Daily reflection
The Reiki principles are also known as affirmations or ideals. They are commonly studied as a daily reflection by Reiki practitioners and teachers. The two versions below are associated with Mikao Usui, founder of the Usui Reiki system, and Hawayo Takata, an influential teacher in Western Reiki.
The Original Affirmations
Usui’s affirmations are often approached as a morning and evening meditation, sometimes combined with hand positions and breathing practices. The original wording is traditionally presented as follows:
The Secret Method of Inviting Blessings
The Spiritual Medicine of Many Illnesses
For today only, do not anger, do not worry.
Do your work, meditation, with appreciation.
Be kind to all people.
In the morning and at night, with hands held in prayer, think this in your mind, chant this with your mouth.
The Usui Reiki method to change your mind and body for the better.
The founder of Usui Shiki Ryoho, Mikao Usui
The Western Affirmations
The second set of affirmations comes from Hawayo Takata, often called the Grandmother of Western Reiki. Her wording is commonly understood as an adaptation for the communities where she taught.
Just for today, I will not anger.
Just for today, I will let go of worry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
Just for today, I will honor my teachers.
A variation of the Western affirmations
Just for today, I will let go of anger.
Just for today, I will let go of worry.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
The Reiki principles are intended to invite spiritual balance, personal reflection and a daily commitment to growth. They are a reminder that a practitioner’s own attention, responsibility and care for others belong alongside the study of Reiki.