry is a toxic substance for the body, mind, and soul. When coupled with fear, doubt, or guilt is can cause extreme levels of stress and anxiety. Learning to let go of worry is an important skill for each of us. Learn to view it from the outside, removing the powerful grip it can have on your heart and mind. Doing so will give you a clearer mind and make addressing an issue much easier. Worry is not something that happens to us. It is something we do.
“Kansha Shite”
This principle means "be grateful." This gratefulness should have nothing attached to it, meaning be grateful for no specific reason. Doing this will fill your heart and your surroundings with joy.
“Gyo-o Hageme”
This principle can have two meanings: “do your duties or “work hard.” The Japanese society is a highly structured hierarchical system where social status determines how jobs are allocated. It is collective society where an individual will sacrifice themselves without hesitation to insure the survival of the group. In this type of society one is given a role and they do it without complaining. So in life, give yourself fully to what is in front of you, to what you are doing.
“Hito No Shinsetsu Ni”
This principle means "be kind to others." This is not limited to people only, but to all living things. This is putting the other four principles into action. Frank Arjava Petter says, “Reiki is compassion in action… in Usui Sensei’s words: ‘When you have found happiness (by living the Reiki Principles), your mind becomes Buddha – like and with this spirit you touch the spirit of the other, thus transforming him.’”