Reiki is often seen as an energy healing technique. It is an ancient practice, rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the late 19th century. However, its core purpose is to serve as a spiritual path, one that cultivates spiritual awareness. For those who practice Reiki, the ultimate goals are spiritual growth, awakening, and enlightenment.
"Enlightenment" is generally understood as a state of achieving universal consciousness. It's a profound experience where one transcends the illusion of separateness and dissolves their individual self-awareness. In this state, one's being "merges" with the universe, experiencing oneness with all that exists. Selfishness naturally fades away, replaced by a deep and absolute understanding that every person encountered is essentially oneself, expressed in a different form. In other words, there is a liberation from identifying the "self" solely with individual life forms.
So, how does one attain universal awareness? It arises through conscious processes that develop alongside the consistent cultivation of selfless love, care, giving, sensitivity, compassion, and freedom towards all human beings, all living creatures, all of creation. These processes gradually reveal and dismantle the illusion of a separate self-awareness that individuals carry.
In essence, Reiki is a spiritual practice where one consciously chooses, out of their own volition, desire, and sense of responsibility, to adopt thoughts, actions, and tools that deepen and embody this very attitude of selfless love, peace, compassion, and sensitivity, ultimately leading to the realization of universal awareness and unity with all that is.As mentioned, the primary goal is spiritual development and awakening. The healing processes often associated with Reiki occur as a natural consequence of this development of consciousness and stem from consistent spiritual practice.
The Five Reiki Principles are significant tools offered within the Reiki system to its practitioners. Dr. Mikao Usui, responsible for the revival and teaching of Reiki, also formulated these ideals. The Five Reiki Principles are intended as guiding principles that assist the spiritual practitioner in examining themselves and their progress along the spiritual path.These ideals were not meant for absolute and immediate perfection but rather to inspire us and guide our efforts. They are spiritual aspirations that bring balance, promote growth, and enhance the quality of our lives.
There is no expectation of living every moment perfectly according to these ideals, as we are all human and imperfect. Therefore, each ideal begins with the words "Just for today." If you encounter challenges in embodying them, you can always begin anew with fresh intentions the following day. The more you engage with these ideals, the easier it becomes to integrate them into your way of life. How can one work with the Five Reiki Principles? Start by reciting them aloud twice daily. Placing them in a visible location can also serve as a reminder throughout the day, prompting self-reflection on how the ideals resonate personally. Another practice is to meditate on them. By entering a relaxed state, one can repeat a chosen ideal or all of them like a mantra and then observe the thoughts, feelings, and memories that arise. This process can reveal the deeper meaning of the ideals in our own lives. Journaling these reflections can also be beneficial for tracking insights and observing personal growth over time.
Here are the Five Reiki Principles:Just for today, I will not warry.Just for today, I will not be angry.Just for today, I will do my work honestly.Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.Just foe today, I will be kind to every living thing.
In conclusion, the ideals were designed to foster a happier and more fulfilling life. Meditating on these principles can help us understand their relevance in our unique circumstances, facilitating personal transformation, change, and healing.I wish you meaningful work with the ideals of Reiki, so that you may realize and achieve all the beautiful contributions of growth, balance, and spiritual development they can bring to your life.
Daria Lavi